Spanish Curriculum
Spanish I (9-12)
Emphasis is placed in real-life situations that contribute to the
development of all four communicative skills: listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Through these situations, students explore
Hispanic nations and cultures identifying similarities and differences
in behaviors and underlying beliefs thereby gaining an appreciation of
the value of diversity and an understanding of their place in the world
community. The course stresses practical vocabulary usage in everyday
situations and the building of a strong grammar foundation for future
language study. Students learn to communicate basic needs in real-life
situations. Students become familiar with geography, important people,
and events related to the more than twenty Spanish-speaking nations of
the world.
Spanish II (9-12)
Students continue to improve their proficiency in listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Spanish II students initiate and respond to
conversations and ask for or convey comprehensible, meaningful
information to another person. Students expand their vocabulary, grammar
skills, and their appreciation for the foreign culture in a wider
variety of situations.
Spanish III (10-12)
This level is an expansion of the skills of listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on mastering the basic
structures, refining grammatical concepts, and articulating with more
ease in the Spanish language. In addition to a core textbook, these
classes draw on variety of resource materials including audio, visual,
and printed materials. Students develop skills necessary to acquire
information, to interact with native speakers in casual conversation,
and to solve problems encountered in daily situations. The classes are
conducted primarily in the target language.
Spanish IV (11-12)
Students are encouraged to communicate accurately in Spanish. They
should demonstrate mastery of a variety of grammar points and verb
tenses in oral and written forms. Through literature, students broaden
and strengthen their reading, vocabulary, grammatical and analytical
skills, Students practice and reinforce these skills through writing
samples which may include essays, compositions, letters, critiques,
summaries of reading selections, etc., and through the use of the spoken
language on a proficiency based level.
Spanish V (11-12)
Accurate communication is the goal for advanced language study.
Proficiency-based activities encompass all skills--oral, aural, reading,
and writing. The appreciation of the foreign culture is enhanced
through the study of literature and student-initiated research.
French Curriculum
French I (9-12)
This course introduces the student to the language and culture of the
French-speaking world with an emphasis on France. The language is taught
in its cultural context, integrating speaking, listening, reading, and
writing skills. Students learn how to communicate basic personal needs,
to express opinions, to describe, and to make requests in a culturally
appropriate manner. Students become familiar with the geography of the
French-speaking world and with the value of its language and culture.
Students increase their knowledge of English as well as gain an
understanding of the importance of French as a true worldwide language
in an increasingly interdependent global society.
French II (9-12)
This course refines and expands knowledge and skills gained in level
one. Emphasis is placed on language development which integrates the
skills of listening, speaking, writing and reading with culture.
Students learn how to communicate about topics and events in the past
and the future. Students acquire increased ability to create with the
language in a variety of relevant situations. Students become more
familiar with the history, geography and contemporary society of the
French-speaking world. In addition, students grow in awareness and
sensitivity to foreign cultures.
French III (10-12)
This course continues to develop skills and expand vocabulary presented
in French I and II. Emphasis is placed on language usage, integrating,
listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills with culture. Students
learn how to communicate using a variety of verb tenses and complex
structures thereby increasing student fluency in realistic cultural
settings. Students will develop skills necessary to acquire information
to interact with native speakers on a variety of topics and to solve
problems encountered in daily life situations. The use of excerpts from
francophone literature promotes and aids in the development of reading
and writing skills as well as in the development of global awareness.
French IV (11-12)
This course allows students to demonstrate the use of language skills
developed at previous levels. Refinement of specific structures and
presentation of complete literary works enable students to write, read,
speak, and listen at an intermediate level of proficiency. Cultural
contexts and situation-specific vocabulary promote realistic use of
language and allow students to exhibit a positive attitude toward
cultural diversity. This course prepares students for the continued
study or personal use of the language.
French V (11-12)
This course reinforces the students' advanced language skills in the
areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The use of art,
literature and technology enhance the students' appreciation for
cultural diversity while providing additional outlets for the use of the
aforementioned skills. Students demonstrate their level of proficiency.
Students receive opportunities to acquire advanced placement credit.
German Curriculum
German I (9-12)
This course introduces students to German language and culture.
Emphasis is placed on laying a foundation for further language
development by integrating the basic skills of listening, speaking,
writing, and reading. Students learn basic communication in German.
Students are also introduced to the geography and history of
German-speaking countries with emphasis on recent historical events.
Students will become familiar with cultural norms in everyday life
situations. As a result of this course, students gain a better
understanding of their own culture by comparing it to German culture.
Students should be able to exhibit an appreciation for different
cultures and mastery of basic language skills.
German II (9-12)
This course continues to build on skills learned in German I. Students
exhibit increased mastery of listening, speaking, reading, and writing
and have increased opportunities to express themselves with greater
complexity and sophistication. In addition, students will have greater
opportunities to develop an awareness and appreciation of cultural
differences.
German III (10-12)
This course develops the students' language skills by providing
students with opportunities to participate more extensively in
conversation, reading, writing, and listening activities. Students
exhibit increased complexity in expression of language and increased
maturity in cultural awareness. Students achieve a degree of proficiency
that allows them to take advantage of honors and exchange programs in
the German-speaking countries.
German IV and V (11-12)
This course reviews language and cultural aspects of German-speaking
countries. Emphasis is placed on the refinement of students'
communicative skills and cultural awareness. This course will prepare
students to successfully complete college placement testing
requirements. The course will stress the refinement and integration of
all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to achieve a level
of proficiency as close as possible to native ability. Students also
reach a level of achievement that allows them to use skills
independently to complete projects and research concerning German
language and culture. Their proficiency permits them to take advantage
of new technology such as the Internet and CD-ROM to assist in
completing their research and projects.