World Language Elective Courses

Since the objectives of learning all world languages are identical, the following descriptions of the various language levels apply equally to the languages taught. Special problems of each language are dealt with through modifications in pace and content.

Level I (All Languages)
Emphasis is placed on developing the four basic language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing. Proper language habits are fostered through basic dialogues and through pattern practices of various kinds. Reading and writing involves material previously learned on the listening and speaking level. An understanding is developed of the heritage of the language, government, history, and the art of countries where the target language is spoken.

Level II (All Languages)
Prerequisite:  Completion of level one
Work continues on the four basic skills. Grammatical structure is more complex. Class conversation arises from the reading lessons expanding into real-life situations.  Use of oral language is increased.  Cultures of various countries are explored.

Level III (All Languages)
Prerequisite:  Completion of level two
Stress on reading and writing is now equal to that of listening and speaking. Reading delves more deeply into cultural materials. Writing exercises include autobiographical descriptions and picture descriptions. Language production, in speech or in writing, reflects a greater measure of student independence but emphasis is placed on using only those patterns that are thoroughly controlled.

Level IV (All Languages)
Prerequisite:  Completion of level three
The program is similar to the third level but with a higher degree of difficulty. Listening and speaking receive the attention due, but reading and writing take to the foreground. Readings are more ambitious and may include such materials as newspapers and magazines. Writing becomes more spontaneous and free, and paragraphs of reasonable sophistication and competence are expected.

Level V (All Languages)
Prerequisite:  Completion of level four and teacher recommendation in German and Spanish.
Reading selections for the Advanced Placement courses are those suggested as preparation for the Advanced Placement Examinations. Students are introduced to the techniques of literary analysis and criticism as they apply both to poetry and to prose. A thorough review of the grammar and syntax of the language is also provided.

German I  - No. 511
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

German II - No. 512
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

German III - No. 513
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

German IV* – Advanced - No. 514
Grade 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

German Language and Culture*- AP - No. 515A
Grade 12         Year 1          5 Periods            1.0 Credit
The AP Language and Culture courses emphasize communication applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations.  This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness.  These courses strive not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication.  To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the courses are taught almost exclusively in the target language.  The AP Language and Culture courses engage students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts.  The courses develop students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products, practices and perspectives.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers (Levels I, II, III)
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit
At each of the first three levels of Spanish, a separate course is offered to students who speak and understand Spanish as a native. The courses concentrate less on listening and speaking and focus more on reading and writing. These courses are intended for students who already have an oral proficiency but need instruction in structure and grammar. All students who are native Spanish speakers must enroll in one of these three courses.

Spanish I - No. 521
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

Spanish I for Spanish Speakers - No. 521N
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

Spanish II - No. 522
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

Spanish II for Spanish Speakers  - No. 522N
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

Spanish III  - No. 523
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

Spanish III for Spanish Speakers - No. 523N
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

Spanish IV – Advanced* - No. 524
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12      Year 1       5 Periods       1.0 Credit

Spanish Language and Culture – AP* -No. 525A
Grade 12           Year 1            5 Periods           1.0 Credit
The AP Language and Culture courses emphasize communication applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations.  This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness.  These courses strive not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication.  To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the courses are taught almost exclusively in the target language.  The AP Language and Culture courses engage students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts.  The courses develop students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products, practices and perspectives.

German – DE*  - No. 514DE
Prerequisite:  requires two years of high school language
Grade 10, 11, 12       1 Semester       1.0 ASD Credit        3.0 College Credits
A continuation of College German I, this course will emphasize speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension of the language. Focus will be on grammar, usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and pronunciation.

Spanish – DE* - No. 524DE
Prerequisite:  requires two years of high school language
Grade 10, 11, 12     1 Semester     1.0 ASD Credit       3.0 College Credits
This course is the first semester of the second year of two years of Spanish studies and therefore, a continuation of study of grammar and vocabulary of the Spanish language. Spanish-speaking cultures and speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills are emphasized.

French – DE*  - No. 534DE
Grade 10, 11, 12    1 Semester    1.0 ASD Credit        3.0 College Credits
This course is offered to beginners and to some non-beginners who have had perhaps one year of French in high school, but who feel that their preparation is inadequate for an intermediate course at the college level. The basic communication skills are systematically developed: listening and speaking skills are emphasized in the classroom and expanded with participation in a language tape program. Reading and writing skills are progressively developed through various creative exercises, activities, and assignments. Cultural readings and materials are adapted to provide the student with the opportunity to practice communication skills, while at the same time discovering aspects of both daily life and traditional culture of Francophones all over the world and within the United States.