Philosophy

Exposure to new languages and cultures benefits all learners. Research shows that language learning correlates to increased cognitive abilities, higher academic achievement in other disciplines, and the development of marketable attributes such as creativity, critical-thinking, flexibility, and problem-solving. Learning a new language builds confidence. Language skills open doors to opportunities for studying abroad and can provide a competitive edge in the workplace. Language is the premier gateway to other cultures and consequently a richer life experience. 

In this increasingly complex, dynamic, and interconnected global society, the Ramsey World Language Curriculum prepares students to bring a valuable global competence to their future careers and life experiences. The focus of instruction is to provide a platform for students to demonstrate what they can do with their linguistic and cultural knowledge. They are encouraged to make mistakes, improvise, and take risks as they build proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the target language. They gain opportunities to navigate cultural differences, respect unfamiliar viewpoints, and appreciate the ability to learn and work with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. As such, students become actively aware that they are a small part of a much larger world.

Although the AP examination at the end of the AP courses are optional, we recommend that students take the exam. 

Course Descriptions

Modern Languages

French I, Spanish I,

Prerequisite: None

1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

The main objective of this first course is to develop in the student the basic language skills in all three communicative modes. Culture of the target language is introduced through real life situations.

Spanish I: Fundamentals

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

This Spanish course supports the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students receive direct instruction in all four skills, and assessment is performance oriented.

French II, Spanish II

Prerequisite: “C” average in Language I 

1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

Continuation of the mastery of communication in the target language is the aim of the second year of language study. Increased emphasis is placed on extended discourse,  guided composition, reading skills, and the development of a broader vocabulary. General knowledge about the target cultures are provided in short cultural readings.

Spanish II: Fundamentals

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation 

1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

This Spanish program supports the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students receive direct instruction in all four skills, and assessment is performance oriented. This program meets the state requirement for world languages.

French III,  Spanish III(CPE) 

Prerequisite: “C” average in Language II 

1 year 5 credits Grades 10 – 12

In the third year language classes, which are conducted primarily in the target language, a major goal  is  to  stimulate  interest  in  speaking  the  language;  thus  the  year’s  work  is  based     on conversational situations and meaningful dialogue as well as reading selections. The basic skills are strengthened through thorough review of the elementary grammar structures and introduction of more complex grammar, while vocabulary building is emphasized for conversation and reading comprehension. Students are expected to speak the language in class.

French III, Spanish III Honors 

Prerequisite: “A-” average in Language II, “B” on the final exam, and Teacher Recommendation

1 year 5 credits Grades 10 – 12

The Level III Honors course stresses both oral proficiency and original writing with advanced vocabulary and structure use. Students are expected to think in the target language, manipulate advanced language structures both in writing and in speaking, and be able to define vocabulary  in the target language. Students will be using the language as the expected means of communication at all times and are encouraged seek out opportunities to speak the language outside of the classroom setting.

French IV, Spanish IV (CPE) 

Prerequisite: “B” average in Language III, “B” on the final exam, and Teacher Recommendation

1 year 5 credits Grades 11-12

The Level IV language classes emphasize practical communication in the target language. The theme based course provides additional work with listening, reading and writing skills.

French IV, Spanish IV Honors

Prerequisite: “B+” in Language III Honors, “B” on final exam and Teacher Recommendation “A-” in Language III (CPE), “B” on final exam and Teacher Recommendation 

1 year 5 credits Grade 11-12

The Level IV Honors language classes are conducted entirely in the target language, giving the students constant practice in listening comprehension and in speaking. Each course is based on contemporary readings which provide material for class discussions, for vocabulary building, for reviewing grammar through written composition based on the reading, and for an introduction to the literature, civilization, art, etc. of the foreign country.

French, Spanish V Honors AP

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation + “B” in Language IV Honors, “B” on final exam; Teacher Recommendation + “A” in Language IV (CPE), “B” on final exam

1 year 5 credits Grade 12

As articulated by The College Board, the Level V Honors AP class, conducted entirely in the target language, takes a holistic approach to language proficiency and recognizes the complex interrelatedness of comprehension and comprehensibility, vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. Students learn language structures in context and use them to convey meaning. The course also develops students’ awareness of and appreciation of products, practices, and perspectives from the target cultures. Successful completion of this course prepares the student to take the AP examination. 

Classical Languages

Latin

The Latin program is designed to offer students an introduction to our heritage from the classics, both Greek and Roman, and an insight into the ancient world’s relevance to contemporary western civilization.

Latin I

Prerequisite: None 

1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

Students master basic structures and vocabulary of the language. Concentrated attention is given to the students’ mastery of English vocabulary and usage through its similarity to, and connection with, Latin.

Latin II

Prerequisite: “C” Average in Latin I 

1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

Latin II is a continuation of Latin I. Students master more complex forms of the language and gain more extensive vocabulary. Some readings from Latin authors are introduced.

Latin III Honors

Prerequisite: “A-” in previous level and Teacher Recommendation

1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

This course is designed to prepare students for AP Latin. The course includes enhanced review  of grammar (Wheelock’s Latin is used for this purpose) and close reading of selected texts from Latin literature, with concentration on Caesar’s De Bello Gallico. In addition to mastering grammar and syntax, students conduct independent research on various aspects of Roman culture and history.

Latin IV / AP Latin Vergil/Caesar

Prerequisite: “A-” in previous level and Teacher Recommendation 

1 year 5 credits Grades 11 – 12

This course is designed to prepare students for the Latin Advanced Placement Examination (Vergil/Caesar). Students read selections from The Aeneid by Vergil and The Conquest of Gaul by Caesar in Latin; they read the entire texts in English. Latin forms and literary devices characteristic of poetry are stressed. Students learn about the ages of Caesar and Augustus; they are expected to do extensive reading in English and to complete independent papers on assigned topics.