WORLD LANGUAGES
Communicating with people across the globe and embracing cultural diversity are at the heart of World Language courses. By studying World Languages, students will develop a competency in the four communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) while learning about both our world’s history and modern society. World Language courses promote both linguistic and cultural proficiency while exposing students to a variety of opportunities to engage in the culture of the language that they are studying whether it be with in-class activities, through extracurricular club events, or off-campus field trips. Students in World Language courses will acquire the skills necessary to become true citizens of the world and to become competitive in today’s global marketplace.
Spanish
First Year Language Course – Regents Sequence: Spanish
Full Year, 1 credit
In the first year of language study, emphasis is placed on understanding and speaking through the development of communicative skills. The imitation of good pronunciation and intonation is stressed. In this early stage of language learning, structure is taught primarily in the framework of new vocabulary which is limited to the most essential words and phrases for effective communication of topics directly related to the student’s own environment. Attention is devoted to developing an awareness of some fundamental values, beliefs, and practices in the foreign culture, especially as they pertain to the home and family, cultural preferences and customs, the educational system, holidays and festivals, leisure time activities, and other aspects of daily life. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Second Year Language Courses- Regents Sequence: Spanish
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Level I or teacher recommendation
In the second year of language study, the communicative skills attained in the first level course are further developed while greater emphasis is placed on developing reading proficiency. New vocabulary will be introduced and reinforced by means of conversations and discussion, based on short readings. Emphasis is placed on building vocabulary, recognition of word families and the development of more efficient reading skills by means of inference through context, association and cognates. Writing skills are developed through guided composition, dialogue, letters, and free response on topics of personal interest and culture. The structural and cultural content of the course includes expansion and enrichment of the material introduced in the first level course. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Third Year Language Courses – Regents Sequence: Spanish
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Level 2 or teacher recommendation
The third year language course will continue to stress the goals and objectives of the first two levels. Listening comprehension and speaking skills will be developed further along with selected thematic readings. Speaking is practiced in a variety of situations directly related to student’s own environment and real-life situations. In addition, writing skills will be emphasized through letter writing as well as through directed and controlled composition. Structure and vocabulary are expanded to facilitate reading which will progress from relatively simple reading selections to un-edited texts of moderate difficulty. At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Regents Equivalency Exam. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Spanish for Heritage Speakers
This course is for native speakers of Spanish with oral proficiency and is designed to build upon the language base that students already possess. Students will continue to refine their primary language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) through the lens of transitioning to being a student in the United States.
Spanish IV
Full Year, 1 credit
Option: 6 College Credits
Prerequisite: Spanish III and Regents Equivalency Exam
This is a course designed for those students who have successfully completed the third year Spanish course and would like to maintain and improve their Spanish language skills without entering the Advanced Placement program. This course will focus on advanced conversation and composition, culture and civilization and exposure to cultural readings. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Intro to Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture
Full Year, 1 credit
Option: college credit pending approval from SUNY New Paltz
Prerequisite: Passing Spanish III Regents Equivalency Exam with Mastery and teacher recommendation.
This is the first year in a two-year sequence that leads into AP Spanish Language and Culture. In this course, students will begin to engage in the four communication skills (reading, writing, reading, and speaking) at an AP level, while also developing their knowledge of culture in Spanish-speaking countries. This course will touch upon topics that are included in the AP Spanish Language and Culture curriculum such as family and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges. Students will be guided toward the attainment of a high degree of proficiency in communication skills and cultural competency in preparation for the AP Exam the following year. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade for Pre-AP Spanish Language and Culture.
Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture
(To begin in 2023-2024)
Full Year, 1 credit
Option: college credit pending approval from SUNY New Paltz
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Spanish Language and Culture
This course is a rigorous, college level course designed for students who have successfully completed Pre-AP Spanish Language and Culture. Students will be admitted to the course by recommendation of the instructor. In this course, students will cultivate their understanding of Spanish language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they continue to explore concepts related to family and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges. At the conclusion of the course, students are expected to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture examination. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade for AP Spanish Language and Culture.
Spanish V (Intermediate Spanish II)
Full Year, 1 credit
Option: 4 College credits and AP Spanish Language and Culture
Prerequisite: Spanish IV or teacher recommendation
This course is for students who have successfully completed Spanish IV, and who would like to improve their Spanish skills and cultural awareness of the Spanish speaking world. This course focuses on advanced conversation and composition, culture and civilization, political and social trends in the Spanish-speaking world, and exposure to excerpts of selected literary works by authors such as Lorca, Marquez and Matute. Practical and contemporary language situations, and readings are used in a variety of contexts. Students may also take this course for college credit. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Advanced Placement Spanish Literature
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Survey of Spanish Literature
This course is a college level course designed for students who have successfully completed Survey of Spanish Literature. Students will be admitted to the course by recommendation of the instructor. The course content will consist of reading representative works of literature from the various genres with an emphasis on literary interpretation. Class discussion will focus on style, imagery, symbolism, literary techniques and other aesthetic qualities in the appreciation of literary works. Students will also consider the historical background and the moral, philosophical, and social ideas and issues involved in those works, which are selected for study. Attention will also be given to cultural themes as reflected in the literary works under study. At the conclusion of the course, students are expected to take the AP Spanish Literature and Culture examination. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade for AP Spanish.
italian
Second Year Language Courses- Regents Sequence: Italian
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Level I or teacher recommendation
In the second year of language study, the communicative skills attained in the first level course are further developed while greater emphasis is placed on developing reading proficiency. New vocabulary will be introduced and reinforced by means of conversations and discussion, based on short readings. Emphasis is placed on building vocabulary, recognition of word families and the development of more efficient reading skills by means of inference through context, association and cognates. Writing skills are developed through guided composition, dialogue, letters, and free response on topics of personal interest and culture. The structural and cultural content of the course includes expansion and enrichment of the material introduced in the first level course. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Third Year Language Courses – Regents Sequence: Italian
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Level 2 or teacher recommendation
The third year language course will continue to stress the goals and objectives of the first two levels. Listening comprehension and speaking skills will be developed further along with selected thematic readings. Speaking is practiced in a variety of situations directly related to student’s own environment and real-life situations. In addition, writing skills will be emphasized through letter writing as well as through directed and controlled composition. Structure and vocabulary are expanded to facilitate reading which will progress from relatively simple reading selections to un-edited texts of moderate difficulty. At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Regents Equivalency Exam. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Italian IV (Intermediate Italian I and II)
Full Year, 1 credit
Option: 6 college credits
Prerequisite: Italian III and Regents Equivalency Exam
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed the third year Italian course and would like to maintain and improve their foreign language skills. This course will focus on advanced conversation and composition, culture and civilization and an exposure to Italian cinema, television and literature. Students may also take this course for college credit. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Italian V (Italian Composition and Conversation)
Full Year, 1 credit
Option: 4 college credits as well as AP exam
Prerequisite: Italian IV
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed the fourth year course and would like to maintain and improve their foreign language skills. This course will focus on advanced conversation and composition, culture and civilization, and a survey of Italian literature, history and art. Students may also take this course for college credit. Students may sit for the AP Italian exam at the end of the course, if they choose to register for the exam. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of student’s grade.
french
Second Year Language Courses- Regents Sequence: French
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Level I or teacher recommendation
In the second year of language study, the communicative skills attained in the first level course are further developed while greater emphasis is placed on developing reading proficiency. New vocabulary will be introduced and reinforced by means of conversations and discussion, based on short readings. Emphasis is placed on building vocabulary, recognition of word families and the development of more efficient reading skills by means of inference through context, association and cognates. Writing skills are developed through guided composition, dialogue, letters, and free response on topics of personal interest and culture. The structural and cultural content of the course includes expansion and enrichment of the material introduced in the first level course. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
Third Year Language Courses – Regents Sequence: French
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Level 2 or teacher recommendation
The third year language course will continue to stress the goals and objectives of the first two levels. Listening comprehension and speaking skills will be developed further along with selected thematic readings. Speaking is practiced in a variety of situations directly related to student’s own environment and real-life situations. In addition, writing skills will be emphasized through letter writing as well as through directed and controlled composition. Structure and vocabulary are expanded to facilitate reading which will progress from relatively simple reading selections to un-edited texts of moderate difficulty. At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Regents Equivalency Exam. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
French IV (Intermediate French I and II)
Full Year, 1 credit
Option: 6 college credits
Prerequisite: French III and Regents Equivalency Exam
This course is designed for those students who have completed the third year French course and would like to maintain and improve their foreign language skills. This course will focus on advanced conversation and composition, culture and civilization and an exposure to excerpts of selected literary works. Students may also take this course for college credit. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of the student’s grade.
French V (French Composition and Conversation)
Full Year, 1 credit
Option: 4 college credits
Prerequisite: French IV
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed the fourth year course and would like to maintain and improve their foreign language skills. This course will focus on advanced conversation and composition, culture and civilization, and a survey of French literature, history and art. Students may also take this course for college credit. Class participation and homework are at least 20% of student’s grade.
Other electives
Cultures of the Romance Languages (9-12)
Full Year, 1 elective credit
This course will introduce and expand students’ understanding of Italian, Spanish, and French Culture and History using film, art, and food, thus broadening students’ cross cultural competence. Using film, art, and food that reflect the life and society of Italian, Spanish, and French-speaking countries, students will delve deeper in the countries’ historical, social, political, and cultural forces that shape the Italian, Spanish, and French-speaking world. Field trips to allow students to experience the curriculum may be planned.
The following semester courses are also available through Virtual High School (VHS):
AP French Language
Basic Mandarin: Chinese Language and Culture
Chinese I
Latin 1
Portuguese 1
Russian I
Russian Language and Culture