Department Chair: Ms. Lynn Hoegen
Embedded Files
Modern World Language Department Mission Statement
Modern World Language Department Mission Statement
The vision of the Portsmouth School District Modern World Languages Department is to create a dynamic learning environment where all students and teachers collaborate and explore different cultural and linguistic perspectives. We are dedicated to promoting interest, curiosity, appreciation and respect for cultural diversity. Upon completion of world language studies, students will be ready to apply life-long skills in order to engage socially and professionally in both local and global communities.
Expectations for Student Learning in Modern World Languages:
Expectations for Student Learning in Modern World Languages:
All courses offered by the Modern World Languages Department are aligned with the Portsmouth High School’s Mission Statement and Expectations for Student Learning. All courses require all students to:
All courses offered by the Modern World Languages Department are aligned with the Portsmouth High School’s Mission Statement and Expectations for Student Learning. All courses require all students to:
Access and gather information through research and the use of technology on a variety of reading subjects, write about topics that are level and content appropriate, listen to instructors, peers, recorded audio activities and guest speakers.
Utilize print, audio and visual materials and human resources to access content and cultural information.
Use a language other than English to gain awareness, understanding, and appreciation for people and cultures.
Make comparisons based on an insight into the nature of languages and culture.
Analyze information critically to interpret literary excerpts and discuss current events.
Demonstrate evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation through the creative process.
Design, create, and present oral and written projects that demonstrate proper techniques and strategies for effective problem solving.
Communicate effectively, both independently and cooperatively, to demonstrate an understanding of skills and knowledge acquired.
Apply skills learned in a variety of authentic settings.
Demonstrate responsible social behavior in physically active settings.
School-wide Learning Expectations Highlighted in Modern World Languages:
School-wide Learning Expectations Highlighted in Modern World Languages:
Expectation 3: Write proficiently for a variety of purposes.
Expectation 4: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
Students must successfully complete the course at the previous level. Students requesting a waiver for a language course, who have previously completed the study of a language, must take a placement test before the selection of a specific course level.
*Course Placement for Transfer Students and Native Speakers of Languages Offered at Portsmouth High School: Courses will be determined on a case-by-case basis and students will be referred to the Modern World Languages Department Chairperson. *
Please note that beginning with the Class of 2028. all students must successfully complete two (or more) years of the same Modern World Language. Regardless of the anticipated year of graduation, college-bound students are strongly encouraged to complete three to four years of the same modern world language during their high school experience.
Level I Modern World Language Courses
Level I Modern World Language Courses
French I
French I
(1411) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French I, Portuguese I, and Spanish I are introductory courses. They are designed for students with little or no previous study of the language. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed in subjects within their vocabulary range; (2) read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write using everyday expressions about ordinary activities on subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact with proper pronunciation, intonation and inflection on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. Active participation is essential.
Portuguese I
Portuguese I
(1431) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French I, Portuguese I, and Spanish I are introductory courses. They are designed for students with little or no previous study of the language. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed in subjects within their vocabulary range; (2) read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write using everyday expressions about ordinary activities on subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact with proper pronunciation, intonation and inflection on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. Active participation is essential.
Spanish I
Spanish I
(1442) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French I, Portuguese I, and Spanish I are introductory courses. They are designed for students with little or no previous study of the language. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed in subjects within their vocabulary range; (2) read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write using everyday expressions about ordinary activities on subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact with proper pronunciation, intonation and inflection on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. Active participation is essential.
Level II Modern World Language Courses
Level II Modern World Language Courses
French II
French II
(1412) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French II, Portuguese II, and Spanish II courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Level I. Emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed on subjects within their vocabulary range; (2) read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write using everyday expressions about ordinary activities about subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. Active participation and continuous effort to use the target language are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level I course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Portuguese II
Portuguese II
(1432) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French II, Portuguese II, and Spanish II courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Level I. Emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed on subjects within their vocabulary range; (2) read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write using everyday expressions about ordinary activities about subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. Active participation and continuous effort to use the target language are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level I course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Spanish II
Spanish II
(1443) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French II, Portuguese II, and Spanish II courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Level I. Emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed on subjects within their vocabulary range; (2) read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write using everyday expressions about ordinary activities about subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. Active participation and continuous effort to use the target language are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level I course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Level II Honors Modern World Language Courses
Level II Honors Modern World Language Courses
French II Honors
French II Honors
(1413) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French II Honors, Portuguese II Honors, and Spanish II Honors courses rigorously expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Level I. Deeper emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed on subjects within their vocabulary range; (2)read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write about subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact with proper pronunciation, intonation and inflection on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. In an effort to prepare students for further honors classes and the Advanced Placement Course, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Homework assignments are an integral part of these courses; they reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explored in class as well as enable students to participate in a meaningful way. Effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level I course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Portuguese II Honors
Portuguese II Honors
(1433) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French II Honors, Portuguese II Honors, and Spanish II Honors courses rigorously expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Level I. Deeper emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed on subjects within their vocabulary range; (2)read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write about subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact with proper pronunciation, intonation and inflection on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. In an effort to prepare students for further honors classes and the Advanced Placement Course, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Homework assignments are an integral part of these courses; they reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explored in class as well as enable students to participate in a meaningful way. Effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level I course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Spanish II Honors
Spanish II Honors
(1444) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French II Honors, Portuguese II Honors, and Spanish II Honors courses rigorously expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Level I. Deeper emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses progressively enable the student to: (1) comprehend the language at a conversational speed on subjects within their vocabulary range; (2)read material involving vocabulary and construction studied; (3) write about subjects within their vocabulary range; (4) speak and interact with proper pronunciation, intonation and inflection on subjects within their vocabulary range; (5) understand cultural perspectives, customs, art and music of the countries where the language is spoken. In an effort to prepare students for further honors classes and the Advanced Placement Course, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Homework assignments are an integral part of these courses; they reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explored in class as well as enable students to participate in a meaningful way. Effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level I course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Level III Modern World Language Courses
Level III Modern World Language Courses
French III
French III
(1422) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French III, Portuguese III, and Spanish III courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I and II. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses are designed to: (1) continue development of conversational ability; (2) continue to increase the vocabulary span; (3) improve reading comprehension; (4) develop ability in written composition on the subjects studied; (5) increase knowledge of the culture, literature, art and music of the countries studied. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level II course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Portuguese III
Portuguese III
(1434) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French III, Portuguese III, and Spanish III courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I and II. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses are designed to: (1) continue development of conversational ability; (2) continue to increase the vocabulary span; (3) improve reading comprehension; (4) develop ability in written composition on the subjects studied; (5) increase knowledge of the culture, literature, art and music of the countries studied. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level II course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Spanish III
Spanish III
(1445) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French III, Portuguese III, and Spanish III courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I and II. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses are designed to: (1) continue development of conversational ability; (2) continue to increase the vocabulary span; (3) improve reading comprehension; (4) develop ability in written composition on the subjects studied; (5) increase knowledge of the culture, literature, art and music of the countries studied. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level II course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Level III Honors Modern World Language Courses
Level III Honors Modern World Language Courses
French III Honors
French III Honors
(1423) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French III Honors, Portuguese III Honors, and Spanish III Honors courses rigorously expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I and II. Deeper emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses are designed to: (1) continue development of conversational ability; (2) continue to increase the vocabulary span; (3)improve reading comprehension; (4) develop ability in written composition on the subjects studied; (5) increase knowledge of the culture, literature, art and music of the countries studied. In an effort to prepare students for further honor classes and the Advanced Placement Course, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level II or II Honors course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Portuguese III Honors
Portuguese III Honors
(1435) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French III Honors, Portuguese III Honors, and Spanish III Honors courses rigorously expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I and II. Deeper emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses are designed to: (1) continue development of conversational ability; (2) continue to increase the vocabulary span; (3)improve reading comprehension; (4) develop ability in written composition on the subjects studied; (5) increase knowledge of the culture, literature, art and music of the countries studied. In an effort to prepare students for further honor classes and the Advanced Placement Course, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level II or II Honors course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Spanish III Honors
Spanish III Honors
(1453) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French III Honors, Portuguese III Honors, and Spanish III Honors courses rigorously expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I and II. Deeper emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. These courses are designed to: (1) continue development of conversational ability; (2) continue to increase the vocabulary span; (3)improve reading comprehension; (4) develop ability in written composition on the subjects studied; (5) increase knowledge of the culture, literature, art and music of the countries studied. In an effort to prepare students for further honor classes and the Advanced Placement Course, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level II or II Honors course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Level IV Modern World Language Courses
Level IV Modern World Language Courses
French IV
French IV
(1424) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French IV, Portuguese IV, and Spanish IV courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I, II and III. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. It is designed to (1) practice and refine speaking ability with an emphasis on conversational skills; (2) teach, practice and refine more advanced grammar skills; (3) expose students to literary texts in the target language; (4) further improve reading comprehension and writing skills; (5) further increase knowledge of the culture of the countries where the language is spoken through readings and discussion. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level III course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Portuguese IV
Portuguese IV
(1437) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French IV, Portuguese IV, and Spanish IV courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I, II and III. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. It is designed to (1) practice and refine speaking ability with an emphasis on conversational skills; (2) teach, practice and refine more advanced grammar skills; (3) expose students to literary texts in the target language; (4) further improve reading comprehension and writing skills; (5) further increase knowledge of the culture of the countries where the language is spoken through readings and discussion. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level III course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Spanish IV
Spanish IV
(1454) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French IV, Portuguese IV, and Spanish IV courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I, II and III. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. It is designed to (1) practice and refine speaking ability with an emphasis on conversational skills; (2) teach, practice and refine more advanced grammar skills; (3) expose students to literary texts in the target language; (4) further improve reading comprehension and writing skills; (5) further increase knowledge of the culture of the countries where the language is spoken through readings and discussion. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level III course or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Level IV Honors Modern World Language Courses
Level IV Honors Modern World Language Courses
French IV Honors
French IV Honors
(1425) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French IV Honors, Portuguese IV Honors, and Spanish IV Honors courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I, II and III in order to prepare for Advanced Placement courses offered. Students will be introduced to tasks that are on the AP exam. The course is taught in the target language and focuses on the development of more complex communication skills. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. Students will further develop the interpretive, presentational and interpersonal modes of communication through reading and listening selections, oral presentations, and various written genres. In an effort to prepare students for Advanced Placement Courses and/or National Exams, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level III or III Honors course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Portuguese IV Honors
Portuguese IV Honors
(1436) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French IV Honors, Portuguese IV Honors, and Spanish IV Honors courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I, II and III in order to prepare for Advanced Placement courses offered. Students will be introduced to tasks that are on the AP exam. The course is taught in the target language and focuses on the development of more complex communication skills. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. Students will further develop the interpretive, presentational and interpersonal modes of communication through reading and listening selections, oral presentations, and various written genres. In an effort to prepare students for Advanced Placement Courses and/or National Exams, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level III or III Honors course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
Spanish IV Honors
Spanish IV Honors
(1456) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
French IV Honors, Portuguese IV Honors, and Spanish IV Honors courses expand upon and reinforce objectives and skills presented in Levels I, II and III in order to prepare for Advanced Placement courses offered. Students will be introduced to tasks that are on the AP exam. The course is taught in the target language and focuses on the development of more complex communication skills. Continued emphasis is placed on comprehension (listening and reading), writing and speaking practice in the language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar and new vocabulary and structures. Students will further develop the interpretive, presentational and interpersonal modes of communication through reading and listening selections, oral presentations, and various written genres. In an effort to prepare students for Advanced Placement Courses and/or National Exams, it is imperative that students in honors courses exhibit diligence with regard to attitude and work ethic. Continuous effort to use the target language and active participation are essential
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level III or III Honors course with a B+ or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
French Culture Through Film
French Culture Through Film
(1426) 0.5 credit
Semester
This course will be taught in English and the films will be shown in French with English subtitles. Students will have glimpses into French culture and the movies are shown in the order of historical periods that they illustrate. Films depict problems or analyses and exploration of social topics. Through the analysis of classic and recent francophone movies, students acquire the tools to appreciate films as works of art and to look objectively upon political, social and psychological conditions different from their own.
Students will:
Acquire and apply knowledge of film terminology necessary to critique movies.
Describe and analyze diverse aspects of culture through viewing films that illustrate important periods in French history.
Examine and analyze, through film, how people react under certain political, cultural, religious and social circumstances.
Evaluate culture in a global context through the analysis of universal themes such as friendship, betrayal, hatred, hypocrisy, faith, life in poverty, artistic creativity, jealousy, false identity, forbidden love, arranged marriage,political ambition, revolution and racism.
Participate in group discussions, do an oral presentation about a character or aspect of a French film that they enjoyed, write essays and a film review and create a film poster.
Recommendation: 11th and 12th grade students will be given preference.
AP Spanish
AP Spanish
(1455) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 📚 Sample Syllabus
AP Spanish Language and Culture is a rigorous course taught exclusively in Spanish that requires students to improve their proficiency across the three modes of communication. The course focuses on the integration of authentic resources including online print, audio, and audiovisual resources; as well as traditional print resources that include literature, essays, and magazine and newspaper articles; and also a combination of visual/print resources such as charts, tables, and graphs; all with the goal of providing a diverse learning experience. Students communicate using rich, advanced vocabulary and linguistic structures as they build proficiency in all modes of communication toward the pre-advanced level. The emphasis is on communication. Therefore, grammatical accuracy is not the focus or priority. Central to communication is the following premise from the Curriculum Framework: When communicating, students in the AP Spanish Language and Culture course demonstrate an understanding of the culture(s), incorporate interdisciplinary topics (Connections), make comparisons between the native language and the target language and between cultures (Comparisons), and use the target language in real-life settings (Communities).
Recommendation: A minimum grade of B+ in Levels IV or V courses or a recommendation from the teacher.
Spanish V
Spanish V
(1458) 1 credit
Full Year 🌎 Sample Syllabus
The Spanish V course seeks to enhance students' proficiency in the language. The course is taught predominantly in the target language. Range of vocabulary will continue to increase and grammatical emphasis will be on an "as needed" basis. A variety of learning activities will be utilized in order to develop and fine-tune students’ skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course also enables students to use previously mastered material on a daily basis as they read and speak about a variety of topics and literature. Students must participate in class using the target language.
Recommendation: Successful completion of Level IV or Level IV Honors courses or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.
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