The purposes and uses of world languages are as diverse as the students who study them. Some students take world languages in hopes of finding a rewarding career in the international marketplace or in governmental service. Others are interested in the intellectual challenges and cognitive benefits that come from mastering multiple languages. Still others seek greater understanding of other peoples and their cultures. Many approach the study of world languages simply to fulfill a graduation requirement. Regardless of the reason for study, these disciplines have something to offer everyone. It is with this educational philosophy in mind that five goals encompass all world language curricular objectives: mastery of Communication Skills, Knowledge of Cultures, Understanding Connections, Comparisons, and Communities---the five C’s of world languages. Together, these elements enable the student to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world in a variety of contexts and in culturally appropriate ways.
Spanish I
Spanish I is a beginning level Spanish course designed to acquaint students with the basics of the Spanish language through speaking, listening, reading and writing. The course is structured around the National Standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Emphasis will be placed on communication, pronunciation and on learning the basic grammar rules of Spanish. Culture will also be experienced through class discussion, movies, songs, games and current events. Upon completion, students will have a basic understanding of the language and appreciation of the usefulness of world languages in the global community. Students will have attained insight into and appreciation of the people and culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
Spanish II
As a continuation of Spanish I, Spanish II will stress speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. This course is structured around the National Standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Instruction presents grammatical structures and vocabulary which is the base of the Spanish language. Geographical and cultural knowledge will be enhanced through independent projects and current issues involving Spanish-speaking countries. Emphasis will be placed on communication and class conversations will be conducted in both Spanish and English. Students are expected to put forth their best effort in communication in Spanish. Upon completion, students will have a solid understanding of the language and culture. They will gain a greater appreciation of the usefulness of world languages in the global community, whether it is by communicating with Spanish-speaking people, considering career opportunities, or preparing to travel abroad.
Spanish III
Spanish III is designed to be taken by previously successful students of Spanish who wish to further enhance their Spanish language skills. This course is structured around the National Standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Emphasis will be placed on oral communication and class conversations will be conducted primarily in Spanish. Instruction includes advanced grammatical structures and allows for students to practice these structures through reading, writing, listening, speaking, critical thinking and problem solving. Geographical and cultural knowledge will be enhanced through internet assignments, Spanish newspapers and films. Upon completion, the learner will have a very strong foundation in the Spanish language and culture and will be well prepared to continue study at the Spanish IV level.
Spanish IV
Spanish IV is designed to be taken by previously successful students of Spanish III who wish to enhance their language skills, prepare for study at the university level, or travel abroad to Spanish-speaking cultures. This course is structured around the National Standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. In Spanish IV, grammar is reviewed and new, complex structures are learned. Students practice these structures through reading, writing, listening, speaking, critical thinking and problem solving. The course focuses on total communication with emphasis on listening and reading comprehension. Class discussion is conducted in Spanish and centers on the cultural, historical and literary aspects of Spain and Latin America. Written compositions will combine grammar and literary analysis. Upon completion, the learner will have a very strong foundation in Spanish to enable her/him to succeed at the university level, or travel abroad to Spanish-speaking countries.
French I
In French I, students will get to know and communicate with people who use French in their daily lives. The millions of French-speaking peoples come from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. By studying the language, students will also develop a better understanding of their own language and how it works. Also, by exploring cultural similarities and differences, they will grow to appreciate their own culture and increase their appreciation of the culture of others. Through work in the textbook and workbook, as well as activities inside and out of the classroom, the students will begin their journey towards communicative competency in the French language.
French II
At the second level of French, students will learn to communicate and express themselves effectively on many aspects of daily life. They will be able to describe past events and talk about their future plans. They will review and re-use vocabulary and grammatical structure that they learned in French I and apply them to communicative contexts. In addition to language activities, they will continue to discover France and other areas of the French-speaking world. Students will be well underway to fluency in the French language and understanding the cultures of those who speak it today.
French III
As students enter the third year of French, they have discovered that French is a language that broadens their horizons and opens doors to a world of new experiences and opportunities. In Level III, they will learn to communicate on a variety of topics useful when they travel abroad. Students will expand their communication and reading skills. They will also learn to express their thoughts more naturally and effectively. As they progress in the study of the language, they will gain confidence and skills to achieve communicative competency and take the French language wherever they go.
20th Century Literature in French
In this course, students will explore the themes, movements, and philosophies of 20th century poetry and prose written in the French language. They will discover how the literary works affected and were affected by the history, events, ideas, movements, and philosophies of their culture at the time. Students will investigate how the authors incorporated their ideas and their message into the text using writing techniques and how 20th century French literature compares to the literature that preceded it. They will also examine how the author’s personal life and experiences influenced his/her works. Take your skill and knowledge of French to this next level!
|
