FOREIGN LANGUAGE

 French

French I (810)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Elective

This class teaches the student to understand, speak, read, and write basic French. We will begin the course with an introduction to the country of France and the French-speaking world. Next, we will make connections between the English and the French languages. We will end this introductory unit with an examination of careers that involve foreign languages and survival words so that students will be prepared to be immersed into the wonderful world of speaking and understanding French. From that time onward the students are immersed in a total French environment with comprehensible input.

As in all French classes, the academic content standards are taught. There is an emphasis on learning the language through culture, current events, and personal application whenever possible. Any and all teaching strategies are used, including use of magazines, movies, field trips, cooking demonstrations, lectures, conversational lessons, cooperative learning groups, and internet work. Everything is taught in a stress-free, accepting environment.

FRENCH II (820)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Prerequisite: French I
Elective

French II is also conducted in the French language as much as possible with comprehensible input. The elements of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing are stressed. Students continue to learn about and experience French everyday life and the customs of France and the French-speaking world.

As in all French classes, the academic content standards are taught. There is an emphasis on learning the language through culture, current events, and personal application whenever possible.

FRENCH III (830)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Prerequisite: French I and French II.
Elective

This advanced course is mainly conducted in French, as are the other French courses. The same aids and methods employed in French I and II are used in the class. However, there is a greater emphasis on oral fluency. The final touches of grammatical proficiency usually become more evident this year too.

As in all French classes, the academic content standards are taught. There is an emphasis on learning the language through culture, current events, and personal application whenever possible.

*HONORS FRENCH IV (840)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Prerequisite: C+ or better in French III and teacher recommendation
Elective

This course aims to refine and perfect the language skills acquired during French I, II, and III. Students will participate in discussions, and they will learn to write organized and logical compositions.

Cultural study will be included, with an emphasis on French writers and artists. There will also be a brief introduction to the isms of French philosophy. We will continue the development of our listening, speaking, reading, and writing language skills through authentic materials like cinema, music, magazines, the internet, and long-distance learning.

Videos and DVD’s will be used in order to accentuate real-life situations, and the class will be conducted in French.
*Readings will be chosen according to student ability.

*HONORS FRENCH V (850)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Prerequisite: C+ or better in French IV and teacher recommendation
Elective

This course is offered according to student demand for students who have successfully completed Honors French IV. We will continue to refine listening, reading, writing, and language skills, but we will do so through authentic materials like cinema, music, magazines, the internet, and long-distance learning.

Street-French will also be introduced so that the students will be able to understand and enjoy popular arts and media. This course will be conducted in French.

*Readings will be chosen according to student ability.

Spanish

SPANISH I (811)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Elective

In this introductory class, the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are taught separately. Aspects of all kinds of Hispanic culture are also presented including current events i.e. film, literature, politics, and entertainment. The primary aim of the course is to involve students in meaningful situations with which they can personally identify to active practice with all elements.

As in all Spanish classes, the academic content standards are taught. There is an emphasis on learning the language through culture, current events, and personal application whenever possible.

SPANISH II (821)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Prerequisite: Spanish I
Elective

This course is a continuation of Spanish I, with similar goals and using similar methods. However, a greater retention of grammar concepts and vocabulary is expected, and classes are conducted mainly in the Spanish language. A more active production of the language on the part of the student, both oral and written, is required.

As in all Spanish classes, the academic content standards are taught. There is an emphasis on learning the language through culture, current events, and personal application whenever possible.

SPANISH III (831)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Prerequisite: Spanish I and II
Elective

At this level it is expected that students can express themselves simply and spontaneously in Spanish. Very little English is used. Idioms and more advanced grammar concepts will be studied and practiced, using methods similar to previous levels.

As in all Spanish classes, the academic content standards are taught. There is an emphasis on learning the language through culture, current events, and personal application whenever possible.

*HONORS SPANISH IV (841)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Prerequisite: C+ or better in Spanish III and teacher recommendation
Elective

This is an advanced class in which all knowledge acquired in the previous levels are refined and broadened. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish and students are expected to be able to express themselves in the language most of the time. Many different materials are used to strengthen this ability. While the emphasis is on the understanding and production of current Spanish, short excerpts of various types of literature are introduced at this stage.

*Readings will be chosen according to student ability.

*HONORS SPANISH V (851)
1 credit - 2 semesters – 5 periods per week
Prerequisite: C+ or better in Spanish IV and teacher recommendation
Elective

This is our most advanced Spanish course. Students continue to refine their knowledge of all four skills. An advanced degree of oral fluency is expected. Students listen to tapes, read articles from Spanish magazines, watch videos of news programs, and continue their study of Spanish literature and culture.