Bernards High School offers five levels of French, Latin and Spanish. French and Spanish, which explore the cultures of the Francophone and Hispanic world, are taught in the target language using an oral proficiency approach. Latin explores the Roman cultures and provides students with a rich foundation in grammar and vocabulary, enabling them to better understand English and other Romance languages. Coursework also includes listening, reading and writing proficiencies. The World Language Department encourages all students to study a four-year sequence of the same language.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: None
Using an oral proficiency approach, students in this course learn to use and understand the fundamental elements of the language, vocabulary, grammar and sound system. Dialogues, situational role-playing and online activities are used to provide practice and develop mastery. Although conversation is stressed, comprehension, reading and writing are also taught. Videos, transparencies, taped and recorded materials provide opportunities for using and understanding the language and its culture.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: None
Using an oral proficiency approach, students in this course learn to use and understand the fundamental elements of the language, vocabulary, grammar and sound system. Dialogues, situational role-playing and online activities are used to provide practice and develop mastery. Although conversation is stressed, comprehension, reading and writing are also taught. Videos, transparencies, taped and recorded materials provide opportunities for using and understanding the language and its culture.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French II
French III (A) stresses the need to practice the language so that it becomes a working tool for both written and oral communication. This course provides opportunities for the study of intermediate grammar and for the development of a versatile vocabulary. It includes reading selections drawn from culturally oriented materials. Current events and social trends are examined through conversational exercises.
Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French II…recommended for students who complete French II with a grade of B+ or above
French III (H) students begin the year with a comprehensive review of French II grammar and vocabulary followed by further building of vocabulary and mastery of the more sophisticated elements of French grammar. This is approached through reading selections from culturally oriented materials, such as info magazines (periodical culture-based readings), longer literary short story selections that develop skills in reading fiction, and cultural readings from French and francophone literature; such as, La Chanson de Roland (introduction), and works of La Fontaine, La Fayette, Victor Hugo, Guy de Maupassant, Ionesco, Maurois and Jacques Frevert. Current events and social trends are examined through conversational exercises. French III (H) also takes advantage of students' interest in films to expand their contact with authentic language and culture. This course emphasizes critical thinking and encourages students to "think" in French. All the activities in French III (H) are correlated to a listening, speaking, reading or writing pre-AP skill. Desired outcomes for this course include students' furthering their ability to converse naturally with correct verb tenses and to communicate effectively in French in both formal and informal formats.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French III … recommended for students who complete French III (A) with a grade of B or above, or earn a final grade of B- or above in French III (H)
This course is designed for capable students who want to advance in French conversation, grammar and reading without the rigorous pace of the French IV (H) level. Aims of the course include the study and use of advanced grammar in both written and oral expression and an extensive growth in student vocabulary. The use of current French literary selections for young people will serve as a basis for exploration of cultural trends and social events in France. Written compositions as well as oral and written reports are important components of this class.
Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French III … recommended for students who complete French III (A) with a grade of A or above, or earn a final grade of B+ or above in French III (H)
A program of advanced studies, involving grammar, conversation and literature is offered. Aims of the course include the perfecting of both written and oral expression. Original literary works of well-known authors are read and analyzed. Written compositions on literary and contemporary subjects, as well as oral reports, are required. Students are given preparation for the French SAT II test.
Full-Year Course; Level - AP; Grade 11-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Completion of French IV (A) with a grade of A or above, or completion of French IV (H) with a grade of B+ or above.
A program of advanced studies, involving grammar, conversation and literature is offered. Aims of the course include the perfecting of both written and oral expression. Original literary works of well-known authors are read and analyzed. Written compositions on literary and contemporary subjects are required, as well as oral reports. Students are expected to take the French SAT II and the AP French Language Exams.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: None
Latin I (A) students read and translate stories about the city of Pompeii and the Roman provinces while building vocabulary and learning the elements of Latin grammar. Likenesses to English words and sentence structure as well as other practical aspects of Latin are stressed. Among the ultimate objectives in the Latin courses are an ability to read Roman literature, an increased understanding of English and an appreciation of Rome’s history and culture. In addition, an understanding of the importance of archaeology in the knowledge of ancient history is stressed. Desired outcomes for this course include the students’ ability to produce fluent English translations or summaries of Latin stories, understand Latin foundations of other languages and develop an appreciation of the ancient cultures of Rome and its provinces. In the spring, students who take this course will sit for the National Latin Exam I.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: None
This course continues to develop the student's appreciation of Ancient Rome, its language, culture, history and mythology by means of textbooks and other resources. There will be continued study of vocabulary and grammar for the student and continued development of translation skills through the reading of many stories that deal with life during Imperial Rome. Desired outcomes for this course include a student improving their ability to produce fluent English translations or summaries of the Latin stories; a student employing knowledge of Latin vocabulary as a means to recognize the roots of Latin words in other languages and the structure of Latin in other languages; and for a student to continue to develop an appreciation of the contribution of the ancient cultures of Rome and its provinces to our modern society.
Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin II……recommended for students who complete Latin II with a grade of B+ or above.
Students begin the year with a comprehensive review of Latin II grammar and vocabulary followed by a further building of vocabulary and a further mastery of the more sophisticated elements of Latin grammar. This is approached through continued readings that deal with Roman history, society and mythology in the target language. Much of this course functions in the same way as an English literature class. A variety of authors are read, including Ovid, Catullus, and Pliny the Younger, while historical backgrounds are studied Desired outcomes for this course include a student improving their ability both to produce fluent English translations or summaries of Latin stories; and a student honing their ability to write and translate from English to Latin with more ease and confidence.
Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin III… recommended for students who complete Latin III with a grade of B- or above.
This is an upper-level Latin course based on ancient Roman literature. The course will provide information to the student in the areas of advanced syntax, word etymology, Roman culture and philosophy. Materials for the course will include various readings of ancient authors (both in Latin and in English). Close attention will be given to the study of each author's place in history, as well as to his syntax, including sentence, clause and phrase construction. Students will learn the intricacies of scanning various forms of Latin meter. Emphasis will be placed on comparing and contrasting the thoughts and feelings of the ancient Romans and their life experiences to those of people today. Among the literature that students will read during this year are works by Ovid and Virgil.
Full-Year Course; Level - AP; Grade 11-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin IV
This is an upper-level Latin course based upon ancient Roman literature. The course will provide information to the student in the areas of advanced syntax, word etymology, Roman culture and philosophy. Materials for the course shall include various readings of ancient authors (both in Latin and in English). Close attention will be given to the study of each author’s place in history as well as to his sentence construction and syntax. The course includes significant amounts of translation as well as close readings of the text, its themes and historical contexts. Students refine their mastery of Latin grammar as well as their critical thinking skills and essay writing. Students who take this course are well prepared for the Latin AP exam. Understood goals: ability to translate with accuracy and speed; ability to analyze Latin texts in coherent and persuasive essays; deeper understanding of Roman history and literature, particularly of the late - Republican and early-Imperial period. Students are expected to take the AP Exam in Latin.
Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Guidance Recommendation
This is the first of two courses designed to meet the Core Curriculum Content Standards and requirements established for World Languages. Over two courses this course will provide an alternative to the traditional Spanish course and introduce students to the Spanish language and Spanish- speaking cultures through the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Communicative topics and grammar concepts include Spanish word order, present tense, and noun adjective agreement. Listening comprehension and speaking are developed through consistent daily use of Spanish in the classroom and the language lab. Cultural topics focus on Spain, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico, and Argentina, and on Texas and Florida in the United States, including famous people from those countries as well as holidays, food, art, and architecture.
Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 11-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Guidance Recommendation
Spanish Language 2 continues the alternate program of studies started in Spanish Language 1. This course completes the introduction for students to the Spanish language and Spanish- speaking cultures through the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Communicative topics and grammar concepts include Spanish word order, present tense, and noun adjective agreement. Listening comprehension and speaking are developed through consistent daily use of Spanish in the classroom and the language lab. Cultural topics focus on Spain, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico, and Argentina, and on Texas and Florida in the United States, including famous people from those countries as well as holidays, food, art, and architecture.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: None
Using an oral proficiency approach, students in this course learn to use and understand the fundamental elements of Spanish, vocabulary, grammar and sound system. Dialogues, situational role playing, songs and computer based projects are used to provide practice and develop mastery. Although conversation is stressed, comprehension, reading and writing are taught. Videos, transparencies, tapes and recorded materials provide opportunities for using and understanding the language and its culture.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I
Spanish II continues to stress the oral production of Spanish, vocabulary building and usage through expanded use of dialogues and situations. There is further reading for comprehension and cultural study. Classes are conducted primarily in the target language. Basic Grammar of the language will be demonstrated by the end of the second year and classes will be conducted in the target language.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish II
Spanish III stresses the need to practice the language so that it becomes a practical and working tool for both written and oral communication. This course provides opportunities for the study of intermediate grammar and for the development of a versatile vocabulary. It is highlighted by reading selections drawn from culturally oriented materials. Current events and social trends are examined through conversational exercises.
Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish II…recommended for students who complete Spanish II with a grade of B+ or above
Spanish III (H) students start the year with a general overview of Spanish II vocabulary, grammar and cultural concepts. Modern and classical literature would be used to foster development in comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and cultural understanding. In addition, social and cultural trends will be examined through supplementary multimedia resources. Spanish III (H) students will be challenged to think critically in the target language. Effective communication will be addressed and pre-AP skills will be supported.
Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III....recommended for students who complete Spanish III (A) with a grade of B or above or earn a final grade of B- or above in Spanish III (H).
Spanish IV (A) students would continue a program of advanced studies including grammar, conversation, culture and literature. Focus areas of this course include increasing proficiency in aural, oral and written expression of the target language. Literary masterpieces or the Spanish-speaking world are read and analyzed. Oral presentations on contemporary, cultural and historical themes are required.
Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III… recommended for students who complete Spanish III (A) with a grade of A or above, or earn a final grade of B+ or above in Spanish III (H)
A program of advanced studies, involving grammar, conversation and literature is offered. Aims of the course include the perfecting of both written and oral expression. Original literary works of well-known authors are read and analyzed. Written compositions on literary masterpieces of the Spanish-speaking world are read and analyzed. Oral presentations on contemporary, cultural and historical themes are required.
Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish III (A) with a grade of A or above, or completion of Spanish III (H) with a grade of B+ or above, or completion of Spanish IV, or instructor approval.
In this Upper Level Honors course, students will be exposed to many different forms of written and spoken Spanish through the study of poems, short stories, newspaper articles, along with radio and television broadcasts. You will take a virtual tour of Barcelona, view paintings in the Prado Museum in Madrid, listen to the top 40 hits on Madrid radio, and much, much more. This course will explore the history of Spain and its influence on Latin America and will focus on the geography, the politics, the economic situation, the arts and social life in our Hispanic world today. Current events will be analyzed in the context of the historical past. This course will focus on reading, writing, listening, and communication in the Spanish language.
Full-Year Course; Level - AP; Grade 11-12
Credit Value: 5.0
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish IV (A) with a grade of A or above, or completion of Spanish IV (H) with a grade of B+ or above.
Spanish AP students read and translate articles and stories about the society, history, economics and politics of the Hispanic World while building vocabulary and learning the elements of Spanish grammar. Likenesses to English words and sentence structure as well as other practical aspects of Spanish are stressed. Among the ultimate objectives in the Spanish courses are an ability to read articles, news and literature and understand spoken Spanish as well as to obtain an increased understanding of English and an appreciation of Latin American and Spanish history and culture. Desired outcomes for this course include the students’ ability to communicate in Spanish both orally and in writing. Other desired outcomes include understanding the nature of Spanish and the differences among her varieties and the appreciation of Hispanic traditions. Besides, another important outcome is to use Spanish as a tool to discuss internationally current topics, some of which are highly controversial, as well as to expand their learning to other academic fields such as biology, history and music. Students are expected to take the AP Exam in Spanish Language.