Course Offerings

FRENCH 1

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

French 1 focuses on student development of communicative proficiencies and cultural understanding. The objective of this course is for students to use French appropriately in culturally authentic situations. Theme-based work provides interesting and real-life opportunities for students to practice the skills necessary to develop novice proficiencies in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational language skills.

FRENCH 2

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: French 1

French 2 is designed to expand student communication skills, develop control of grammar and vocabulary, and to develop cultural understandings through Internet and other authentic experiences. Thematic units build upon the students’ first-year experiences and cultural understandings. Students use the language for real tasks: read fiction and nonfiction selections; view Internet clips to increase comprehension, and discuss daily life. Students begin to extend their control of the language in guided compositions.

FRENCH 3

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: French 2

French 3 is designed to continue to develop student control of the language and to extend cultural understandings of Francophone cultures. The students improve spoken and written expression as they read, view, and discuss fiction and nonfiction selections from the French-speaking world. Problem-based learning experiences using the Internet, other authentic resources, and technology resources provide opportunities for real-time communication. Student work advances from guided to free expression in both spoken and written activities.

FRENCH 4

Grades 10-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: French 3

French 4 units of study are designed to increase student linguistic proficiencies and cultural understanding through exploration and discussion of issues using culturally authentic resources. Interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communicative skills are assessed with multiple types of assessments and students read increasingly complex fiction and nonfiction texts, throughout each Problem-Based Learning unit. The number and length of student compositions increases, as does the use of sophisticated structures. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills and communicative proficiency.

FRENCH 5

Grades 10 -12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: French 4

French 5 units of study are designed for students continued linguistic development across all four language domains and three modes of communication. The objective of this course is for students to continue to use the target language to interpret and interact with authentic resources to promote the production of the target language in meaningful and relevant contexts. All themes are taught using culturally authentic resources. Interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communicative skills are assessed using the Integrated Performance Assessment model. Students are assessed based on proficiency and application of the language. The quantity and quality of student compositions increases, as does the use of sophisticated structures. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills and communicative proficiency.

HONORS FRENCH 5

Grades 10-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: French 4. Admission to this course is by application. Please refer to application process on pages vii-viii.

French 5 Honors is a culture based course, preparing students for the AP French Language Course. Students will focus on comparing and contrasting their own native language and culture with the French language and culture to gain new insight about French speaking countries and the world. Students are expected to integrate the variety of skills built throughout the preceding levels and use French to communicate in cultural contexts. Each unit presents a different cultural theme focusing on the influence and impact of history, literature and the arts on French culture. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills are developed by using the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Students will interpret and respond to authentic materials available in print, online, and in video. All instructional materials for this course are authentic resources, which are created by native speakers for native speakers.

AP FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Honors French 5. Admission to this course is by application. Please refer to application process on pages vii-viii.

AP French 6 focuses on large issues, such as immigration and unemployment, effects of pollution, today’s family structure, control of information, as well as French and American education models. Students are expected to integrate a wider vocabulary, sophisticated use of grammar, and knowledge of French-speaking cultures to discuss these issues. The students read a wide spectrum of literature, non-fiction text, and current news sources, view Internet clips and television programs, listen to music and news. Students use all these authentic resources as vehicles for conversation with an emphasis on critical thinking. This preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in French Language focuses on fluency in French for career enhancement and global understanding.

All students enrolled in an AP class are required to take the AP exam in May.

LATIN 1

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

This course introduces classroom vocabulary, elementary Latin grammar, and vocabulary to enable the student to participate in the target language in class and to read easy selections concerning Roman life, culture, history, and mythology. There is some writing of simple Latin. The class emphasizes classical contributions and connections to modern life.

LATIN 2

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Latin l

This course continues student development of basic Latin grammar and vocabulary with readings of graduated difficulty on Roman life and mythology. Students continue to develop reading skills. Guided writing enhances student understanding of Latin constructions.

LATIN 3

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Latin 2

This intermediate course broadens a student's knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary. The student gains increased facility with the language from reading selections about Roman life, mythology, and civilization and responding to the readings with appropriate writing. Discussion of the text includes the development of cultural and linguistic understanding.

LATIN 4

Grades 10-11-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Latin 3

Latin 4 is a translation course with readings of Pliny, Ovid, Cicero, and Eutropius. Emphasis is placed upon strengthening the grasp of advanced Latin grammar and vocabulary, as well as extending this knowledge to include more complex forms and concepts. Films, recordings, and non-book materials are used. Literary criticism and English vocabulary comprehension development are stressed.

LATIN LITERATURE HONORS

Grades 11–12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Latin 4. Admission to this course is by application. Please refer to application process on pages vii-viii.

Students read both prose and verse Classical Authors including Ovid, Livy, Cicero & Catullus. The objective is to cultivate an appreciation for poetry and an understanding of the literature. Students will focus on the historical background of these writers' era and the influence of history on the literature. Students will develop an advanced understanding of literary devices. Latin Prose Composition is used to improve students' knowledge of Latin grammar.

AP LATIN

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Latin Literature Honors. Admission to this course is by application. Please refer to application process on pages vii-viii.

Students will read Vergil and Caesar in preparation for the AP examination. The objective is to explore in detail two Classical texts: understanding their meaning, historical importance, cultural background, effect on modern literature and their poetic/prose styles.

All students enrolled in an AP class are required to take the AP exam in May.

MANDARIN CHINESE I

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

Mandarin Chinese I focuses on student development of communicative proficiencies, Pinyin use, character writing and decoding, and cultural understanding. The objective of this course is for students to use Mandarin appropriately in culturally authentic situations. Theme-based work provides interesting and real-life opportunities for students to practice the skills necessary to develop novice proficiencies in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational language skills.

MANDARIN CHINESE II

Grades 10-12 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese I

Students in Mandarin Chinese II continue to focus on developing communicative skills. Speaking proficiency, use of Pinyin, character writing and reading skills, as well as developing an understanding of the Chinese-speaking cultures through Internet resources and other classroom experiences are facets of the Mandarin II class. Proficiency skills and cultural understandings are taught in the context of authentic thematic units.

MANDARIN CHINESE III

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese II

Mandarin Chinese III is designed to improve student communication skills, develop student’s control of grammar and vocabulary, and to extend cultural understandings. Mandarin III tasks encourage student growth in character writing, interpretation of authentic materials and resources, and communication in real life situations. The Internet, technology resources, and auxiliary materials support thematic learning. Communicative opportunities are extended with experiences both within and beyond the classroom.

MANDARIN CHINESE IV

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese III

Mandarin Chinese IV is designed to increase student’s linguistic skills and to explore cultural understandings through discussions and development of wider perspectives based on fiction and nonfiction readings, Internet resources, community resources, and other culturally authentic sources. Experiences beyond the classroom support communicative skill development that is assessed with multiple types of assessments.

MANDARIN CHINESE V Honors

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese IV

Mandarin Chinese V students interact with interesting issues and current information as they refine language proficiency, cultural understanding, and critical thinking using Problem-Based Learning methodology. Students use culturally authentic resources (Internet, news, videos, etc.) to support their learning. Students explore multiple perspectives on these issues with Chinese-speaking students and community members and e-friends. Emphasis is placed on communicative proficiency.

MANDARIN CHINESE VI HONORS

Grades 12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Mandarin Chinese V Honors

This course is designed for students at the Intermediate level to continue the development of language proficiency skills in Mandarin. Students will enhance communication skills while increasing familiarity with Chinese culture through the exploration of authentic media. Students are expected to integrate the variety of skills built throughout the preceding levels and use Mandarin Chinese to communicate in cultural contexts. As students gain an increased knowledge of Chinese culture they will focus on using the target language to make cultural comparisons between their own native language and culture with the Chinese language and culture. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills are developed by using the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. The quantity and quality of student compositions increases, as does the use of sophisticated structures. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills and communicative proficiency.

SPANISH 1

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

Spanish 1 focuses on student development of communicative proficiencies and cultural understanding. The objective of this course is for students to use Spanish appropriately in culturally authentic situations. Theme-based work provides interesting and real-life opportunities for students to practice the skills necessary to develop novice proficiencies in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational language skills.

SPANISH 2

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Spanish 1

Spanish 2 is designed to expand student communication skills, develop control of grammar and vocabulary, and to develop cultural understandings through exposure to authentic experiences and resources. Thematic units build upon the students’ first-year experiences and cultural understandings. Students use the language for real tasks: read fiction and nonfiction selections; view Internet clips to increase comprehension, and discuss daily life. Students begin to extend their control of the language in guided compositions.

SPANISH 3

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Spanish 2

Spanish 3 is designed to continue to develop student control of the language and to extend cultural understandings of Spanish cultures. The students improve spoken and written expression as they read, view, and discuss fiction and nonfiction selections from the Spanish-speaking world. Problem-based learning experiences using the Internet, other authentic resources, and technology resources provide opportunities for real-time communication and are aligned to Integrated Performance Assessments. Student work advances from guided to free expression in both spoken and written activities.

SPANISH 4

Grades 10-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Spanish 3

Spanish 4 units of study are designed to increase student linguistic proficiencies and cultural understanding through exploration and discussion of the following themes: Personal relationships, City life, Influences of media and Comparisons across generations. Interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communicative skills are assessed using Integrated Performance Assessments with the objective of assessing language proficiency. In Spanish 4 students read increasingly complex fiction and nonfiction texts, which support the Problem-Based Learning units. The quantity and quality of student compositions increases, as does the use of sophisticated structures. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills and communicative proficiency. Instruction is designed for students demonstrating Intermediate Proficiency across all language domains and working towards Intermediate High Proficiency.

SPANISH 5

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Spanish 4

Spanish 5 units of study are designed to increase student linguistic proficiencies and cultural understanding through exploration and discussion of the following themes: Our World and Natural Resources, Beliefs and Ideologies, Professional Perspectives exploring careers and finances, and Science and Technology. All themes are taught using culturally authentic resources. Interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communicative skills are assessed using the Integrated Performance Assessment model. Students are assessed based on proficiency and application of the language. Students will have increased exposure to both authentic complex texts including samples of both fiction and nonfiction. The quantity and quality of student compositions increases, as does the use of sophisticated structures. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills and communicative proficiency.

SPANISH 5 HONORS

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Spanish 4. Admission to this course is by application.

Spanish 5 Honors prepares students to move on to the AP Spanish Language Course. Students interact with real-world themes aligned to the units of study for the AP exam. The goal is to refine language proficiency, cultural understanding, and critical thinking in the target language. Students use culturally authentic resources (Internet, news, videos, etc.) to support their learning. Students explore multiple perspectives on these issues with Spanish-speaking students, community members and e-friends. Emphasis is placed on reaching advanced proficiency.

SPANISH 6 LANGUAGE AND CULTURE THROUGH CINEMA NCAA

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Spanish 5, Spanish 5 Honors or Heritage Spanish 2

This course is designed for students at the Intermediate level to continue the development of proficiency skills through the study of film. This course will enhance communication skills in Spanish while increasing familiarity with Hispanic cultures through their manifestation in films. The content of the course will include viewing and studying culturally authentic films representing the Spanish-speaking world. Through the study of the Spanish language through film, students will explore the history and culture of Spanish speaking countries as highlighted through the symbolism and imagery in the film as well as be exposed to a variety of language registers (parody, slang, accents, dialects) that are reflective of the Spanish-speaking world. The course will also be complemented and supplemented by the integration of song, soundtracks and literary short stories that align to the historical and cultural themes outlined in the films.

AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Spanish 5 Honors. Admission to this course is by application.

AP Spanish Language and Culture students engage with the following issues at an advanced level: Historical and cultural causes and outcomes of immigration and emigration; Personal, Literary, and Cultural Duality; Gender in Spanish literature; Culture and Media; and Current trends in culture, politics, and policies within and outside of the United States. Students are expected to integrate a wider vocabulary, sophisticated use of grammar, and knowledge of Spanish-speaking cultures to discuss these issues. The students read a wide spectrum of literature, non-fiction text, and current news sources, view Internet clips and television programs, listen to music and news. Students use all these authentic resources as vehicles for conversation with an emphasis on critical thinking. This preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Language focuses on fluency in Spanish for career enhancement and global understanding.

All students enrolled in an AP class are required to take the AP exam in May.

AP SPANISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE

Grades 11-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Heritage Spanish (2 years), Spanish 5 Honors or AP Spanish Language and Culture. Admission is by application.

This course is designed to cover the framework of skills and objectives as outlined for the Advanced Placement Examination of Spanish Literature and Culture. This course will provide students with an exposure to a variety of literary texts from across the Spanish-speaking World, including a sampling of Peninsular Spanish, Latin American and U.S. Hispanic literature. The course is reflective of an introductory college literature course in which students are encouraged to explore linguistic and cultural comparisons. The goal of this course is to provide students with more opportunities to extend their Spanish language proficiency skills through critical reading and analytical writing. This course provides students with an extended opportunity to continue to develop their proficiencies in all three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational), while addressing all five goal areas (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) as outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century.

All students enrolled in an AP class are required to prepare for and take the AP exam in May.

HERITAGE SPANISH

Grades 9-12 5 Credits

This course is open to selected heritage/native speakers of Spanish in the high school who wish to refine their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and demonstrate a native proficiency and literacy. The course will emphasize correct grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary usage. These skills will be taught in context during explorations of current events, global issues, and literature. Students will develop skills in debate and multiple writing styles. Interdisciplinary experiences with English, Social Studies, and Science will include informative research using technology. Students will also research possible careers available to bilingual applicants.

HERITAGE SPANISH 2

Grades 10-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Heritage Spanish

In this course heritage/native speakers will continue to develop their Spanish literacy skills to demonstrate a native proficiency and literacy among a broader range of interdisciplinary topics. This course provides students with an extended opportunity to further develop their proficiencies in all three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational), while focusing on exploring linguistic and cultural comparisons. Students will continue to research possible careers available to bilingual applicants and explore different career paths in more depth.

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH

Grades 9-11 5 Credits

A practical class for beginners with no previous background or minimal exposure to Spanish, whose goal is basic communication in the language and an introduction to culture. This course covers basic vocabulary, conversation, pronunciation and frequently used expressions. Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are developed with a particular emphasis on speaking and understanding with the purpose of developing everyday communicative language with some exposure to the culture and customs of the Spanish speaking world. Instructor and students use Spanish as the primary language of class.

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH 2

Grades 10-12 5 Credits

PREREQUISITE: Conversational Spanish 1

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Conversational Spanish. This course will continue the development of basic communication in the language and extend cultural understandings of Spanish cultures. Through this course, students will be able to gain confidence in conversational Spanish promoting the language skills needed to travel to Spanish-speaking countries and effectively communicate with locals. Students will also be exposed to the culture of the Spanish-speaking world and gain an awareness of cultural differences and similarities. Instructor and students use Spanish as the primary language of the class.