With the ever-changing world, knowing another language is going to be essential for students’ future work and daily living. Taking foreign languages requires students to commit to new ways of learning. Students learn the target language in addition to culture, history, science, music, architecture, art, math, industry, agriculture, and literature of the country or countries where the target language is spoken. Students increase their knowledge and understanding of their own English language as well. Work is required inside and outside of class in both individual and group settings. Although reading, writing, speaking, and listening are all equally important in full language acquisition, final emphasis at all levels is placed on the student's speaking abilities.
Classes are often taught entirely in the target language. Numerous studies have shown that the most successful way to learn a language is by complete immersion in that language. English is used sparingly. Questions and responses by students and teachers will be in the target language. Beginning with the first year, students must be prepared to always participate in the target language and culture.
Taking four years of a language at the high school level will satisfy ALL entrance AND exit requirements of all state public and private universities. This may also allow the student to qualify for certain advanced placement credits at a university. Students must earn a “B” or better every term. Students should check with the university of their choice to verify their requirements.
French I
1.0 Credit
Two Terms
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
NCAA Approved
Students must be willing to speak, listen, and converse in class. They will increase their knowledge of French culture throughout the world. While learning French, students greatly expand their understanding of English. They compare French and American traditions and customs and analyze how they have been formed and why they exist in their culture. By the end of the year, students are able to express their basic needs, describe their families and friends, talk about daily activities, talk about what they have done in the past, and what they will do in the future.
Course #: 410160A & 410160B
Last updated 12/10/2015
French II
1.0 Credit
Two Terms
Grades: 10, 11, 12
NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: French I
Students will be able to describe past events in great detail. They read short stories and discuss them. Important historical events and people who have had great impact on European or world events are presented. Students study the progress of architectural techniques and changes in castles and cathedrals to understand today's architecture. French impact on the art world is presented. Geography is used to study other francophone countries. Students will be able to travel and live in French speaking areas with limitations but be able to do the following: hold lengthy conversations, choose and order meals, go grocery shopping, choose an apartment, hotel or house, go shopping for necessities, travel and ask questions for directions, and address their needs and wants. Students will use technology to demonstrate their understanding of the language.
Course #: 410162A & 410162B
Last updated 12/10/2015
French III
1.0 Credit
Two Terms
Grades: 11, 12
NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: French II
In French III students study several historical periods of great French influence and the literature of those times. Films and short stories are used to help in understanding these periods while using listening and speaking skills. More emphasis is placed on reading and writing than in the first two levels but speaking for understanding is still the main objective. Art is taught through student presentations as well as industry, music, and history. Customs, traditions, and ways of living and doing things in francophone countries are also a major part of this class. This class places great emphasis on the student's production (what you do) and the student should be prepared to adjust to a wide variety of learning influences (film, story, novel, poem, guest speaker, reading, research.)
Course #: 410164A & 410164B
Last updated 12/10/2015
French IV
1.0 Credit
Two Terms
Grade: 12
NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: French III
Students learn all of the major and widely used tense forms and grammatical contexts. They are able to hold lengthy conversations in the language with native speakers. They will be able to travel and function for long periods of time in francophone countries. Students learn the important attributes (agriculture, industry, geography, history, customs and traditions) of different areas of francophone countries. In this class several full-length films, novels, short stories, and poems are presented and discussed. Technology based learning is used to keep students updated on changing issues and viewpoints in different parts of the world. In-depth discussions on a wide range of student concerns and social issues are presented in the language. Students will create blogs and use technology to show their understanding. Speaking and listening for understanding is the number one criteria for success in this class.
Course #: 410166A & 410166B
Last updated 12/10/2015
Spanish I
1.0 Credit
Two Terms
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
NCAA Approved
Students taking Spanish I will begin to develop a proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to communicate in the Spanish language. Interested students need to be advised the class is taught in Spanish, and concentration and commitment are very important. There is a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and basic grammer concepts will be taught. Students have the opportunity to become more aware of the geographic presence of their Hispanic neighbors, history, and their cultural celebrations. The first year provides a source of techniques such as paired activities, conversations, visuals, videos, and speakers to place students in authentic situations communicating their daily basic needs and surviving in daily routine activities. Students are expected to speak in class.
Course #: 410170A & 410170B
Last updated 1/21/2019
Spanish II
1.0 Credit
Two Terms
Grades: 10, 11, 12
NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Spanish I
Students continuing on to Spanish II are placed in more challenging authentic situations. Role plays, video presentations, reports, interviews, skits, dialogues, etc. are some methods of using the language. More grammar concepts of Spanish are introduced in level II. With the use of short stories, students will comprehend the grammatical structure of the Spanish language. Students are advised that class participation is expected to be in Spanish. Students continue to be made aware of the many festivals and holidays that are celebrated by the Hispanic culture.
Course #: 410172A & 410172B
Last updated 2/11/2020
Spanish III
1.0 Credit
Two Terms
Grades: 11, 12
NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: An average of “C” or better in Spanish II
It is recommended that students continuing their education beyond high school complete Spanish III. Vocabulary building and tenses such as future, conditional, commands, subjunctive, imperfect, and preterits are taught and/or reviewed. Through dialogue, skits, debates, and writing students demonstrate their feelings and knowledge. Authentic videos and audio allow for comprehension of Spanish speakers other than the instructor. Upon completion of this class, students will be able to travel to a Hispanic country and will feel quite capable with their understanding of the culture, history, geography, and communicative procedures necessary for their stay. Students must speak the language and use the building blocks given to them in levels I and II.
Course #: 410174A & 410174B
Last updated 12/10/2015
Spanish IV
1.0 Credit
Two Terms
Grade: 12
NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: An average of “C” or better in Spanish III
In Spanish IV, students will review and will be able to use all of the widely used tenses and grammatical structures in context. In-depth discussions, the study of literature, and the history and makeup of Hispanic nations are the focus. Students do presentations, debates, and in-depth discussions regarding the art, history, and stereotypes of the Hispanic people. Full featured films, popular music, and dialogue are used as tools for discussion and grammatical review. As always, listening, speaking, and understanding are essential in our goal to create a bilingual student. Students are encouraged to take their college/university’s placement test at the end of their senior year which will place them in the appropriate course and allow for retroactive college credits ( free credits of all the courses students test out of).
Course #: 410176A & 410176B
Last updated 12/10/2015