FRENCH 1

24102G1000

French 1 provides the essentials of basic French. Vocabulary, verbs, and basic communicative skills are some of the major focuses of the course. Daily oral practice is an important component of the course as well. Students gain an insight into the culture of France and Francophone countries by listening to music, watching films and other authentic resources which enhance reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. 

FRENCH 2

24103G1000

Prerequisite: French 1

French 2 builds upon the skills learned in French 1. The vocabulary is expanded and many new 

verb tenses are added. Reading and writing skills are also improved through cultural excerpts and fun literature selections and listening and speaking skills are enhanced through films, music and other authentic resources.

FRENCH 3 ADVANCED LEVEL (+.50 COURSE WEIGHT)

24104G1000

Prerequisite: French 2

Recommendation: 

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level.

French 3 involves a grammar review. Students expand reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through the use of a variety of texts and media such as cultural and historical readings, magazine and newspaper articles, short stories, novels, plays, poems, songs, films and radio broadcasts. 

AP FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (+1.00 COURSE WEIGHT)

24114E1000

Prerequisite: French 3 or IB French

Recommendation:

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level.

The AP French Language and Culture course is designed with a simple philosophy: we meet you exactly where you are. This course is not just about memorizing vocabulary or perfecting grammar rules; it is about developing the whole student into a confident, globally-minded communicator. Our goal is to take your current abilities and nurture them, helping you find your unique voice in French while exploring the world around you.

Language learning is a tool for empathy and self-discovery. Through the lens of French and Francophone cultures, you will explore themes that matter to your life and your future:

• Identity & Belonging: Understanding who you are by exploring Personal and Public Identities and Families and Communities.

• Creativity & Innovation: expanding your mind through Beauty and Aesthetics and Science and Technology.

• Global Citizenship: engaging with real-world issues in Contemporary Life and Global Challenges.

We focus on proficiency, meaning we value communication over perfection. You will develop four key skills designed to help you connect with others authentically:

• Listening: You will learn to understand diverse voices and perspectives from across the French-speaking world, from news reports to music.

• Reading: You will engage with authentic texts—literature, articles, and charts—that challenge you to think critically and expand your worldview.

• Speaking: You will gain the confidence to engage in spontaneous conversation and present your ideas clearly, overcoming the fear of making mistakes.

• Writing: You will learn to express your thoughts, persuade others, and correspond professionally, equipping you with skills for college and beyond.

In this class, every student is supported in their individual effort to grow, ensuring that you leave not just as a better French speaker, but as a more open-minded and articulate global citizen.

Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

LATIN 1

24342G1000

This course is designed to enable students to have a foundational knowledge of both Latin vocabulary and grammar to enhance reading proficiency. It will provide students with a deeper understanding of grammar, a richer English vocabulary, as well as provide a basic understanding of Roman culture as an interpretive lens to assess our own culture. Not only will students be learning Latin, but they will simultaneously develop important skills such as problem solving and reading comprehension by interacting with the target language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

LATIN 2 

24343G1000

Prerequisite: Latin 1

This course is designed to develop students’ fluency in reading Latin. Many of the most influential ideas in Western civilization were passed along in Latin, and students are working towards the opportunity to access these texts in their original language. In order to do this, the fundamental grammar concepts introduced in Latin 1 will be solidified and vocabulary knowledge will be expanded. The content learned will have the added benefit to students of a more extensive vocabulary and better understanding of grammar in English. The study of Latin will be contextualized by covering Roman history, mythology, and cultural traditions.

AP LATIN (+1.00 COURSE WEIGHT)

24355E1000

Prerequisite: Latin 3

Recommendation:

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level.

Students will read extensive selections from Vergil’s Aeneid and Julius Caesar’s De Bello Gallico in preparation for the College Board Exam in Latin. Students will discuss the style, cultural significance, and contemporary relevance of this literature. Students will continue to use elements of the Latin and Greek languages to increase knowledge of their own language. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

IB LATIN (+1.00 COURSE WEIGHT)

24369E10SL

Prerequisites: 

1. Latin 3

2. See criteria under IB Program including IB Program Fees

Recommendation: A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

This course prepares students for standard level (SL) examination in a classical language, Latin. Emphasis is placed on the study of the surviving classical texts in the original language and an analysis of Greek and Roman culture and historical development.  Students will complete official IB exams in May,

SPANISH 1

24052G1000

In Spanish 1, the student will acquire a basic vocabulary for reading, writing, and conversation. The present tenses of verbs will be learned. Students will begin to learn about the Hispanic culture, through exploring  holiday traditions, listening to music, reading-level-appropriate materials, and learning about daily life in Hispanic countries. Students will have the opportunity to communicate with classmates in Spanish and work together to learn. 

This is a course that is offered virtually in addition to an in-person class. Students must complete the permission form and turn it in to their counselor. Teachers will communicate expectations regarding classwork and testing in the course syllabus. 

SPANISH 2

24053G1000

Prerequisite: Spanish I

Spanish 2 builds on the foundation of Spanish 1. Students will learn additional verb tenses and increase their vocabulary. Students will continue to develop their listening, writing, reading, and speaking skills. The exploration of Hispanic culture is a component of the course. This course is intended for students that will end their study of Spanish with Spanish 2.

This is a course that is offered virtually in addition to an in-person class. Students must complete the permission form and turn it in to their counselor. Teachers will communicate expectations regarding classwork and testing in the course syllabus. 

SPANISH 2 ACCELERATED

24053G10aa

Recommendation: Completion of Spanish 1 with A or B semester average

Spanish 2 Accelerated builds on the foundation of Spanish 1. Students will learn additional verb tenses and increase their vocabulary. The Accelerated course is taught at an accelerated pace allowing students to greatly improve their listening, writing, reading, and speaking skills in preparation for further Spanish study. Students engage in language exposure through listening to songs, reading Spanish 2 level appropriate books, performing skits, and collaborating with classmates to research cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. This class is HIGHLY recommended for those students who will continue their language studies. 

SPANISH 3 (+.50 COURSE WEIGHT)

24054G1000

Prerequisite: Spanish 2 (Advanced Level strongly recommended)

Recommendations: 

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. 85% course average in Spanish 1 and 2 Advanced  

3. It is recommended that students complete Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 Advanced in a face-to-face format to be prepared for the interactive nature of this class. 

Advanced Level Spanish 3 builds on the skills developed in earlier Spanish study to prepare students for AP Spanish, IB Spanish, or additional study of Spanish at the college level. Special emphasis is placed on the skills required for communication, including intensive reading, listening, speaking, and writing practice. Grammar is reviewed and online articles and song lyrics are used as supplementary texts. We will also read two additional texts throughout the year. The class will be conducted primarily in the target language (Spanish). 

This is a course that is offered virtually in addition to an in-person class. Students must complete the permission form and turn it in to their counselor. Teachers will communicate expectations regarding classwork and testing in the course syllabus. 

SPANISH LANGUAGE AP (+1.00 COURSE WEIGHT)

24064E1000

Prerequisite: In-person Spanish 3 or IB Spanish

Recommendations:  

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. 85% course average in Spanish 1 and 2 Advanced  

3. It is recommended that students complete Spanish 1, Spanish 2 Accelerated, and Spanish III in a face-to-face format to be prepared for the interactive nature of this class. 

4. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

AP Spanish Language is a course intended for students who wish to develop proficiency in Spanish and to integrate their language skills, using authentic materials. The course will help students demonstrate their interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in the target language. Students who take this class should have had at least a B average knowledge of the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

SPANISH LITERATURE AP (+1.00 COURSE WEIGHT)

24065E1000

Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language and Culture or IB Spanish 

1. A score of 25 or higher on the self-assessment rubric

2. 85% course average in Spanish 1, Spanish 2 Accelerated, and Spanish III

3. It is recommended that students complete Spanish 1, Spanish 2 Accelerated, and Spanish III in a face-to-face format to be prepared for the interactive nature of this class. 

4. Students who desire the challenge of pursuing college course work at the high school level

AP Spanish Literature is a course for students who wish to develop their proficiency in Spanish across all modes of communication. The course will focus primarily on developing students' reading and analytical writing skills in the target language. We will read texts (short stories, novels, poetry and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and United States Hispanic literature. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level courses. Students are required to take the end-of-course exam in May. See the Hoover City Schools fee schedule for exam fees.

IB SPANISH (+1.00 COURSE WEIGHT)

24063E10SL

Prerequisites:

1. Three years of  face-to-face Spanish

2. See criteria under IB Program including IB Program Fees

Recommendation: A score of 25 or higher on self-assessment rubric  

IB Spanish prepares students for the standard level (SL) IB exam. Students connect IB themes of identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and the environment to current, relevant events. The class is conducted in the target language and students are exposed to a variety of sources (articles, blogs, audio, video, music)  in the target language to assist in developing their proficiency. Students will complete the official IB exams in May. For more information, see the IB section for the course description.