World Languages

Administrator:  David Lunden  | (315)-218-2165 | Department Chair NSJHS: Shane Kelsen  | Department Chair CNS: Jessica Keane

Students graduating in 2025 must earn one high school credit for a Regents Diploma. Regents Diploma Requirements: One high school credit is earned by passing the Checkpoint A Exam at the end of eighth grade and by passing both level 1A and 1B. If a student does not take the Checkpoint A Exam, they must pass one year of a high school World Language in order to meet minimum graduation requirements. Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation Requirements: Candidates must successfully complete a sequence of 3 units of credit AND pass a Checkpoint B Exam in a World Language, which is given at the end of Level 3 of each language.

For more information please visit the World Language Course Chart

*Please note- these classes must be taken in sequential order

Courses:

LEVEL 1B GRADE 8 (FRENCH AND SPANISH)

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 8      |  Course Number: 0151/0171

Prerequisite: Level 1A

In this course of study, students will continue to develop the basic communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in French or Spanish. Students learn to say and write more about themselves, their family and their friends. 

Skills that students will continue to develop include: 

● Listening to information and announcements 

● Speaking informally with peers and adults 

● Reading information on forms, signs, labels, programs, timetables, maps and menus 

● Writing informal notes for communications in everyday life situations. 

As per district policy, students must pass the course and the Final Exam in order to receive one unit of credit. 

Students are required by the State of New York to earn 1 credit in a second language to graduate.

This course is NCAA approved.

LEVEL 2 GRADE 9 (FRENCH AND SPANISH)

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 9      |  Course Number: 0152/0172

Prerequisite: Level 1

In this course, students continue to develop the basic communication skills of listening, speaking, and writing in French and Spanish. Topics that students discussed in Level 1B are expanded upon. At the end of this course a local exam is administered to all students. 

Note: In grades 10, 11, 12, only Spanish I and Spanish II is offered. There is no French I or II at CNS High School. 

This course is NCAA approved.

CULTURAL SPANISH

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 9, 10, 11, 12     |  Course Number: 0170

Students will begin to develop the basic communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. Emphasis will be placed on the vocabulary and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. This course meets the minimum graduation requirement in World Languages.

SPANISH 1

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 9, 10  |  Course Number: 0171

In this course, students will begin to develop the basic communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. This is the first course in a three year sequence, ending with the NSCSD Comprehensive Exam at the end of Spanish 3. 

This course is NCAA approved.

SPANISH 2

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11  |  Course Number: 0172

Prerequisite: Spanish 1

In this course, students continue to develop the basic communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. Topics that students discussed in Level 1B are expanded upon. At the end of this course a local exam is administered to all students.

This course is NCAA approved.

SPANISH 3

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0173

Prerequisite: Spanish 2

In this course, students improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiencies in Spanish. They learn to discuss the topics covered in Level 2 in more depth. The situations in which you will learn to function include listening to short presentations given in person, on radio or on television, speaking in group conversations and discussions with peers and adults and reading and reacting to short stories from various texts.

STUDENTS IN SPANISH WILL TAKE THE NSCSD COMPREHENSIVE EXAM IN JUNE.

This course is NCAA approved.

SPANISH 3 HONORS

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0176

Prerequisite – Spanish 2 Final Average of at least a 94 and/ or teacher recommendation.

In the first semester of this course, there will be a substantial enrichment of the Level 3 Regents curriculum with review for the NSCSD Comprehensive Exam. Students who are highly motivated will have the opportunity to practice listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in greater depth. In the second semester, they will be exposed to more challenging grammatical structures as well as some Hispanic literature in preparation for the AP Exam, which is taken in May of their 12 th grade year. The expectation will be that Spanish will be the language spoken in class throughout the second semester to help with proficiency and mastery.

STUDENTS WILL TAKE THE NSCSD COMPREHENSIVE EXAM IN JUNE.

This course is NCAA approved.

SPANISH 4

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0174

Prerequisite – Spanish 3 or teacher recommendation.

In this course, students will refine their listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiencies as well as expand their cultural awareness in the Spanish language. 

Students will: 

● Be eligible to earn up to 6 college credits from SUNY Oswego and/ or Adelphi University 

● Explore various countries through food, geography and the arts 

 Listen to current international podcasts and music 

● Watch international movies with reflective discussion 

● Experience cultural differences through YouTube and other media 

● Make informal oral presentations 

● Read an abridged version of a classic literary piece for cultural appreciation 

● Compose short samples of expository or creative writing

This course is eligible for college credit through Adelphi ($390/3 credits) or SUNY Oswego ($175/3 credits or $85 if student qualifies for free and reduced lunch).

This course is NCAA approved.

SPANISH 4 HONORS

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 11 |  Course Number: 0179

Prerequisite – Successful completion of Spanish 3H or teacher recommendation.

In this course, students will develop more sophisticated communication skills in all four areas – listening, speaking, reading and writing – with the emphasis on the ability to interact orally and in writing. The authentic reading selections are emphasized at this level. Students communicate using more complex language structures and express abstract ideas with reasonable fluency. 

Students will: 

● Be eligible to earn up to 6 college credits from SUNY Oswego and/ or Adelphi University 

● Explore various countries through food, geography and the arts 

● Listen to current international podcasts and music 

● Watch international movies with reflective discussion 

● Experience cultural differences through YouTube and other media 

● Make informal oral presentations 

● Read an abridged version of a classic literary piece for cultural appreciation 

● Compose short interpersonal writings 

● Practice simulated conversations 

● Describe, summarize and discuss selected upper level themes and topics

This course is eligible for college credit through Adelphi ($390/3 credits) or SUNY Oswego ($175/3 credits or $85 if student qualifies for free and reduced lunch).

This course is NCAA approved.

SPANISH 5

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 12 |  Course Number: 0175

Prerequisite – Spanish 4 or teacher recommendation

This course is an extension of Level 4 wherein students will continue to refine their listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiencies as well as expand their cultural awareness in the Spanish language. 

Students will: 

● Be eligible to earn up to 6 college credits from SUNY Oswego and/ or Adelphi University 

● Participate in hands-on activities in food, crafts and other artistic expressions based on different time periods and cultures 

● Read and enjoy activities revolving around genres that exist in all cultures (i.e. Fables, proverbs) and create originals 

● Learn how to use resources available online and in print for linguistic and grammatical accuracy  

● Gain a competitive edge with exposure to art, music, cinema and literature over other language students one will meet in the coming years

This course is eligible for college credit through Adelphi ($390/3 credits) or SUNY Oswego ($175/3 credits or $85 if student qualifies for free and reduced lunch).

This course is NCAA approved.

FRENCH 3

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12 |  Course Number: 0153

Prerequisite – French 2

In this course, students improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiencies in French. They learn to discuss topics covered in Level 2 in more depth, in addition to new units, cultural aspects, and grammatical concepts. Practice will consist of listening to and giving short presentations, speaking in groups, discussing various topics with peers and adults, reading and reacting to short stories from various texts, and creating various assignments and projects to display their knowledge and proficiency. 

STUDENTS WILL TAKE THE NSCSD COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION IN JUNE.

This course is NCAA approved.

FRENCH 4

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12 |  Course Number: 0154

Prerequisite – French 3, French 3H or teacher recommendation.

In this course, students will refine their listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiencies in the French language. 

Students will: 

● Be eligible to earn up to 6 college credits from SUNY Oswego and/ or Adelphi University 

● Explore various francophone countries through geography, history and the arts

● Watch international movies with reflective discussion and critical thinking essays 

● Make informal oral presentations 

● Compose short samples of expository or creative writing 

● Use interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes of communication 

● Make cultural connections using authentic resources

This course is eligible for college credit through Adelphi ($390/3 credits) or SUNY Oswego ($175/3 credits or $85 if student qualifies for free and reduced lunch).

FRENCH 5

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 12 |  Course Number: 0155

Prerequisite – French 4 or teacher recommendation.

This course is an extension of Level 4 wherein students will continue to refine their listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiencies as well as expand their cultural awareness in the French language. 

Students will: 

● Be eligible to earn up to 6 college credits from SUNY Oswego and/ or Adelphi University 

● Participate in hands-on activities in various artistic expressions based on different time periods and francophone cultures 

● Play an active role in various activities revolving around genres that exist in all cultures as well as to create originals 

● Gain a competitive edge with exposure to art, music, cinema and literature 

● Use interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes of communication 

● Make cultural connections using authentic resources 

● Be eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy

This course is eligible for college credit through Adelphi ($390/3 credits) or SUNY Oswego ($175/3 credits or $85 if student qualifies for free and reduced lunch).

AP SPANISH*

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 12 |  Course Number: 0181

Prerequisite – Spanish 4H or teacher recommendation.

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Language exam given in May, for which placement and/ or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying score is obtained. Students study the use of language for active communication. Specifically, they understand the spoken target language in both formal and conversational situations. They express ideas accurately and resourcefully both orally and in writing, with reasonable fluency, and they develop a vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper and magazine articles, contemporary literature and other nontechnical 86 writings. They receive extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions, review syntax and study selected works by contemporary authors. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture Exam.

Students will: 

● Be eligible to earn up to 6 college credits from SUNY Oswego and/ or Adelphi University 

● Have debates 

● Speak in the target language in small group settings 

● Work in groups for a play-doh communication activity 

● Practice simulated conversations 

● Compare/ Contrast our culture with Hispanic cultures 

● Make informal oral presentations 

● Demonstrate the 5 C’s: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities 

● Compose short interpersonal writings 

 Produce persuasive essays 

● Self-edit written work 

● Watch a cultural movie

● Examine, compare and reflect on products, practices and perspectives of the target culture 

● Participation a 24 hour challenge prior to the AP Exam 

● Describe, summarize and discuss selected upper level themes and topics 

● Become familiar and use the 6 course themes given by the AP College Board (global challenges, science & technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities and beauty & aesthetics)

*STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY IN AP CLASSES THE FIRST FIVE WEEKS OF THE COURSE.

STUDENTS IN FRENCH AND SPANISH AT LEVELS 4, 5 AND AP HAVE TWO AVAILABLE COLLEGE CREDIT OPTIONS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE 3-9 COLLEGE CREDITS. THESE INCLUDE ADELPHI ($390/3 credits) AND/ OR SUNY OSWEGO ($175/3 credits or $85 if student qualifies for free and reduced lunch).

This course is NCAA approved.

WORLD CULTURE EXPLORATION (1/2)

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12 |  Course Number: 0185

Note: This course is open to any student interested in learning more about world cultures. There is no World Language prerequisite to take this course.

This course is in addition to the regular World Language graduation/ sequence requirement. It does not count towards the World Language credit needed for your diploma. This half-year course will highlight diverse cultures from around the world by looking with a local lens. Guest speakers and performers from our community will be invited to class to share their cultural journeys. Guest speakers and performers may include local musicians, artists, business professionals, politicians, activists, etc. Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer with a local organization. 

In English, students will: 

● Analyze products, perspectives and practices of diverse world cultures 

● Compare and contrast American culture with other world cultures 

● Investigate and present on various cultural aspects 

● Discuss cultural norms, similarities and differences 

● Interact with community members 

● Reflect on guest speakers/ performers