Foreign Languages
The following courses each fulfill one year of a college foreign language requirement when they are studied at the secondary school level. An average of C or better or teacher recommendation is required for study beyond Level I. Most colleges require a minimum of two high school credits in one language. Because of global communication and technology, many are now recommending a three or four year sequence. Students who have acquired some foreign language proficiency through family circumstances or courses studied elsewhere may request to be admitted to foreign language classes without following the regular sequence for their grade level. Prior to enrollment, however, students must meet with the department chair who will arrange an inventory of their skills and abilities to help determine the best placement.
French I is an introductory course for students who have never studied the language or who have had less than one continuous year’s study. The course provides a basic foundation in the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through a study of the words and the culture of the French people. The course helps the students to become aware of the origin, function and power of both English and French words while appreciating people and customs different from their own.
Prerequisite: French I or permission of instructor French II is a course for students who have a firm foundation in the introductory material of the language. Students will review elementary grammar before beginning the study of more complex structures. Short selections of French culture will be read and discussed in French at the students’ level. Through individual and class projects on the customs and the traditions of the French speaking world, students will become aware of both the differences and the similarities that exist among the people of the world. (Please note that students leaving grade 8 may take one of the two courses listed above, depending upon length of time they have previously studied French and their teacher’s recommendation.)
Prerequisite: French II French III is a course for students who wish to acquire further confidence in using the language by reviewing its structures and vocabulary as a basis for further reading, writing and discussing in the target language. Selections will be chosen from the French classics as well as contemporary fiction and non-fiction.
Prerequisite: French III French IV is a course designed for students who wish to read and to discuss novels, plays, and contemporary events. The five areas of language learning will continue to be explored on a more advanced level with emphasis on those areas required for the students’ future plans. Through continued study of both the culture and the language itself, students will become aware of the power of words in the interdependence of the world community.
Prerequisite: French IV Many options are available for continuation of language study beyond level IV. See instructor for details.
Latin I will provide the student with the basic vocabulary and grammatical concepts necessary for a reading knowledge of this ancient language. Simple reading passages will expose students to Roman history, mythology and culture to complement courses they may be taking in English Literature and Western Civilization. English vocabulary and grammar are show-cased through our study of Latin.
Prerequisite: Latin I Latin II offers further practice in translating mythology and descriptions of Roman life. The course will complete the introduction to grammar, eventually enabling the student to read passages from Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico, the traditional gate-way to Latin literature.
Prerequisite: Latin II Latin III and Latin IV are courses in Latin literature. Each year students will read in Latin a different set of selections from Vergil's Aeneid and Cicero's works. Additional material by Horace, Catullus, Martial and other authors will be introduced to the extent that the interests and the expertise of the students will support.
Spanish I introduces the five key areas of language learning: speaking, listening, writing, reading and culture which are necessary for basic communication in Spanish. Also, students will gain understanding of the contemporary life and culture of Spanish speaking countries in the world.
Prerequisite: Spanish I In Spanish II, the student will review and build upon the basic skills developed in Spanish I. Continued emphasis will be given to oral proficiency as the past, future and conditional tenses are introduced. Various speaking activities and projects will focus on culturally authentic activities, customs, and traditions.
Prerequisite: Spanish II Spanish III will thoroughly review all previous grammar work; some advanced grammar work will also be done. The major emphasis however, will be increasing proficiency in conversation, writing and reading. A wide variety of culturally authentic materials including novels, legends and tales will encourage increased comprehension skills. Time will also be spent on the rich contributions made by Spanish and Latin American artists, writers and contemporary as well as traditional musicians.
Prerequisite: Spanish III In Spanish IV, students will gain advanced proficiency in the five basic areas of language study. Important Spanish novels and plays will be read and discussed in the target language. Creativity will be encouraged as students write and perform skits and role plays. Also students will gain awareness of the cultural, political and economic importance of Latin America.
Prerequisite: Spanish IV Spanish V is a course designed to have the student delve into Spanish & Latin American authors through poems, short stories and synoptic versions of literary masterpieces. In addition, advanced grammatical concepts will be taught and applied in controlled writing exercises.
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