WORLD LANGUAGES

ìThe Courses offered in foreign language are all communication-based. From the beginning of level I through Level IV-V, students are expected to use language creatively in real-life situations. As students move up the ladder of language proficiency they are challenged with content-based lessons which focus on their critical thinking skills. All students keep a portfolio of their oral and written work which contains samples of performance-based assessment. Beginning in the second year of language study, students have the opportunity to be evaluated through the Oral Proficiency Interview, a national standard of proficiency. All courses have a interdisciplinary focus with a particular emphasis on art, music, history, geography, and literature.î

FRENCH I (p)
Grade Level: 9 through 12
Prerequisite: None
During the first year of French, students learn the basic skills needed to communicate in everyday situations. Through individual and group activities, students are introduced to the important vocabulary and structure of French within a cultural context. Students read simple texts about the French-speaking world, listen to authentic French speakers on video and audiotapes, and write simple sentences about their personal experiences.

FRENCH II (p)
Grade Level 9 through 12
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in French I/or approval of teacher
French II students improve the communication skills developed in French I. They develop the ability to make statements about themselves, ask and give information, and be more creative with the language. Students expand their vocabulary of everyday life and learn the basic verb tenses. As the year progresses, students read short stories and texts dealing with various aspects of French culture. Students write short paragraphs describing personal experiences and listen to authentic conversations and music on video and audiotapes.
 
FRENCH III (p)
Grade Level: 10 through 12
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in French II/or approval of teacher
French III students perfect and use the basic skills already achieved in levels I and II. Students learn to sustain conversations on wide range of topics in their lives. Students are introduced to the more complex verb tenses and grammatical structures of the language as they read short stories, poems, and authentic texts. Students write short compositions describing personal experiences and opinions. They develop their listening skills through French radio, television, and music.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE (Level IV) (p)
Grade Level: 11 through 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in French III/or approval of teacher
The French Language Advanced Placement course is designed to challenge the advanced student. All classwork is done in French in order to perfect the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening which are tested on the A.P. French Language Exam. Students do intensive reading, discuss and debate their ideas about contemporary social issues, and write these ideas in formal composition. Students hear authentic French through radio, TV programs, music and speakers.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LITERATURE (Level V) (p)
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in A.P. French Language IV/or approval of teacher
A.P. French Literature is a college-level literature course which involves an extensive reading list of French novels, poetry, short stories, play, and essays. Students Learn to interpret and discuss French literature, using specific literary terms. After reading the literature, students write analytical compositions. This course is intended only for the most advanced students.

SPANISH I (p)
Grade Level: 9 through 12
Prerequisite: None
First year Spanish students learn to speak, listen, read and write about everyday life in Spanish-speaking countries. Through individual and group activities, students are introduced to the important vocabulary and structures of Spanish within the cultural context. Students read simple texts about the Spanish-speaking world, listen to authentic Spanish speakers on video and audiotapes, and write simple sentences about their personal experiences.

SPANISH II (p)
Grade Level: 9 through 12
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Spanish I/or approval of teacher
Spanish II students improve the communication skills developed in Spanish I. They develop the ability to make statements about themselves, to ask and give information, and to be more creative with the language. Students expand their vocabulary of everyday life and learn the basic verb tenses. Students also read short stories and authentic texts of the Spanish-speaking world. They write short paragraphs and listen to authentic conversations and music on tapes.
 

SPANISH III (p)
Grade Level: 10 through 12
Grade Level: 11 through 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Spanish III or teacher approval
The A.P. Spanish Language course is designed to challenge the advanced student of Spanish. All classwork is conducted in Spanish in order to perfect the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening, which are tested on the A.P. Spanish Language Exam. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Spanish II/or approval of teacher
Spanish III Students perfect skills achieved in levels I and II. Students learn to converse on a wide range of topics. They are introduced to the more complex verb tenses and grammatical structures as they read short stories, poetry, and authentic texts. Students write short compositions describing personal experiences and opinions. They also listen to interviews, conversations, and stories from radio, television, and other media.

A.P. SPANISH LANGUAGE (Level IV) (p)
Grade Level: 11 through 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Spanish III or teacher approval
Students read short stories, plays poetry, newspaper and magazine articles. They discuss and debate ideas of contemporary social issues and write in informal compositions. Students hear the language through various types of media.

A.P. SPANISH LITERATURE (Level V) (p)
Grade Level: 12 for non-natives, 9-12 for natives
Prerequisite:  Grade of B or better in A.P. Spanish IV and Teacher approval or ability to speak, understand, read and write Spanish through personal experience. Approval of Teacher.
A.P. Spanish Literature is a college-level literature course which involves an extensive reading list of Spanish novels, poetry, short stories, plays, and essays.  Students learn to interpret and discuss Spanish literature, using specific literary terms.  After reading the literature, students write analytical compositions.  This course is intended only for the most advanced students.

SPANISH FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS (Level I) (p)
Grade Level: 9 through 12
Prerequisite:  Ability to speak and understand Spanish through personal experience.  Approval of Teacher
Spanish for Speakers of Spanish I is a special course designed to help native speakers improve their oral,  listening, reading,  and writing skills in Spanish.  Native speakers will also learn about Latino culture and history through themes including identity, family, and community.  They will be encouraged to share their own traditions and experiences.

SPANISH FOR SPANISH SPEAKER (Level II) (p)
Grade Level: 9 through 12
Prerequisite:  Ability to speak, read, write, and understand Spanish at an intermediate level of proficiency.  Passing grade of a ìCî or better in SSSI and / or recommendation of Teacher based on placement test.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers II is designed to further reinforce language skills through the reading and discussing of a wide range of literary works, cultural themes, and current events.  Students read Spanish novels, poetry, short stories, plays and essays.  Students write analytical compositions and essays.  Students will  have the opportunity to prepare for the AP Spanish language exam.