Foreign Languages
The general objective of the Language Department is to accomplish the National Goals and Standards of foreign language learning in the following areas: communication, connections with other disciplines, comparisons with native language, understanding of culture, and use of language in the community, thus enhancing students’ ability to function more effectively in the global community of the 21st century.
Credit for the first semester is required for enrollment in the second semester of each course.
FRENCH
FRENCH 1 2 sem. 1 credit
This course introduces the study of the French language and the culture of French-speaking people. Students learn basic grammar, pronunciation, reading, writing and elementary conversations through a variety of activities.
FRENCH 2 and FRENCH 2 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: French 1; teacher recommendation for honors
In this course students continue to develop the fundamental skills of speaking, reading and writing French. The language is related to daily life through the study of light literature, current events and culture. In addition, honors students are required to take more comprehensive tests, and complete additional readings, proficiency projects, and reports.
FRENCH 3 and FRENCH 3 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: French 2 or French 2 Honors
This course centers on an in-depth grammar study and extensive vocabulary development. Reading and self-expression are emphasized. A novel and several short stories are read and discussed. Honors students are required to take more comprehensive tests and complete additional readings, proficiency projects, and reports.
FRENCH 4 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: French 3 Honors or teacher recommendation
This course is designed for serious students of the French language. Expression in oral and written language continues to be emphasized; the study of French literature and culture is continued. Some AP materials are included to prepare those students who are intending to take the AP exam. Those students also work independently and meet with the teacher outside of class time.
AP FRENCH 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: French 4 Honors or invitation by department
This advanced class emphasizes skills in communicating including understanding French in various contexts; vocabulary for reading non-technical writings; and expressing oneself coherently, resourcefully, creatively, and with fluency and accuracy in both written and spoken French. Course content includes the arts, current events, literature, and sports. Materials used include audio and video recordings, films, newspapers and magazines, and practice tests for the AP exam.
GERMAN
GERMAN 1 2 sem. 1 credit
Macht Spaß! Study the language that English originated from! This course introduces the German language and the people who speak it through a variety of brief readings and activities. Students learn pronunciation and study basic grammar and writing through conversations, exercises, songs and films. Through practice in real-life situations, students leave German 1 with a proficiency in speaking basic German and a better understanding of the customs and traditions of German-speaking people, including German Americans.
GERMAN 2 and GERMAN 2 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: German 1; teacher recommendation for honors
Macht Vergnugen! The culture and history of the German-speaking people is examined in greater depth in German 2. Longer readings and authentic examples of written and spoken German are just two of the tools used to strengthen students’ oral and written proficiency. Students further their communication skills and begin to work with the language on a more advanced level. Emphasis on language acquisition through vocabulary and grammar development offers the German 2 student the ability to communicate with other German speakers.
GERMAN 3 and GERMAN 3 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: German 2 or German 2 Honors
Macht Freunde! Students begin to broaden their understanding of the German speaking people with examination of other German speaking countries and some of the simpler German literary works. Students will build a more extensive vocabulary and begin using more complex grammatical structures in both written and oral communication. Self-expression is emphasized, and students continue to explore the contemporary and historical lives of German speakers.
GERMAN 4 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: German 3 Honors or teacher recommendation
This course is designed for serious German language students. A collection of short stories and poems of well-known authors are read, grammar is reviewed and listening skills are advanced through the study of a recorded adventure story. Students are invited to take the German Language AP exam.
GERMAN-AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Approval of department
Students spend a summer month in Germany, living with a German family and attending daily classes with host students. American students in turn host their German partners for two weeks in the U.S. Full participants may earn credit by submitting a ten-page typewritten report on some facet of the exchange.
ITALIAN
ITALIAN 1 2 sem. 1 credit
In Italian 1 students learn basic grammar and vocabulary. Students begin to develop fundamental skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students are introduced to Italian geography and customs as well as to the contributions Italians and Italian-Americans have made to society. Tutti Benvenuti!
ITALIAN 2 and ITALIAN 2 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Italian 1
Italian 2 is a continuation of students’ study of essential grammar concepts and vocabulary. Listening and speaking skills are emphasized through the use of videos and CD’s. Students further develop their reading and comprehension skills through short selections dealing with Italian culture, literature, history, art, cinema and cuisine. Honors students develop their skills to a higher degree including short written assignments and opportunities to converse with native speakers.
ITALIAN 3 and ITALIAN 3 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Italian 2 or Itallian 2 Honors
This course continues to develop students’ comprehension as well as their oral and written proficiency. The course includes further study of Italian literature, history, art, cinema and cuisine. Among the literature explored and discussed is Carlo Collodi’s Le Avventure di Pinocchio. Honors students will be challenged to more in-depth written assignments and class discussions.
ITALIAN 4 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Italian 3Honors or teacher recommendation
This course is designed for serious students of Italian who are motivated to increase their oral and written proficiencies. In-depth study continues by focusing on the subtleties of Italian grammar and vocabulary through the reading of authentic texts such as Italian newspapers, magazines, short stories and poetry. Students develop a deeper understanding of the Italian culture and people through further study of Italian history, literature, art, film and cuisine. Students are invited to take the AP Italian Language exam.
SPANISH
SPANISH 1 2 sem. 1 credit
This course introduces the study of the language and culture of native speakers in
Spain and Latin America. Students learn basic grammar, pronunciation, reading, writing, and elementary conversation.
SPANISH 1 accelerated 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Placement by the department
The accelerated Spanish 1 course develops the same skills as the regular class but moves at a faster pace. Additional supplementary material is introduced to challenge the student.
SPANISH 2 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 1
Students continue to develop fundamental skills of speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. The language is related to daily life. Students gain experience through more advanced readings related to history and culture.
SPANISH 2 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 accelerated or teacher recommendation
While continuing to develop the fundamental skills of speaking, reading, and writing Spanish, the accelerated class introduces students to fine points of grammar. Students read a short novel, which encourages discussion in the target language.
SPANISH 3 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop grammatical concepts and acquire vocabulary necessary for written and oral self-expression. A short novel provides students with cultural insights and appreciation for literature.
SPANISH 3 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 Honors or teacher recommendation
This course provides in-depth grammar study and extensive vocabulary development. Reading and self-expression are emphasized. Spanish and Latin American history, geography and literature are explored. The students read an unabridged novel. Students develop strong written and oral proficiency.
SPANISH 4 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 3
This course is designed for students who wish to complete four years of language study to better fulfill college language requirements. The study of grammar is completed. Fluency in oral and written expression is emphasized through the reading and discussion of selected literary works.
SPANISH 4 HONORS 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 Honors or teacher recommendation
This course is designed for serious students of the Spanish language. Fluency in oral and written expression is emphasized, and the study of Spanish and Latin American literature is continued. Students are invited to take the Spanish Language AP exam.
AP SPANISH 2 sem. 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors or invitation by department
Previously taught material is reviewed. The four language skills are further refined through practice with authentic readings, essays, listening comprehension exercises, and oral presentations and discussions. Continued practice and preparation for the AP Spanish Language exam is included.