World Language Department
Mission Statement
The World Language Department works to prepare students to function in a global society.
Goals
- Develop competency in a language other than English;
- Know, respect, and appreciate a culture different from their own;
- Acquire the disciplined study habits required for World Language learning; and
- Achieve a better understanding of their own language and culture by providing a basis for comparison.
Courses Available
Spanish I, II, III, IV, V
French I, II, III, IV
Italian I
Prerequisites for World Language Study
Level I Courses: Reading level of Grade 8, and average, or above score on grammar/language section of the achievement test, and B, or higher in most recent English course taken.
Level II Courses: Teacher approval
Advanced Level Courses: Teacher approval
Students from bilingual homes (i.e., where Spanish, Italian or French are spoken), or students who have studied the language in junior high, or at another school, may not have to take Level I of that language for credit. These students have the following two options:
- Test into and start at a higher level (Level II or advanced) of that language.
- Take a completely different Foreign Language. Example: Spanish is spoken at home, so the student opts to take French I or Italian I. These students begin receiving credit in the first semester of Level I.
Spanish I
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit
Spanish I introduces the student to the basics of the language, emphasizing conversational skills while developing reading and writing skills. It gives students an awareness and appreciation for cultural differences introduced and integrated with language study.
Spanish II
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit
Spanish II continues to develop the skills learned in Spanish I while expanding vocabulary, structural grammar, and cultural experiences.
Spanish III
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit / Honors
Exposes students to advanced grammar tenses including imperfect, preterit, future, and conditional through conversation, composition, and literary selections.
Spanish IV & V
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit / Honors
Review of grammar tenses through text, conversation, composition, and literary selections. Emphasis is placed on higher-level grammar and vocabulary. Literature and art from the target language will be studied.
French I
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit
French I introduces the student to the basics of the language, emphasizing conversational skills while developing reading and writing skills. Awareness and appreciation for cultural differences are introduced and integrated with language study. Connections to and influences on our own language explored.
French II
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit
French II continues to develop the skills learned in French I, while expanding vocabulary, reading comprehension, structural grammar, including past tense, and fostering cross-cultural awareness and appreciation.
French III
Elective / Two Terms /1 Credit / Honors
French III exposes students to grammar tenses including imperfect, future, and conditional through text, conversation, composition, and literary selections. Pertinent current events and their historical context are explored. An awareness of cross-cultural influences is integrated in course content.
French IV
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit / Honors
French IV reviews grammar and structure; subjunctive mood and avanced tenses are studied through a survey of selected French literature. Pertinent current events are monitored and discussed. Highlights of French history and art incorporated. Writing competency emphasized.
Italian I
Elective/ Two Terms/ 1 Credit
This is an introductory course in the Italian language and culture. The course stresses basic communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students learn to ask questions and describe people, places and things in Italian. Students also receive exposure to the Italian culture.