First-year French offers the beginner a balanced approach to learning the French language and gives careful attention to all basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The French way of life, French attitudes, and cultural customs are presented in conjunction with dialogues, vocabulary, and readings. Students learn to converse about themselves, family relationships, and leisure-time activities. Units on cafés and cities and an in-depth look at Paris are also presented. Varied teaching techniques are employed in an effort to reach all students with their differing interests and learning styles.

This second-level course is designed to develop and expand the skills of communication in French. The students will learn to express themselves by speaking and writing about their friends and families, films and hobbies, and their daily routines. Culture from many French-speaking countries will be incorporated. A varied teaching approach includes readings, CD’s, projects, and films.

Prerequisite: French 1.

This course is designed to improve the basic skills of reading, writing, oral expression, and listening comprehension of the French language. This improvement will be accomplished through the use of conversations, discussions, readings, and practical writing activities. This course will review and refine important grammar points as well as introduce new structures. The study of French customs and culture will be expanded to include an overview of French history, Francophone countries, art, and literature in France.

Prerequisite: French II.

This fourth-year language course will continue to develop students’ language skills, vocabulary, and grammar base. Students will gain an appreciation of French civilization through an integrated approach to art, history, and literature. This survey will include readings, lectures, discussions, and student projects. Contemporary topics such as French-speaking Africa, French cinema, and career exploration will be presented as well as an introduction to the opera Carmen. In addition, opportunities for pursuit of individual interest areas can be arranged.

Prerequisite: French III.

This first-year course is designed for students with no prior Latin study. Students study the Latin language, Roman history and culture, and the connections between Latin and English, with a focus on grammar and vocabulary building. Through increasingly complex Latin readings, students follow the lives of two young Romans as they approach adulthood. Cultural and historical perspectives are broadened through videos, class projects, and additional readings from outside sources.

This second-year course, designed for students who wish to continue their study of Latin, focuses on more complex Latin grammar, vocabulary expansion, and the culture and history of the classical world. Videos, class reports, and projects enhance understanding of the ancient Roman world.

Prerequisite: Latin I or two years junior high Latin.

Latin III continues to expand students’ command of Latin grammar and vocabulary, to gain sufficient proficiency to begin reading ancient Roman authors in the original language. In the second semester, language units alternate with in-depth units on Roman history, from prehistoric Italy to Rome’s domination of the Mediterranean world.

Prerequisite: Latin II.

The Latin sequence continues in a course covering a variety of genres and authors, ranging from Pliny’s letters to Cicero’s speeches to the poems of Martial and Vergil. Videos, reports, and class projects enhance understanding of the works being studied and the milieu in which they arose.

Prerequisite: Latin III.

Latin V continues to broaden and deepen students’ understanding of the Latin language, Roman history and culture, and their impact on the modern world. A variety of Roman writers will be read and discussed, sampling an assortment of genres and eras. Poetry and prose, history, philosophy, and drama will be introduced, with authors and works varying at the instructor’s discretion.

Español Para Hispanohablantes (YR)

This course is designed for 8^th and 9^th graders with near native fluency in Spanish. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish and will include the study of literature and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. The content will also incorporate grammar instruction to build writing skills and students’ understanding of structure and syntax. Methods will include discussions, student presentations, compositions, and projects.

Adequate enrollment is necessary to offer the course.

Prerequisite: Native speakers with a good understanding of grammar or students who were enrolled in a Spanish immersion school for a minimum of 5 years. Other students with extensive experience in studying Spanish may qualify by taking a proficiency test.

Two semesters, two credits open to 8^th graders and freshmen. Junior High students do not receive high school credit.

Español Para Hispanohablantes II (YR)

This course is designed for students who have completed Español para Hispanohablantes I. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish and will include the study of literature and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Students will continue to refine their writing skills and understanding of grammar structures and sytax. Methods will include discussions, student presentations, compositions and projects.

Adequate enrollment is necessary to offer the course.

Prerequisite: Español para Hispanohablantes I.

Students apply their language skills in a variety of activities on topics such as dates, numbers, personal introductions, foods and beverages, sports, weather, time, clothing, leisure-time activities, and family.. Students will build an awareness of culture, as well as attitudes and lifestyles, in Spanish-speaking countries.

This course is designed for students who excelled in Spanish in junior high. This yearlong course begins with an intense review of material presented in the first half of Realidades. New concepts are presented and vocabulary is introduced throughout the year. Students will creatively apply their language skills in projects, conversations and short writings. Upon successful completion of Advanced Spanish I, the student will enroll in Spanish II.

Prerequisite: Incoming freshmen that received a grade of “B+” or better in a yearlong program of junior high Spanish. Due to the proficiency-based methods used in the department, it is recommended that students who received a grade of “B” or lower, or didn’t use a textbook, enroll in Spanish I.

This second-year Spanish course continues the development of communication skills and emphasizes reading, writing, and grammar. The cultural and social aspects of the Hispanic world are integrated into the course content. In addition to the textbook and class discussions, projects and films are used to expand the students’ learning. Students are expected to creatively apply the knowledge acquired in Spanish I or Advanced Spanish I.

Prerequisite: Spanish I or Advanced Spanish I.

This third-year Spanish course is designed to further perfect the basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course will refine important grammar points as well as introduce new structures and vocabularies. Spanish III students are expected to creatively apply the knowledge they have acquired in Spanish I and Spanish II. Culture, customs, history, and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries will be highlighted.

Prerequisite: A grade of “C-” or better in Spanish II.

Advanced conversation and composition are an integral part of this course. Intensive vocabulary building and grammar review are based on selected readings. Students will analyze literature representing a variety of authors, countries, and literary styles. Current events involving Spanish-speaking countries will be discussed.

Prerequisite: A grade of “B-”or better in Spanish III.