FRENCH II: ACTFL-NOVICE HIGH-INTERMEDIATE LOW 

Course #301

Grades 9-12

Full year - 5 credits

This course is taught primarily in French and focuses on further developing the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, writing and reading) through various thematic units. Centering around the individual, these units cover such topics as daily routines, health and fitness and household responsibilities, with an emphasis on communicating in practical, everyday situations. The content encourages students to think globally and make connections with French ­speaking cultures around the world. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.  Therefore, students, by the end of this level, should be able to *start, maintain and end a simple conversation on a variety of familiar topics, express needs, wants and preferences on topics of interest, write about their daily life, and understand messages and simple statements on everyday topics.
Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of 8th grade French

• Teacher recommendation. 

FRENCH III: ACTFL-INTERMEDIATE LOW-INTERMEDIATE MID

Course #302

Grades 10-12

Full year - 5 credits

This course builds on language skills developed in French II. In accordance with the department’s proficiency­-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can­-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, students, by the end of this level, should be able to *participate in conversations related to their daily life, and communicate effectively on a variety of present, past and future events. Increasing proficiency in spoken language will be developed within a cultural context with emphasis on the expansion of vocabulary.  Increasing proficiency in writing skills may be developed via an exchange of letters with a school in France. Short stories will be introduced which incorporate the newly acquired vocabulary.  Students will be expected to speak French daily as their main form of verbal communication, periodically present to the class and participate in brief daily class discussions.

Prerequisite:

• A  grade of C- or better in French II

• Recommendation of French II teacher.  

FRENCH IV: ACTFL-INTERMEDIATE LOW- INTERMEDIATE  HIGH
Course #303
Grades 11-12
Full year - 5 credits
This course, conducted almost entirely in French, is designed to synthesize all the skills learned in the first three levels of French.  In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students learn by doing.  The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.  Therefore, students, by the end of this level, should be able to participate in conversations on a wide variety of topics that go beyond everyday life, and communicate effectively on a wide variety of present, past and future events.  Types of traveling throughout France, French cultural events, cuisine, and navigating problematic daily encounters. Increasing proficiency in both spoken and written use of the language will be developed within a cultural context with emphasis on the expansion of vocabulary.  Grammar will be reviewed as it applies to situations confronted while traveling.  Reading skills are reinforced through selected short stories, novels, and articles.  Film as well as authentic newscasts/radio clips will be introduced to strengthen listening comprehension.  Students will be expected to speak French daily as their main form of verbal communication, to write regularly, to periodically present to the class and to participate in daily class discussion.
Prerequisite:  

• A grade of C- or better in French III. 

• Recommendation of French III teacher.

FRENCH V H/AP FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: ACTFL:  INTERMEDIATE LOW-ADVANCED LOW

Grades 12

Full year - 5 credits

This course is intended for those students who wish to perfect their proficiency in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Students should expect 45 minutes of daily preparation for class.  In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students learn by doing.  The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.  Therefore, students, by the end of this level, should be able to *exchange detailed information on topics within and beyond their fields of interests and support their opinions and hypotheses.

Students should be prepared to practice all four of these skills in an integrated fashion.  They will practice comprehension of formal and informal spoken and written French, acquire vocabulary and grammar structures for reading, writing and speaking French with accuracy and fluency.  Students will be asked to read literature from francophone countries (France, Canada, Senegal, Côte d'ivoire) as well as graphs and charts.  They will also compose persuasive pieces and interpersonal correspondences in French.  Students will also be expected to present to the class and converse in French.  Students will practice these skills through a variety of activities that specifically prepare them for the types of questions found on the AP French Language and Culture test.  This course will be conducted entirely in French and authentic francophone culture will be woven into the curriculum.  AP French is considered by many universities to be the equivalent of a third year French language course at their institutions. Due to the challenging nature of this course, students will be expected to complete reading, speaking, listening, and writing in French during the summer and some vacations. Students enrolled in this AP course are expected to take the AP exam.                                    

French V H (Honors) - Course #304

Prerequisite:  

• Successful completion of French IV (a grade of C+ or better) 

• Recommendation of French IV teacher.

AP French V (Advanced Placement) - Course #305

Prerequisite:  

• Intermediate proficiency level

• Recommendation of French IV teacher. 

• Summer work is required.

LATIN I ACTFL-NOVICE LOW-NOVICE HIGH 

Course #312

Grades 9-12

Full year - 5 credits 

This course is an introduction to the Latin language.   Students begin to build a foundation in Latin grammar and vocabulary.  The ultimate goal of this course is to develop linguistic proficiency through reading as well as cultural fluency of the ancient Roman world.  Students “learn by doing” in accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach to teaching and learning and the progress indicators set forth by the ACTFL. The Medfield World Languages department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks  as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.  Readings in this curriculum focus on daily life in ancient Rome and stories from Greco-Roman mythology.  In addition, Students will also explore Greco-Roman art, culture and history.  Latin I students take the National Latin Exam in March. Students currently enrolled in another language are also welcome to take Latin as a complement to their existing course.

Latin II  ACTFL-NOVICE HIGH-INTERMEDIATE LOW 

Course #313

Grades 10-12

Full year - 5 credits

In Latin II, students build upon and complete their foundation in Latin grammar.   To encounter, practice, and review all of this material, students read about Roman history from the monarchy, the Republic to the fall of the western empire and the early medieval period.   New aspects of Roman life and exploring the diversity of cultures of the Roman Empire and of its successors, namely  Britain, Egypt, Gaul, Italy and Anglo-Saxon England are important components of this class.  In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks  as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.  By the end of this level, students should be able to read authentic medieval Latin texts.  Students will also develop their linguistic proficiency by reading contemporary Latin novellas independently and in small groups.  Latin II students take the National Latin Exam in March. 

Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of Latin 1 

• Recommendation from Latin teacher

Latin III ACTFL-INTERMEDIATE LOW-INTERMEDIATE MID

Course #316

Grades 11-12

Full year - 5 credits

The Latin III curriculum facilitates a transition from reading intermediate level texts to reading and translating works of classical authorship.  In order to aid with this transition, students often engage with tiered readings.  This model offers students a series of passages arranged in “tiers”, which adapt a passage of authentic Latin into less complex readings of gradually ascending difficulty, until the original text appears.  Readings may include excerpts from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico and De Bello Civili as well as the poems of Catullus.  These advanced readings are balanced by contemporary Latin novellas and articles, which students read both independently and in small groups.  Students will also explore the diverse cultures of the Roman Empire and ask important questions to better understand them.   Special attention will be given to lesser heard voices of the Empire, such as the Celts of Gaul and Britannia.   In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.  Latin III students are required to take the National Latin Exam in March.

Prerequisite:  

• Successful completion of Latin II 

• Recommendation from Latin teacher

Latin IV Honors ACTFL- INTERMEDIATE LOW - INTERMEDIATE HIGH.

Course #318

Grade 12

Full year - 5 credits

The Latin IV Honors curriculum continues to facilitate the reading and translation of works of classical authorship.  Students will often engage with tiered readings.  Tiered readings offer a series of passages arranged into “tiers”, which adapt a passage of authentic Latin into less complex readings of gradually ascending difficulty, until the original text appears in the final tier.    Works may include excerpts from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Virgil’s Aeneid and Seneca’s Letters. These readings and translations will be balanced by Latin novellas and articles, which students will read both independently and in small groups.  An emphasis will be placed on the recognition of poetic devices, and the ability to analyze and interpret poetry and prose. Students will also delve deeper into exploration of Roman life and culture.  In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks  as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.  Latin IV students are required to take the National Latin Exam in March.   

Prerequisite:  

• Successful completion of Latin III 

• Recommendation from Latin teacher

MANDARIN II: ACTFL-NOVICE MID-NOVICE HIGH

Course #325

Grades 9-12

Full Year - 5 credits

This course, taught primarily in Mandarin, focuses on further developing the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, writing and reading) through various thematic units. Centering around the individual, these units cover such topics as daily routines, health & school, with an emphasis on communicating in practical, everyday situations. In addition students study more in-depth and advanced grammar topics. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students learn by doing. The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to *start, maintain and end a simple conversation on a variety of familiar topics, express needs, wants and preferences on topics of interest.  

Prerequisite:  

• C- or better in Mandarin I or 8th grade Mandarin

MANDARIN III: ACTFL-NOVICE HIGH-INTERMEDIATE LOW

Course #326

Grades 10-12

This course is taught primarily in Mandarin  with a concentration in developing vocabulary and speaking proficiency. The course centers on the themes of various thematic units. These units cover such topics as extra-curricular activities, healthy lifestyle, and weather etc. In addition students explore more in-depth,  advanced grammar and structures for communication on specific situations. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students learn by doing. The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-­do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students will be able to *understand the main idea of what they have read or heard. Besides, they will also be able to *communicate, exchange information, and present basic ideas both written and verbally on familiar topics by using phrases and simple sentences. This course will provide students the chance to learn about Chinese culture through different activities.

Prerequisite:  

• A grade of C- or better in Mandarin II 

• Recommendation from Mandarin II teacher. 

MANDARIN IV: ACTFL-NOVICE HIGH-INTERMEDIATE LOW

Course #327

Grades 11-12                                                                 

Full Year - 5 credits

This intermediate level course, taught primarily in Mandarin, is designed to synthesize all the skills learned in the first three levels of  Mandarin. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students learn by doing. The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.   Therefore, students, by the end of this level, should be able to *participate in conversations on a wide variety of topics that go beyond everyday life, and communicate effectively on a wide variety of present, past and future events, such as traveling throughout China, Chinese cultural events, cuisine etc. Increasing proficiency in both spoken and written use of the language will be developed within a cultural context with emphasis on the expansion of vocabulary. Students will be expected to speak Mandarin daily as their main form of verbal communication, to write regularly, to periodically present to the class and to participate in daily class discussions.  

Prerequisite: 

• A grade of  C- or better in Mandarin III 

• Recommendation from Mandarin III teacher. 

MANDARIN V: ACTFL-INTERMEDIATE LOW-INTERMEDIATE HIGH

Grade 12

Full Year - 5 credits

This course prepares students to demonstrate their level of Chinese proficiency across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communicative modes at the intermediate level as articulated in the ACTFL performance guidelines for K-12 Learners. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students learn by doing.  The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence.  Therefore, students, by the end of this level, should be able to *participate in conversations on a wide variety of topics that go beyond everyday life, and communicate effectively on a wide variety of present, past and future events.  Increasing proficiency in both spoken and written use of the language will be developed within a cultural context with emphasis on the expansion of vocabulary. Grammar will be reviewed as it applies to situations encountered. Reading skills are reinforced through selected short stories that will be used as a tool to increase comprehension of written Mandarin. Students will be expected to speak Mandarin daily as their main form of verbal communication, to write regularly, to periodically present to the class and to participate in daily class discussions.  

Students who are recommended for and chose to receive honors credit will be assigned and assessed on additional reading, listening, writing and speaking. Some of these assessments will be focussed to improve performance on the AAPPL test. They will also be asked to meet with the instructor at the beginning of each term to ensure that expectations are clearly understood. The main purpose of the Chinese Honors Class is to help students display excellent performance in the Chinese language.

MANDARIN V (College I) - Course #328

Prerequisite:

• A grade of C- or better in Mandarin IV

MANDARIN V (Honors) - Course #328

Prerequisite:

• A grade of A- or better in Mandarin IV 

• Recommendation from Mandarin IV teacher. 

INTRO TO SPANISH: ACTFL-NOVICE LOW-MID

Course #320

Grades 9-12

Full year - 5 credits

This course assumes no previous experience with Spanish language learning. Course content includes the introduction and mastery of basic categories of everyday vocabulary and the most frequently used verbs tenses. The goals of this course are to develop beginning communicative proficiency and cultural awareness. Successful students understand how to pronounce Spanish words and how to use cognates and context clues to develop basic communication skills. Students “learn by doing” in accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach to teaching and learning and the progress indicators set forth by the ACTFL. The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements  and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to  *present information about themselves as well as communicate and exchange information on familiar topics using memorized words, phrases and simple sentences. They also develop an awareness of the similarities and differences among the Spanish-speaking cultures of the United States and the Spanish-speaking world. Students are provided with a variety of materials about high-interest topics and situations found in daily living, with attention given to presenting material using instructional techniques appropriate for a variety of learning styles. Daily preparation, attention to detail, accuracy in spoken and written Spanish, and the application of good study skills are emphasized.                                               
Prerequisite: 

• Permission/recommendation of current teacher and the department chair         

GLOBAL SPANISH: ACTFL-NOVICE MID- HIGH
Course #321
Grades 10-12
Full year - 5 credits
This Spanish course is designed to follow Intro to Spanish or Spanish 1 (with special recommendation) classes taken at the high school. The emphasis of this course is the study of various facets of culture in Spanish-speaking countries. Students will also learn basic conversational Spanish pertinent to everyday use – how to exchange money, giving and receiving map directions, making purchases, etc. There is less focus on learning grammatical structures of Spanish and more focus on acquiring useful Spanish phrases that would aid a person when traveling in a Spanish-speaking country or working with Spanish-speaking people.  Students “learn by doing” in accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach to teaching and learning and the progress indicators set forth by the ACTFL. The Medfield WL department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. . Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to *communicate basic information about themselves, their everyday life and people they know by using phrases and simple sentences and by asking and answering simple questions.  They learn to understand simple questions and statements on familiar topics as well as the main topic of conversations they overhear.  They are also able to read and understand notices, schedules, signs and simple texts in the target language.
*This course fulfills the second year of world language study for the high school graduation requirement.
Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of  Intro to Spanish or Spanish 1.

• Recommendation from Spanish teacher and permission/recommendation of the department chair.

SPANISH I: ACTFL-NOVICE LOW-NOVICE HIGH

Course #306

Grades 9-12

Full year - 5 credits

This course is an introduction to Spanish, to its pronunciation and intonation, to its basic structures for communication and idioms, and to an elementary vocabulary. The aim is to develop the listening and speaking skills and to acquire a basic level of fluency. The course includes the reading of simple texts and discussions about the Spanish-speaking world.  Students “learn by doing” in accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach to teaching and learning and the progress indicators set forth by the ACTFL.  Instruction focuses on communication in real-life and simulated situations.  The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to *communicate basic information about themselves, their everyday life and people they know by using phrases and simple sentences and by asking and answering simple questions.  They learn to understand simple questions and statements on familiar topics as well as the main topic of conversations they overhear.  They are also able to read and understand notices, schedules, signs and simple texts in the target language.  

SPANISH II: ACTFL-NOVICE HIGH-INTERMEDIATE LOW

Course #307

Grades 9-12

Full year - 5 credits

This course, taught primarily in Spanish, focuses on further developing the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, writing and reading) through various thematic units. Centering around the individual, these units cover such topics as daily routines and health & fitness, with an emphasis on communicating in practical, everyday situations. In addition to exploring more in-depth and advanced grammar topics, the content encourages students to think globally and make connections with Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the  Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to *start, maintain and end a simple conversation on a variety of familiar topics, express needs, wants and preferences on topics of interest, write about their daily life, and understand messages and simple statements on everyday topics. 

Prerequisite:

• Successful completion of 8th grade Spanish or Spanish 1.

• Teacher recommendation.   

SPANISH III: ACTFL-INTERMEDIATE LOW-INTERMEDIATE MID

Course #308

Grades 9-12

Full year - 5 credits

This intermediate level course is taught primarily in Spanish with a concentration in developing vocabulary and speaking proficiency. The course centers on the lives and legacies of famous figures from Spanish-speaking countries, cultural celebrations, and the importance of ecotourism to a country’s identity. In addition to exploring more in-depth and advanced structures for communication on specific situations, the content encourages students to make connections with Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. Literature is introduced via selected readers and short novels that will be used as a tool to increase comprehension of written Spanish. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.”  The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to *fully participate in conversations about various familiar topics, communicate effectively in everyday situations, and can present information, both verbally and written, on present, past and future events. Students are expected to speak Spanish daily as their main form of verbal communication, to write regularly, to periodically present to the class and to participate in daily class discussion.

Prerequisite: 

• A grade of C- or better in Spanish II.

• Recommendation of Spanish II teacher.

SPANISH IV: ACTFL- INTERMEDIATE LOW-INTERMEDIATE HIGH

Course #309

Grade 11-12

Full year - 5 credits

This course, conducted almost entirely in Spanish, is designed to synthesize all the skills learned in the first three levels of Spanish. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to *participate in conversations on a wide variety of topics that go beyond everyday life, and communicate effectively on a wide variety of present, past and future events. Grammar will be presented as needed to communicate effectively about the current theme or topic. This course will not rely on any specific textbook. Increasing proficiency in both spoken and written use of the language will be developed within a cultural context with emphasis on the expansion of vocabulary. Literature is introduced via selected readers and short novels that will be used as a tool to increase comprehension of written Spanish. Students will be expected to speak Spanish daily as their main form of verbal communication, to write regularly, to periodically present to the class and to participate in daily class discussion. 

Prerequisite:

• A grade of C- or better in Spanish III.

• Recommendation of Spanish III teacher.                                            

SPANISH V HONORS: ACTFL -  INTERMEDIATE LOW-INTERMEDIATE HIGH

Course #310

Grade 12

Full year - 5 credits

This course, conducted entirely in Spanish, centers on the thematic units of 20th Century Spain and Latin American cultures through Spanish-language films and series. Literature is introduced via selected readers and short novels that will be used as a tool to increase comprehension of written Spanish. Increasing proficiency in both spoken and written use of the language will be developed within a cultural context with emphasis on the expansion of vocabulary. Grammar will be reviewed as it applies to situations encountered. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to *exchange detailed information in an organized way on both familiar topics as well as social, academic and professional topics, deliver short presentations on social and cultural topics for a specific audience, write well-organized texts for a variety of academic purposes, understand directions and instructions on everyday tasks as well as the main idea and many details of descriptions or interviews. They should also be able to follow the general idea and some details of a variety of stories and autobiographical accounts when written in a wide variety of past, present and future time frames. All students will take the AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) during the course with the goal of earning the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy.

Prerequisite: 

• A grade of C+ or better in Spanish IV.

• Recommendation of Spanish IV teacher.

SPANISH V AP: SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: ACTFL- INTERMEDIATE MID-ADVANCED LOW
Course #311

Grade 12 

Full Year - 5 credits

This course is intended for those students who wish to perfect their proficiency in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, while preparing for the A.P. Spanish Language exam. A.P. Spanish is considered by many universities to be the equivalent of a third year Spanish language course at their institutions. Therefore, students should expect an average of 30 minutes of daily preparation for class. In accordance with the department’s proficiency-based approach of teaching and learning, students “learn by doing.” The Medfield World Language department uses the ACTFL can-do statements and the Massachusetts State Frameworks as guiding indicators for our students’ progress within our curriculum sequence. Therefore, by the end of this level, students should be able to *exchange detailed information on topics within and beyond their fields of interests and support their opinions and hypotheses. 

Students should be prepared to practice all four of these skills in an integrated fashion. They will practice comprehension of formal and informal spoken and written Spanish, acquire vocabulary and grammar structures for reading, writing and speaking Spanish with accuracy and fluency. Students will be asked to read Spanish and Latin American literature as well as interpret graphs and charts. They will also compose persuasive pieces and interpersonal correspondences in Spanish. Students will also be expected to present to the class and converse in Spanish. AP Spanish students will practice these skills through a variety of activities that specifically prepare them for the types of questions found on the A.P. Spanish Language and Culture test. This course will be conducted entirely in Spanish and authentic culture will be woven into the curriculum. Due to the challenging nature of this course, students will be expected to complete significant reading listening as summer work in Spanish during the summer before the course.  Students enrolled in this AP course are expected to take the AP exam.   

Prerequisite:  

• Intermediate proficiency level.

• Recommendation of Spanish IV teacher.

• Summer work is required.

World Language Department Chair

Ellen Toubman
etoubman@email.medfield.net