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World Language
French Classes | Latin Classes | Spanish Classes | Foreign Travel/Study Programs | AP/Honors Classes
Each student is required to take two years of a world language. Although students may begin a first or second world language at any point in their high school career, it is recommended that students begin as freshmen in order to take advantage of the full four-year curriculum.
Many public and private universities require a minimum of two years of high school language study for admission. Studying a language for three or four years may exempt students from university exit requirements. Each university is different, so direct specific questions to the guidance department.
Native-speaking Teacher Aides
The world language curriculum is greatly enhanced through the inclusion of Amity Scholars. Each year the school community hosts young people from French and Spanish speaking countries. The Amity Institute is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for 30 years. It provides a fantastic opportunity for students to increase their linguistic ability as well as to deepen their appreciation for other cultures.
Goals:
1. Increase student's ability to speak the language.
2. Increase student's ability to understand the language.
3. Increase student's confidence in interacting with native speakers.
4. Deepen the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the target culture.
5. Be a resource person for the teachers and students for language and culture.
Methods and activities of instruction:
1. Present cultural topics to language classes.
2. Introduce vocabulary and assist in pronunciation practice.
3. Lead small conversational groups.
4. Moderate language table in the cafeteria.
5. Conduct individual sessions with students (conversation and oral evaluation).
6. Create teaching aids and enhance the cultural atmosphere of the classrooms.
7. Make presentations to other classes, clubs, and organizations.
Foreign Travel/Study Programs
The world language department believes the world is a classroom and thus offers travel opportunities for students to extend language learning to real life situations in an immersion environment. Students who wish to apply for credit must fulfill the following requirements: attend pre-travel informational meetings, write a letter to the family with whom they will be staying (if applicable), and create a portfolio/scrapbook of their trip.
Prerequisites: Currently enrolled language student and approval of instructor.
One-half credit, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Freshmen may be admitted based on the program and availability of space. Students will receive a P/NP notation on their academic record.
La Religion, Cultura, y Justicia en America Latina (S1) (S2)
Students will receive a .5-world language credit. See Theology for course description and enrollment requirements.
French I (YR)
This first-level French course offers students a balanced approach to language learning giving careful attention to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will gain cross-cultural awareness as they compare and contract the cultures of French-speaking countries and their contributions to the global society. Students learn to talk about themselves, their families and interests as well as exploring units on schools, cuisine and shopping. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.
Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
French II (YR)
This second-level course is designed to develop and expand students’ communication skills. The study of Francophone countries broadens to include Quebec and Senegal. Students read about and learn to discuss issues such as health and wellness, festivals and film. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music and films.
Prerequisite: French 1.
Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
French III (YR)
This course is designed to improve the basic skills of listening comprehension, oral expression, reading and writing through conversations, discussions, readings and practical writing activities. This course will refine and introduce new structures in grammar and vocabulary. The study of Francophone customs and cultures include an overview of French history, art, fairy tales and legends. Students discuss topics such as love and friendships, the environment, media and society. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.
Prerequisite: French II.
Two semesters, two credits, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
French IV (YR)
The goals of French IV are to improve student’s ability to communicate in French, develop a deeper understanding of Francophone customs and culture and gain an appreciation of their roles in the world. Based on student’s interests we co-create the curriculum selecting material from areas of language study, fine arts, literature, cultural topics and current events. Popular literary choices are Le Petit Prince, Carmen, and Le Comte de Monte Cristo. Students also have opportunities to discuss issues that are important to them, such as how to select the right college, racism, or teen peer pressure in French conversation circles.
Prerequisite: French III.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
French V (YR)
This advanced level course provides an option for students who have completed French IV and want an alternative to AP French. Students will continue to develop their language proficiency as they develop a more sophisticated vocabulary and grammar base. Students’ interests drive the selection of material in this co-created curriculum. Some options are French provincial cooking, French poetry, Candide, En Attendant Godot, immigration and discrimination in France the United States, and Film. Students have opportunities to discuss issues that are important to them in French conversation circles. They also have options to research an area of interest and present their finds to classmates.
Prerequisite: French IV.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
AP French (YR)
This intense college-level course is designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Language Examination. Based students’ interests we co-create the curriculum studying topics on Francophone history and culture through literature and film. For example students explore the impact of French colonialism on Algeria by reading L’Hôte by Camus and seeing Pontecorvo’s classic film La Battaile d’Algers. Students also study and discuss contemporary culture and issues and research areas of interest. Students review grammar to build their proficiency in the areas of speaking, listening, writing, reading and vocabulary recall.
Prerequisite: Grade of B+ or better in French IV or French V.
Two semesters, two credits, open to seniors.
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Latin I (YR)
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.
Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Latin II (YR)
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.
Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Latin III (YR)
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.
Two semesters, two credits, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Latin IV (YR)
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.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Latin V (YR)
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.
Prerequisite: Latin IV.
Two semesters, two credits, open to seniors.
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Español Para Hispanohablantes (YR)
This course is designed for 9th 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.
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 freshmen.
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.
Prerequisite: Español para Hispanohablantes I.
Two semesters, two credits open to freshmen and sophomores.
Spanish I (YR)
Spanish I seeks to develop each of the following skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Students will engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings, and exchange opinions on topics such as school, hobbies, places in the community, sports, foods and beverages, dates, time weather, clothing and family. Students will building an awareness of culture, including attitudes and lifestyles in Spanish-speaking countries Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music and films.
Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Advanced Spanish I (YR)
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.
Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen and sophomores transferring from a junior high beginning Spanish program or with teacher recommendation.
Spanish II (YR)
This course builds on the fundamentals and skills presented in Spanish I. Students will engage in conversations, develop listening skills, and write in the Spanish language. Thematic units presented will include the classroom, daily routines, downtown activities, children and play, emergencies, television programs, and cooking. Within these units, students will build an awareness of culture, including attitudes and lifestyles, in Spanish-speaking countries. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.
Pre-requisite: Spanish I or equivalent.
Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Spanish III (YR)
This third-year Spanish course is designed to continue developing the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through conversations, discussions, readings and practical writing activities. This course will refine and introduce new structures in grammar as well as vocabulary. The study of Spanish-speaking people, their customs and cultures include units on art, health and fitness, and communities and volunteerism. Participation and conversation are integral parts of this course. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C-” or better in Spanish II.
Two semesters, two-credits, open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Spanish IV (YR)
The goals of Spanish IV are to improve students ability to communicate in Spanish, develop a deeper understanding of the customs and cultures of Spanish-speaking people. Conversation, reading and composition are integral parts of this course as students learn to analyze literature from different countries and different literary styles. Film and contemporary issues are also topics for class discussions. Grammar review and vocabulary are based on selected reading.
Prerequisite: A grade of “B-”or better in Spanish III.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Spanish V (YR)
This advanced level course provides an option for students who have completed Spanish IV and want an alternative to AP Spanish. Students will continue to develop their language proficiency as they develop a more sophisticated vocabulary and grammar base. Students will explore cultural aspects of Latin American as they develop communicative and cultural competency through readings, writing and speaking.
Prerequisite: Spanish IV
Two semester, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
AP Spanish (YR)
This is an intense college-level course designed to prepare student for the Advanced Placement Language Examination. Students review grammar to build their proficiency in the areas of speaking, listening, writing, reading and vocabulary recall. Students read, analyze and discuss literature in Spanish, which becomes the topic for compositions, oral interviews and personal reflection.
Prerequisite: Grade of B+ or better in Spanish IV or Spanish V.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
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