World Language

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-Honors French IV 1 credit

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Completion of French III with a grade of 75 or higher and 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 1 credit

Grade 11,12

Prerequisite: Completion of French IV with an Intermediate proficiency level, a grade B or above, and a teacher’s recommendation. Some students may qualify for AP after level III with a teacher’s recommendation. Grammar and syntax of the language and strong skills in speaking, writing, reading, and understanding French are required.

Based on student enrollment, this course will either be offered in person or online. 

This Advanced Placement French Language and Culture course follows criteria, designed by the College Board, to parallel third-year college-level courses in French Composition and Conversation. The rigor of this course is consistent with colleges and universities and will prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in May. Upon successful completion of the exam, students may receive college credit and will be well-prepared for advanced French coursework. 

Students will develop their French skills through three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. There are six required course themes: Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Beauty and Aesthetics, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, and Global Challenges. Each unit targets a primary theme but also connects to additional recommended contexts for those themes. Teaching to multiple themes ensures a rich curriculum that will spiral, as the themes are revisited through a variety of lenses throughout the course. This allows students to experience the study of language and culture in a variety of authentic and engaging ways.

This course is a rigorous course taught exclusively in French that requires students to improve their proficiency across the three modes of communication. The course focuses on the integration of a wide variety of authentic resources from all over the French-speaking world. Through these authentic texts, students gain meaningful linguistic and cultural growth and insight, leading to greater communication and also interculturality. Using rich, advanced vocabulary and language structures students will continue to advance their  proficiency in all modes of communication (ACTFL Performance Descriptors).

All students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP Exam.

This AP course has a required summer assignment. The summer assignment is a review of prerequisite content and critical concepts students must be comfortable with before beginning the course. Students are expected to complete their summer assignment before the course begins and submit their work by the end of Week 1. Students who register on or after September 1 will receive an extension to complete the summer assignment by the end of Week 3.

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- Honors Latin IV         1 credit

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Latin III with a grade of 75 or higher and 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 proficiency level, a grade B or above, and a teacher’s recommendation. Some students may qualify for AP after level III with a teacher’s recommendation. Grammar and syntax of the language and strong skills in writing, reading, and understanding Latin are required.

The Advanced Placement® Latin course is the equivalent of a first semester college Latin course devoted to Vergil's Aeneid and Caesar's Gallic War. The rigor and pace of this course is consistent with Latin offerings at many colleges and universities and will prepare students for the Advanced Placement® Exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, students may receive college credit and will be well prepared for additional advanced Latin coursework.

In this course, students will be able to:

• Read and comprehend Latin poetry and prose.

• Translate Latin texts into English.

• Relate Latin texts to Roman historical, cultural, and literary contexts.

• Analyze linguistic and literary features of Latin texts. 

• Develop a written argument that effectively analyzes Latin poetry and/or prose.

• Apply themes and literary strategies to relevant modern issues

The AP® Latin curriculum is designed to provide advanced high school students with a Latin course that hones the skills needed to read, understand, translate, analyze, and appreciate the richness of Latin poetry and prose. Focusing on Vergil's Aeneid and Caesar's Gallic War, as well as presenting other classical authors and genres, this AP® Latin course helps students to reach beyond translation to read and discuss with critical, historical, and literary sensitivity. Students will apply themes and literary strategies to relevant modern issues, develop three-point essay writing skills, work collaboratively on projects and translations, and use numerous electronic media resources effectively. Oral readings and audio recordings in Latin will be included.

Students will be expected to enroll in My AP Classroom through their VHS Learning AP course and will be guided to complete review work in My AP Classroom throughout the year. My AP Classroom resources include AP Daily Videos and unit-based Personal Progress Checks, which include AP-style multiple choice and free response questions.

Students enrolled in VHS Learning Advanced Placement courses with a passing grade are expected to take the AP Exam. Students register for AP exams through their local school or testing site as “Exam Only” students. AP exam scores will be reported to VHS Learning through My AP Classroom; exam results will not affect the student's VHS Learning grade or future enrollment in VHS Learning courses.

This AP course has a required summer assignment. The summer assignment is a review of prerequisite content and critical concepts students must be comfortable with before beginning the course. Students are expected to complete their summer assignment before the course begins and submit their work by the end of Week 1. Students who register on or after September 1 will receive an extension to complete the summer assignment by the end of Week 3.

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- Honors Spanish IV* 1 credit

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Spanish III with a grade of 75 or higher and teacher recommendation.

This course is an opportunity for applied and enhanced communication, cultural awareness, and accuracy, as well as a deeper dive into the skills, structures, themes and formats necessary for Advanced Placement Spanish. Using authentic texts as the vehicle, students explore advanced grammatical structures, vocabulary, historical and cultural themes, and current events from various parts of the Spanish-speaking world. Aligned with both the MLRs and ACTFL’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, the “Five C’s” - Communication, Culture, Comparisons, Community, and Connections at an Intermediate Mid level, students expand and personalize their vocabulary, extend conversations, increase knowledge and application of tenses and structures, and add organization and support when presenting their ideas. Students engage with the language and each other through conversations and discussions, written practice, authentic readings and audio clips, novels, shows and films, authentic music, games, projects, and traditional assessments. Students should expect to complete regular assignments outside of class time and to speak Spanish during class time.  

*Concurrent dual-enrollment college course when available.

5598- AP Spanish Language and Culture 1 credit

Grade 11,12

Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish IV with an Intermediate proficiency level, a grade B or above, and a teacher’s recommendation. Some students may qualify for AP after level III with a teacher’s recommendation. Grammar and syntax of the language and strong skills in speaking, writing, reading, and understanding Spanish are required.

Based on student enrollment, this course will either be offered in person or online. 

This Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture course follows criteria designed by the College Board, to parallel third-year college-level courses in Spanish Composition and Conversation. The rigor of this course is consistent with colleges and universities and will prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in May. Upon successful completion of the exam, students may receive college credit and will be well-prepared for advanced Spanish coursework. 

Students will develop their Spanish skills through three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. There are six required course themes: Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Beauty and Aesthetics, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, and Global Challenges. Each unit targets a primary theme but also connects to additional recommended contexts for those themes. Teaching to multiple themes ensures a rich curriculum that will spiral, as the themes are revisited through a variety of lenses throughout the course. This allows students to experience the study of language and culture in a variety of authentic and engaging ways.

This course 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 a wide variety of authentic resources from all over the Spanish-speaking world. Through these authentic texts, students gain meaningful linguistic and cultural growth and insight, leading to greater communication and also interculturality. Using rich, advanced vocabulary and language structures students will continue to advance their  proficiency in all modes of communication (ACTFL Performance Descriptors).

All students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP Exam.

This AP course has a required summer assignment. The summer assignment is a review of prerequisite content and critical concepts students must be comfortable with before beginning the course. Students are expected to complete their summer assignment before the course begins and submit their work by the end of Week 1. Students who register on or after September 1 will receive an extension to complete the summer assignment by the end of Week 3.