World Language

WORLD LANGUAGE

OVERVIEW

To ensure that all NAHS students participate in a program of study designed to prepare them to be college ready, all NAHS students will enroll in and successfully complete at least two years of World Language courses as a graduation requirement. The World Language Department challenges students to achieve competency in speaking, reading, listening and writing. It offers the skill development necessary for college entrance and placement. All classes at all levels focus on instruction in the target language, and students are expected to participate extensively in class using the language. All courses emphasize vocabulary acquisition, spelling, grammar, composition, translation and daily homework assignments. In addition, appreciation and understanding of diversity is enhanced through the study of the history, customs and culture of various nations.

Note: Level Two courses proceed at an intermediate pace and are designed for students with average grammar and communication skills in both English and the designated foreign language (70 or better). Classes stress grammar and vocabulary and present students with practical applications of the language in everyday situations.

Level One courses are paced for the student who wishes to progress rapidly. These courses move quickly through the presentation of grammar; therefore, the student electing this level should possess good grammar and communication skills in both English and the designated foreign language (80 average or better).

Honors Level students can expect more difficult speaking, reading, writing and listening assignments to prepare them to move into the AP course. To select this level, students should maintain an 85 average or better in both English and the designated foreign language or be recommended by their teacher.

When selecting a level, students and parents should strongly consider the teacher’s recommendation.

FRENCH I

Grades 9-12, 5 Credits, Level 1 – 310, Level 2 – 311

This course introduces the student to the rudiments of the French language as it is spoken in France and in other francophone nations throughout the world. The acquisition of the basic grammar and vocabulary necessary to speak, to read, to write and to understand the spoken word form the core of the first year of this program. Students gain an awareness of francophone culture and history through a variety of multi-media sources. Please note that students who attained a passing grade in French I at the middle school level cannot take this course for credit.

FRENCH II

Grades 9-12, 5 Credits, Level 1 – 312, Level 2 – 313

This course serves to reinforce the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills acquired in the first year of the program. In addition, this course introduces the more advanced grammatical concepts and the additional vocabulary necessary for the acquisition of communicative proficiency. Students are expected to participate daily in the target language as well as to produce and to present oral and written work. Cultural understanding and appreciation is enhanced through the study of the history, customs and culture of various francophone nations.

FRENCH III

Grades 10-12, 5 Credits, Honors – 314, Level 1 – 315

The third year continues to focus on the four basic skills of communication: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Through the mastery of more complex grammatical patterns, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions students will continue to gain proficiency in the target language. Students can expect frequent writing assignments. Students should also note that this class will be conducted primarily in French and that they are expected to engage in daily oral communicative activities in the target language. Cultural components and literary selections provide various perspectives of the francophone world.

FRENCH IV

Grades 11-12, 5 Credits, Honors – 316, Level 1 – 317

This course aims to increase fluency, improve writing skills, emphasize grammatical analysis, and develop awareness of literary works/styles and of cultural diversity within the francophone world. Students will be expected to complete regular writing assignments including poetry, short stories, journal entries, and research papers and to present various projects orally throughout the year. This class is conducted solely in French.

French 5: French and Francophone Culture and Language

Grade 12, 5 Credits, Honors – 319, Level 1 – 320

The French 5 Course proposed will cover 5 topics of French and Francophone language and culture that will educate students on using French in their future. The goal of this course is to enrich the students with knowledge of French that takes their four previous years of the language to apply the skills they have learned and mastered to learn about France and the French language from a more intimate perspective. Students will learn about the foundations of France, from its humble beginnings to the bloody revolutions. They will be introduced to French culture through art, architecture, and cinema. They will be confronted with problems that people are facing around the world concerning human rights, racism, politics, and environmental conservation. Finally students will learn to discuss their future, discussing their plan for travel and professional development and where French could be implemented. In lieu of a final exam, students will be required to hand in a final project on a topic of their choice and will be required to present it to their peers and perform a traditional “defense” of their topic. This presentation should be a topic discussed in class, that they can expand upon with a visual and oral presentation in French.

FRENCH V (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)

Grade 12, 5 Credits, AP – 318

French V continues to develop the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. This course prepares students to take the AP test in French Language; therefore, grammatical analysis, expansion of vocabulary, and conversation are emphasized. Students will read literature, write advanced compositions, and participate in extensive conversations. In addition, the understanding and appreciation of francophone culture is enhanced through the study of the history, customs and culture of various francophone nations. This class is conducted solely in French.

Guidelines for election: 85 or better in French IV Honors or recommendation of teacher.

SPANISH I

Grades 9-12, 5 Credits, Level 1 – 322, Level 2 – 323

This course introduces the student to the rudiments of the Spanish language as it is spoken in Hispanic nations throughout the world. The acquisition of the basic grammar and vocabulary necessary to speak, to read, to write and to understand the spoken word form the core of the first year of this program. Students gain an awareness of Hispanic culture and history through a variety of multi-media sources. Please note that students who attained a passing grade in Spanish I at the middle school level cannot take this course for credit.

SPANISH II

Grades 9-12, 5 Credits, Level 1 – 324, Level 2 – 325

This course serves to reinforce the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills acquired in the first year of the program. In addition, this course introduces the more advanced grammatical concepts and the additional vocabulary necessary for the acquisition of communicative proficiency. Students are expected to participate daily in the target language as well as to produce and to present oral and written work. Cultural understanding and appreciation is enhanced through the study of the history, customs and culture of various Hispanic nations.

SPANISH III

Grades 10-12, 5 Credits, Honors – 326, Level 1 – 327, Level 2 - 328

The third year strives to develop a more advanced understanding of the four basic skills of communication: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Through the mastery of more complex grammatical patterns, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions students will continue to become more proficient in the target language. Students can expect frequent writing assignments. Students should also note that this class will be conducted primarily in Spanish and that they are expected to engage in daily oral communicative activities in the target language. Cultural components and literary selections provide various perspectives of the Hispanic world.

SPANISH IV HONORS

Grades 11-12, 5 Credits, Honors/EEP – 329

This course presents the Spanish-speaking world of today through the study of cultures, history and the literary works and styles of a variety of Spanish-speaking nations. It aims to increase fluency, improve writing skills, emphasize grammatical analysis, and develop an awareness of literary style and cultural diversity within the Spanish-speaking world. Students will be expected to complete regular writing and oral assignments throughout the year. This class is conducted solely in Spanish..

Be advised that students interested in taking Spanish V AP are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Honors level of this course. Additionally, only those students enrolled in the Honors-level course are eligible to participate in the Rhode Island College Early Enrollment Program

SPANISH IV

Grades 11-12, 5 Credits, Level 1 – 330, Level 2 – 331

This course is intended for the student who wishes to focus on improving his or her communicative proficiency. Interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communication will all be emphasized through daily group discussions and oral presentations. Grammatical analysis will also be presented to develop accuracy in and an understanding of the written language. Students are expected to participate in the target language on a daily basis. This class is conducted solely in Spanish.

Be advised that this course is not considered a feeder course for Spanish V AP.

SPANISH V (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)

Grade 12, 5 Credits, AP – 332

This course prepares students to take the AP test in Spanish Language; therefore, the continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills is emphasized. Students will engage in a wide variety of texts and audio sources. Extensive written and oral production is expected from the AP student. In addition, the understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture is enhanced through the study of the history, customs and culture of various Hispanic nations. Students are also eligible to earn AP with WE Service Recognition upon successful completion of a year-long community service project. This class is conducted solely in Spanish.

Guidelines for election: 85 or better in Spanish IV Honors or recommendation of teacher.

SPANISH V

Grade 12, 5 Credits, Level 1- 333

This course is intended for the student who wishes to focus on improving his or her communicative proficiency. Interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communication will all be emphasized through daily group discussions and oral presentations. An emphasis will be placed on using language skills to study the culture and traditions of the Spanish speaking world.

Grammatical analysis will also be presented to develop accuracy in and an understanding of the written language. Students are expected to participate in the target language on a daily basis. This class is conducted solely in Spanish.