| Foreign Languages |
The major purpose and objective of learning a modern language is to gain the fluency to be able to communicate ideas in another language. From the first level of learning, students learn to listen, to speak, to read, and to write in the language in order to develop the fluency needed to be able to communicate in that language. Through this study, students also gain insight to and develop an appreciation for a culture that is different from their own. In this respect, it is the belief of the Foreign Language Department that a student should learn a language that is not spoken at home. Therefore, a student who has a working knowledge of French, Creole, Italian, or Spanish should study a “foreign language”: a language other than the one in which they have a working knowledge. It is also the belief of the Department that to gain the most benefit in the study of a foreign language, a student is to pursue a 3-year sequential study of one language. This is a requirement. The Foreign Language Department reflects the school’s purposes and objectives by leading the student to the knowledge and understanding that there is a world beyond the student’s world. Knowledge of that world, in terms of language and culture, will better prepare the student to live and to play an important role in that world. FRENCH 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT This course will develop the student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write elementary French. The history and culture of France will be explored highlighting cultural similarities and differences between France and America. FRENCH 2 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval The predominant goal of this course is to promote communication through the development of comprehension in all phases of the language. Basic conversation, reading and writing skills, and the clarification of grammatical forms and usage are pursued. Careful attention is given to sentence structure, with emphasis placed on transformation and substitution techniques. There is continued use of dialogues and tapes to assist the students with the development of their pronunciation and fluency. A more formalized study of the aspects of French culture and history is conducted. FRENCH 3 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT At this level, integration of the basic skills of comprehension, reading, conversation, and writing is achieved. Lessons treat various aspects of French life, eliciting interest and expanding listening, speaking, and comprehension skills. The course is supplemented by readings selected from French literature. French culture is explored through the medium of films, periodicals, and field trips. FRENCH 4 HONORS WEIGHT: 5 1 CREDIT This Course will concentrate on refining the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skill. It will provide strategies that will allow the student to communicate more effectively; to review and learn new grammatical structures; to articulate opinions on different topics; to express their reactions to opinions. It will also introduce students to basic literary criticism through questions that go beyond interpretation to matters of language and style. Selected materials from French literature, history, and culture will be an integral part of the course. ITALIAN 1 This course is intended for students who have no previous education in Italian. Emphasis is on building communicative competence and oral proficiency. All four-skill areas are covered: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. An appreciation of Italian culture is integral to the course. ITALIAN 2 This course is a continuation of Italian 1. Students expand their vocabulary and learn more complex grammar. Emphasis is on speaking and listening. Students continue to learn and appreciate Italian culture through readings and activities. ITALIAN 3 This course will continue to develop vocabulary and grammar. Students will begin reading and discussing topics of Italy’s literature, history, and culture. SPANISH 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT This course will develop the student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write elementary Spanish. An elementary study of Hispanic Culture and Civilization will be explored. SPANISH 1 COLLEGE 2 WEIGHT: 3 1 CREDIT The students will be introduced to Spanish pronunciation; dialogues will be the basis for conversation. The listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are begun, and basic Spanish grammar is introduced. An introduction to the life and culture of the Spanish speaking world will be presented. Upon successful completion, the student will progress to Spanish 2 – C2. SPANISH 2 COLLEGE 2 WEIGHT: 3 1 CREDIT This class is a continuation of Spanish 1 – C2. Students will use dialogues and readings to develop their ability to understand and to speak elementary Spanish. Reading and writing skills are also developed. Basic grammar study is continued. Further study will be made of life and culture in the Spanish speaking world. SPANISH 2 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT This course is designed to complete the acquisition of the fundamentals of speaking, reading, and writing the Spanish language. Lessons are geared toward the mastery and command of language skills, with emphasis on basic grammatical principles and thorough knowledge of verb forms. Hispanic culture and civilization is further explored. SPANISH 3 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT Spanish 3 provides the opportunity for students to strengthen the skills attained in Spanish 1 and Spanish 2. The objectives are in three areas: oral communication, linguistic skills, and literature. In oral communication, students will be able to create with language, to participate in progressively more challenging conversations, and to communicate successfully in basic survival situations. In linguistic skills, students will be able to strengthen their command of spoken and written Spanish in the following areas: in naming past, present and future events; in being able to express feelings, opinions and hypotheses using subjective and conditional constructions. In literature, students are introduced to short stories and brief sketches in order to strengthen reading skills and to help students appreciate short literary pieces. SPANISH 4 HONORS WEIGHT: 5 1 CREDIT This course combines practical vocabulary, oral use of the language, and a review of major grammatical points with the study and culture of the Spanish people. Students continue to refine their reading comprehension skills, and achieve sophistication and fluency in the spoken and written language. Selected material from Spanish literature, history and culture is an integral part of the course. SPANISH 5 A. P. WEIGHT: 6 1 CREDIT This course combines practical vocabulary, oral use of language, and a review of major grammatical points with the study and culture of the Hispanic people. Students continue to refine their reading comprehension skills, and achieve sophistication and fluency in the spoken and written language. Selected material from Hispanic literature, history, and culture is an integral part of the course. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examinations.
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