Languages

2 Semesters 

Spanish I is the initiation level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 1! Students learn conversational and grammatical aspects of the target language which provide them with the basic tools they need to function in the Spanish-speaking world. Integrated technology and traditional materials provide a wide range of language experiences and authentic Hispanic culture in the classroom. This program utilizes an interactive communicative approach that leads to the application and analysis of language structures in real-life contexts. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. 

2 semesters 

Instruction in this course emphasizes application of grammar rules and an expansive vocabulary as the key to successful communication. In the second level, students continue to strengthen the usage of grammar and conversation enabling them to function in real-life situations. The students begin to express their own ideas through writing and speaking activities, while increasing their understanding of Hispanic culture. Students are exposed to a variety of reading strategies that increase their level of reading comprehension. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. The course is based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 1! 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I 

2 semesters 

The mastery of all basic tenses and intermediate grammar structures along with expanding vocabulary is the basis of this course. Oral (speaking)/aural (listening) skills are practiced with the use of interactive technologies as well as oral assessments. Readings from the text expand the students' knowledge of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Writing skills are developed through writing assignments and Spanish compositions. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. The course is based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 2! 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish II 

2 semesters 

The course serves to review, expand, and enhance vocabulary and grammar in preparation for college-level courses. Students will work with online programs to strengthen listening and speaking skills, as well as continue their exploration of the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. 

Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Spanish III or Honors Spanish III and Department approval 

2 semesters 

The Honors Spanish II course moves at a pace that addresses the accelerated learner. Emphasis is placed on the spoken language. The Honors student is challenged to improve her skills in speaking, writing, listening, and reading using the same program as in Spanish II. However, the Honors student brings strong grammar skills to this course so that the emphasis may be placed on expanding vocabulary and strengthening grammar, thus enabling the student to speak and write on a higher level. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. The course is based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 1! 

Prerequisite: 95 or higher in Spanish I and Department approval 

2 semesters 

The Honors Spanish III course is a more intense and expanded study of Spanish III. Students master all basic and intermediate grammar tenses and are introduced to the advanced level of Spanish grammar. More complex levels of written communication are possible through writing assignments and Spanish compositions. Students improve reading skills and embrace Spanish culture by reading authentic Spanish texts. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. The course is based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 2! 

Prerequisite: 90 or higher in Honors Spanish II and Department approval; 93 or higher in Spanish II and Department approval 

2 semesters 

Honors Spanish IV is an accelerated, intensive review of the previously learned grammar, as well as an expansion of the vocabulary used in everyday situations. The text for this course is a college-level intermediate text. Students respond orally and in writing to open-ended questions and prompts that require them to use their imagination, as well as their Spanish language skills acquired over their language study. Students also read stories, view videos, and write compositions all in the target language. Honors students take this class if they have strong grammar skills and wish to continue their study of Spanish in college. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. 

Prerequisite: 90 or higher in Honors Spanish III and Department approval; 93 or higher in Spanish III and Department approval  

The Honors Spanish V Conversation and Composition course is designed to provide students opportunities to enhance and expand their language skills. Throughout the course, students will utilize and hone their Spanish language skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Course content will include a variety of topics that will provoke and promote communication in Spanish. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. 

Prerequisites: 90 or higher in Honors Spanish IV and Department approval; 93 or higher in Spanish IV and Department approval; or successful completion of AP Spanish and Department approval 

The AP Spanish course strives to promote both fluency and accuracy in language use and not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught in the target language. 

Prerequisite: 93 or higher in Honors Spanish III; 90 or higher in Honors Spanish IV; or 93 or higher in Spanish IV. All AP student candidates must be approved by the Department. 

Note: Entrance into AP classes is by invitation based on achieved scores and completion of required courses. AP students must take the exam for AP. 

Families are financially responsible for the associated fees. 

2 semesters 

French 1 is the initiation level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on the Vista Higher Learning program, D'Accord. It utilizes interactive activities in a communicative manner that lead to the application and analysis of language structures in real-life contexts. Language learning is enhanced by audio, video, and computer components that are presented in the textual materials. It is an integrated approach to the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural knowledge. 

2 semesters 

French 2 is the second year level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on the Vista Higher Learning Program, D'Accord. It utilizes interactive activities in a communicative manner that lead to the application and analysis of language structures in real-life contexts. Language learning is enhanced by audio, video, and computer components that are presented in the textual materials. It is an integrated approach to the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural knowledge. 

Prerequisiste: Successful completion of French 1 

2 semesters 

Skills begun in French 1 and 2 are consolidated, expanded and further developed. More complex levels of written communication are possible through a structured study of grammar principles. Vocabulary and conversational enrichment are provided through the reading of varied texts and cultural presentations on life in France and French-speaking countries. Critical thinking skills are practiced through these conversation and reading activities when appropriate to the content of a chapter. 

Prerequisites: 80 in French 1 and 2; Department approval required 

2 semesters 

The honors course is an accelerated, more intense and expanded study of French 2 topics. 

Prerequisite: 90 in French 1 and Department approval required. 

2 semesters 

The honors course is a more intense and expanded study of French 3 topics. 

Prerequisites: 90 in French 2 or Honors French 2 and Departmental approval required 

2 semesters

The total program as described above continues. Grammar and communication skills are refined. An emphasis is placed on correct oral and written expression in French. A further emphasis is placed on the practice of reading. Cultural readings to set the theme of each chapter, authentic readings from contemporary magazines and newspapers as well as selections from a variety of periods of French literature provide comprehension practice, conversational activities, literary analysis and critical thinking skills development. 

Prerequisite: 85 in French 3 or Honors French 3, For Honors French IV: 90 in French 3 or Honors French 3; Department approval required 

2 semesters 

This program of study integrates a complete overview of grammar, culture, art, literature and history with an intensification of oral and aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing and continues to invite practice of critical thinking skills. 

Prerequisite: 85 in French 4 or Honors French 4 and Department approval required 

2 Semesters 

This introductory course exposes students to an extensive amount of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax in an effort to enable them to successfully translate passages from within the Ecce Romani textbook series. Students will be able to read words, phrases, and simple sentences demonstrating their ability to comprehend Latin. While the building blocks of the language, including nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, enclitics, verbs, and idioms remain the focus of study, the various components of Roman civilization and culture, such as geography, history (basic historical periods), mythology (the major Olympian deities), and the many aspects of life (housing, clothing, surviving) in urban Rome will be integrated with the formal language study. Finally, students will observe how Latin is in use today through thematic vocabulary, oral Latin, derivatives, expressions, mottoes, and abbreviations. 

2 Semesters 

A natural continuation of Latin I, this course builds upon the concepts acquired in the first year and exposes the student to more complex grammar and syntax. Students will follow the same story that they began in the first book of the Ecce Romani series. Cultural material will include geography (the Roman world), history (prominent historical figures from Roman history), mythology (heroes and monsters), and Roman life (education, recreation, entertainment). Students will also continue to recognize Latin in everyday use via thematic vocabulary, oral Latin, derivatives, and expressions, mottoes, and abbreviations.  

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin I. 

2 Semesters 

This course serves as a continuation of Latin I. Students will apply the concepts that they acquired in the first year and will learn more complex grammar and syntax.  Students will follow the same story that they began in the first book of the Ecce Romani series.  Cultural material will include the geography of the Roman world, prominent figures in Roman history, the heroes and monsters in Graeco-Roamn mythology, and aspects of Roman life such as education, recreation, and entertainment.  Students will also continue to recognize the presence of Latin in everyday use via thematic vocabulary, oral Latin, derivatives, and expressions, mottoes, and abbreviations.  Because this class is an honors level course, students will move at a more accelerated pace and will be assessed in a manner by which they will hone their critical thinking skills. 

Prerequisite: 90 or higher in Latin I and Departmental approval 

2 semesters 

Students will complete their study of grammar in preparation for translating authentic Latin texts by prose authors such as Eutropius, Cicero, Caesar, and Pliny the Younger using the Ecce Romani series. Students will translate texts while closely linking them to the cultural and political climate of the period to which they belong. There will also be additional culture and civilization study including geography (notable cities, regions, mountains, rivers, and bodies of water in Italy and the ancient world), history (prominent persons and events from the Roman Republic and early Empire through the Julio-Claudian emperors), mythology (typical Roman and Italian deities and origins and transformations), and Roman life (calendar terms, religion, ceremonies).  

Prerequisite: 90 or higher in Honors Latin II, or 93 or higher in Latin II and Departmental approval. 

2 Semesters

This course provides students with the opportunity for a detailed reading of several of the major works of the major authors from the Golden Age, Silver Age, and the early Christian/Medieval period of ancient Rome: Vergil’s Aeneid; Ovid’s Metamorphoses; Horace’s Odes; Cicero’s Pro Caelio, and Augustine’s Confessions. In addition to analyzing grammar and syntax, we will be exploring both rhetorical and figurative language as well as imagery and themes. Students will be encouraged to compare and connect these themes to similar ones in our world including: gender and power issues, encountering pain and suffering; the plight of the refugee; the meaning and purpose of faith and the faith journey; human memory and memorialization, the conversion experience, and the complexity of human confession and communication. Students will be encouraged to apply their critical thinking skills to render their own interpretations as literary critics. Students will also learn to express their findings in a scholarly fashion through evaluation and citation of secondary sources in discussions, writing, and presentations. 

Prerequisites:  90 or higher in Honors Latin III; 93 or higher in Latin 3