Foreign Language
Department Chair: Louise Foliot, l.foliot@laschools.net
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The study of foreign language gives insight into other cultures and prompts reflection on one’s own. Studies also show that it correlates positively with standardized test scores, academic achievement, reading comprehension, and cognitive abilities (source: ACTFL). Many universities want students to complete two years of foreign language, including those in New Mexico. Additional colleges and universities recommend three years of foreign language. The LAHS Foreign Language Department recommends that most students take at least three years of foreign language starting in the middle school or freshmen year of high school. Students are required to take their foreign language credits in consecutive years since this improves retention of the material studied and leads to greater success in the language.
NOTE: In order to enroll in the second semester of any foreign language class, a student must have been enrolled in, and received the minimum grade required, for the first semester of the same level.
EL13412 LATIN
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: none
◆ In this course, students learn about the Latin language and Roman culture, with a focus on the first century CE. Students encounter foundational vocabulary and grammar through Latin stories that take place throughout the Roman Empire. The focus on grammar for Latin 1 is noun cases and the present and past tenses of verbs in the active voice. Cultural topics include many aspects of daily life, art, architecture, history, and mythology. Throughout the year, students observe and examine the connections between Latin and other languages. As with the study of any language, Latin requires regular studying and memorization; students have the opportunity to customize their work outside of class to their strengths, needs, and interests.
EL23512 LATIN 2
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective, Career Cluster requirement
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Latin 1 with a minimum grade of “C”
◆ Students broaden their knowledge of the Latin language and Roman culture through stories that continue the storyline encountered in Latin 1 and explore more of the Roman Empire in the first century CE. Stories become longer and students work with more complex syntax. The grammar for Latin 2 refines students’ understanding of noun cases and expands their knowledge of verbs to additional tenses, moods, and voices. Cultural topics build on the topics of Latin 1. Throughout the year, students observe and examine the connections between Latin and other languages. As with the study of any language, Latin requires regular studying and memorization; students have the opportunity to customize their work outside of class to their strengths, needs, and interests.
EL33612 LATIN 3
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Latin 2 with a minimum grade of “C”
◆ In Latin 3, students further refine their knowledge of Latin grammar and syntax while continuing to expand their vocabulary. After completing the storyline begun in Latin 1, we begin reading unadapted Latin; this portion of the course further develops students’ reading comprehension and critical thinking skills while also introducing them to the interpretation and analysis of Latin literature. As time permits, the class may cover some of the same topics as Honors Latin Language and Culture (see below for more information). Throughout the year, students continue to examine additional areas of Roman culture and identify connections between Latin and other languages. As with the study of any language, Latin requires regular studying and memorization; students have the opportunity to customize their work outside of class to their strengths, needs, and interests.
EL43713T HONORS LATIN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 🕜🕜🕜
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 12
Prerequisites: Latin 3 with a minimum grade of “C”
◆ What do we know about ancient Rome? How do we know it? Whose voices do we hear? Whose are missing? How has Latin changed over time? How has our understanding of the Roman world changed over time? How does it relate to our own experiences? Honors Latin Language and Culture tasks students with exploring these questions and more. Each quarter, the class chooses a new topic to examine through a mix of Latin texts, translations, and scholarship. Although students continue to improve their translation skills and grammatical understanding, the course emphasizes literary interpretation and analysis, challenging students to sharpen their reading comprehension and critical thinking.
EL43812 AP LATIN 🕜🕜🕜
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 12
Prerequisites: Latin 3 with a minimum grade of “B”
◆ AP Latin continues the study of original, unadapted classical Latin, focusing on two important and influential works, namely Caesar’s Gallic War and Vergil’s Aeneid. Although the course emphasizes accurate sight translation and grammatical understanding, it also requires literary interpretation and analysis. This is an excellent way for students to challenge and sharpen their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Topics include literary genre and style, Roman cultural values, war and empire, leadership, views of non-Romans, history and cultural memory, and Roman religion. Some readings are in English. Regular studying and memorization are required. Students need to be self-directed and able to complete work independently in order to keep up with the AP Latin syllabus. Students are required to take and pay for the AP exam in the Spring in order to earn a weighted grade.
EL13812 FRENCH 1
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: none
◆Basic skills in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing French are developed. Students begin to communicate in the target language through interpersonal speaking and writing, presentational speaking and writing, and interpretive reading and listening. Students communicate about such topics as greetings, telling time, school subjects, foods, family and friends, and leisure activities. This class is conducted in French as much as possible and an emphasis is placed on becoming a competent communicator. Students expand their understanding of culture by studying about the countries of the francophone world. Consistent daily studying of vocabulary and grammar outside of class is required, as well as consistent daily studying overall.
EL13912 FRENCH 2
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective, Career Cluster requirement
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: French 1 with a minimum grade of “C” class if completed at the high school. French 1 with a minimum of “B” class completed at the middle school.
◆This course extends and improves the student’s knowledge of French. Vocabulary and grammar provide a basis for the student to become proficient in speaking and writing in French. The study of cultures of French-speaking countries continues. Students are expected to communicate in French. Workbooks and online resources provide additional practice. DVDs, news and songs introduce authentic cultural information. Consistent daily studying of vocabulary and grammar outside class is required, as well as consistent daily studying overall.
EL24012 FRENCH 3
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: French 2 with a minimum grade of “C”
◆ French 3 continues and expands the programs of French 1 and 2. It includes a complete review of grammar and an overview of literature, culture, and history. Exclusive use of French is the objective of French 3. Workbooks and online resources provide additional practice. DVDs, news and songs introduce authentic cultural information. (Consistent daily studying of vocabulary and grammar outside of class is required, as well as consistent daily studying overall.) A novel will be read in French.
EL34222 HONORS FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 🕜🕜🕜
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: French 3 with a minimum grade of “C” or AP French Language and Culture
◆ This course is ideal for students who want an in-depth preparation for either the AP exam or a future career path that requires knowledge of French. This course provides the 5 C’s of foreign language learning: Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons and Communities. Students will receive a comprehensive foreign language experience and have the opportunity to enhance and review grammatical structures, to read and write extensively, and to use their speaking skills for the discussion of history, culture and current events. Thematic units will enable students to study a variety of concepts in interesting, meaningful, and engaging contexts. Students will develop an awareness and appreciation of aspects of the target culture, including products (books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions); and perspectives (values, attitudes, assumptions). The course is held at the same time as AP French, but adjusts assignments and expectations to reflect that students are not preparing for the AP exam.
EL34132 AP FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 🕜🕜🕜
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: French 3 with a minimum grade of “C”
◆ This AP course provides an opportunity for students of French to enhance and review grammatical structures, to read and write extensively, and to use their speaking skills for discussion of culture, and current events. To achieve these goals students will have to immerse themselves in the language and culture of French speaking countries. Students will read and listen to authentic sources not only in the classroom but also at home. Thematic units will enable students to study a variety of concepts in interesting, meaningful, and engaging contexts. Students will develop an awareness and appreciation of aspects of the target culture, including products (books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions); and perspectives (values, attitudes, assumptions). Students are required to pay for and take the AP Exam in the spring in order to earn a weighted grade.
EL14312 SPANISH 1
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: none
◆Beginning students study vocabulary that can be used in everyday conversation. The course is taught using a communicative approach. Students begin to communicate in the target language through interpersonal speaking and writing, presentational speaking and writing, and interpretive reading and listening. Students communicate about such topics as greetings, telling time, school subjects, foods, family and friends, and leisure activities. This class is conducted in Spanish as much as possible and an emphasis is placed on becoming a competent communicator. Students expand their understanding of culture by studying about the countries of the Hispanic world.
EL14412 SPANISH 2
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective, Career Cluster requirement
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Spanish 1 with a minimum grade of “C” Class if completed at the high school. Spanish 1 with a minimum or grade of “B” if completed at the middle school.
◆ This class is conducted in Spanish. Students will build on the basics learned in Spanish 1. The course is taught using a communicative approach. Students develop their communication in the target language through interpersonal speaking and writing, presentational speaking and writing, and interpretive reading and listening. Students continue to learn about Hispanic countries through written materials, movies, speakers, group projects, computer activities, music, and games. Students should be willing to participate and use the language in class.
EL24512 SPANISH 3
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Spanish 2 at the high school with a minimum of “C” or permission of instructor.
◆ The class is conducted in Spanish. Students deepen their communication in the target language through interpersonal speaking and writing, presentational speaking and writing, and interpretive reading and listening. In addition to using the text, students use technology, watch films in the target language, give oral presentations and skits, read short stories, and write original stories in efforts to increase their knowledge and fluency in Spanish. Cultural topics focus on the customs and traditions of the people of the Spanish-speaking world.
EL35422 HONORS SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 🕜🕜🕜
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Spanish 3 at the high school with a minimum of “B” or permission of instructor.
◆The class is conducted in Spanish. Students communicate in the target language through interpersonal speaking and writing, presentational speaking and writing, and interpretive reading and listening to explore cultural themes. In addition to using the text, students use technology, watch films in the target language, give oral presentations and skits, read short stories, and write original stories in efforts to increase their knowledge and fluency in Spanish. Cultural topics focus on the customs and traditions of the people of the Spanish speaking world. The course is held at the same time as AP Spanish, but adjusts assignments and expectations to reflect that students are not preparing for the AP exam.
EL35332 AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 🕜🕜🕜
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Honors Spanish or permission of instructor with Spanish 3
◆ Other Info: Students will take the AP exam in the spring. Those receiving a score of 3, 4 or 5 may receive college credit in 200-level equivalent classes, depending upon the university in which they choose to attend. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course provides students with regular opportunities to use Spanish in all three communicative modes: Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational. In addition to developing rich vocabulary, idiomatic expression, and sophisticated language skills, students will learn about the cultural products, practices and perspectives of the Spanish-speaking world by interacting with all of the following authentic resource materials: online print articles, graphs, charts, maps, audio, and audiovisual, traditional print resources that include literature, essays, and magazine and newspaper articles, movies, and native speakers outside of the classroom. Course content will be organized thematically according to the College Board’s Curriculum Framework and guided by essential questions.
EL14812 GERMAN
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: none
◆ This course provides the student with a broad introduction to the German language and culture. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students acquire a base vocabulary and learn simple grammatical structures (including the past tense) needed to communicate in real-life situations. Workbooks and online resources provide additional practice. DVDs and songs introduce authentic cultural information. Consistent daily studying of vocabulary and grammar outside class is required.
EL14912 GERMAN 2
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective, Career Cluster requirement
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: German 1 with a minimum grade of “C” or higher
◆ This course follows the successful completion of German 1. The emphasis on basic language skills continues. Students will participate in a complete review of German 1 topics. They will broaden their knowledge of vocabulary on these topics and will acquire a more advanced knowledge of German structures for speaking and writing. By the end of German 2 the most important structures of the German grammar will have been covered. Students’ proficiency is enhanced through active use of the language via role-playing, projects and presentations. In addition to the textbook we will use a reader and online resources. Students are expected to communicate in German. Consistent daily studying outside of class is required.
EL25012 GERMAN 3
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: German 2 with a minimum grade of “C” or higher
◆ German 3 presents a thematic approach to the study of the German language and culture. Each unit will revolve around a unit of grammar and a topic related to German culture. All grammar studied in German 1 and 2 will be reviewed and some additional higher level grammar will be introduced. Students will immerse themselves in German fairy tales, and legends, and learn about German history and culture. They will listen to traditional and modern German songs and podcasts, as well as read their first book. At the end of the course students should feel confident in their listening, reading, writing and speaking abilities to go on to AP German. Students will be required to use online resources for self-study. Almost exclusive use of German is the primary objective.
EL35222 HONORS GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 🕜🕜🕜
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: German 3 with a minimum grade of “C” or higher or AP German Language and Culture
◆ This course is ideal for students who want an in-depth preparation for either the AP exam or a future career path that requires the knowledge of German. This course provides the 5 C’s of foreign language learning: Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons and Communities. Students will receive a comprehensive foreign language experience and have the opportunity to enhance and review grammatical structures, to read and write extensively, and to use their speaking skills for the discussion of history, culture and current events. Thematic units will enable students to study a variety of concepts in interesting, meaningful, and engaging contexts. Students will develop an awareness and appreciation of aspects of the target culture. The course is held at the same time as AP German, but adjusts assignments and expectations to reflect that students are not preparing for the AP exam.
EL35132 AP GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 🕜🕜🕜
YEAR CREDIT 1.0
No Fee
Satisfies one of the following: 1.0 elective
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: German 3 with a minimum grade of “C” or higher
◆ This college-level course prepares students to take the AP German Language and Culture exam. Students will expand their abilities in all four language skills – especially in oral and written expression -- through interaction with various aspects of the life, literature, and culture of German-speaking countries, as well as their relations to the world. Students will learn to express opinions and persuasive arguments on various topics. They will have to immerse themselves in the language and culture; therefore some of this study will have to be done at home. We will maintain a lively discussion in German about a great variety of topics inside and outside the classroom. This course will go beyond preparing for the AP exam. It seeks to develop language skills that can be used in various activities and disciplines later in life. Some students might even wish to study at a tuition-free university in Germany and this course will get them ready. The following links give more information about studying in Germany:
http://wthsgerman.weebly.com/inexpensive-college-in-germany.html
http://www.pasch-net.de/de/pas/cls/leh/unt/3383007.html
Students are required to pay for and take the AP Exam in the spring in order to earn a weighted grade.
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