World Languages

World Language Level 1-2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

The first year world language course enables students to function at a novice level of proficiency in the four skills of language acquisition: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Students learn basic vocabulary and grammar structures so that they can communicate in the present tense in simple informal and formal interactions. Cultural aspects of the people and countries where the target language is spoken are explored through a variety of enrichment activities in order to develop well-informed, critically thinking global citizens.

● French 1-2 (all except Greenway and Online)

● German 1-2 (Greenway and Sunnyslope only)

● Japanese 1-2 (Greenway and Washington only)

● Spanish 1-2


World Language Level 3-4 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1-2 or teacher recommendation

The second-year world language course enables students to function at a novice to intermediate level of proficiency in the four skills of language acquisition: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Students build upon previous skills and learn additional vocabulary and grammar structures so that they can communicate in the present and past tenses in both informal and formal interactions. Cultural aspects of the people and countries where the target language is spoken are explored through a variety of enrichment activities in order to develop well-informed, critically thinking global citizens.

  • French 3-4 (all except Greenway and Online)

  • German 3-4 (Greenway and Sunnyslope only)

  • Japanese 3-4 (Greenway and Washington only)

  • Spanish 3-4


World Language Honors Level S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 3-4 AND teacher recommendation

The third-year world language course enables students to function at an intermediate to advanced level of proficiency in the four skills of language acquisition: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Students build upon previous skills and learn additional vocabulary and grammar structures so that they can communicate in a wide variety of contexts in both informal and formal interactions. Students explore an array of cultural products, practices, and perspectives of the people and countries where the target language is spoken and make comparisons to their own community. This exploration supports the development of well-informed, critically thinking global citizens.

  • Honors French (Independence, Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, Thunderbird, and Washington only)

  • Honors German (Greenway and Sunnyslope only)

  • Honors Japanese 5-6 (Washington only)

  • Honors Spanish (all except Online)


World Language Advanced Placement Level Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Level 5-6 AND teacher recommendation

The Advanced Placement world language course enables students to function at an advanced level of proficiency in the four skills of language acquisition: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. This course prepares students for the College Board's Advanced Placement examination. Grammar and vocabulary are developed through contextualized study. There is an emphasis on the use of the target language for active communication in real-life tasks. Students advance their abilities in the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational) and strengthen cultural competencies through theme-based instruction. The course incorporates a variety of authentic resources, such as: newspapers, magazines, podcasts, blogs, advertisements, television programs, films, music, video clips, and literature. This exploration supports the development of well-informed, critically thinking global citizens.

  • AP French Language & Culture (Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, Thunderbird, and Washington only)

  • AP German Language & Culture (Greenway and Sunnyslope only)

  • Advanced Placement Spanish (all except Online)

  • AP Spanish Language & Culture (all except Online)

  • AP Spanish Literature & Culture (Sunnyslope only)

Note: The above Advanced Placement courses are contingent upon enrollment numbers.


Heritage Speakers Spanish S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

All except Online

Prerequisite: Placement exam proficiency

This course is designed for the native Spanish speaker who wants to meet the world language requirement for the GUHSD Advanced and Honors Diplomas. Course content will emphasize increasing student literacy in Spanish through the use of academic vocabulary, the study of grammar, and extensive reading and writing in Spanish. In addition, cultural aspects of the people and countries where Spanish is spoken are explored through a variety of activities including videos, music, and enrichment activities. This course content will prepare students to move on to the Honors 5-6 and Advanced Placement courses.


Honors Japanese 7-8 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Washington only

Prerequisite: Successful achievement in Honors Level 5-6 AND teacher recommendation

Japanese 7-8 is designed to prepare students to continue their studies at a college or university level. Intense preparation is performed in the four language skill areas with students reading authentic language articles and modern short stories, writing extended essays and short plays, and listening to authentic language excerpts leading to a high level of comprehension and communication. Further cultural studies with authentic materials are explored.