Academics
Curriculum
Arts & Humanities

World Languages

Own only what you can always carry with you:
know languages, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.
~Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The world language faculty prepare students to communicate in a different language, and develop knowledge and appreciation of culture through a rigorous curriculum that encourages the appreciation of diversity. Faculty members seek to impart to students the practical knowledge of a world language, and thus, a greater understanding of the global community. Through the steps of listening, comprehending, speaking, reading and writing, students gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for other peoples, their cultures and languages.
At the beginning levels students learn basic vocabulary and grammar structures used in dialogues which increase gradually in difficulty as the students advance. Communication is the object of all languages; therefore, common language reflects common culture, history, attitudes and identity of a people. Acquiring knowledge of a second language enables students to better understand their fellow global citizens who may be linguistically and culturally different. Language is the essential bridge between individuals and nations, and can only be developed through communication.

List of 10 items.

  • Spanish I

    Two Semesters: Grades 9-11
    This course introduces basic Spanish vocabulary and grammar as a foundation upon which to build communication skills.  It emphasizes the learning of thematic vocabulary, listening, reading, and writing skills.   Students use Spanish in a variety of ways, both orally and in writing.  Language is presented within the context of authentic cultural situations throughout the textbook, and communicative activities allow for the greatest participation by each student.
  • Spanish II

    Two Semesters: Grades 9-12
    This course builds on the skills mastered in Spanish I with a greater emphasis on written texts.  Students listen to and read authentic Spanish language materials to enhance their reading and comprehension skills.  They also write various types of paragraphs to strengthen the writing skills begun in Spanish I.  Communicative activities are again employed to practice the newly acquired language.  Greater emphasis is placed upon the use of verb tenses and more complex grammar.
  • (H) Spanish II

    Two Semesters: Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Departmental Approval
    This course is a continuation of Spanish I, progressing at a more accelerated rate than Spanish II and covering additional grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and conversational skills.  The course is designed to prepare students for Honors Spanish III.  
  • Spanish III

    Two Semesters: Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Departmental Approval
    This course is a review of first and second year material with more emphasis on literature and advanced grammar.  There is additional opportunity for original writing and conversation.  
  • (H) Spanish III

    Two Semesters: Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Departmental Approval
    This course is a continuation and review of work covered in Honors Spanish II, with an increased emphasis on oral proficiency, vocabulary building, more complex language structures, reading, writing, and literature.  This course is for those students who plan to take the AP exam the following year.  
  • AP Spanish Language & Culture

    AP Spanish Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in Spanish. Students cultivate their understanding of Spanish language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.
  • Mandarin Chinese I

    Two Semesters: Grades 9-12
    Beginner level Mandarin Chinese course designed to develop students' basic knowledge of the Chinese language and entry-level language skills from listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will learn to read and write using both simplified characters and Pinyin--the most commonly used Romanization system. By the end of the course students will have developed a competent pronunciation, communicate in predictable daily interactions, and understand basic grammatical structures. Classes have an additional aim of developing an awareness and understanding of Chinese culture. This class will cover lessons 1-24 of Discovering Chinese Pro by Better Chinese.
  • Mandarin Chinese II

    Two Semesters: Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE:  Department Approval
    Intermediate level Mandarin Chinese course designed to develop students' knowledge of the Chinese language and intermediate language skills from listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will learn to read and write using both simplified characters and Pinyin--the most commonly used Romanization system. By the end of the course students will be able to (1) engage in rather fluent conversations about daily activities, (2) write compositions on subjects pertaining to daily life and personal experiences, (3) read and write over 500 new vocabulary words.
    Classes have an additional aim of developing an awareness and understanding of Chinese culture. This class will cover lessons 25-48 of Discovering Chinese Pro by Better Chinese.
  • (H) Mandarin Chinese III

    Two Semesters: Grades 10-12
    Advanced level Mandarin Chinese course designed to help students continue to develop knowledge of the Chinese language and advanced language skills from listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will learn to read and write using both simplified characters and Pinyin--the most commonly used Romanization system. This class will cover lessons 49-72 of Discovering Chinese Pro by Better Chinese.
  • (H) Mandarin Chinese IV

    Two Semesters: Grades 11-12
    Advanced Mandarin Chinese course designed to develop students' knowledge of the Chinese language and language skills from listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will learn to read and write using both simplified characters and Pinyin--the most commonly used Romanization system. By the end of the course students will be able to (1) engage in fluent conversations (2) write compositions that are at least five hundred words in length, (3) read and write over 500 new vocabulary words, (4) create multimedia presentations that are over five minutes in length. This class will cover Units 1-8 in volume 2b of Modern Chinese by Better Chinese. Classes have an additional aim of developing an awareness and understanding of Chinese culture.
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