World LanguageS & cultures

National Language Exam

• Offered for all levels of French, German

• Given in the spring, these online, standardized assessment tools for all levels measure performance in interpretive communication and achievement of students who are studying Spanish as a second language.

College Board Advanced Placement (AP Exam)

• Offered for Chinese, French, German & Spanish

• AP exams are given in the spring and students may earn university-level credit depending on their score and the individual university policy.

Minnesota Bilingual / Multilingual Seal and World Language Proficiency Certificate

• Offered for Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Thai, & Vietnamese 

• Proficiency assessments for the Bilingual/Multilingual Seal and World Language Certificates are given three times per year.  Please contact Carrie Berg or Kristin Lindahl with any questions.

• Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) awards college credit to students who receive awards in grades 10, 11, and 12. 

• More information can be found at our Wayzata World Language Certificate, Bilingual/Multilingual Seal website.

570 - CHINESE 1 (Novice Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

This course is for students who have never studied Chinese.  Students who successfully complete level 1 should sign up for level 2. In level 1 students learn to:

• Request and provide information by asking and answering a few simple questions on very familiar and everyday topics, including family, pets, friends, school supplies, and food.

• Communicate about yourself, your interests, and your activities using words, phrases, and sentences.

• Understand basic information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Chinese.

• Identify cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Student Testimonial:

• "I have taken Chinese classes at Wayzata High School ever since my freshman year and have continued every year since. I have furthered my journey in learning Mandarin as well as Chinese culture because the classes are enjoyable and a place where I learn a lot. The class is highly interactive and filled with fun activities, like learning new songs, performing skits, and occasionally watching a movie in Mandarin. It is also expected in class that one will give presentations as well as read in front of the class. The communication skills along with language that I have learned in this class will be very beneficial through my later years."

571 - CHINESE 2 (Novice Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of "B" or better in both terms of Chinese 1 course is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 1.. Students who successfully complete level 2 should sign up for level 3. In level 2 students learn to:

• Request information by asking & answering practiced and some original questions on familiar and everyday topics, including school subjects, food, house layout, directions, clothes, and weather.

• Communicate about your life, your activities, and everyday routines using phrases, sentences, and strings of sentences.

• Understand basic information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Chinese.

• Identify cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

572 - CHINESE 3 (Novice High): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

          HYBRID COURSE

Prerequisite: Grade of “B”  or better in both terms of Chinese 2 is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 2. Students who successfully complete level 3 should sign up for level 4. In level 3 students learn to:

• Request and provide information by asking appropriate follow-up questions on familiar and everyday topics, including school schedule/life, leisure activities, talents, traveling, feelings, and parties.

• Communicate about your life, your activities and events using sentences and some strings of sentences.

• Understand information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Chinese.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

573 - CHINESE 4 (Intermediate Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

          HYBRID COURSE

Prerequisite: Grade of “B”  or better in both terms of Chinese 3 is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 3.  Students who successfully complete level 4 may sign up for AP as a capstone language experience.  In level 4 students learn to: 

• Exchange information by asking a variety of appropriate follow-up questions on familiar and some topics you have researched, including extra curricular activities, jobs, environmental protections, being  a global citizen, dealing with peer pressure.

• Communicate about your life, activities, events and other social experiences using strings of sentences and some complex sentences.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Chinese.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Students are encouraged to test for the Minnesota World Language Certificate if this is the end of their language learning experience. There are opportunities to test in August, February, and May.

575 - CHINESE 5 (Intermediate Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED

Prerequisite: Grade "B" or better in both terms of Chinese 4 is strongly recommended. 

Students have the opportunity to test for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal at the end of this course.

This course is a capstone experience for students who have completed level 4 and/or Chinese Culture and Beyond. Students who successfully complete level 5 may sign up for AP to continue their language experience.  In level 5, students learn to

• Exchange information by asking and answering a variety of questions across various time frames on a variety of familiar and some topics of personal interest you have researched, including how to make future plans, compare real life and ideals, 21st century skills needed for a successful career, and the influence of the culture and literature. 

• Communicate about school and community events and personal experiences using mostly connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Chinese.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

574 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHINESE (Intermediate Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

          HYBRID COURSE

Prerequisite: Grade "B" or better in both terms of Chinese 4 is strongly recommended. Heritage learners are strongly recommended to complete Chinese Culture and Beyond prior to AP.

This course is a capstone experience for students who have completed level 4 and/or Chinese Culture and Beyond. Students who sign up for AP are encouraged to take the AP Exam.  College credit and the Minnesota Bilingual Seal may be received depending upon the score obtained on the AP Exam.  In the AP level students learn to:

• Exchange information by asking a variety of questions across various time frames on a variety of familiar and some topics you have researched, including the AP Chinese  themes: families in different societies, the influence of language and culture on Identity, influences of beauty and art, how science and technology affect our lives, factors that impact the quality of life, and environmental, political, and societal challenges.

• Communicate about school and community events and personal experiences using mostly connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Chinese.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

509 - FRENCH 1 (Novice Low/Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

This course is for students who have never studied French.  Students who successfully complete level 1 should sign up for level 2. In level 1 students learn to:

• Request and provide information by asking and answering a few simple questions on very familiar and everyday topics, including introductions, pastimes, family, school & classroom.

• Communicate about yourself, your interests, and your activities using words, phrases, and sentences.

• Understand basic information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in French.

• Identify cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

513 - FRENCH 2 (Novice Mid/High): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B”  or better in both terms of French 1 is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 1. Students who successfully complete level 2 should sign up for level 3. In level 2 students learn to:

• Request information by asking & answering practiced and some original questions on familiar and everyday topics, including traditions, shopping, education, technology, & childhood memories.

• Communicate about your life, your activities, and everyday routines using using phrases, sentences, and strings of sentences.

• Understand basic information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in French.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

516 - FRENCH 3 (Intermediate Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B”  or better in both terms of French 2 is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 2. Students who successfully complete level 3 should sign up for level 4. In level 3 students learn to:

• Request and provide information by asking appropriate follow-up questions on familiar and everyday topics, school, pastimes, professions, and services; formal letter writing and job interviewing; life events and emotions; nature and extreme outdoor sports; and the news. 

• Communicate about your life, your activities and events using sentences and some strings of sentences.

• Understand information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in French.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

519 - FRENCH 4 (Intermediate Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B”  or better in both terms of French 3 is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 3.  Students who successfully complete level 4 may sign up for level 5 or AP to continue their language learning or as a capstone language experience.  In level 4 students learn to: 

• Exchange information by asking a variety of appropriate follow-up questions on familiar and some topics you have researched, including customs around the world, education, the world of work, advances in science and technology, the arts, and world issues.

• Communicate about your life, activities, events and other social experiences using strings of sentences and some complex sentences.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in French.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Students are encouraged to test for the Minnesota World Language Certificate if this is the end of their language learning experience. There are opportunities to test in August, February, and May.

520 - FRENCH 5 (Intermediate High/Advanced Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B”  or better in both terms of French 4 is strongly recommended.

This course can be a capstone experience for students who have completed level 4 and/or AP. Or, students who successfully complete level 5 may sign up for AP to continue their language experience. In level 5 students learn to:

• Exchange information by asking a variety of questions across various time frames on a variety of familiar and some topics you have researched.

• Communicate about school and community events and personal experiences using mostly connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs.

• Understand and analyze in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in French.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Students have the opportunity to test for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal at the end of this course.

525 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH (Intermediate High/Advanced Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms in French 4 or French 5 is strongly recommended.

This course can be a capstone experience for students who have completed level 4 and/or level 5. Or, students who successfully complete AP may sign up for level 5 to continue their language experience. Students who sign up for AP are encouraged to take the AP Exam.  College credit and the Minnesota Bilingual Seal may be received depending upon the score obtained on the AP Exam.  In the AP level students learn to:

• Exchange information by asking a variety of questions across various time frames on a variety of familiar and some topics you have researched, including customs, relationships, education, advances in science and technology, the arts, contemporary life, and world challenges.

• Communicate about school and community events and personal experiences using mostly connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in French.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

548 - GERMAN 1 (Novice Low/Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED

This course is for students who have never studied German. Students who successfully complete level 1 should sign up for level 2. In level 1 students learn to:

• Request and provide information by asking and answering a few simple questions on very familiar and everyday topics, including school, family, pets, shopping, hobbies, sports, eating out, holidays and celebrations.

• Communicate about yourself, your interests, and your activities using words, phrases, and sentences.

• Understand basic information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in German.

• Identify cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

553 - GERMAN 2 (Novice Mid/High): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of a German 1 course is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 1.. Students who successfully complete level 2 should sign up for level 3. In level 2 students learn to:

• Request information by asking & answering practiced and some original questions on familiar and everyday topics, including fashion, travel, sports, friendship, food, money and the German speaking countries in Europe.

• Communicate about your life, your activities, and everyday routines using phrases, sentences, and strings of sentences.

• Understand basic information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in German.

• Identify cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

556 - GERMAN 3 (Intermediate Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of a German 2 course is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 2. Students who successfully complete level 3 should sign up for level 4. In level 3 students learn to:

• Request and provide information by asking appropriate follow-up questions on familiar and everyday topics, including technology, media, film, music, concerts, environment, art, German history and world travel.

• Communicate about your life, your activities and events using sentences and some strings of sentences.

• Understand information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in German.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

559 - GERMAN 4 (Intermediate Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information]  [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of a German 3 course is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 3.  Students who successfully complete level 4 may sign up for level 5 or AP to continue their language learning or as a capstone language experience.  In level 4 students learn to: 

• Exchange information by asking a variety of appropriate follow-up questions on familiar and some topics you have researched, including modern German themes such as government, politics, media, tourism, art history, German literature, German traditions, science, technology, environment,  employment, finances and national identity.

• Understand other social experiences using strings of sentences and some complex sentences.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in German.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Students are encouraged to test for the Minnesota World Language Certificate if this is the end of their language learning experience. There are opportunities to test in August, February, and May.

560 - GERMAN 5 (Intermediate High/Advanced Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information]  [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of a German 4 course is strongly recommended.

This course can be a capstone experience for students who have completed level 4 and/or AP. Or, students who successfully complete level 5 may sign up for AP to continue their language experience. In level 5 students learn to:

• Exchange information by asking a variety of questions across various time frames on a variety of familiar and some topics you have researched, including modern German themes such as government, politics, media, tourism, art history, German literature, German traditions, science, technology, environment,  employment, finances and national identity.

• Communicate about school and community events and personal experiences using mostly connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs.

• Understand and analyze in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in German.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Students have the opportunity to test for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal at the end of this course.

565 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT GERMAN (Intermediate High /Advanced Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information]  [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of a German 4 or German 5 is strongly recommended.

This course can be a capstone experience for students who have completed level 4 and/or level 5. Or, students who successfully complete AP may sign up for level 5 to continue their language experience. Students who sign up for AP are encouraged to take the AP Exam.  College credit and the Minnesota Bilingual Seal may be received depending upon the score obtained on the AP Exam.  In the AP level students learn to:

• Exchange information by asking and answering a variety of questions across various time frames on the following AP course themes: families and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life and global challenges.

• Communicate about school and community events and personal experiences using mostly connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in German.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

531 - SPANISH 1 (Novice Low/Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

This course is for students who have never studied Spanish or only completed 6th and 7th grade Spanish. Students who successfully complete level 1 should sign up for level 2. In level 1 students learn to:

• Request and provide information by asking and answering a few simple questions on very familiar and everyday topics, including yourself, pastimes, school, family, food and your town.

• Communicate about yourself, your interests, and your activities using words, phrases, and sentences.

• Understand basic information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Spanish.

• Identify cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

534 - SPANISH 2 (Novice Mid/High): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of  Spanish 1 course or 8th grade Spanish is strongly recommended.

Students will learn to:

• This course is for students who have completed level 1 or successfully completed 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Spanish. Students who successfully complete level 2 should sign up for level 3. In level 2 students learn to:

• Request information by asking & answering practiced and some original questions on familiar and everyday topics, including basic personal information, pastimes, living spaces, and cities.

• Communicate about your life, your activities, and everyday routines using phrases, sentences, and strings of sentences.

• Understand basic information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Spanish.

• Identify cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

536 - SPANISH 3 (Intermediate Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of Spanish 2 course is strongly recommended

This course is for students who have completed level 2. Students who successfully completed the Que Tal program through 8th grade can register for Spanish 3 or Spanish 4 following the recommendation from their Que Tal Program. Students who successfully complete level 3 should sign up for level 4. In level 3 students learn to:

• Request and provide information by asking appropriate follow-up questions on familiar and everyday topics, including your childhood, healthy lifestyles, and future plans and aspirations.

• Communicate about your life, your activities and events using sentences and some strings of sentences.

• Understand information in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Spanish.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

538 - SPANISH 4 (Intermediate Mid): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information]  [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of Spanish 3 course is strongly recommended.

This course is for students who have completed level 3 or students who have successfully completed the Que Tal through 8th grade and have a recommendation from Quel Tal to register for Level 4. Students who successfully complete level 4 may sign up for level 5 or AP to continue their language learning or as a capstone language experience. In level 4 students learn to: 

• Exchange information by asking a variety of appropriate follow-up questions on familiar and some topics you have researched, including important global, environmental and sociopolitical issues and events in today’s world.

• Communicate about your life, activities, events and other social experiences using strings of sentences and some complex sentences.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Spanish.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Students are encouraged to test for the Minnesota World Language Certificate if this is the end of their language learning experience. There are opportunities to test in August, February, and May.

Testimonial:

• "I had an amazing time in Spanish 4. We got to take a deeper dive into not just the Spanish language but also all of the amazing countries and cultures that use it. We got to learn in a variety of different ways, and we became really close with all our classmates. I was able to learn Spanish in a way that I am able to apply to real life topics and events, something that I hadn’t really done before. I had so much fun in my class and made friends that I have to this day! I would definitely encourage anyone who wants to learn more about this amazing language to take Spanish 4."

539 - SPANISH 5 (Intermediate High/Advanced Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information]  [Watch Course Video] 

          HYBRID COURSE

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of Spanish 4 course is strongly recommended.

This course can be a capstone experience for students who have completed level 4 and/or AP. Or, students who successfully complete level 5 may sign up for AP to continue their language experience. In level 5 students learn to:

• Exchange information by asking a variety of questions across various time frames on a variety of familiar and some topics you have researched, including globalization, cultural standards of beauty, art and artists, heroes and villains.

• Communicate about school and community events and personal experiences using mostly connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs.

• Understand and analyze in fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Spanish.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Students have the opportunity to test for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal at the end of this course.

545 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH (Intermediate High /Advanced Low): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Additional Course Information]  [Watch Course Video] 

          HYBRID OFFERED BY SOME, BUT NOT ALL TEACHERS

Prerequisite: Grade of “B” or better in both terms of Spanish 4 or 5 is strongly recommended.

This course can be a capstone experience for students who have completed level 4 and/or level 5. Or, students who successfully complete AP may sign up for level 5 to continue their language experience. Students who sign up for AP are encouraged to take the AP Exam.  College credit and the Minnesota Bilingual Seal may be received depending upon the score obtained on the AP Exam.  In the AP level students learn to:

• Exchange information by asking a variety of questions across various time frames on a variety of familiar and some topics you have researched, including employment, culinary arts and food security, beauty and aesthetics and access to healthcare. 

• Communicate about school and community events and personal experiences using mostly connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs.

• Understand and analyze fictional and informational texts from authentic sources in Spanish.

• Compare cultural practices with the goal of understanding the perspectives of your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.

Testimonial:

• "AP Spanish was one of my favorite classes I took during high school! I love learning new languages, and if you do too, this class is for you. The teacher spoke in Spanish the majority of the time, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the language and culture. Initially, I was worried about my abilities to succeed in this class, but it prepared me very well for the AP Exam. Now, I continue to speak in Spanish whenever I can. The curriculum was very engaging, and I strongly recommend this class!"

581 - CHINESE CULTURE AND BEYOND: 1 Term /1 Credit, Grades 9-12

COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED 

This course is for any WHS student (with or without language background) who is interested in learning about Chinese culture and history. Heritage speakers are encouraged to take this course before taking the AP Chinese course. In this course, students learn to:

• Understand traditional and modern Chinese social systems.

• Understand the relationship between the traditional written character and simplified written character.

• Understand Chinese customs and ancient philosophy.

• Experience the authenticity of Chinese cuisine.

• Examine Chinese influences and contributions to the world.

• Make comparisons between products and practices to help you understand perspectives in your own and other cultures, so you can interact with others using empathy and compassion.