1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12 (also offered at the Middle School)

Prerequisites: None   

NOTE: If you took this course in eighth grade, you may not repeat level 1 if you earned a grade of “B” or better.

This course emphasizes fundamental grammar, high-frequency vocabulary and pronunciation applied actively in speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension. French culture is also an integral part of the course. 

Activities: Full class participation and instruction plus small-group work in speaking,  reading, conversational practice, skit, and short composition writing. A  variety of media is used. Homework assignments are designed to develop all language skills and serve as a basis for class activities. French Club, open to all students, extends class activities informally.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12 

Prerequisites: French 1 or consent of instructor or department chair

This course is a continuation of first-year work with an emphasis on the further development of basic language skills. Speaking and listening skills continue to be primary objectives, but reading and writing are also stressed. Students will continue to expand their understanding of  French culture.

Activities: Full-class participation and instruction plus small-group work are included. Special projects are introduced and more skit work is done. The use of French in the classroom is practiced. French Club, open to all students, extends class activities informally.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: French 2 or consent of instructor or department chair

In this course, students continue the development of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing skills. The class is conducted primarily in French. Emphasis is on advanced language structure and vocabulary development is stressed. Students will continue to expand their understanding of French culture. This is an advanced class.

Activities: Full-class participation, small-group conversational practice, independent study, reading, and composition. Other activities include working with tapes, a study of French art, and cultural exchanges with French-speaking people. French Club, open to all students, extends class activities informally.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: French 3 or consent of instructor or department chair

This course is conducted primarily in French and will stress reading, conversation, composition, vocabulary building, and a review of grammar. Emphasis will be placed upon French history, cuisine, and art. This is an advanced class.

Activities: Full class participation, small-group conversational practice, research and reading. Creative projects are also encouraged. French Club, open to all students, extends class activities informally.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: French 4 or consent of instructor or department chair

NOTE:  Students enrolling in an AP class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. An exam Opt-Out option is available.

NOTE: Be advised that students may be required to complete readings and assignments during the summer prior to taking this course.

Content: The AP French Language and Culture course is a rigorous college-level course taught exclusively in French that requires students to improve their proficiency across the three modes of communication; Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational. The course focuses on the integration of authentic resources including audio, audiovisual, traditional print, and online print to provide a rich, diverse learning experience. Students communicate using advanced vocabulary and linguistic structures as they build proficiency in all modes of communication toward the intermediate-high level. Students will be well prepared to take the AP® exam at the end of the school year. 

Activities: Activities include full class and small-group discussions, investigation and presentations of cultural content, interpretation of written and oral texts, literature and film studies and weekly in-class writing activities. French Club participation is highly encouraged.

Cost: An exam fee if the AP exam is taken.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 12

Prerequisites: AP French Language & Culture: French 5

In this course, students will apply concepts previously mastered, through a thematic project-based learning environment. An emphasis will be placed on a student's personal area of interest and making connections with local and world communities. This learner-centered and teacher-facilitated class will focus on student-led activities and will require students to develop independent projects, create attainable goals, and align project objectives with Wisconsin State Standards or ACTFL Standards. The objectives of this course will be to further strengthen student's skills in the five pillars of language acquisition: communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities.

Activities: Student-led independent projects, regular communication with (a) native speaker(s), student-initiated contact with the community to research language used in the work environment, exploration of various French-speaking countries, final summative portfolio, speakers, sit in on university classes.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: None   

This introductory course is designed for students with no previous study of Chinese or little knowledge of the language. In this course, we will be working on the acquisition of basic high-frequency words and structures in Chinese, all words and structures will be introduced and read in the context of stories, discussions, and cultural explorations. Repetition, comprehensible input, and compelling input of the Chinese language are integral components of this course. 

The focus is on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These skills will develop naturally as students listen and read, and in time, be able to produce them in speech and writing. The course will focus on what is classed as "comprehensible input" and by using the TPRS method (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling).

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Chinese 1 or consent of instructor or department chair 

This course is a continuation course designed for students who have the basics of Chinese (e.g. pinyin, four tones, radicals, basic strokes of Chinese character), learned either through taking Chinese 1 or through other relevant experience. The emphasis of this course is on listening, speaking and reading Chinese, plus some exercises with writing skills. 

Students will:

    1. develop their vocabulary capacity through reading

    2. improve daily oral language

Communicating in Chinese 2 will enable students to use Chinese comfortably in daily conversations: visiting friends, traveling, shopping, transportation, and discussing school life or weather. Additionally, the course will integrate Chinese culture into language learning and enhance the practices of the Chinese language. This course will integrate technology in the learning of the Chinese language and follow National Standards for Foreign Language Education.

Activities: This course will continue to focus on and develop all four aspects of communication: Listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will be engaged in vocabulary and characters, the use of audio and video materials, and cultural exploration. Special emphasis continues to be placed on pronunciation and the recognition of tones in order to convey the correct meaning. Success will be dependent on the student's commitment to daily review and independent study.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Chinese 2 or consent of instructor or department chair

In this course, students will continue to focus on their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Chinese language through comprehensible input. Students will improve their oral communication with each other and native speakers, read more authentic materials, and express themselves in writing. Additionally, students will continue to expand their knowledge and understanding of Chinese cultural perspectives through experiencing cultural practices and creating products. This course will integrate technology in the learning of the Chinese language and follow ACTFL and State Standards. Success will be dependent on the student's 100% participation in class, assignment accomplishment and individual effort. 

Activities: This course will continue to focus on and develop all four aspects of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing through comprehensible input. Students will be engaged in learning the language, use of audio and video materials, and cultural exploration. Special emphasis on students speaking and writing after comprehensible input activities. 

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Chinese 3 or consent of instructor or department chair

Chinese 4 is an advanced-level course and is designed to deepen student's understanding of both the Chinese language and culture. In this class, we will continue using Comprehensible Input teaching methods, such as TPRS (teaching proficiency through reading and storytelling), movie talk, etc. to further help students develop sophisticated listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Chinese language. 

Students will explore some special features of Chinese culture, customs, and habits, as well as its history, philosophy, and psychology of its people by using authentic materials and real, live communication with native speakers. In this class, students will continue to gain the ability to do independent reading and writing and develop their Chinese literacy skills and performance. The class will be conducted in Chinese and students are expected to communicate in Chinese as well.

Activities: Activities include Reading, writing, storytelling, speaking and TPRS.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 - 12

Prerequisites: Chinese 4 or consent of instructor or department chair

Chinese 5 class is an advanced level course and is designed to enhance student’s sophisticated spontaneous conversational, reading and writing skills by combining instruction materials with students’ own experiences and explorations of Chinese speaking societies, using authentic human, literacy and electronic resources. Students’ understanding of special features of Chinese society, its culture, customs and habits, its history and people. Perspectives will be deepened and further discussed in Chinese. 

This class consists of providing students comprehensible input in order to enhance their listening, speaking, reading, writing skills, as well abilities in self-regulated language and culture study via resources online. The goal is that by the end of Chinese 5, students will be in the Intermediate mid to high area by the ACTFL world language standards.

Course Activities:

• • Comprehensible Input

  • TPRS (Teaching proficiency through reading and storytelling)

  • Novel reading

  • Movie talk

  • Picture talk

  • Projects

  • Sustained silent reading 

  • Timed writing and free write

  • Free voluntary reading 

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12 (also offered at the Middle School)

Prerequisites: None   

NOTE: If you took this course in eighth grade, you may not repeat level 1 if you earned a grade of “B” or better.

This course emphasizes fundamental grammar, high-frequency vocabulary and punctuation applied actively in speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension. It also stresses Hispanic culture.

Activities: Activities include full class participation and instruction plus small-group work in speaking, reading, and conversational practice. A variety of media is used. Homework assignments are designed to develop all language skills and will serve as a basis for class activities. Spanish Club, open to all students, extends class activities informally.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12 (also offered at the Middle School)

Prerequisites: Spanish 1 or consent of instructor or department chair

This course is a continuation of first-year work with an emphasis on the further development of basic language skills with heavier grammatical content. Speaking and listening continue to be primary objectives, but reading and writing are also stressed. Students will continue to expand their understanding of Hispanic culture.

Activities:  Activities include full class participation and instruction plus small group work. Homework assignments are designed to develop all language skills and will serve as a basis for classwork. Increased use of Spanish in the classroom is expected. Spanish Club, open to all students, extends class activities informally.

Cost:  None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12 

Prerequisites: Spanish 2 or consent of instructor or department chair

In this course, students continue the development of speaking, listening comprehension, and reading and writing skills. There is an emphasis on oral communication. Students will continue to expand their understanding of Hispanic culture. This is an advanced class. Students are expected to speak Spanish in class.

Activities: Activities include full class participation, small-group conversational practice, independent study,  and reading. Other activities include talks by native speakers and working with tapes. Spanish Club, open to all students, extends class activities informally.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Spanish 3 or consent of instructor or department chair

This course is conducted in Spanish and will stress reading, conversation, composition, vocabulary building, and a review of grammar.  The study of Hispanic culture, including writings of Hispanic authors, continues to be an integral part of the course. This is an advanced class. Students are expected to speak Spanish in class.

Activities: Activities include full class participation, small-group conversational practice, independent study, and reading. Students write original materials based on vocabulary, structure, and idioms studied. Spanish Club, open to all students, extends class activities informally.

Cost:  None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Spanish 4, BOTH Spanish for Heritage Learners courses (Red & White), or consent of instructor or department chair

NOTE: Students enrolling in an AP class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. An exam Opt-Out option is available.

NOTE:  Be Advised that students are required to complete readings and assignments during the summer prior to taking this course.

Content: In this course, students will apply concepts previously mastered, through a thematic project-based learning environment. An emphasis will be placed on a student's personal area of interest and making connections with local and world communities. This learner-centered and teacher-facilitated class will focus on student-led activities and will require students to develop independent projects, create attainable goals, and align project objectives with Wisconsin State Standards or ACTFL Standards. The objectives of this course will be to further strengthen student's skills in the five pillars of language acquisition: communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities.

Activities: Student-led independent projects, regular communication with (a) native speaker(s), student-initiated contact with the community to research language used in the work environment, exploration of various Spanish-speaking countries, final summative portfolio, parent night presentations, travel to cultural exhibits (art, performances, tours, etc), guest speakers, sit in on university classes.

Cost:  An exam fee if the AP exam is taken.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Spanish 4, AP Spanish Language & Culture, BOTH Spanish for Heritage Learners courses (Red & White), or consent of instructor or department chair

Advanced Spanish for Communication is an upper-level language class conducted in Spanish, focusing on all modes of communication: listening, reading, writing, and speaking in addition to the expansion of vocabulary and understanding of grammar rules. Cultural topics will be explored through current events, music, study of literature and film, articles, etc. 

 Activities: Students will participate in Spanish, maintaining the fluidity of the conversation in class. Students will work actively to improve their language skills inside and outside of class.

Cost: None

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2 credits (4 semester/2-year course, 0.5 credit per semester)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Instructor recommendation or qualification through language testing. 

NOTE: This two-year rotating course is designed for heritage learners of Spanish, meaning students of any level of Spanish proficiency who have significant prior exposure to the language from their personal lives (i.e. Spanish as a first language, Spanish spoken in the home, significant time abroad, etc). Students may enroll in the course based on teacher recommendation and/or qualification through language testing such as the STAMP, AAPPL, or a teacher-designed Spanish proficiency assessment, ideally administered in the 8th-grade year.

Students will improve their language skills through the study of relevant topics such as career options for Spanish speakers, dialects and accents across the Spanish-speaking world, current challenges in the Spanish-speaking world, famous Hispanic literature, and the history of the Spanish-speaking world. Upon completion, students may continue their study of Spanish by enrolling in AP® Spanish Language and Culture or Advanced Spanish for Communication. 

Course Activities:  In order to address the varied and unique needs of heritage learners, this course will focus on improving students’ proficiency in the language as well as developing a deeper understanding of oneself and of Hispanic identity through reading, listening, writing and speaking. Given that heritage learners’ listening and speaking abilities are typically stronger than their writing skills, this course does not assume proficiency in spelling, grammar or other literacy skills. Students will develop their formal and informal speaking and writing skills through course activities which include but are not limited to: free choice reading, whole-class novel reading and discussion, formal and informal writing, research and discussion of course topics, and self-reflection.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Written consent of instructor or department chair

A qualified student may be accepted for independent study with one of the world language instructors. The student will be asked to submit a study plan commensurate in time and effort to a semester’s study. Credit will be earned upon completion of the project. The student may earn 1/2 credit per semester.

Activities:    Will vary according to the individual student’s program plan.

Cost: Will vary according to the individual student’s program plan.

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