World Languages

Chinese I Honors

This initiation to Chinese language and culture emphasizes the development of language skills and cultural awareness. The objective of the course is to lay a solid foundation in the four skills of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as gaining understanding of Chinese culture. Pinyin (phonetic symbols) will be used as a supplementary tool to learn the spoken language. Students will be introduced Hanzi (Simplified Chinese characters) later on. They develop basic conversational skills, reading skills, and grammatical knowledge for writing simple sentences. As the year progresses students strive for greater proficiency in the three modes of communication and two skill areas within each one: interpretive listening and reading, interpersonal speaking and writing, and presentational speaking and writing. The goal of this course is to help students acquire linguistic skills and cultural awareness by interweaving language and culture, and by guiding them through a progression of activities from the use of authentic language through structured practice to produce creative, personalized expression. The course is taught in Mandarin Chinese, with increased use of authentic materials that deal with world themes. There is also emphasis on accurate pronunciation and intonation. Language skills are developed through class activities, recordings, and videos, as well as the use of the textbook, workbooks, and readings. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the novice-high proficiency level.

Chinese II Honors

This is an intensive course designed for those who have demonstrated an exceptional talent and an affinity for Chinese language and culture study. The basic grammar rules of the first year are now refined and augmented, and students’ knowledge of vocabulary is more extensive and detailed. Culture is presented and integrated through vocabulary presentations and readings. Students are exposed to a broad range of authentic materials and learn to read with greater fluency, comprehension, and analytical skill. Students learn to express themselves creatively through dialogues, paired and group activities, and class discussions on selected topics. Writing skills are extended through short compositions and personal narratives. The text uses an integrated approach to language learning to develop language proficiency and to provide a balanced focus on the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. There is a continuation of higher order thinking and cognitively challenging communicative tasks, leading to more creative language use. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the intermediate-low proficiency level.

Chinese III Honors

This course is designed to more fully develop intermediate language skills in the three modes of communication: interpretive listening, reading, and viewing; interpersonal speaking and writing; and presentational speaking and writing. Grammatical concepts are reviewed and expanded to include more sophisticated vocabulary, taught in a meaningful, contextualized way. Students improve their listening skills through audio and video activities and develop their comprehension and analytical skills through exposure to authentic print passages of varying degrees of length, complexity, and cultural impact. Speaking and writing skills are developed through discussion and composition work, including both analysis and personal response to authentic texts, such as film clips and readings. Students are expected to apply learning in realistic communication, using Chinese to create meaning, as well as building intercultural competence through exploration of the perspectives of Chinese-speaking communities of the world. There is continued focus on higher order thinking and cognitively challenging communicative tasks, leading to more creative language use.

Chinese IV Honors

This course is designed to provide students various opportunities to further improve intermediate language skills in the three modes of communication: interpretive listening, reading, and viewing; interpersonal speaking and writing; and presentational speaking and writing. AP themes are introduced through plentiful authentic print, audio, and audiovisual resources, leading students to develop a rich, thematic vocabulary, which enables them to routinely communicate about the world in which they live. Learners not only develop greater proficiency in language communication, but also in cultural knowledge as they make connections and comparisons between Chinese cultures and their own culture(s), ultimately leading to greater intercultural competency. There is continued focus on critical thinking and cognitively challenging communicative tasks, leading to more creative language use. Assessments of all communication is geared toward the intermediate-mid proficiency level.

Advanced Topics in Chinese

This class is offered to students who have already taken the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam, have developed a strong interest in the Chinese language, and wish to apply it to anticipated university studies and future professions. Curriculum is designed to further develop the three modes of communication and advance skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also expanding knowledge of Chinese culture, history, and society. Topics are based on authentic texts that boost students’ language skills in practical contexts and authentic cultural settings. The class will explore a variety of print, visual, audio, and audiovisual texts (such as Web sites, blogs, literature, news sources, etc.). Students will have the opportunity to learn specialized vocabulary and structures as they explore topics based on their academic areas of interest (science, medicine, politics, business and finance, etc.). They will evaluate, discuss, and process what they learn through discussions, presentations, papers, and projects.

French I Honors

This initiation to French language study emphasizes the development of fundamental language skills. The objective of the course is to lay a solid foundation in the four skills of language — listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students practice pronunciation and intonation of the language, and they learn to recognize words and grasp the main ideas when listening to simple spoken French. They develop basic conversational skills, grammatical knowledge for writing simple sentences, and reading skills at and beyond the level of “cognate French.” As the year progresses students strive for greater proficiency in the three modes of communication and two skill areas within each one: interpretive listening and reading, interpersonal speaking and writing, and presentational speaking and writing. The goal of the program is to help students develop linguistic skills and cultural awareness by interweaving language and culture, and by guiding them through a progression of activities from use of authentic language through structured practice to produce creative, personalized expression. The course is taught in French, with increased use of authentic materials that deal with world themes. There is also emphasis on accurate pronunciation and intonation. Language skills are developed through class activities, recordings, and videos, as well as the use of the textbook, workbooks, and readings. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the novice-high proficiency level.

French II Honors

The overall goal of the French II Honors course is to move students toward a natural and idiomatic communicative competence. The language learning process, which includes a contextualized review and building upon the foundation of first level topics and vocabulary units, and the introduction of concepts assigned typically to the second level, is accomplished through integrating modes of communication in authentic, real life application. The new material is no sooner introduced, than it becomes integrated into communicative contexts of the language promoted throughout textbook and Web-based interactive activities. Audio and audiovisual resources, which accompany the text, drive the scope and sequence of the vocabulary and grammar curriculum, additionally providing instruction in cultural awareness and understanding. Informational articles offer explanations of cultural appropriateness, while journalistic and literary texts taken from authentic French sources create exercises in reading comprehension. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the intermediate-low proficiency level.

French III Honors

This course is designed to fully develop intermediate language skills in the three modes of communication: interpretive listening, reading, and viewing; interpersonal speaking and writing; and presentational speaking and writing. The French III Honors course is designed to strengthen and to build upon all the skills that students have acquired in previous levels. Grammatical concepts are reviewed and expanded to include more sophisticated vocabulary, taught in a meaningful, contextualized way. Students improve their listening skills through audio and video activities and develop their comprehension and analytical skills through exposure to authentic print passages of varying degrees of length, complexity, and cultural impact. Speaking and writing skills are developed through discussion and composition work, including both analysis and personal response to authentic texts, such as film clips and readings. Students are expected to apply learning in realistic communication, using French to create meaning, as well as building intercultural competence through exploration of the perspectives of Francophone communities of the world.

French IV Honors

This course provides an additional year of language study for students who are planning to take AP French Language and Culture, but want or need another year to reinforce and advance their level of proficiency in interpretive listening and reading, interpersonal speaking and writing, and presentational speaking and writing, all areas that define language communication and are assessed on the AP exam. As a pre-AP course students work toward ease and clarity of expression as they reinforce and build on prior grammar and vocabulary. AP themes are introduced through plentiful authentic print, audio, and audiovisual resources, leading students to develop a rich, thematic vocabulary, which enables them to routinely communicate about the world in which they live. Learners not only develop greater proficiency in language communication, but also in cultural knowledge as they make connections and comparisons between French-speaking communities of the world and their own community, ultimately leading to greater intercultural competency. An integrated approach to learning provides students with interactive Web resources that both reinforce and enhance learning, within the classroom environment, at home, and in real-world application.

AP French Language & Culture

AP French Language and Culture is intended for students who wish to achieve greater proficiency (advanced-low to advanced-mid) while integrating their language skills, basing content on authentic materials and sources. Students who enroll should already have a functional knowledge of the language and cultures of French-speaking peoples and should have attained a reasonable proficiency in using the language. Students explore the various themes and contexts of the AP French curriculum while also considering essential questions that are addressed in the global community. Products, practices, and perspectives of French- speaking cultures of the world are explored and strengthened, while also comparing them to the students’ home community and culture. All authentic print, audio, and audiovisual materials are engaging, relevant, and especially appropriate as they give students thematic vocabulary and contextualized grammar and structure, all with the goal of reaching greater communicative competency.

The AP French Language and Culture course helps prepare students to demonstrate their level of French proficiency across three communicative modes (interpersonal [interactive communication], interpretive [receptive communication], and presentational [productive communication]), and the five goal areas as outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities). The course is meant to be comparable to fifth semester college and university courses that focus on spoken and written communication in the target language at an advanced level. Higher order thinking is key as students seek to analyze, evaluate, infer, conclude, and predict within the various contexts explored. Grammar and vocabulary are reinforced, reviewed, and strengthened in meaningful context, making learning more relevant and natural.

Students will be prepared to take the AP French Language and Culture exam in May and should be successful in any university placement test.

Advanced Topics in Modern French Literature

This class is offered to students who have already taken the AP French Language and Culture exam, have developed a strong interest in the French language, and wish to apply it to anticipated university studies and future professions. Curriculum is designed to further develop the three modes of communication and advance skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also expanding their knowledge of Francophone cultures and communities. Topics are based on authentic texts that boost students’ language skills in practical contexts and authentic cultural settings. The class will explore a variety of print, visual, audio, and audiovisual texts (such as Web sites, blogs, literature, news sources, etc.). Students will have the opportunity to learn specialized vocabulary and structures as they explore topics based on their academic areas of interest (science, medicine, politics, business and finance, etc.). They will evaluate, discuss, and process what they learn through discussions, presentations, papers, and projects.

Latin I Honors

The study of Latin has two main components: the study of Roman history and culture and the study of the Latin classical language used. Both have important benefits to modern students. A study of Roman history and culture gives students the opportunity to see many origins of our modern culture and to analyze historical events and practices as they relate to and differ from our society. The study of the Latin language increases a student’s understanding of language structure across spoken languages, increases their English vocabulary, solidifies their understanding of grammar, and requires the development of critical thinking. Immediate benefits of increased verbal scores combined with understanding deeper themes of classical literature make the study of Latin invaluable.

In Latin I, students are introduced to the language of the ancient Romans through a combination of grammar, reading comprehension, and verbal/ oral exercises. Students will also discover the Latin roots of English words in order to improve their vocabulary. Finally, students will learn about the ancient world by looking at its mythology and religion, law, government, politics, literature and art, and daily life.

Latin II Honors

In this course, students continue their study of the Latin language and Roman culture and history. They continue to learn all the characteristics of nouns and verbs in Latin while deepening their understanding of Latin vocabulary and syntax. In addition to learning myths and history of the ancient Romans they read about the Trojan War and the founding of Rome in Latin. As they develop the ability to read more complicated Latin stories, they increase their understanding of language structure as a whole.

Latin III Honors

In the third year, students complete their grammar study of the Latin language. They are introduced to the continuing tradition of the Latin language as it was used in Medieval Europe by some of the most notable scholars. Students alternate reading medieval and classical Latin while they solidify their understanding of the language.

Latin IV Honors

In Latin IV, students study the history and mythology of ancient Rome through Latin texts. These readings allow students to synthesize their years of grammar and preparation and begin to make their own deductions and observations about the impact of Roman products and practices on the western tradition and how they relate to our modern culture.

AP Latin

The AP Latin course focuses on the in-depth study of selections from two of the greatest works in Latin literature: Virgil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic War. The course requires students to prepare and translate the readings, and places these texts in a meaningful context, which helps develop critical, historical, and literary sensitivities. Throughout the course, students consider themes in the context of ancient literature and bring these works to life through classroom discussions, debates, and presentations. Additional English readings from both of these works help place the Latin readings in a significant context.

Spanish I

This initiation to Spanish language study emphasizes the development of fundamental language skills. The objective of the course is to lay a solid foundation in the four skills of language — listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students practice pronunciation and intonation of the language, and they learn to recognize words and grasp the main ideas when listening to simple spoken Spanish. They develop basic conversational skills, grammatical knowledge for writing simple sentences, and reading skills at and beyond the level of “cognate Spanish.” As the year progresses students strive for novice-mid or greater proficiency in the three modes of communication and two skill areas within each one: interpretive listening and reading, interpersonal speaking and writing, and presentational speaking and writing. The goal of the program is to help students acquire linguistic skills and cultural awareness by interweaving language and culture, and by guiding them through a progression of activities from use of authentic language through structured practice to produce creative, personalized expression. The course is taught in Spanish, with increased use of authentic materials that deal with world themes. There is also emphasis on accurate pronunciation and intonation. Language skills are developed through class activities, recordings, and videos, as well as the use of the textbook, workbooks, and readings. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the novice-mid proficiency level.

Spanish I Honors

This initiation to Spanish language study emphasizes the development of language skills. The objective of the course is to establish a solid foundation in the four skills of language — listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students practice pronunciation and intonation of the language, and they learn to recognize words and grasp the main ideas when listening to simple spoken Spanish. They develop basic conversational skills, grammatical knowledge for writing simple sentences, and reading skills at and beyond the level of “cognate Spanish.” As the year progresses students strive for greater proficiency in the three modes of communication and two skill areas within each one: interpretive listening and reading, interpersonal speaking and writing, and presentational speaking and writing. The goal of the program is to help students acquire linguistic skills and cultural awareness by interweaving language and culture, and by guiding them through a progression of activities from use of authentic language through structured practice to creative, personalized expression. The course is taught in Spanish, with increased use of authentic materials that deal with world themes. There is also emphasis on accurate pronunciation and intonation. Language skills are developed through class activities, recordings, and videos, as well as the use of the textbook, workbooks, and readings. The honors track course distinguishes itself through its faster pace and greater focus on higher order thinking and cognitively challenging communicative tasks, leading to more creative language use. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the novice-high proficiency level.

Spanish II

In Spanish II, students gain a greater ability to use all communication skills. They review the Spanish I curriculum, including basic grammar and vocabulary. The emphasis on oral skills is accompanied by increased skills in listening, reading, and writing. Through video clips and readings, students expand their vocabulary base and gain a deeper understanding of the customs, experiences and accents of the various Spanish-speaking cultures. The basic rules of the first year are redefined and augmented, and students’ knowledge of vocabulary and useful expressions for communication are more extensive and detailed. Students continue to integrate all skills for continued language development, with assessment geared to novice-high proficiency.

Spanish II Honors

This is an intensive course designed for those who have demonstrated an exceptional talent and affinity for Spanish language and culture study. The overall goal of the Spanish II Honors course is to move students toward a natural and idiomatic communicative competence. The language learning process, which includes a contextualized review and building upon the foundation of first level topics and vocabulary units, and the introduction of concepts assigned typically to the second level, is accomplished through integrating modes of communication in authentic, real life application. The new material is no sooner introduced, than it becomes integrated into communicative contexts of the language promoted throughout textbook and Web-based interactive activities. Culture is also presented and integrated contextually as students are exposed to more authentic texts and learn to read Spanish with greater fluency, comprehension, and analytical skill. Audio and audiovisual resources, which accompany the text, drive the scope and sequence of the vocabulary and grammar curriculum, additionally providing instruction in cultural awareness and understanding. The honors track course distinguishes itself through its more rigorous pace and greater focus on higher order thinking and cognitively challenging communicative tasks, leading to more creative language use. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the intermediate-low proficiency level.

Spanish III

This third-year Spanish course includes a comprehensive review of basic Spanish grammar. However, it is designed to move toward intermediate language skills in the three modes of communication: interpretive listening, reading, and viewing; interpersonal speaking and writing; and presentational speaking and writing. This Spanish III course is designed to strengthen and to build upon all the skills that students have acquired in previous levels. Students improve their listening skills through audio and video activities and develop their comprehension and interpretive skills through exposure to authentic print passages. Speaking and writing skills are developed through discussion and composition work, including personal response to authentic texts, such as film clips and readings. Students are expected to apply learning in realistic communication, using Spanish to create meaning and work toward a greater understanding of the culture of Spanish-speaking communities of the world.

Spanish III Honors

This course is designed to more fully develop intermediate language skills in the three modes of communication: interpretive listening, reading, and viewing; interpersonal speaking and writing; and presentational speaking and writing. The Spanish III Honors course is designed to strengthen and to build upon the skills that students have acquired in previous levels. Grammatical concepts are reviewed and expanded to include more sophisticated vocabulary, taught in a meaningful, contextualized way. Students improve their listening skills through audio and video activities and develop their comprehension and analytical skills through exposure to authentic print passages of varying degrees of length, complexity, and cultural impact. Speaking and writing skills are developed through discussion and composition work, including both analysis and personal response to authentic texts, such as film clips and readings. Students are expected to apply learning in realistic communication, using Spanish to create meaning, as well as building intercultural competence through exploration of the perspectives of Spanish-speaking communities of the world. The honors track course distinguishes itself through its more rigorous pace and greater focus on higher order thinking and cognitively challenging communicative tasks, leading to more creative language production. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the intermediate-mid proficiency level.

Spanish IV Honors

This course provides an additional year of language study for students who are planning to take AP Spanish Language and Culture, but want or need another year to reinforce and advance their level of proficiency in interpretive listening and reading, interpersonal speaking and writing, and presentational speaking and writing, all areas that define language communication and are assessed on the AP exam. As a pre-AP course students work toward ease and clarity of expression as they reinforce and build on prior grammar and vocabulary. AP themes are introduced through plentiful authentic print, audio, and audiovisual resources, leading students to develop a rich, thematic vocabulary, which enables them to routinely communicate about the world in which they live. Learners not only develop greater proficiency in language communication, but also in cultural knowledge as they make connections and comparisons between Spanish-speaking communities of the world and their own community, ultimately leading to greater intercultural competency. An integrated approach to learning provides students interactive Web resources that both reinforce and enhance learning, within the classroom environment, at home, and in real-world application. Assessment of all communication is geared toward the intermediate-high proficiency level.

Spanish Cinema Honors

The Spanish Cinema course is designed for students taking an advanced Spanish course with a focus on Hispanic culture through film. The films selected are a rich source of meaningful cultural information that allow students to learn about a country’s culture (history, politics, social issues, etc.) through discussion and analysis of its content. Additionally, students will use the cultural and historical material presented in developing their proficiency in all aspects of the language (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). For each film, students will study the cultural context necessary for comprehension, analyze and discuss the major themes , and make connections between these themes and larger cultural issues that pertain to the Spanish-speaking world.
AP Spanish Language & Culture

AP Spanish Language and Culture is intended for students who wish to achieve greater proficiency (advanced-low to advanced-mid) while integrating their language skills, basing content on authentic materials and sources. Students who enroll should already have a functional knowledge of the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples and should have attained a reasonable proficiency in using the language. Students explore the various themes and contexts of the AP Spanish curriculum while also considering essential questions that are addressed in the global community. Products, practices, and perspectives of Spanish- speaking cultures of the world are explored and strengthened, while also comparing them to the students’ home community and culture. All authentic print, audio, and audiovisual materials are engaging, relevant, and especially appropriate as they give students thematic vocabulary and contextualized grammar and structure, all with the goal of reaching greater communicative competency.

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course helps prepare students to demonstrate their level of Spanish proficiency across three communicative modes (interpersonal [interactive communication], interpretive [receptive communication], and presentational [productive communication]), and the five goal areas as outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities). The course is meant to be comparable to fifth semester college and university courses that focus on spoken and written communication in the target language at an advanced level. Higher order thinking is key as students seek to analyze, evaluate, infer, conclude, and predict within the various contexts explored. Grammar and vocabulary are reinforced, reviewed, and strengthened in meaningful context, making learning more relevant and natural. Students will be prepared to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam in May and should be successful in any university placement test.

AP Spanish Literature & Culture

This course uses a thematic approach to introduce students to representative texts (short stories, novels, poetry, and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and United States Hispanic literature. Themes promote the exploration of literature in a variety of contexts and develop students’ abilities to make cross-textual and cross-cultural connections. Additionally, students continue to develop language proficiency across a full range of language skills, with special attention focused on language used in critical reading and analytical writing. Students develop proficiencies across the full range of communication modes (interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive), thereby honing their critical reading and analytical writing skills. Literature is examined within the context of its time and place, as students reflect on the many voices and cultures present in the required readings. The course also includes a strong focus on cultural connections and comparisons, including exploration of various media (e.g., art, film, articles, literary criticism). Students will be prepared for the AP exam in May, for questions based on the six learning objectives and all themes, focusing on works from the required reading list and works that are not on the required reading list. The exam assesses the interpretive and presentational modes of communication and students’ ability to analyze literature in context.

Advanced Topics in Spanish

This class is offered to students who have already taken the AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam, have developed a strong interest in the Spanish language, and wish to apply it to anticipated university studies and future professions. Curriculum is designed to further develop the three modes of communication and advance skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also expanding their knowledge of Spanish-speaking cultures and communities. Topics are based on authentic texts that boost students’ language skills in practical contexts and authentic cultural settings. The class will explore a variety of print, visual, audio, and audiovisual texts (such as Web sites, blogs, literature, news sources, etc.). Students will have the opportunity to learn specialized vocabulary and structures as they explore topics based on their academic areas of interest (science, medicine, politics, business and finance, etc.). They will evaluate, discuss, and process what they learn through discussions, presentations, papers, and projects.

Spanish Conversation and Culture

Spanish Conversation and Culture, offered to juniors and seniors who have taken and completed at least two years of World Language classes in high school, provides Spanish language learning opportunities to students that motivate and accelerate their abilities to communicate effectively. Spanish Conversation and Culture students spend time interacting with and engaging in exercises that feed the acquisition of Spanish language and immerse them in Hispanic culture. Students use Comprehensible Input (CI) techniques, which include speaking slowly, repeating key words and phrases, and reading Spanish texts of appropriate complexity. CI makes Spanish comprehensible and engaging for students, and these qualities help build their communication skills in the language.
In this class, we read novels, written in Spanish, that motivate students to embrace independent reading within this (CI) learning environment. This means, when language learners read in the target language (TL) at a level that they understand, they are providing themselves with comprehensible input that leads to language acquisition. Because the Spanish language is inextricably linked to cultures of its speakers, Spanish Conversation and Culture re-creates language and provides opportunities for cultural immersion. Through input-rich, planned lessons that are kept comprehensible, students acquire language and understand culture simultaneously. (CI) activities provide Spanish students with opportunities to develop cultural understanding at a depth rarely achieved in Novice courses. 90% of this class is conducted in Spanish, so students must communicate exclusively in the target language.
Note: This elective option is an exit course offered to students under special circumstances as determined by the World Language Department and Dean of Instruction.
Students in Spanish Conversation and Culture are expected (as all students) to take the STAMP test and demonstrate growth from their scores the previous year.