World Language

At the end of this course, students will be able to hold a basic conversation and make simple requests similar to the ones found in a traveler’s language guide. They will be able to introduce themselves, give information about themselves, order a meal in a restaurant, shop, count money, ask for directions, and seek medical care. And last but not least, make friends.

The objective of Spanish II is to obtain proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language. In addition, students will acquire a firm linguistic base, which is the foundation of effective communication and meaningful language proficiency. To develop a more concise world-­‐view, students will learn to situate the language within the context of the contemporary Spanish–speaking world and its cultures. The emphasis in this course sequence is to actively apply the fundamentals that were introduced in the preliminary Spanish course (Spanish I). Students will develop their communication skills by learning to express complex thoughts and ideas. Among the verb forms studied are the present, the imperfect, the subjunctive, the reflexive, the imperative, the future, the future perfect, and the conditional. To facilitate thinking in the target language in an abstract manner, a variety of literary texts are read and discussed. In addition, specific attention will be paid to correct pronunciation and diction.

Prerequisite: Spanish I.

The objective of Spanish III is to refine listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language. In addition, students will strengthen and expand their linguistic base, thus enhancing the foundation of effective communication and meaningful language proficiency. Students will continue to learn to situate the language within the context of the contemporary Spanish–speaking world and its cultures. The emphasis in this course sequence is to actively apply the fundamentals that were introduced in the primary and secondary Spanish courses (Spanish I and Spanish II). Students will develop their communication skills by learning to express complex thoughts and ideas. Written assignments of a more substantial length will afford students the opportunity to write in a more academic manner. Among the verb forms reviewed are the present, the imperfect, the preterit, the reflexive, the imperative, the future, the future perfect, the conditional, the present perfect, and the subjunctive and imperfect subjunctive. Students will learn grammar within the context of various authors, such as Ana María Matute, Horacio Quiroga, and Luis C. Infante. The literary context in which students encounter the language will allow them to think critically about the ideas and situations presented by the authors. In addition, specific attention will be paid to correct pronunciation and diction, and the subtle nuances of spoken language.

Prerequisite: Spanish II.

The objective of Spanish IV is to further the communication skills acquired in Spanish III, with the aim of language proficiency. The course includes extensive oral expression. Authentic audio and video recordings as well as native Spanish speakers are accessed to improve comprehension and conversation. Reading selections from authentic materials and selected Hispanic literature are read for comprehension. Discussion, debate, projects, compositions, and other directed writings demonstrate understanding of the culture and the complexities of the language and vocabulary. The majority of the course is conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisite: Spanish III.

French 1 students are introduced to basic structures and vocabulary dealing with everyday situations that enable them to communicate effectively in French at a basic level. Students start developing all five communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness.

French 2 students continue their study of the five communication skills: Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness of French. Students can understand simple questions related to personal interests and to initiate simple conversations. They develop the ability to read short texts and write short paragraphs dealing with everyday life.

Prerequisite: French 1.

French 3 students expand upon and enrich the base of knowledge acquired in French 1 and 2. As students enter the intermediate level of language proficiency, they learn to discuss and write about personal experiences and their lives at home and school. They learn to communicate their needs using more complex verb tenses and grammatical structures. Students are also introduced to short literary texts and other authentic documents.

Prerequisite: French 2.

The AP French Language and Culture course takes a holistic approach to language proficiency and recognizes the complex interrelatedness of comprehension and comprehensibility, vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The course strives to promote both fluency and accuracy in language use and not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught in the target language. The course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of products, both tangible (e.g., tools, books, music) and intangible (e.g., laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions that underlie both practices and products).

Prerequisite: French 3.