World Language
The World Language Department offers the possibility of a four-year study of French, Latin and Spanish. By studying a second language, students become aware of their own and other cultures, learn about the origins of modern English, and gain an increasing proficiency in the basic skills in the language being studied. A student planning post-secondary education is strongly advised to select a minimum of a two-year sequence in one language, and many colleges require three years of the same language. In addition, world languages are increasingly more important for all students entering the workforce.
World language courses are college preparatory in nature and the cumulative nature of language requires students to master presented material before proceeding to higher levels. Consequently, students who do not finish a course of their chosen language with at least a 75% average should be aware that they are unlikely to be successful in the next level of that language.
AP-level online courses are available for French, Latin, and Spanish. See course descriptions for prerequisites.
French
0580- College Prep French I 1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Bienvenue to the wonderful world of French language and culture! As the second most widely learned foreign language in the world, French is spoken on all five continents.The course builds a solid foundation of the basic vocabulary, structures and cultural understanding needed to listen, read, write, converse, and present about familiar, everyday contexts. Students are also able to make meaningful connections to real world contexts, such as the deep French roots found throughout New England for instance. Aligning with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, this course addresses the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections. Valuable cultural attributes of French and francophone cultures are studied.Students acquire basic listening, reading, written and oral communication skills in the target language. Oral participation is key and the use of level-appropriate target language is expected. Throughout the course students will make meaningful connections to their native language, thus expanding their knowledge of English and preparing them for standardized tests such as the PSAT and SAT assessments. General language learning and studying skills will be emphasized. A variety of short but frequent homework assignments help reinforce and practice the material covered in class to an average two to three hours per week. Assignments, evaluations, projects, and midterms determine quarterly grades.
0581-College Prep French II 1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of French I with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
French II continues to promote student growth in French written and oral communication skills. Learning opportunities align with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning through the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections, which aims to further the development of students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Through this course students complete varied and interactive units related to various topics and real-life situations. In French II, students continue to develop their vocabulary and their knowledge and use of verb forms and tenses. They also work on expanding their sentences to be able to express ideas. The culture, history, geography of France and the francophone world are presented through texts, video clips, and slide presentations. Oral participation is key and the use of level-appropriate target language is expected. Communication skills focus on the ability to make more complex statements. Creative oral and written projects are an integral component to this course. Assignments, evaluations, projects, and midterms determine quarterly grades.
0582- College Prep French III 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of French II with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
In French III more complex concepts are introduced and used, with a continued emphasis on all four skills of communication. Learning opportunities align with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning through the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections, which aim to enhance and further the development of students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the target language.
Through this course students complete varied and interactive units related to various topics and
real-life situations, as well as cultural and current topics. Language skills that prepare students for real-life language encounters are reinforced. Communicative projects include communicating with penpals. French and francophone culture and society are presented and discussed through texts, video clips, and slide presentations. Reading skills are expanded and literature is introduced through the study of 1 or 2 integral short novels/stories. The use of the target language is expected in class. Assignments, evaluations, projects, and midterms determine quarterly grades.
0583-College Prep French IV 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of French III with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation of the topics covered in French I-III and wish to improve their oral and written communication skills as well as their knowledge of French culture, society and literature. An adequate competence in the target language is essential for success in this class as students are expected to work with and create texts in French, as well as to have complex conversations. In French IV, syntax is further developed, complex grammar is refined, and vocabulary on abstract concepts is emphasized. Learning opportunities align with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning through the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections. Students focus on various aspects of history, literature, civilization and current events, drawing from varied sources of authentic materials such as film, songs, historic texts, and selected works of French literature and poetry. Creative projects include reading, compositions writing, research projects and presentations. Use of the target language is expected in class. Assignments, evaluations, papers, projects, and midterms determine quarterly grades.
0584- College Prep French V 1 credit
Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of French IV with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation of the topics covered in French I-III and wish to improve their oral and written communication skills as well as their knowledge of French culture, society and literature. An adequate competence in the target language is essential for success in this class as students are expected to work with and create texts in French, as well as to have complex conversations. In French IV, syntax is further developed, complex grammar is refined, and vocabulary on abstract concepts is emphasized. Learning opportunities align with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning through the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections. Students focus on various aspects of history, literature, civilization and current events, drawing from varied sources of authentic materials such as film, songs, historic texts, and selected works of French literature and poetry. Creative projects include reading, compositions writing, research projects and presentations. Use of the target language is expected in class. Assignments, evaluations, papers, projects, and midterms determine quarterly grades.
5596- AP French Language and Culture (Online through VHS learning) 1 credit
Grade 11,12
Prerequisite: Completion of French IV with an Intermediate High proficiency level or completion of French III with a teacher’s recommendation. Grade of a B or better in the most recent French class. Grammar and syntax of the language and strong skills in speaking, writing, reading, and understanding French are required.
AP French is offered through the Virtual High School learning platform. Please see the link below for a full course description:
Latin
0585- College Prep Latin I 1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Welcome to the language that is the basis for western civilization and the Romance languages! Students will read about the myths, history and culture of the Roman world, which included most of Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. Latin also provides students with an opportunity to expand their English vocabulary, as 65% of English words are derived from Latin. The same is true for numerous medical, legal, and technical terms. As a result, learning Latin roots helps students to score well on standardized tests such as the PSAT and SAT. Translation of passages concerning history and mythology is a natural way to become familiar with various aspects of Roman culture. Videos about Rome and other ancient civilizations are incorporated to illustrate their cultures and technology. Daily assignments, quizzes, and projects will determine quarterly grades. Midyear and final exams will count 20 percent of the semester grade in accordance with school policy. The curriculum aligns with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning through the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections.
0586-College Prep Latin II 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Latin I with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
After a thorough review of material learned the previous year, Latin II continues to expand student knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and the Roman world. Students will learn more history, including the different eras of Roman government from the kingdom to the empire. Projects and readings will focus on the heroes of the early Republic and life on the Egyptian and British frontiers. Students will learn about the larger-than-life figures who shaped Rome’s fate, such as Marius, Cicero, Caesar and Augustus. Connections with today’s world are emphasized, and students will develop their critical thinking and communicative skills. Grading is based on the same system as Latin I. The curriculum aligns with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning through the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections.
0587- College Prep Latin III 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Latin II with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
In Latin III, students will focus on higher level grammar while reading the mythological stories of Perseus, Hercules and Jason. The course will examine modern retellings of ancient myths and analyze the intersection of myth and culture. Students will begin to read ancient authors, both in translation and in the original Latin. The course also continues on with the Roman legacy into medieval history. The curriculum aligns with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning through the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections.
0588- College Prep Latin IV 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Latin III with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
Students now read authentic Latin with increasing complexity; by the second semester, students will analyze Roman passages much as they do English literature. Reading selections include Caesar’s descriptions of the Gallic Wars, Cicero’s unraveling of the Catilinarian conspiracy, Horace’s social satires, Ovid’s mythological works, Vergil’s account of the founding of Rome, and Livy’s histories of the Roman world. Grammar is reviewed as we learn the last subtle points of writing in Latin. Vocabulary and derivative work continue to be emphasized with the goal of helping to improve students’ English composition skills as well as scores on standardized tests such as the SAT. Grading is based on the same system as Latin II. The curriculum aligns with the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning through the “Five C’s” — Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections.
5597- AP Latin (Online through VHS learning) 1 credit
Grade 11,12
Prerequisite: Completion of Latin IV with an Intermediate High proficiency level or completion of Latin III with a teacher’s recommendation. Grade of a B or better in the most recent Latin class. Grammar and syntax of the language and strong skills in writing, reading, and understanding Latin are required.
AP Latin is offered through the Virtual High School learning platform. Please see the link below for a full course description:
Spanish
0591- College Prep Spanish I 1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Did you know that Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the world (after English) and is spoken in 21 countries? This class is the first step in learning a language that will open doors to job, travel and other exciting multicultural opportunities! Spanish 1 is designed for students with little to no prior background in the language. It offers a solid foundation of the basic vocabulary, structures and cultural understanding needed to listen, read, write, converse, and present about familiar, everyday contexts. This course aligns with MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, the “Five C’s” - Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections. Students can expect conversations, written practice, class shows and novels, other readings and audio clips, music, videos, games, projects, and traditional assessments. Because learning a new language requires time and effort, students are expected to practice outside of class time and to speak Spanish during class time.
0592- College Prep Spanish II 1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish I with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
Spanish II is designed to help students reach higher in their Spanish proficiency (functional ability with the language). Now that students have a solid foundation of basic vocabulary, structures, and culture, this course aims to help them expand and apply that foundation to listen and read with deeper understanding and to write, converse and present in a more creative and personalized way. Students will also dig deeper with language and cultural comparisons. This course aligns with MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, the “Five C’s” - Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections. Students can expect conversations, written practice, class shows and novels, authentic readings and audio clips, music, videos, movies, games, projects, and traditional assessments
0593- College Prep Spanish III 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish II with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
In Spanish III students are further developing their proficiency (functional ability with the language), expanding their vocabulary, adding details, asking interesting questions, and becoming more able to apply what they know in creative ways. As always, students will listen, read, write, converse and present, but placing greater emphasis on utilizing a variety of tenses and deepening their ability to compare languages and cultures. This course aligns with MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, the “Five C’s” - Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections. Students can expect a variety of activity and assessment formats, such as conversations, discussions, written practice, class shows and novels, authentic readings and audio clips, music, videos, movies, games, projects and traditional assessments. Students should be prepared for increased engagement with the language outside of class time and to speak Spanish during class time.
0594- College Prep Spanish IV 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish III with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
This course is an opportunity for applied and enhanced communication, cultural awareness, and accuracy. Students will expand and personalize their vocabulary, extend conversations, increase knowledge and application of tenses and structures, and add organization and support to their writing. Students can expect conversations, discussions, role plays, written practice, authentic readings and audio clips, novels, shows and films, music, games, projects, and traditional assessments. Students should be prepared for increased engagement with the language outside of class time and to speak Spanish during class time.
0595- College Prep Spanish V 1 credit
Grade 11,12
Prerequisite: Spanish IV with a grade of 75 or higher or teacher recommendation.
This course is an opportunity for applied and enhanced communication, cultural awareness, and accuracy. Students will expand and personalize their vocabulary, extend conversations, increase knowledge and application of tenses and structures, and add organization and support to their writing. Students can expect conversations, discussions, role plays, written practice, authentic readings and audio clips, novels, shows and films, music, games, projects, and traditional assessments. Students should be prepared for increased engagement with the language outside of class time and to speak Spanish during class time.
5598- AP Spanish Language and Culture (Online through VHS learning) 1 credit
Grade 11,12
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish IV with an Intermediate High proficiency level or completion of Spanish III with a teacher’s recommendation. Grade of a B or better in the most recent Spanish class. Grammar and syntax of the language and strong skills in speaking, writing, reading, and understanding Spanish are required.
AP Spanish is offered through the Virtual High School learning platform. Please see the link below for a full course description: