MMC Graduation Requirement: Two years of World Language are required for graduation.
The Department of World Languages prepares students to be productive members of a global society by enhancing communication skills and cultural understanding. The curriculum focuses on building proficiency in all four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through interactive, target-language instruction in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes. In today’s world, the ability to communicate in another language offers many advantages to students seeking employment or further study. In addition, research has shown that world language students develop a greater understanding of the structure of their own language. Learning additional languages is also associated with improved memory, enhanced problem-solving skills, better concentration and increased creativity.
Note: World language courses taken in high school can be used for NCAA eligibility. Courses taken at the eighth grade level may satisfy core-course requirements for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Initial Eligibility for participation in athletics if certain conditions are met.
FRENCH 1 | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
Students begin to explore the five areas of language study: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and culture.
FRENCH 2 (Prerequisite: French 1) | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
The continuation of French 1, the class builds on the fundamentals at a more intensive level with more emphasis on reading for meaning and on writing.
FRENCH 3 (Prerequisite: French 2) | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
Students continue to expand and refine their command of spoken and written French. Vocabulary, grammar, and reading skills continue to be developed. Some literary selections are included. Students will do a unit on 19th century art. French 3 students may have the opportunity to teach French lessons at area elementary schools in the spring.
FRENCH 4 (Prerequisite: French 3) | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
Emphasis upon improving the student’s command of spoken and written French. Curriculum includes various readings from French authors (fables, poems, short stories, Le Petit Prince). Vocabulary will cover a wide range of current topics and French slang. Students will also teach French lessons in the elementary schools.
AP FRENCH (Prerequisite: French 4) | Year Long | 10th-12th Grade
Intensification of the development of language skills in all areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. Students will be exposed to a variety of ancient and modern French literature, as well as current events. Students who complete this course may take the Advanced Placement examination for college credit.
SPANISH 1 | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
This course is an introduction to the Spanish language and culture and it is designed for students with little or no previous study of Spanish. It provides the opportunity to learn vocabulary and some grammatical structures to develop foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
SPANISH 2 Prerequisite: Spanish 1 | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
This course is a continuation of Spanish 1, building on the fundamentals and studying at a slightly higher level. Students will practice reading comprehension, grammar, (exploring the past tense), and writing skills. Spanish 2 will emphasizes increased communicative competence. By the end of the year, students will be able to handle everyday interactions and share personal information with increasing confidence.
HONORS SPANISH 2 (Prerequisite: B+ or better in Spanish 1) | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation from Spanish 1. The goal is to move beyond simple memorization and begin using the language creatively. Students will focus on the four key pillars: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a heavy emphasis on cultural exploration. While Spanish 1 is mostly about the present tense, Honors 2 teaches students how to communicate with the the past tenses. This course is designed for students who wish to pursue langauge studies at the Spanish III level or beyond.
SPANISH 3 (Prerequisite: Spanish 2) | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
Completion of Honors Spanish II is strongly recommended. At this level students take their speaking, reading, listening and writing skills to the next level. Students will experience increased rigor and depth of the language and culture. Students will have the opportunity to develop higher level thinking skills as they learn to creatively interpret relevant, authentic sources. Students move from just stating facts to sharing thoughts, opinions, and perspectives. Skills developed in this class carry over to other classes and prepare students for future Spanish study in high school or college.
SPANISH 4 (Prerequisite: Spanish 3) | Year Long | 9th-12th Grade
This course emphasizes improving the student’s command of spoken and written Spanish. Students move beyond learning how to speak and start using the language to analyze the world. This course is conducted almost primarily in the Spanish with a goal of increased fluency and refinement of the lanauge. This course use authentic materials (news broadcasts, television programs, short stories, and films).
AP SPANISH (Prerequisite: Spanish 4) | Year Long | 10th-12th Grade
This course focuses on the intensification of the development of language skills in all areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. Students who complete this course may take the Advanced Placement examination with the potential of earning college credit.