The study of world languages enables students to acquire an understanding of the nature of language and human communication. As students become more aware of the ideas, activities and attitudes of the non-English speaking world, they become more appreciative and more tolerant of other cultures, thoughts, philosophies and ways of life. Through the exploration of a world language, students strengthen their command of English and broaden their career opportunities in both the United States and abroad. 

The instruction in modern world languages at Sparta High School reflects the most recent developments and significant changes in contemporary language teaching. The courses in modern world languages are taught using the four basic language skills (speaking, reading, writing and listening) connected to the interpersonal, presentational and interpretive modes of communication. 

The acquisition of language skills depends upon the completion of at least a four-year study sequence. The completion of a comprehensive program in a world language at the secondary level provides an excellent foundation for advanced study. The Sparta School District provides a five-year program of study in four languages offered (Spanish, French, German and Russian). 

Course Title:  World Cultures 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits:  5.0

Prerequisite:  Counselor recommendation

This course centers around the cultures of the four languages offered in the Sparta Public School. Students will spend a marking period each examining Spanish, French, German, and Russian culture, including food, traditions, celebrities, and sports in a hands-on, dynamic classroom environment. Students will also learn basic communicative phrases in each of the four languages. This course is geared toward our life skills students.

THE FRENCH LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Course Title:  French 1                                                                                          

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5                                                                           

Prerequisites:  None

The curriculum for French I will introduce the basic skills needed for students to communicate in the target language. Students are introduced to the four basic language areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the use of active learning strategies, media and technology. Basic language usage and cultural awareness are developed through the sequential building of vocabulary and basic grammatical concepts. At the completion of a Level 1 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Novice-Mid to Novice-High range of language proficiency. Students can expect at least 90% of the daily lessons to be delivered in French and are encouraged to participate in French during classroom activities. 

Course Title: French 2

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 8th grade French and teacher recommendation or completion of French 1

This course is designed to further develop students’ basic skills to communicate in the target language. This course stresses the sequential nature of language development. Students will be introduced to grammatical structures and vocabulary through reading and writing activities.   Language usage and cultural knowledge continues to be developed through the sequential building of the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication. At the completion of a Level 2 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Novice-High and Intermediate-Low range of language proficiency.  Students enrolled in these courses are expected to communicate primarily in French.

Course Title: French 3

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French 2

The State of New Jersey expects students in Level III and IV should be working in the intermediate range of language proficiency.  Students will continue to develop the essential communication skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through exercises and activities which are more sophisticated and varied. Students are expected to develop greater proficiency in communicating in French during spontaneous dialogues and on-demand writing. Cross-cultural understanding is promoted by students comparing and contrasting the language and culture of Francophone countries to their own.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to communicate primarily in French.

Course Title: Honors French 4

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French 3

Honors French 4 is an advanced course designed to provide students an additional year of language study to effectively prepare them for the AP French Language course and exam. Students will be able to use complex grammatical forms to discuss cultural concepts and to be able to spontaneously discuss opinions and other abstract ideas. This course focuses on the acquisition of extensive vocabulary and the in-depth study of culture. This course is conducted entirely in French and students will participate in activities and topics aligned with the AP exam. At the completion of a Level 4 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Intermediate-Low to Intermediate-Mid range of language proficiency.  

Course Title: AP French Language & Culture

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French 4

Advanced Placement Language and Culture course is designed for students who wish to receive credit or advanced standing in college.  This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement exam in French.  The AP course follows the College Board French AP themes: global challenges, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology. Extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions is included. At the completion of an Advanced Placement course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Intermediate-High to Advanced-Low range of language proficiency. Students in this course must plan to speak the target language at all times. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. This course has a summer assignment requirement. 

THE GERMAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Course Title: German Language and Communication 1

Course Length: Full Year/Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Counselor Recommendations

German Language and Communication 1 is an entry-level course. This full-year course is the first half of a two-year sequence that moves students through the stages of novice-level standards. Students will be introduced to basic pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Interdisciplinary strands will introduce students to various aspects of the culture of German-speaking countries. The course follows the same curricular expectations as the German 1 course; however, the pace of instruction will allow additional time for students to reach mastery. Students who successfully complete Language and Communication 1 are encouraged to take Language and Communication 2 the following year.

Course Title:  German 1                                                                                              

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5                                                                           

The curriculum for German I will introduce the basic skills needed for students to communicate in the target language. Students are introduced to the four basic language areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the use of active learning strategies, media and technology. Basic language usage and cultural awareness are developed through the sequential building of vocabulary and basic grammatical concepts. At the completion of a Level 1 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Novice-Mid to Novice-High range of language proficiency. Students can expect at least 90% of the daily lessons to be delivered in German and are encouraged to participate in German during classroom activities. 

Course Title: German 2

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 8th grade German and teacher recommendation or completion of German 1

This course is designed to further develop students’ basic skills to communicate in the target language. This course stresses the sequential nature of language development. Students will be introduced to grammatical structures and vocabulary through reading and writing activities.   Language usage and cultural knowledge continues to be developed through the sequential building of the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication. At the completion of a Level 2 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Novice-High and Intermediate-Low range of language proficiency.  Students enrolled in these courses are expected to communicate primarily in German.

Course Title: German 3

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of German 2

The State of New Jersey expects students in Level III and IV should be working in the intermediate range of language proficiency.  Students will continue to develop the essential communication skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through exercises and activities which are more sophisticated and varied. Students are expected to develop greater proficiency in communicating in German during spontaneous dialogues and on-demand writing. Cross-cultural understanding is promoted by students comparing and contrasting the language and culture of German-speaking countries to their own. Students enrolled in this course are expected to communicate primarily in German.

Course Title: Honors German 4

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of German 3

German IV Honors is an advanced course designed to provide students an additional year of language study to effectively prepare them for the AP German Language course and exam. Students will be able to use complex grammatical forms to discuss cultural concepts and to be able to spontaneously discuss opinions and other abstract ideas, This course focuses on the acquisition of extensive vocabulary and the in-depth study of culture. This course is conducted entirely in German and students will participate in activities and topics aligned with the AP exam. At the completion of a Level 4 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Intermediate-Low to Intermediate-Mid range of language proficiency.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to compete in language-based competitions and attempt to gain the Seal of Biliteracy. 

Course Title: AP German Language & Culture

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of German 4

Advanced Placement Language and Culture course is designed for students who wish to receive credit or advanced standing in college.  This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement exam in German.  The AP course follows the College Board German AP themes: global challenges, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology. Extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions is included. At the completion of an Advanced Placement course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Intermediate-High to Advanced-Low range of language proficiency. Students in this course must plan to speak the target language at all times. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam.  This course has a summer assignment requirement.

THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Course Title:  Russian 1                                                                                                

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5                                                                           

Prerequisites:  None

The curriculum for Russian I will introduce the basic skills needed for students to communicate in the target language. Students are introduced to the four basic language areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the use of active learning strategies, media and technology. Basic language usage and cultural awareness are developed through the sequential building of vocabulary and basic grammatical concepts. At the completion of a Level 1 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Novice-Mid to Novice-High range of language proficiency. Students can expect at least 90% of the daily lessons to be delivered in Russian and are encouraged to participate in Russian during classroom activities. 

Course Title: Russian 2

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 8th grade Russian and teacher recommendation or completion of Russian 1

This course is designed to further develop students’ basic skills to communicate in the target language. This course stresses the sequential nature of language development. Students will be introduced to grammatical structures and vocabulary through reading and writing activities.   Language usage and cultural knowledge continues to be developed through the sequential building of the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication. At the completion of a Level 2 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Novice-High and Intermediate-Low range of language proficiency.  Students enrolled in these courses are expected to communicate primarily in Russian.

Course Title: Russian 3

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Russian 2

The State of New Jersey expects students in Level III and IV should be working in the intermediate range of language proficiency.  Students will continue to develop the essential communication skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through exercises and activities which are more sophisticated and varied. Students are expected to develop greater proficiency in communicating in Russian during spontaneous dialogues and on-demand writing. Cross-cultural understanding is promoted by students comparing and contrasting the language and culture of Russian communities to their own.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to communicate primarily in Russian.

Course Title: Honors Russian 4

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Russian 3

Russian IV Honors is an advanced course designed to provide students an additional year of language study to effectively prepare them for a college-level Russian course. Students will be able to use complex grammatical forms to discuss cultural concepts and to be able to spontaneously discuss opinions and other abstract ideas, This course focuses on the acquisition of extensive vocabulary and the in-depth study of culture. At the completion of a Level 4 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Intermediate-Low to Intermediate-Mid range of language proficiency.  Class will be conducted entirely in Russian and it is expected that students use Russian as their language of communication. Students enrolled in this course are expected to compete in language-based competitions and attempt to gain the Seal of Biliteracy. 

Course Title: Honors Russian 5

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Russian 4

Russian V Honors is an advanced course designed to provide students a final year of language study to effectively prepare them for a college-level Russian course. Students will be able to use complex grammatical forms to discuss cultural concepts and to be able to spontaneously discuss opinions and other abstract ideas, This course focuses on the acquisition of extensive vocabulary and the in-depth study of culture. At the completion of a Level 5 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Advanced-Low to Advanced-Mid range of language proficiency.  The class will be conducted entirely in Russian and it is expected that students use Russian as their language of communication. 

THE SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Course Title: Spanish Language and Communication 2

Course Length: Full Year/Credit: 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish Language and Communication 1 

This course is a culmination of the two-year Language and Communications sequence. Students will build upon the material learned in Spanish Language and Communication 1, but with more focus on communicative skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading. Students will continue to focus on vocabulary and grammar acquisition in the context of learning about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Students who successfully complete Spanish Language and Communication 2 can continue into CP Spanish 2 the following year.

Course Title:  Spanish 1                                                                                                 

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5                                                                           

Prerequisites:  None

The curriculum for Spanish I will introduce the basic skills needed for students to communicate in the target language. Students are introduced to the four basic language areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the use of active learning strategies, media and technology. Basic language usage and cultural awareness are developed through the sequential building of vocabulary and basic grammatical concepts. At the completion of a Level 1 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Novice-Mid to Novice-High range of language proficiency. Students can expect at least 90% of the daily lessons to be delivered in Spanish and are encouraged to participate in Spanish during classroom activities. 

Course Title: Spanish 2

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 8th grade Spanish and teacher recommendation or completion of Spanish 1

This course is designed to further develop students’ basic skills to communicate in the target language. This course stresses the sequential nature of language development. Students will be introduced to grammatical structures and vocabulary through reading and writing activities.   Language usage and cultural knowledge continue to be developed through the sequential building of the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication. At the completion of a Level 2 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Novice-High and Intermediate-Low range of language proficiency.  Students enrolled in these courses are expected to communicate primarily in the Spanish.

Course Title: Spanish 3

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish 2

The State of New Jersey expects students in Level III and IV should be working in the intermediate range of language proficiency.  Students will continue to develop the essential communication skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through exercises and activities which are more sophisticated and varied. Students are expected to develop greater proficiency in communicating in Spanish during spontaneous dialogues and on-demand writing. Cross-cultural understanding is promoted by students comparing and contrasting the language and culture of Hispanic communities to their own.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to communicate primarily in Spanish.

Course Title: Honors Spanish 4

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish 3

Spanish IV Honors is an advanced course designed to provide students with an additional year of language study to effectively prepare them for the AP Spanish Language course and exam. Students will be able to use complex grammatical forms to discuss cultural concepts and to be able to spontaneously discuss opinions and other abstract ideas, This course focuses on the acquisition of extensive vocabulary and the in-depth study of culture. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish and students will participate in activities and topics aligned with the AP exam. At the completion of a Level 4 course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Intermediate-Low to Intermediate-Mid range of language proficiency.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to compete in language-based competitions and attempt to gain the Seal of Biliteracy.

This course is eligible for Concurrent Enrollment.

Course Title: Honors Spanish 5

Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish 4

Honors Spanish 5 is a new course designed as an alternative to AP Spanish Language and Culture. This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Honors Spanish 4. This course will focus on Hispanic culture and customs--specifically modern and classic Hispanic Music, Writers and Literature, Art and Artists and the importance of Media in the Hispanic World as it relates to sports, television, and film. This course is intended for students who wish to continue their Spanish studies and will enable students to continue learning and developing their proficiency of the Spanish language while exploring various topics of interest at an honors level.

Course Title: AP Spanish Language & Culture

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish 4

Advanced Placement Language and Culture course is designed for students who wish to receive credit or advanced standing in college.  This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement exam in Spanish. The AP course follows the College Board Spanish AP themes: global challenges, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology. Extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions is included. At the completion of an Advanced Placement course, the majority of students are expected to perform in the Intermediate-High to Advanced-Low range of language proficiency. Students in this course must plan to speak the target language at all times. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. This course has a summer assignment requirement.