The Ridgewood Public Schools World Languages program instills an understanding of the importance and benefits of communicating in a non-native language. Content is organized contextually and thematically around authentic, real-world applications in order to maximize student engagement and retention. Students develop an appreciation, awareness and respect for international cultures, values and perspectives. Individuals are taught to communicate in order that they may remain life-long users of the language and productive, conscientious global citizens.

Modern

Level I

French (5124FL)

Spanish (5134FL)

German (5144FL)

Chinese (5154FL)

Full-Year Course: Level: CP: Grades 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

Level I is an introduction to the oral and written forms of the language. Emphasis is placed on communication skills, and using basic vocabulary in authentic, everyday situations. Audio-visual aids and activities completed on Chromebooks are integral to the learning process. Guided writing and simulation activities assist students in the mastery of basic language concepts.

Level II

French (5224FL)

Spanish (5234FL)

German (5244FL)

Chinese (5254FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - College Prep; Grades 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Level I or Admission by Placement Test

Level II continues the emphasis on vocabulary development, listening, reading comprehension skills, as well as the use of correct grammar and syntax. Students converse in the chosen language and complete more reading and writing activities. Activities strengthen pronunciation and intonation patterns and expand writing skills. Language and structure are studied within a cultural context that focuses on geography, customs and nuances of language.

Level III

Spanish (5331FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - College Prep; Grades 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Level II or Admission by Placement Test

Level III continues to emphasize vocabulary development, listening, reading comprehension skills, as well as the correct grammar and syntax. Students will learn fluency in their chosen language through reading and writing activities that will continue to strengthen their already developed foreign language skills. Language and structure will continue to be studied within a cultural context that focuses on geography, customs, and nuances of language, with an increased emphasis placed on the use of idioms, the mastery of tense usage, and on the enhancement of independent writing skills.

Level III Honors

French (5322FL)

Spanish (5332FL)

German (5342FL)

Chinese (5352FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grades 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Level II or Admission by Placement Test

Level III focuses on the continued development of fluency, reading of authentic text, development of conversational ease, and understanding and use of more complex grammatical structures. Increased emphasis is placed on the use of idioms, on the mastery of tense usage, and on the enhancement of independent writing skills.

Level IV

Spanish (5434FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - College Prep; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Spanish III or Admission by Placement Exam

Spanish IV, while considered an advanced language course, will operate at a college prep level of instruction. The percentage of class time conducted in the target language, and speaking and writing assignments will be specifically tailored to suit the learning needs of this audience.

Level IV Honors

French (5422FL)

Spanish (5432FL)

German (5442FL)

Chinese (5452FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Level III H or Admission by Placement Test

Level IV is an advanced course that stresses oral/aural proficiency, the ability to manipulate language structures, to define vocabulary, identify derivations, to use grammar functionally and accurately, to understand written text, to think in the chosen language, and complete original writing with reasonable facility.

Level V Honors

Spanish V Honors (5532FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Level IV H or Admission by Placement Test

This course continues the emphasis on communication skills and cultural understanding introduced in prior study and offers students the opportunity to extend and refine their knowledge of the Spanish language and the Hispanic world through the exploration of contemporary content. This “capstone” offering, taught exclusively in Spanish, provides exposure to a variety of current social, political and cultural concepts germane to Spain and Latin America. The curriculum incorporates interdisciplinary connections through the integration of art, music, literature, technology and current events. This thematically organized course is for students who wish to continue their study of Spanish, but who do not want a college level language course.

French V Honors (5522FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Level IV H or Admission by Placement Test

This course continues the emphasis on communication skills and cultural understanding introduced in prior study and offers students the opportunity to extend and refine their knowledge of the French language and the French-speaking world through the exploration of contemporary content. This “capstone” offering, taught exclusively in French, provides exposure to a variety of current social, political and cultural concepts germane to France and the French-speaking world. The curriculum incorporates interdisciplinary connections through the integration of art, music, literature, technology and current events. This thematically organized course is for students who wish to continue their study of French, but who do not want a college level language course.

Level V Advanced Placement

French V Advanced Placement (5520FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Advanced Placement; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of French IV H or Admission by Placement Test

This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam administered in May. Course objectives include comprehension of spoken language in a wide variety of contexts and topics, comprehension of written text, fluent speech and effective writing.

Spanish V Advanced Placement (5530FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Advanced Placement; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Spanish IV H or Admission by Placement Test

This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam administered in May. Course objectives include comprehension of spoken language in a wide variety of contexts and topics, comprehension of written text, fluent speech and effective writing.

Spanish Cultures and Conversation I (5911FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - College Prep; Grades 9-11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

The study of world languages and cultures is essential for the understanding of the global community. The Spanish Culture and Conversation I course is designed specifically for the student whose needs are such that he/she will have a greater opportunity for success with moderate modifications in a small group instructional setting. Emphasis will be on involving the student as an active learner and teaching strategies to introduce the Spanish language.

Spanish Cultures and Conversation II (5912FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - College Prep; Grades 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Spanish Cultures and Conversation I

The study of world languages and cultures is essential for a working understanding of the global community. The Spanish Culture and Conversation II course is designed specifically for the student whose needs are such that he/she will have a greater opportunity for success with moderate modifications in a small group instructional setting. Emphasis will be on involving the student as an active learner and teaching strategies to introduce the Spanish language.

Classical

Latin I (5114FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - College Prep; Grades 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

In this reading-based introductory course, students learn about Latin and ancient Roman culture through the lens of a cast of diverse characters from all corners of the Roman Empire, beginning in A.D. 64. The core resource, a graphic novel, highlights such issues as slavery, rebellion, poverty, death, persecution, and abuses of power, all from the perspective of a teenager. Additional English readings on mythology and history augment study of the language and culture.

Latin II (5214FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - College Prep; Grades 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin I or Admission by Placement Test

This course reviews Latin I concepts with a continued emphasis on the mastery of Latin grammar and syntax, essential to reading and comprehension. Important aspects of everyday life, education, sports, entertainment and religion are analyzed through Latin readings. Famous Roman myths and legends are introduced.

Latin III Honors (5312FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grades 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin II or Admission by Placement Test

This course continues the study of Latin syntax and Roman culture. The course allows students to read extensively in the works of Roman authors using only original Latin readings. Grammar, syntax, vocabulary and derivatives are reviewed and extended through selections from Eutropius, Cicero, Caesar, Pliny, and Ovid. The life and times of Cicero are discussed using orations and selected letters.

Latin IV Honors (5412FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin III H or Admission by Placement Test

This course features readings in the Latin poets following the traditional Latin sequence, focusing on mythology in the Augustan age. Students will read original works of Ovid, Catullus, Horace, Vergil and Tibulus, and selected sight passages. The essential elements of poetry will be examined, including scansion, figures of speech, etymology and grammar, with an emphasis on literary analysis in discussion and writing.

Latin V Advanced Placement (5510FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Advanced Placement; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin IV H or Admission by Placement Test

This course completes the Latin course of study. The course follows the AP syllabus, focusing on Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic Wars. Reading, understanding and interpreting Latin literature in its original form in preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in May is the goal. A variety of readings in Latin literature, both prose and poetry, are presented as a supplement.

Classical Cinema (5362FL)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grades 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Latin III H (C+ average or above)

Over time, dozens of films have been produced that demonstrate a variety of aspects of classical civilization. From mythology to political history, directors have taken on numerous projects that effectively and creatively capture the classical world. Films truly exemplify the old adage that “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and this is especially true for students of the classics who are eternally curious about the look and feel of the ancient world.