World Languages

FRENCH

French I is designed to help the students develop language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through the study of basic elements of the sound system of language, the basic structural patterns, and useful activities. An introduction to French culture is made through the reading selections, chapter notes, geographical study of the Francophone world, video activities, music, and role play.

French II is designed to further develop the student’s control of the language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The major emphasis is placed upon listening and speaking; however, reading and writing activities are presented simultaneously. Cultural topics include telephone usage, train travel in France, monetary units in the Francophone world, food and cooking, public transportation, and holidays in the French speaking world.

French III is designed to further develop the student’s control of the language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The major emphasis is placed upon listening and speaking; however, reading and writing activities are presented simultaneously. There is further study of cultural topics.

The French IV and AP French Language classes are designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement French Language exam. Students enrolled in these classes have successfully completed three years of prior study and possess a strong command of the language. The class is taught in French and is the equivalent of a third-year college course which develops students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

SPANISH

Spanish I is designed to help students develop the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through the study of the basic elements of the sound system of the language, the basic language patterns, and the vocabulary. Emphasis will be placed upon the listening and speaking activities. Reading and writing activities will be introduced simultaneously. Cultural topics will also be presented.

Spanish II is designed to further develop the student’s control of the language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. Emphasis is placed upon listening and speaking; however, reading and writing activities assume greater importance than at the first two levels. There is further study of cultural topics.

Spanish III is designed to further develop the student’s control of the language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. Commensurate with the ACTFL Performance Guidelines and the Language Learning Continuum Categories as stated in the Foreign Language Framework for California Public Schools. Emphasis is placed upon listening, and speaking: however reading and writing activities assume greater importance than at Levels I and II. There is further study of cultural topics.

Spanish IV provides a two-fold program: (1) to reinforce and to refine the student’s control of the language, its sound system, its structure and vocabulary through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities; (2) to develop cultural and cross-cultural understanding of Spanish speaking countries (the people and their lives) through the study of representative reading selections and current materials, such as Spanish magazines and newspapers. There is extensive practice to increase listening, speaking, reading, and writing competency to the level required to pass the SAT subject Exam and to prepare the student for the level of work required in the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Course.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers I is a course designed for the native speaker to challenge and further enrich his/her ability to communicate in Spanish. The course will emphasize written communication, as well as verbal articulation, through the study of significant Spanish literary selections and contemporary Spanish publications which will enhance written and verbal communication skills. This course will satisfy one year of credit towards college entrance.

Español para Nativos 1 (en inglés = Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1)- Este curso tiene el propósito de desafiar y enriquecer al estudiante que ya habla español. El curso tendrá énfasis en la habilidad de escribir y hablar en español por medio de la literatura hispánica y publicaciones contemporáneas. Las prácticas engrandecerán sus habilidades de poder escribir y hablar con más dominio el español. Este curso cumplirá un año de crédito hacia los requisitos universitarios.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers II is a continuation of the first course for native Spanish speakers. It is designed for students who already speak, read and write in Spanish and will continue instruction in vocabulary, spelling (including diacritical marks), grammar, and writing for specific purposes. Particular attention will be given to expanding students’ knowledge of these areas beyond their particular region of origin. Utilizing standard Spanish with expanded vocabulary will enable students to communicate with the greatest number of Spanish speakers around the world. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to the various Hispanic cultures around the world and the connection that exists between the Hispanic community and the world around it as well as the diversity of the cultures of Spanish speaking people from the various continents. Students will read short stories, poetry and selections from novels by great Hispanic authors who have gained fame for their achievements.

The AP Spanish Language course is an accelerated course which parallels a third year college level Spanish course.  It is taught exclusively in Spanish.  The course seeks to develop Spanish language skills useful in various activities and disciplines by developing proficiency in all four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  The AP Spanish Language course also stresses the cultural components of the Hispanic language.

The Advanced Placement course in Spanish Literature is an introductory course exploring the diverse literary styles that exist in the Spanish-speaking world. Students must demonstrate competency in the Spanish language before enrolling in order for the class to successfully analyze complex literature themes.