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.