World Languages

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 peoples and countries. These goals are achieved through emphasis in five areas within each language: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture. All of these areas correspond to Wisconsin State Curriculum Standards.

Students will:

Learn to communicate with those of another language and culture on basic levels
Come to understand themselves as individuals who are shaped by their culture and language
Become aware of current global events that affect other peoples and countries

Spanish 1

Grades 9, 10, or 11 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: review of entrance test scores and consent of instructor.

Spanish 1 introduces students to the Spanish language through the instruction of basic grammar and vocabulary. This course highly emphasizes five areas of communication in the target language: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture. Basic classroom functions are handled in Spanish from the very start of the course. Beyond that, as much of this class as is appropriate is conducted in Spanish. Students should expect daily homework assignments in order to practice outside of class. While students do not need prior experience in the language in order to succeed in this course, they should expect a rigorous curriculum focused on communication.
Spanish 2

Grades 10, 11, or 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 1 and consent of instructor.

Spanish 2 continues students’ development of basic Spanish grammar and is highly dependent upon the skills acquired in Spanish 1. Students will study vocabulary and culture more deeply in the context of each chapter’s theme with an increased emphasis on communication skills in the target language. The class is taught almost entirely in Spanish, and it is expected that students will use as much Spanish as possible with the goal of conducting the class entirely in Spanish by the end of the year.
Spanish 3

Grades 10, 11, or 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and 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 and current events. 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 Spanish at all times. A third year of a World Language is advantageous when applying to highly selective colleges.
Spanish 4

Grades 11 or 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 and consent of the instructor.

Spanish 4 continues to develop more sophisticated speaking, writing and listening skills with a goal of taking a placement exam in college to earn retroactive credits. Students will learn to function in familiar social situations and sustain conversations around common topics including culture and current world events. Emphasis is placed on tense usage, expanded vocabulary, sophisticated grammar, sentence structure and culture. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish, and students are expected to speak only Spanish. Spanish 4 offers students an opportunity to take a further year of language class which is advantageous with the college entrance process.
Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish 4: Language & Culture

Grades 11 or 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 and AP teacher approval.
Note: This is a weighted course.

Advanced Placement Spanish 4 continues to develop more sophisticated speaking and listening skills with a goal of taking the Spanish Language and Culture Advanced Placement exam in May. The Advanced Placement exam offers students the possibility to earn college credit for their high school language study. Students will learn to function in familiar social situations and sustain conversations around common topics including current world events. Emphasis is 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 take the AP exam during their senior year in Spanish 5.
Advanced Spanish 5

Grades 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 4 or AP Spanish 4 (B- or higher) and teacher recommendation.
Note: This is not a weighted course.

This course includes continued emphasis on the development of sophisticated fluency in speaking and proficiency in writing Spanish. Students will review Spanish syntax, grammar, spelling and vocabulary through formal essays. Students will be expected to research and make formal oral presentations about historical, cultural and popular themes. Spanish and Latin American literature selections are studied. Active student participation in spoken Spanish is required.
Spanish for Experienced Speakers 1

Grades 9 and 10 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Note: 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 little or no formal training in grammar, composition, punctuation, and spelling. 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. Some students are expected to complete both years. After successful completion, they are placed in a Spanish classroom at an appropriate upper level, usually Spanish 3.
Spanish for Experienced Speakers 2

Grades 9 and 10 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Note: 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 little or no formal training in grammar, composition, punctuation, and spelling. 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. Some students are expected to complete both years. After successful completion, they are placed in a Spanish classroom at an appropriate upper level, usually Spanish 3.
French 1

Grades 9, 10, and 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 French language. The first-year places a heavy emphasis on learning correct pronunciation while learning 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 using video and audiotapes. Students are required to speak as much French in the classroom as possible. A significant portion of every class will be conducted in French.
French 2

Grades 10, 11, and 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 and grammatical structure and culture, but all is presented at a faster pace. Assignments in French 2 are more developed and expected to show a mature knowledge of the language. Students are also introduced to Francophone literature and poetry. Most of the class is conducted in French.
French 3

Grades 10, 11, and 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 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. Some classic French films may also be viewed and discussed. Other ancillary material that may be used include things like French magazines, newspapers, videos, and music. The class is conducted in French.
French 4

Grades 11 and 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 f irst 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. Some students may opt to take the French Language Advanced Placement exam with the approval of the teacher and the Department Chairperson.