FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

Daily oral participation and completing assignments are integral parts of every course. Some classes do internet or library projects and teach mini-French lessons to elementary students. All students participate in Foreign Language Week activities.

SPANISH I 9-12 Students who have had little or no previous Spanish language background will first become acquainted with the sounds of the new language. Class work includes reading dialogues, practicing new vocabulary and learning the structure of the language. Students work in pairs, in small groups and as a class. Videos that accompany the text are viewed to reinforce classroom work. Elementary grammar, to include the present tense of regular and common irregular verbs, and vocabulary dealing with everyday life, are studied.

SPANISH II 10-12 Prerequisite: (Must obtain a grade of “C” or higher in Spanish I) Students continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills begun in Spanish I. More sophisticated dialogues serve as the basis for oral work. Videos that accompany the text are viewed to reinforce dialogues in the text. Grammar is reviewed and continued to include the past and the future tenses and idiomatic expressions and common vocabulary. The study of Hispanic culture in comparison and contrast to American culture is incorporated.

FRENCH III 11-12 Prerequisite: (Must obtain a Grade of “C” or higher in French II) French III students read more advanced literary selections such as short stories, dramatic mystery plays and dialogues. Dialogues may serve as the basis for oral presentations. Through the reading students enhance their knowledge of French culture. Advanced grammar, to include complex tenses and idiomatic expressions, is studied. Special emphasis is given to the spoken word and written composition. Journal writing reinforces grammar concepts and vocabulary. Students study and discuss Cultural Capsules on France’s geography, daily life, sports, arts, history, famous people and food and drinks. A unit on Quebec and foreign travel is incorporated.

FRENCH IV 12 Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or higher in French III During the fourth year, advanced reading forms the basis for conversations, written work and vocabulary study. The reading may be plays, short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, poems and short novels. Vocabulary and grammar are reinforced through journal writing. Special emphasis is given to the spoken word and writing. A unit on Quebec and foreign travel in incorporated.