World Language
The World Languages Department helps develop students into active members of a global society through the study of world languages and cultures. To attain greater benefit from the World Language program, students are advised to begin their language study as early as possible and to continue in a language through their senior year. Students also have the opportunity to study more than one language.
World Language Courses
French
French 1 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
This course introduces college bound students to the French language and culture. Students gain exposure to the language through video scenes, recorded conversations, music and frequent interactive classroom activities. The class proceeds at a moderate pace and students should expect homework assignments for additional practice of classroom activities. Students develop gradually a familiarity with the French phonetic system for an accurate spelling and pronunciation of words. Students learn about countries where French is spoken and examine the difference between American and French culture. By the end of the course, students are able to function in written and oral form in a variety of areas, such as expressing likes and dislikes, and describing their school, families, and friends. Students in level French 1A wishing to move to French 2A must have a “C” and a teacher recommendation. Students wishing to move on to French 2H or French 3H must have an “A” in the course, a teacher recommendation, and must complete a summer assignment to move up to the Honors level.
French 1A/2A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): RMS/RHS Teacher Recommendation
This course introduces and reinforces the French language and culture. French 1A/2A proceeds at a moderate pace for language acquisition. Students are guided through the interconnected goals of Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities, as they develop their language skills. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to communicate about a variety of topics such as: likes and dislikes, description of their community, daily routine, past experiences, sports, health, travel, shopping, and leisure activities. They will be expected to be able to write short compositions and make brief presentations. Students in French 1A wishing to move on to French 3A must have a “B-“ in the course or better and a teacher recommendation. Students in French 2A wishing to move on to French 3A must have a “C“ in the course or better and a teacher recommendation. Students in level French 1A wishing to move to French 2A must have a “C” and a teacher recommendation. Students wishing to move on to French 2H or French 3H must have an “A” in the course, a teacher recommendation, and must complete a summer assignment to move up to the Honors level.
French 2 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Prerequisite(s): French 1(0521) with a “C” or above
This course builds on the skills acquired in French 1. Everyday topics are still the focus of the class, but the students’ vocabulary is expanded and their grammar refined so that they are able to express their opinions and describe their experiences in a more precise manner. Students are exposed to video scenes taken from daily life events, recorded conversations, and different forms of interactive activities. The course proceeds at a moderate pace and requires review of class work and homework assignments. By the end of this course students are able to function in a variety of contexts including discussions related to hobbies, school, travel in France, dining out, past experiences, and future plans. Assessments are based on a variety of activities including short compositions, oral presentations and skits, which demonstrate the students’ written and oral progress in the language. Students in level French 2A wishing to move to French 3A must have a “C” and a teacher recommendation. Students wishing to move on to French 3H must have an “A” in the course, a teacher recommendation, and must complete a summer assignment to move up to the Honors level.
French 2 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Prerequisite(s): French 1 (0521) with a “A” and teacher recommendation
The program for French 2 H lays the groundwork for the College Board’s requirements for the Advanced Placement French language and culture exam offered in level 5AP. Students will strengthen communication skills in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modalities by studying grammatical structures. The course will also enhance students’ knowledge of French-speaking cultures and perspectives related to diverse themes. The pace of this class is accelerated and students choosing to take this class must assume the responsibility for independent work and review at home on a daily basis. This class is conducted 90% of the time in French.
French 3 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): French 2 H (0527) with a “B” or above or French 2A with an “A”, teacher recommendation, extensive summer work and a test
before the start of the school year.
The program for French 3H continues to lay the groundwork for the College Board’s requirements for the Advanced Placement French language and culture exam offered in level 5 AP. Students will strengthen communication skills in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modalities by deepening the study of grammatical structures covered in previous levels. The course will also enhance students’ knowledge of French speaking cultures and perspectives related to diverse themes. The pace of this class is accelerated and students choosing to take this class must assume the responsibility for independent work and review at home on a daily basis. This class is conducted mostly in French.
French 3 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): French 2 (0522) with a “C” or above
This course is intended for students seeking to further develop their linguistic skills in the French language. Students will enhance their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking the language through a wide range of activities and with the aid of multiple resources including video, music, computer software, audio recordings, and various texts. Students’ confidence and ability to express themselves in the target language will improve dramatically in this course as they expand their vocabulary and gain experience using more complex grammatical and linguistic structures. At this level, students interact frequently with one another and are called upon to simulate a wide range of everyday encounters with their peers. In order to reinforce the material covered in class, students should anticipate homework assignments. Assessments may include oral and written tests and quizzes, skits, dialogues, short essays and class presentations.
French 4 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): French 3H (0528) with a “B” or above or French 3 (0523) with an “A”, teacher recommendation, extensive summer work and a test
before the start of the school year.
The program for French 4H continues to prepare students for the College Board’s requirements for the Advanced Placement French language and culture exam offered in level 5 AP. Students will strengthen communication skills in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modalities by mastering a variety of grammatical structures. The course will also enhance students’ knowledge of French speaking cultures and perspectives related to diverse themes, including highlights of French history from the megalithic period to the present. The pace of this class is accelerated and students choosing to take this class must assume the responsibility for independent work and review at home on a daily basis. This class is conducted entirely in French except for grammar explanation.
French 4 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): French 3 (0523) with a “C” or above.
This course is intended for students seeking to further develop their linguistic skills and gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of French culture. Students learn to express themselves on a more advanced level, not only recounting or predicting personal experiences, but also making inquiries, offering opinion and insight in hypothetical terms on various topics of cultural interest. Students explore plot development, discuss relevant themes, examine historical context and analyze characters in French films. Students hone their comprehension skills using authentic short stories, fables, poems, songs and advertisements from the target culture. Students are required to participate daily in class in French. Assessments may include oral and written tests and quizzes, skits, projects, essays and class presentations.
French 5 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 12
Prerequisite(s): French 4(0524) with a “C” or above
French 5 is a conversation class for college bound students who are committed to further developing their oral proficiency while exploring topics relevant to today’s society. Students research, discuss, analyze and debate numerous issues of interest which may include art, cuisine, politics, tourism, science, sports, technology, education, and fashion using French newspapers, magazines, films, poetry and music. The class is conducted 90% of the time in French and students are expected to contribute to class discussions on a daily basis. Assessments include frequent oral reports, oral and written quizzes and tests, skits, simulations, and essays.
Advanced Placement French Language and Culture
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): French 4H (0530) with a “B” or above and teacher recommendation or French 4 (0524) with an “A”, teacher recommendation,
extensive summer work and a test before the start of the school year.
This course is the culmination of the French AP program and is designed to prepare students for the AP French Language and Culture Exam. The AP course focuses on Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational modes of communication emphasizing cultural awareness within six thematic units. These themes are: 1) global challenges, 2) science and technology, 3) contemporary life, 4) personal and public identities, 5) family and communities and 6) beauty and aesthetics. Students will acquire idiomatic expressions, expand their vocabulary, and refine their grammatical skills with the use of authentic French media sources. This class is conducted entirely in French. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP exam in May
German
German 1 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
This course offers students an exposure to the German language and culture. A focus will be placed on basic communication skills as well as basic grammar structure. Students will be learning through short conversations, videos, presentations, music, current events and frequent interactive classroom activities. This class proceeds at a moderate pace and students should expect frequent homework assignments for additional practice. Students will be developing their pronunciation skills throughout the course. Students will learn about Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and compare and contrast these cultures with our own. By the end of the course, students are able to function in written and oral form in a variety of areas, such as expressing likes and dislikes, and describing their school, families, and friends.
German 1A/2A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): RMS teacher recommendation
This course introduces and reinforces the German language and culture. German 1A/2A proceeds at a moderate pace for language acquisition. Students are guided through the interconnected goals of Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities as they develop their language skills. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to communicate about a variety of topics such as family, school, weather, geography, chores and shopping. They will be expected to be able to write short compositions and make brief presentations. Students in German 1A wishing to move on to German 3A must have a “B-“ in the course or better and a teacher recommendation. Students in German 2A wishing to move on to German 3A must have a “C“ in the course or better and a teacher recommendation. Students in level German 1A wishing to move to German 2A must have a “C” and a teacher recommendation. Students wishing to move on to German 2H or German 3H must have an “A” in the course, a teacher recommendation, and must complete a summer assignment to move up to the Honors level.
German 2 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): RMS German with a C or above and teacher recommendation
This course continues to build on the topics and grammar acquired in German I at a moderate pace. There will be new units on travel and vacationing, weather, life in the city and in the country, daily and weekend activities. Students will be held responsible to actively acquire new vocabulary related to the topics discussed in class. A video series will further expose the students to the new vocabulary, the country of Germany and its customs. Students will need to show the ability to recognize time indications and communicate effectively in the present, past and future tense. Because the topic of travel and the knowledge of the German states and cities are interconnected, a presentation of an imaginary trip to Germany will be required of all students in the target language. Assessments will further include traditional tests and quizzes, oral presentations and skits.
German 2 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): RMS German with a B or better and teacher recommendation
This course continues to build on the topics and grammar acquired in German I at an in-depth and accelerated pace. The course proceeds primarily in German and requires intensive oral and written practice. Students will be held responsible for actively acquiring new vocabulary related to topics discussed in class with increasing grammatical accuracy. Communicative proficiency remains the primary goal. Topics include school, house and chores, shopping, weather and geography of the German speaking countries.
German 3 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): German 2 (0502) with “C” or above and teacher recommendation
The course proceeds mostly in German and will involve daily review and practice at home. Students will review previously introduced grammar and vocabulary and will master additional vocabulary and new grammatical structures. In this course, students will acquire knowledge of the culture of a variety of German speaking cities, read several short stories and deepen and expand their mastery of food and restaurant related vocabulary. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to give short oral presentations on a variety of topics and will engage in basic conversation on topics of personal interest. They will be expected to write compositions on a variety of prompts related to the content of the course.
German 3 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): German 2H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation.
Continuing with an emphasis on communication, students in German 3H move away from patterning exercises and onto open-ended language construction. The course proceeds primarily in German and requires active participation in class. Students will strengthen communication skills in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modalities while deepening the study of grammatical structures covered in previous levels. The course will enhance students’ knowledge of the German speaking culture and its perspectives related to diverse themes. Topics throughout the year include short stories, train station, public transportation, travel, food and restaurant.
German 4 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): German 3H with a “B” or above and teacher Recommendation or German 3A with an “A”, teacher recommendation, and extensive
summer work
This course continues to prepare students for the College Board's requirements for the Advanced Placement German language and culture exam offered in level 5 AP. Students will continue to strengthen their communication skills in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modalities by mastering a variety of grammatical structures. The course will further students' knowledge of the German speaking culture and its perspectives related to diverse themes. Topics include the reading of a mystery, the culture of several German cities, a German movie series, short stories and inventions. The pace of this class is accelerated and students choosing to take this class must assume the responsibility for independent work and review at home. This class is conducted entirely in German except for grammar instruction.
German 4 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): German 3A with a “C” or above and teacher recommendation
This course is designed to strengthen students’ proficiency in German through a variety of units and topics. Students will review previously introduced grammar and vocabulary and will further develop their skills in reading about and discussing various aspects of everyday life, such as shopping for food and going to school. Short stories and short novels designed for language learners will be used to provide rich opportunities for engaging with the language in its written form. In addition, authentic materials will be incorporated into the curriculum to provide valuable insights into the cultures of German-speaking countries. Students will be expected to write compositions on a variety of prompts related to the content of the course.
German 5 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): German 4A with a “C” or above and teacher recommendation
This course strengthens the conversational skills of students through the exploration of topics relevant to today’s German-speaking world. In class, students will read and discuss short stories and texts relating to such topics as travel, entertainment, and leisure activities. There will be an extended focus on the cultural traditions and history of Austria, and authentic materials will be incorporated whenever possible to provide a contemporary view of German-speaking societies. Students are expected to participate in class discussions regularly and will be expected to write compositions on a variety of prompts related to the content of the course.
Advanced Placement German Language and Culture
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): German 4H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation. German 4A with an “A”, a teacher recommendation, and extensive
summer work
This course is comprised of six thematic units which will serve to prepare students for the revised German Language and Culture Exam. The six units are 1) global challenges, 2) science and technology, 3) contemporary life, 4) personal and public identities, 5) family and communities, and 6) beauty and aesthetics. The primary goal of the course is communicative, but grammar structures will be reviewed within each thematic unit. Each unit will incorporate the following six skills: interpersonal spoken, interpersonal writing, audio and visual interpretive, written and print interpretive and presentational spoken and written. All materials from the class will be authentic and German will be used exclusively in the classroom.
Latin
Latin 1 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Language Teacher Recommendation
This course is intended to introduce the students to the structure and syntax of the Latin Language, and to train the students to examine the parallels between Latin and English syntax, structure, and vocabulary. The students will study basic communication skills by using learner centered instruction, collaboration, and appreciation of language from the Classical period to the present. Students will be expected to read and comprehend elementary Latin passages as well as learn Latin vocabulary and English derivatives. The students are also expected to do self-directed research in order to produce projects involving the domestic culture of the ancient Romans.
Latin 1A/2A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Language Teacher Recommendation
This course is intended to introduce and reinforce the Latin language and Roman culture. Latin 1A/2A proceeds at a moderate pace for language acquisition. Students are guided through the interconnected goals of Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities as they develop their language skills. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to communicate about a variety of topics such as daily routine, ancient sports, ancient history and warfare, health, travel, ancient markets and leisure activities. Students will be expected to be able to make presentations, involving cultural and language topics. Students in Latin 1A wishing to move on to Latin 3A must have a “B-“ in the course or better and a teacher recommendation. Students in Latin 2A wishing to move on to Latin 3A must have a “C“ in the course or better and a teacher recommendation. Students in level Latin 1A wishing to move to Latin 2A must have a “C” and a teacher recommendation. Students wishing to move on to Latin 2H or Latin 3H must have an “A” in the course, a teacher recommendation, and must complete a summer assignment to move up to the Honors level.
Latin 2 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Latin 1 with a C grade or above
This course continues the instruction of the structure and syntax of the Latin language. Emphasis is on the Latin of the Classical period. Students will be expected to read and comprehend demanding Latin passages as well as learn Latin vocabulary and English derivatives. The students are also expected to do self-directed research in order to produce projects involving the culture of the Ancient Romans.
Latin 2 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): RMS Latin with an “A” or above. Latin 1H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation
Latin 2 H students continue to learn the basic grammar of Latin and advance through more complex and refined aspects of the language at an accelerated pace. They will use the second volume of the series, The Oxford Latin Course Part II, as their basic text. The stories in the text will center on Rome at the end of the Republic and will expose the students to Roman government, architecture, and the ancient Romans’ lifestyles. In addition to the textbook work, the students are expected to research several topics on either history or culture during the year. Assessments will be made through tests, projects, quizzes and homework. The major goal of this course is to provide the student with the basic skills necessary to read more fully developed Latin stories so that they may continue their study either at the high school or in a college or university.
Latin 3 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Latin 2H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation, or Latin 2A with “A” or above, and teacher recommendation
Latin 3 H students will complete their study of Latin grammar and begin to read Latin literature. They will use the third volume of the series, The Oxford Latin Course Part III as their basic text. In this year the stories revolve around the main character of Horace, the poet, and his success during the Augustan Age. Some poems by Horace are presented to the student for translation and analysis. In addition to the textbook work, the students are expected to research several topics on either history or culture during the year. Assessments will be made through tests, projects, quizzes and homework. The major goal of this course is to provide the student with the skills necessary to translate, interpret, and analyze actual Latin. After completing this year the student will be prepared to read other famous authors either at the high school or college level.
Latin 3 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Latin 2A with a “C” average or above
This course accommodates the dedicated and involved Latin student in the further study of the Latin language. The curriculum includes advanced grammar and vocabulary, more challenging readings and an introduction to the elements of linguistic style. This course will prepare the student to achieve Latin reading, comprehension and writing skills at the college level. The students will complete both daily and long-term assignments that will utilize advanced level cognitive, auditory, and decoding abilities. The students will also be expected to generate research projects or papers connecting the culture of the ancient world to the present.
Latin 4/5 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Latin 3H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation. Latin 3A with “A” and teacher recommendation
Latin 4/5 H has a curriculum which includes famous authors of the gold and Silver Ages in Latin literature. The course will involve reading translating, understanding, and analyzing Latin in the original texts of Caesar, Horace, Catullus, Eutropius, Augustus, Ovid, Cicero, Plinius Minor and others. This course requires that students be highly motivated and conscientious students. Assessment of student skill will be made through homework, exams, research, projects, and analytical interpretation.
AP Latin
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Latin 3H/4H/5H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation
AP Latin offers the curriculum which adheres closely to the AP Latin Course Description and curriculum prescribed by the College Board. The students will read selections from the Aeneid, the famous Roman epic poem written by Vergil in the 1st century BC, and selections from Julius Caesar’s battle commentaries in ancient France, Germany and Britain, called The Gallic War. These texts will allow students to encounter some of the important people, events, and literary genres of Roman times, focusing on the famous periods of the late Republic and the early Principate. Vergil’s Aeneid, arguably the most influential work of Latin literature, is both a model of Latin poetic style and a profound meditation on the meaning of Roman history and civilization. Caesar’s Gallic War, for generations a standard school text, is rightly admired both for its pure and straightforward Latinity and for its historical interest, as it engages with controversial issues of war and peace, empire, ethnicity, leadership, and the roles and purposes of
historiography. English readings from Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic War are also required elements of the course. Of course, the AP Latin curriculum demands highly motivated and conscientious students. Students who successfully complete the course are able to read, understand, translate, and analyze Latin poetry and prose. Assessments will include homework, exams, sight translations, research projects, recitations, and analytical and interpretative essays. The students will be prepared to take the AP Latin Examination in May.
Spanish
Spanish 1 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces Spanish language and culture to college bound students. It is a course that proceeds at a moderate pace and requires daily review of homework. Students are guided through the interconnected goals of Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities as they develop their language skills. At the completion of this course, students are able to function in written and oral form in a variety of areas, such as expressing likes and dislikes, and describing their school, families, and friends.
Spanish 2 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): RMS Spanish with an “A” or above, Spanish 1A with an “A” or above, and teacher recommendation
This accelerated course is designed for the highly motivated
and linguistically talented student who wishes to pursue at an accelerated pace the study of the Spanish language. The course proceeds primarily in Spanish and requires intensive oral and written practice. Students will be expected to make short presentations and write compositions showing evidence of rich vocabulary and correct grammar in the present, past and future. Students will be able to compare and contrast both orally and in written form the cultural heritage of Costa Rica, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and México. During the fourth quarter students will read Mexican legends and compose their own legend. Assessments will include traditional tests and quizzes, oral presentations and compositions.
Spanish 2 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): RMS Spanish with “C” or above. RHS Spanish 1A with “C” or above and teacher recommendation
This course is appropriate for students planning to attend college. It is a challenging course, in which students are guided through the interconnected goals of Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities, as they develop their language skills. It proceeds at a moderate pace that requires daily review at home. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to communicate about a variety of topics such as daily routine, past experiences, sports, health, travel, shopping, and leisure activities. They will be expected to be able to write short compositions and make brief presentations.
Spanish 3 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Spanish 2H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation. Spanish 2A with an “A”, teacher recommendation, extensive summer work, and a test
before the start of the school year
This course is intended for students who are committed to and enthusiastic about language learning, and want a more in-depth, challenging experience. The course proceeds primarily in Spanish and requires intensive practice and oral expression. The course follows the book Realidades 3. Other readings, movies and online sources related to the units studied will be included. Communication and meaningful context in language are key concepts of the course. Students will continue to improve communication skills in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes. Students will continue to develop their writing skills with personal and analytical essays, commenting on some historical events and artistic works. The pace of the course is accelerated and requires independent review of topics.
Spanish 3 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Spanish 2A with “C” or above and teacher recommendation
This course is appropriate for students preparing for college. The course proceeds mostly in Spanish and will involve daily review and practice at home. Students will review previously introduced grammar and vocabulary and will master additional vocabulary and new grammatical structures. In this course, students will acquire knowledge of the culture and civilization of several Latin-American countries, through readings, videos and Internet activities. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to give oral presentations on a variety of topics and will engage in basic conversation on topics of personal interest. They will be expected to write short compositions on a variety of topics.
Spanish 4 H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Spanish 3H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation or Spanish 3A with “A” and teacher recommendation, extensive summer work,
and a test before the start of the school year
This course continues to prepare students for the College Board's requirements for the Advanced Placement Spanish language and culture exam offered in level 5 AP. Students will strengthen communication skills in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modalities by mastering a variety of grammatical structures. The course will also enhance students' knowledge of Spanish speaking cultures and perspectives related to diverse themes, including highlights of Latin American history and geography. The pace of this class is accelerated and students choosing to take this class must assume the responsibility for independent work and review at home on a daily basis. This class is conducted entirely in Spanish.
Spanish 4 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Spanish 3A (0563) with “C” or above and teacher recommendation
This course is appropriate for students preparing for college. It is a challenging later intermediate level course in which students will continue to expand their skills in the primary areas of modern language study: reading, writing, speaking and listening. The course proceeds primarily in Spanish and will involve daily review and practice at home. Students will review previously introduced grammar and vocabulary and will master additional vocabulary and new grammatical structures. In this course, students will acquire knowledge of the culture and civilization of several Latin America countries. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to give oral presentations on a variety of topics. They will be expected to write compositions on a variety of prompts related to class. The course is supplemented by movies related to the topics being studied.
Spanish 5 A
1.0 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Spanish 4A with “C” or above and teacher recommendation
This course is appropriate for students preparing for college. It is a challenging culminating course in which students will continue to expand and refine their skills in the primary areas of modern language study: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The course proceeds primarily in Spanish and will involve daily review and practice at home. Students will review previously introduced grammar and vocabulary and will learn additional vocabulary and new grammatical structures. In this course, students will acquire knowledge of the culture of the Spanish speaking world and it will focus on the culture and history of Mexico. Students will also continue to explore representative works of Spanish and Latin American literature. They will further refine their skills at giving oral presentations on a variety of topics. They will be expected to speak in Spanish and write compositions and essays on a variety of prompts related to the literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to continue their language studies at the college level. The course is supplemented by movies related to the topics being studied.
Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Spanish 4H with “B” or above and teacher recommendation or Spanish 4A with an “A”, teacher recommendation, and extensive summer work,
and a test before the start of the school year
This course strengthens the conversational skills of college-bound students through the exploration of topics relevant to today’s Spanish-speaking world. This course focuses on Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational modes of communication emphasizing cultural awareness within five thematic units. These themes are: 1) global challenges, 2) contemporary life, 3) personal and public identities, 4) family and communities and 5) beauty and aesthetics. In class, students will read and discuss short stories and texts relating to such topics and there will be an extended focus on the cultural traditions and history of Mexico. Authentic materials will be incorporated whenever possible to provide a contemporary view of the Spanish speaking world. The class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish and students are expected to contribute to class discussions daily. Assessments include frequent oral reports, oral and written quizzes and tests, skits, and essays.