Language Department

Faculty Members:

Ann Marie Dorn, Department Chair
Jenny Piorkowski
Carissa Wilson

The goal of the World Language curriculum is to develop students' understanding and appreciation for the cultural diversity of today's world.  Through foreign language study students learn to communicate with those of another language and culture on basic levels.  They come to understand themselves as individuals who are shaped by their culture and language.  They are aware of current global events that affect other people and countries.  These goals are achieved through emphasis in five areas within each language: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture.  These areas correspond to Wisconsin State Curriculum Standards.

The World Language Department offers a four-year curriculum in French.  In Spanish a six-year curriculum is offered, along with special courses designed for Native Speakers.  Each year students are offered opportunities to travel to countries where the target languages are spoken natively.  These trips give students the chance to widen and deepen their language skills and cultural appreciation, attributes they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.  Students must maintain a grade of C- or better each quarter in all World Language courses in order to remain in the class.

Spanish

1351/52 Spanish 1 - Grades 9, 10, & 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Entrance test scores and consent of instructor
Spanish 1 will introduce students to the Spanish language through the instruction of basic grammar and vocabulary.  Emphasis is made in four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.  Culture is taught whenever appropriate.  Basic classroom functions are handled in Spanish.  This class is designed for students with no prior experience in the language and for those with limited introductory middle school classes.
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1353/54 Spanish 2 - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1 or placement test and consent of instructor
Spanish 2 continues students' development of basic Spanish grammar.  It places further emphasis on vocabulary and culture.  As much of this class is possible is conducted in the target language.  Students are encouraged to speak as much Spanish as possible.
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1355/56 Spanish 3 - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and the consent of the instructor
Spanish 3 is designed for students who want to increase their knowledge of the language and culture beyond a minimal two years.  Main grammar points will be reviewed and more sophisticated grammar will be introduced.  The course also focuses on Spanish and Hispanic figures as they appear in authentic literature.  Particular emphasis is placed on listening and speaking skills in Spanish.  The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.  Students are expected to attempt communication in the target language at all times.
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1357/58 Advanced Placement Spanish 4 - Grades 11 & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 and the consent of the instructor
Spanish 4 continues to develop more sophisticated speaking and listening skills with a goal of taking the Spanish Language Advanced Placement exam in May.  Students will learn to function in familiar social situations and sustain basic conversations around common topics.  Emphasis will be placed on tense usage, expanded vocabulary, sophisticated grammar and sentence structure.  The class is conducted entirely in Spanish and students are expected to speak only Spanish.  Juniors in this class would expect to take the AP exam in their senior year in Spanish 5.
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1359-62 Advanced Placement Spanish 5-6 - Grades 11 & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Spanish 4 and the consent of the instructor
This course emphasizes preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam.  Successful achievement on this exam can gain college credit for the student.  Emphasis is on very sophisticated grammar, speaking and composition as preparation for the exam.
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1363-66 Spanish for Experienced Speakers 1-2 - Grades 9 & 10 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Placement is at the discretion of the Spanish Department
This is a two-year course designed for the student who hears and speaks Spanish at home, but has had no formal training in grammar, composition, punctuation and spelling.  Students are placed in this class at the discretion of the Spanish Department.  Writing, reading, and grammar skills are emphasized.  Preparation for work in a bilingual job position is included.  The use of historical and literary sources facilitates the development of these skills.  Students are expected to complete both years.  After successful completion, they are placed in a mainstream Spanish classroom at an appropriate upper level.
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French

1300/01 French 1 - Grades 9, 10, & 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
In French 1 students begin to lay a foundation upon which will be built the necessary elements for becoming fluent in the language.  Out of necessity, the first year places a heavy emphasis on the learning of vocabulary and grammatical structure of the language.  Vocabulary and grammar are presented in the context of each chapter's theme.  French culture, as it relates to each chapter's theme, is also presented.  Culture and comprehension skills are further taught through the use of video and audio tapes.  Students are required to speak as much French in the classroom as possible and at least a portion of every class period will be conducted completely in French.
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1302/03 French 2 - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: French 1 or successful completion of placement test and consent of instructor
French 2 builds on the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills learned in French 1.  There is a similar emphasis on vocabulary, grammatical structure and culture, but all is presented at a faster pace, and assignments are more developed.  The student is expected to show a mature knowledge of the subject.  Most of the class is conducted in French.
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1304/05 French 3 - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: French 2 and consent of instructor
The goal of this course is for the student to achieve meaningful and personal communication in French.  In addition to a review of basic grammar and vocabulary, more sophisticated vocabulary and more complex grammatical constructions are presented.  There will be a greater emphasis on French Culture than in French 1 and 2, and some of the course will focus on French literature.  Classic French films will also be viewed and discussed.  Other ancillary material will include French magazines, newspapers, videos and music.  The class is conducted in French.
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1306/07 French 4 - Grades 11 & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: French 3 and consent of instructor
This course is conducted entirely in French and places an emphasis on French literature and culture, while reviewing the grammar learned in the first three years.  Speaking and writing of the language is expected to reflect a fourth year level.  The literary selections and films will vary from year to year.
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