Below are course descriptions for the electives. Many also have a video linked in the course title for your convenience.
Levels I, II, III, and IV
Welcome to the Chinese language class at J. R. Tucker High School! I believe you will have the most transformational and joyful learning experience. This course is designed for high school level students who have had no prior experience in the Chinese language and are interested in learning the basic Chinese language as well as culture. Throughout the course, students will develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students will participate collaboratively in guided conversations and presentations in both written and oral format on their way to progress through a wide range of learning activities such as daily dictation, oral and written tests, recalling of conversation, story-telling, dialogue construction, presentations, and skit performances. The themes will be focused on daily-life topics throughout the year. They will develop strategies and language skills to talk about themselves and communicate with others on familiar topics in intercultural situations where Mandarin Chinese is used. Students will also learn to understand the various cultures in different areas of China and compare them with their own cultures, and thus to appreciate the diversity of languages and cultures around the world, which enables the students to become global citizens in terms of both language and cultural awareness.
French
Bienvenue to French at Tucker High School! French is a fascinating, beautiful language with many benefits that will help you to understand the growing Francophone world as well as helping you think more deeply about your own language and culture. You will acquire skills in comprehending, speaking and writing in French, as well as collaborating and creating with the language. Learning vocabulary and important structural information to be able to speak and write accurately will also be taught. Not only will you learn the basics of how to communicate in French, but you will also explore the geography, customs, and traditions of France and French-speaking countries around the world. These skills will be taught and expanded upon throughout your French learning experience at Tucker.
Levels I, II, III, IV
Welcome to Spanish at Tucker High School! Spanish is a fascinating language with many benefits that will help you in the future. At Tucker, you will be able to acquire skills in comprehending, speaking, and writing Spanish. Learning vocabulary and important structural information to be able to speak and write in the language will also be taught. Lastly, not only will you get to learn the basics of how to speak/write/read, but you will also be able to explore the geography, customs, and traditions of Spain and Hispanic America. These skills will be taught and expanded upon throughout your Spanish learning experience at Tucker.
AP Spanish Literature
Build Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge by exploring works of literature written in Spanish.
Use Spanish to communicate in all aspects of the class.
Read, analyze, discuss, and write about works by Spanish, Latin-American, and U.S. Hispanic authors of different periods.
*Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language & Culture
Students will prepare to take the AP Spanish Literature exam to earn potential college credit.
AP Spanish Language
Increase proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing
Write essays on literary topics
Study Spanish and Latin American history, art, and literature after 1492
Prerequisite: Spanish IV Honors
*Students will prepare to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam for potential college credit