Lexington High School

251 Waltham Street, Lexington MA

781-861-2320

Program of Studies — Foreign Languages

Academic Expectations

The Foreign Language Department assumes “primary responsibility” for assisting students in achieving proficiency In Academic Expectations 1 (Writing), 2 (Reading), 3 (Speaking), and 4 (Listening). We also acknowledge our collaborative efforts in reinforcing and supporting all of the other academic expectations outlined on page vi of this Program of Studies. The goals and objectives of the course offerings listed below reflect the overall goals of the Foreign Language program 9-12. In the case where a specific course might concentrate on an additional academic expectation, the number of the expectation addressed is listed below the course title.

The Foreign Languages Department offers courses in American Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latin and Spanish. The department recommends that students pursue the study of at least one world language throughout their high school experience. Mastering a language is a difficult task: the longer one works at it, the more competent one will become.

In nearly all cases, it is extremely important that students follow the recommendations of their teachers when selecting courses and levels. Once a year has begun, it is often very difficult to move students from one level of instruction to another without a major schedule disruption. Final examinations comprise 20% of the year grade. The content of final examinations is the same for all sections of a given course. The study of a world language is sequential and requires continuity. Trying to resume a world language after a period of not taking any generally requires the repetition of a level previously taken and for which one cannot again receive credit.

NOTE:
The proficiency stages for ASL, French, German, Italian, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish are in accordance with the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework and represent the level the student will strive to achieve by the end of the course. For further information, please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Education web site: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/ current.html

Foreign Languages Quick Reference:
American Sign Language
French
German
Italian
Latin
Mandarin
Spanish

American Sign Language

5816 — American Sign Language I

4 credits
Level: 1

This course provides an introduction to American Sign Language. Areas studied include the structure, usage and history of ASL. Classwork and homework assignments focus on ASL expressive and receptive skill development, utilizing interactive reinforcement drills, role plays, dialogues and ASL storytelling.

5826 — American Sign Language II

4 credits
Level: 1

This course is a continuation of ASL I and it allows further opportunity for students to develop their basic ASL language skills. The course will reinforce and expand the vocabulary and grammar skills that were introduced in ASL I. Students will also learn to develop a personal "signing style" through increased emphasis on ASL conversational skills.

French

NOTE: The proficiency stages for French are in accordance with the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework and represent the level the student will strive to achieve by the end of the course. For further information, please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Education web site: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html

5116 — French I
(Proficiency Stage 1)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: none
This course is for students who are beginning their study of French and for those coming into the high school who would like to strengthen their basic skills. Through hands-on activities, students will learn the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Songs, presentations, skits and group activities will allow students to express themselves in a variety of everyday situations. Emphasis will be on role-playing in order to give students confidence in their ability to communicate in French.

5128 — French II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite:
A- or better in 5116 or in Advanced French Grade 8 and teacher recommendation

This course is for students of proven linguistic ability who are able to continue the rapid acquisition of new vocabulary and structures. Written and oral precision will be emphasized. Using a wide variety of verb tenses including the subjunctive, students will learn to communicate more confidently and spontaneously. Students will read and discuss authentic French texts, including les Aventures de Tintin, Petit Nicolas, and la Belle et la Bête. Films and cultural topics will also be explored. This course is taught exclusively in French.

5126 — French II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation or satisfactory completion of French I.
This course will reinforce basic language skills in action. Students will learn to express themselves in a more sophisticated way, creating complex sentences in the present, past and future tenses. Students are encouraged to speak spontaneously in a variety of skits, games and conversations. Written and oral precision will be emphasized. Using songs, poems, comic strips and humorous stories, students will develop strategies to help them interpret authentic French materials. Francophone culture will come alive via films, web sites, articles and discussions with native speakers in class. This course is taught primarily in French.

5138 — French III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level:Honors

Prerequisite: B- or higher in 5128 and teacher recommendation.
This course is for very motivated students who are able to build upon a strong foundation of structures and vocabulary. The rapid acquisition of grammatical structures and idiomatic vocabulary is emphasized. Students will learn to be more creative in their expression and to use language independently to inform, narrate, describe, question, persuade as well as express feelings and attitudes. Listening skills will be developed systematically through regular exposure to authentic, rapidly spoken French articles on audio cassette. The study of literature will continue with the reading of Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince and Camus’ L’Hôte. The course is taught exclusively in French.

5136 — French III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C or better in 5126 or satisfactory completion of French II.
This course is for students who are ready to appreciate the subtleties of real French speech and culture. Through the in-depth study of amusing stories, poems, songs and a popular French film, students will acquire vocabulary and speech patterns that go beyond the average textbook. Students will significantly improve their ability to understand authentic spoken French while using the language to learn about and discuss francophone cultures, history and other topics of interest. On a structural level, students will use compound tenses and the subjunctive mood to articulate emotions and reactions in real-life situations, both orally and in writing. This course is taught exclusively in French.

5148 — French IV
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B- or better in 5138 and teacher recommendation
In this course, students will read and discuss a variety of literary genres: essays, short stories, plays and poetry as well as full-length unglossed novels. Course work will include oral reports, written compositions and explications de texte. Students will begin to speak in paragraphs rather than in short sentences with increased accuracy. This course helps prepare students for the SAT II and is a prerequisite for the French V Advanced Placement Language and French V Advanced Placement Literature courses. This course is taught exclusively in French.

5146 — French IV
(Proficiency Stage 3-4)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C or better in 5136 and teacher recommendation.
In this course, students will apply their linguistic skills to increasingly diverse and culturally rich materials. New vocabulary and grammatical structures will be drilled, enabling students to pursue more open-ended and creative communication. Reading comprehension will be developed through a variety of excerpts from French literature, including L'Evasion and the mystery stories of Arsène Lupin. The course will also explore the relationship between image and text in a variety
of contexts. This course is taught exclusively in French.

5156 — French V Film and Conversation
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C or better in 5146 and teacher recommendation.
The main goal of this course is to speak and interact as much as possible in the target language; student participation counts for a very large percentage of the overall grade. Rather than focusing on grammar exercises, students will discuss numerous francophone films: their themes, styles, perspectives and contexts. Students will also practice their speaking skills by presenting films of their choice and creating movies as part of their final project. French V is structured around key themes presented in all types of francophone cinema, including modernity, colonization, and personal responsibility towards others.

5169 — Advanced Placement French Language
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: B- or better in 5148 and teacher recommendation.
The overall goal of this course, as set forth by the College Board, is to prepare students to perform at a high level of proficiency in the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Upon completing the course, students are expected to be able to comprehend formal and informal French, to speak, read and write with a high level of proficiency. The course thus challenges able students while providing them a means of obtaining college credit and/or placement. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement French Language Examination in the spring. This course is taught exclusively in French.

5158 — French V Literature
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B- or better in 5148 and teacher recommendation.
This course offers an in-depth study of French literature from different periods in the original language. Students will learn to formulate and express critical opinions and judgments in correct oral and written French, as well as acquire the basic concepts and terminology of textual analysis. The works read will be discussed thoroughly in class, thus developing oral communication skills as well as reading comprehension and vocabulary. This course is taught exclusively in French.

5195 — French Exchange Seminar

1 credit
Level: Standard (Unleveled)

Prerequisite: Selection to participate in the exchange program with France.
This seminar is intended solely for exchange program participants. The course will further enhance the students' linguistic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. It provides students with French culture and history. Students are helped in developing oral presentations and projects to given in the host school. Help with the necessary documentation for the trip and travel preparations are provided.

German

5216 — German I
(Proficiency Stage 1)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: none
For beginning German students. All four language skills will be taught: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Stress will be on the development of practical language skills. Weekly language laboratory sessions are required. The class will be conducted progressively in German.

5226 — German II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite:C in 5126
For students who, having developed elementary skills in German, are ready to increase proficiency in oral comprehension and in speaking, reading and writing skills. Basic structures and vocabulary are studied with a view to practical communication. Language laboratory recordings are part of this course.

5236 — German III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C or better in 5226
For students who, having successfully completed German II, are ready to improve substantially their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course provides an increased opportunity for idiomatic usage and self-expression, both oral and written. A variety of reading selections are introduced. Language laboratory listening and taping are an integral part of this course. This class is conducted exclusively in German.

5248 — German IV
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B or better in 5236
For students who, having successfully completed German III, are ready to improve substantially in their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course provides an increased opportunity for idiomatic usage and self-expression, both oral and written. A great variety of reading selections are introduced, such as children's stories, Grimm fairytales, detective short stories and a novel. The writing exercises range from paragraph writing of summaries to creating a children's story or fairytale into opinion pieces in the format of an essay. German films in the context of the discussions of modern German life are also an integral part of this course. This class is conducted exclusively in German.

Italian

5316 — Italian 1
(Proficiency Stage 1)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: none,
This course is for students who wish to begin the study of Italian. The course provides a foundation in the basic skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. There is written and oral practice with systematic repetition of words for vocabulary building. Audiovisual materials, ancillary materials and realia are utilized. There is weekly work in the language lab.

5328 — Italian II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B in 5316 and teacher recommendation
This course is for students of proven linguistic ability who are able to continue the rapid acquisition of new vocabulary and structures. It continues the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Most verb tenses and basic structures are covered. Students will read and discuss authentic Italian texts. Readings are short episodes emphasizing practical use of Italian with the goal of developing vocabulary and fluency. There are weekly language laboratory sessions including student recording. Films and cultural topics will also be explored. This course is taught exclusively in Italian.

5326 — Italian II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5316
For students who have successfully developed strong basic skills in Italian I. Italian II expands reading, writing, listening, speaking skills in Italian. Speaking and writing are further emphasized. Much of the course will be conducted in Italian. Regular language lab activities are an integral part of this course.

5338 — Italian III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B or better in 5328 and teacher recommendation
This course is for highly motivated students who are able to build upon a strong foundation of structures and vocabulary. Students will learn to be more creative in their expression and to use language independently to inform, narrate, describe, ask questions, persuade as well as express feelings and attitudes. The analysis of literary and journalistic excerpts will increase students' vocabulary and ability to comprehend written texts. Cultural topics and Italian films in the context of modern Italian life are an integral part of this course. This class is conducted exclusively in Italian.

5336 — Italian III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5326
This course builds on previously learned skills of understanding, speaking, reading and writing Italian. The vocabulary which is reviewed and introduced will cover such topics as the arts and drama, politics, the work force, driving, the environment and multicultural society. Students will be required to utilize these topics to write creative dialogues and compositions. Grammatically, students will continue to express themselves in past, present and future situations, using the tenses learned in Italian I and Italian II. To express more abstract situations, the subjunctive will be studied. Selections from Italian literature will be studied. There will be weekly work in the language lab.

5346 — Italian IV
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: B or better in 5336
The goals of this course, is to prepare students to perform at a high level of proficiency in the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The guidelines meet the ACTFL proficiency standards for advanced students. Upon completing the course, students are expected to be able to comprehend formal and informal Italian; to speak, read and write with a high level of proficiency.

5348 — Italian IV
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B or better in 5338
The goals of this course is to prepare students to perform at a high level of proficiency in the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The guidelines meet the ACTFL proficiency standards for advanced students. Upon completing the course, students are expected to be able to comprehend formal and informal Italian; to speak, read and write with a high level of proficiency. The course challenges able students while providing them a means of obtaining college credit and/or placement.

5395 — Italian Exchange Seminar

1 credit
Level: Standard (Unleveled)

Prerequisite: Selection to participate in the exchange program with Italy.
This seminar is intended solely for exchange program participants. The course will further enhance the students' linguistic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. It provides students with Italian culture and history. Students are helped in developing oral presentations and projects to given in the host school. Help with the necessary documentation for the trip and travel preparations is provided.

Latin

NOTE: The proficiency stages for Latin are in accordance with the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework and represent the level the student will strive to achieve by the end of the course. For further information, please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Education web site: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html

5416 — Latin I
(Proficiency Stage 1)
(Academic Expectation: 1-Writing and 2-Reading)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: Success in English or a previous foreign language
Latin I is a fast-paced introduction to inflected language, requiring academic rigor and attention to detail. Coursework will consist of the basic grammatical structures of the Latin language (exclusive of the subjunctive), with emphasis throughout on the language as a reflection of the values and attitudes of its speakers. Readings in Roman culture and some study of English vocabulary through its Latin origins will be included.

5426 — Latin II
(Proficiency Stage 2)
(Academic Expectation: 1-Writing and 2-Reading)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5416
A continuation of grammatical structures; selected readings in prose from a variety of sources, with emphasis on placing these readings within their cultural (historical, social, religious) context.

5436 — Latin III
(Proficiency Stage 3)
(Academic Expectation: 1-Writing and 2-Reading, 6-Reasoning, 8-Understanding Context)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5426
A study of Roman civilization through its literature with special emphasis on the Aeneid of Vergil as a literary/religious expression of Roman concerns about the Empire and its origins in the age of Augustus. Supplementary readings from a number of Roman authors will be included.

5448 — Latin IV
(Proficiency Stage 4)
(Academic Expectation: 1-Writing and 2-Reading, 6-Reasoning, 8-Understanding Context)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: C in 5436 or with consent of instructor
Readings in Latin literature

5486 — Mythology
(Academic Expectations: 1-Writing, 2-Reading, 5-Data Analysis, 8-Understanding Context)

2 credits - semester
Level: 1

This course will focus on myth as a system of thought, one which enables human beings to ask the important questions about themselves and their world and to answer them through the medium of symbols. The mythologies of three ‘cultures’ – Greek, Babylonian, and American Indian – will be examined in some detail. Topics will include creation myths, trickster stories, hero tales, the journey to the other world, and oral poetry. Open only to seniors.

Mandarin

NOTE: The proficiency stages for Mandarin are in accordance with the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework and represent the level the student will strive to achieve by the end of the course. For further information, please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Education web site: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html

5516 — Mandarin I
(Proficiency Stage 1)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: none
This course is for students who wish to begin the study of Mandarin Chinese. Through student-centered activities, students will learn the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The focus will be on the development of conversational skills. Culture content is also incorporated into instruction. In addition students will master the Pinyin system and begin the acquisition of Chinese characters. This class will be conducted progressively in Chinese

5528 — Mandarin II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B+ or better in 5516 or teacher recommendation
This course is for students of proven linguistic ability who are able to continue the rapid acquisition of new characters and structures. Written and oral precision will be emphasized. Readings are real-life dialogues emphasizing proper use of Mandarin Chinese with the goal of developing vocabulary and fluency. Authentic materials will be studied. Culture content is incorporated into instruction. Students can choose to write in either traditional characters or simplified characters. The majority of the class will be conducted in Mandarin.

5526 — Mandarin II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5616 or teacher recommendation
This course is for students who, having successfully developed strong basic skills, are ready to increase proficiency in oral comprehension, and, in the speaking, reading and writing skills of Mandarin Chinese. Readings are real-life dialogues emphasizing proper use of Mandarin Chinese with the goal of developing vocabulary and fluency. Authentic materials will be studied. Culture content is incorporated into instruction. Students can choose to write in either traditional characters or simplified characters. The majority of the class will be conducted in Mandarin.

5538 — Mandarin III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B+ or better in 5528 or teacher recommendation
This course is for motivated students who are able to build upon a strong foundation of structures and vocabulary. The rapid acquisition of grammatical structures and idiomatic vocabulary is emphasized. The ability to question, to present, to tell stories and to express their opinions will be emphasized. A variety of authentic reading selections as well as films will be introduced. Culture content is also incorporated into instruction. Students can choose to write in either traditional characters or simplified characters. This class will be conducted in Mandarin

5536 — Mandarin III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C or better in 5526 or teacher recommendation
This course builds on previously learned skills of understanding, speaking, reading and writing Mandarin Chinese. There will be increased opportunity for idiomatic usage and self-expression, both oral and written. A variety of authentic reading selections as well as films will be introduced. Culture content is also incorporated into instruction. Students can choose to write in either traditional characters or simplified characters. This class will be conducted in Mandarin.

5548 — Mandarin IV
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B+ or better in 5538 or teacher recommendation
This course is for very motivated students who are able to build upon a strong foundation of structures and vocabulary. The rapid acquisition of grammatical structures and idiomatic vocabulary is emphasized. Students are expected to be independent learners. Students will read and discuss a variety of authentic materials. Oral and written reports will be an integral part of this course. This course is a prerequisite for the Mandarin Advanced Placement Language course. Students can choose to write in either traditional characters or simplified characters. This class will be conducted in Mandarin.

5559 — Mandarin V —
Chinese AP Language and Culture

(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: B+ or better in 5548 and teacher recommendation
The overall goal of this course, as set forth by the College Board, is to deepen students' immersion into the language and culture of the Chinese speaking world, providing students with ongoing and varied opportunities to further develop their proficiencies across the full range of language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course integrates cultural content knowledge and language skills, developing proficiencies within the context of students' learning. The course challenges advanced students while providing them a means to obtain college credit and/or placement. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture in the spring. Students can choose to write in either traditional characters or simplified characters.The course is taught exclusively in Mandarin.

5595 — China Exchange Seminar

1 credit
Level: Standard (Unleveled)

Prerequisite:
Selection to participate in the exchange program with China

This seminar is intended solely for exchange program participants. The course will further enhance the students' linguistic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. It provides students with Chinese culture and history. Students are helped in developing oral presentations and projects to be given in the host school. Help with the necessary documentation for the trip and travel preparations are provided

Spanish

NOTE: The proficiency stages for Spanish are in accordance with the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework and represent the level the student will strive to achieve by the end of the course. For further information, please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Education web site: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html

5616 — Spanish I
(Proficiency Stage 1)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: none
This course is for students who wish to begin the study of Spanish. All four language skills will be taught: listening, speaking, reading, writing. Stress will be on the development of practical language. The class will be conducted in Spanish much of the time.

5614 — Spanish I — Language and Culture
(Proficiency Stage 1)

4 credits
Level: 2

Prerequisite: none
This course links the learning of the Spanish language with the study of the culture of Spanish-speaking regions of the world. The language component of this course will give students a fundamental social vocabulary and conversational ability, as well as exposure to topic-related terminology in Spanish. Students will explore the history of Spain and the impact of the voyages of Columbus in the new world. Particular emphasis will be placed on authentic linguistic and cultural experiences including an appreciation for music, art, crafts, food, clothing and celebrations past and present.

5628 — Spanish II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: A- or better in 5616 or Advanced Spanish Grade 8 and teacher recommendation
This course is conducted solely in Spanish and is for students of proven linguistic ability. It continues the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Most verb tenses and basic structures are covered. There are weekly language laboratory sessions including student recording. Readings are short episodes emphasizing practical use of Spanish with the goal of developing vocabulary and fluency.

5626 — Spanish II
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5616 or 8th-grade Spanish and teacher recommendation
For students who, having successfully developed strong basic skills, are ready to increase proficiency in oral comprehension, and in speaking, reading and writing skills. Specific attention is given to vocabulary acquisition. Regular language laboratory activities are an integral part of this course.

5624 — Spanish II Language and Culture
(Proficiency Stage 2)

4 credits
Level: 2

Prerequisite: C- in 5614 and teacher recommendation  
This course links the learning of the Spanish language with the study of the culture of Spanish-speaking regions of the world. The language component of this course will continue to develop social vocabulary and conversational ability, as well as topic-related terminology in Spanish. Students will explore the history and culture of the pre-columbian civilizations and their contributions to present day Latin America. Particular emphasis will be placed on authentic linguistic and cultural experiences including an appreciation for music, art, literature, food, clothing and celebrations past and present.

5638 — Spanish III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B in 5628
This class is conducted in Spanish. The basic structure of the language is reviewed and refined. Oral work is stressed through classroom participation and language lab activities. A variety of reading material is presented, ranging from Hispanic short stories to full-length novels. The four skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing are extensively covered in this class.

5636 — Spanish III
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5626 and teacher recommnedation
This course builds on previously learned skills of understanding, speaking, reading and writing Spanish. The grammar which is reviewed and introduced derives from Spanish and Latin American reading selections. All grammar points are reviewed and applied in the writing of structured, individual compositions and oral reports. Spanish will be used nearly exclusively.

5634 — Spanish III Lnaguage and Culture
(Proficiency Stage 3)

4 credits
Level: 2

Prerequisite: C- in 5624 and teacher recommendation
This course extends the learning of the Spanish language and the culture of Spanish-speaking regions of the world. The language component of this course will strengthen social and conversational ability, as well as topic-specific terminology in Spanish. Latin American history and culture will be explored from the colonial period to the present. Students will complete in-depth studies of selected countries and regions where Spanish is spoken. Students will read authentic literature in Spanish. Particular emphasis will be placed on authentic linguistic and cultural experiences including an appreciation for music, art, literature, food, clothing and celebrations past and present.

5648 — Spanish IV
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B in 5638 and teacher recommendation
This course is for students of proven linguistic ability who can speak and write in Spanish with good control of basic constructions and tenses. A variety of methods will be used such as weekly use of the language laboratory, compositions, readings from text and literary sources and student presentations. This course helps prepare students for the SAT II exam and is taught exclusively in Spanish.

5646 — Spanish IV
(Proficiency Stage 3-4)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5636 and teacher recommendation
Grammar topics are reviewed and used as the class is conducted in Spanish. The aural/oral skills are also employed in the language laboratory. A variety of readings is covered through short stories, novels and plays. Students further develop speaking and writing skills when discussing the themes in their compositions. This course does not prepare students for the Spanish Advanced Placement exam.

5659 — Spanish AP — Language
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: B or better in 5648 and teacher recommendation
The principal goal of the course is to ensure that all students attain an advanced level of proficiency in the areas of: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These skills are never taught in isolation but rather in an integrative way. The Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination is not based on specific course content but instead attempts to evaluate levels of performance in the use of the language, both in understanding written and spoken Spanish and in writing and speaking with ease in correct and idiomatic Spanish. Students will regularly demonstrate proficiency using each of the three communicative modes: interpersonal, interpretative, and presentational. In addition, students will learn to synthesize information amassed from authentic sources, both print and aural. This course is conducted exclusively in Spanish and students are expected and encouraged to use Spanish at all times with their peers and with their teacher. There will be summer assignments for all students entering the AP Spanish Language Course. Assignments will include: listening, reading, and writing activities, journal writing, and a grammatical review. Students will do an oral presentation the first week of the school year.

5658 — Spanish V, Literature, Culture & Civilization
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: Honors

Prerequisite: B or better in 5648.
In this year long course the students will improve their fluency in Spanish through the study of the Culture, Civilization, and Spanish Literature from different time periods and countries in the original language. This will include short stories, poetry, a novel and a play. The works read will be thoroughly discussed in class to develop communication skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. This course is for students who want to continue to be challenged without having to prepare for the AP exam. Course work will include oral reports, written compositions and text analysis. This course is taught exclusively in Spanish.

5656 — Spanish V
(Proficiency Stage 4)

4 credits
Level: 1

Prerequisite: C in 5646 and teacher recommendation
In this culminating course, students will improve their fluency in Spanish through the use of authentic materials: unsubtitled movies, short stories, songs, poems, and short plays. Course work will include the use of the language lab, Internet, and newspapers. There will also be a cursory review of grammar as necessary.

5695 — Spanish Exchange Seminar

1 credit
Level: Standard (Unleveled)

Prerequisite: Selection to participate in the exchange program with Spain.
This seminar is intended solely for exchange program participants. The course will further enhance the students’ linguistic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. It provides students with Spanish culture and history. Students are helped in developing oral presentations and projects to be given in the host school. Help with the necessary documentation for the trip and travel preparations are provided.

5090 — Independent Study

4 credits
Level: Standard (Unleveled)

Prerequisite: Program approval by the language teacher and Department Head
A student/teacher contract containing the goals and program proposal must be submitted before entering. Time and credit arrangements will then be made.