World Languages Courses

Elective Courses

Latin I

Grades 9-12
2 credits
Prerequisite: None

Students will be able to comprehend the Latin language understanding nouns of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd declensions. Students will comprehend readings involving verbs of all four conjugations and irregular verbs in the present, imperfect, perfect, and pluperfect tenses. Through these readings, the students will understand the social and political history of the Romans, especially during the first century A.D. Written exercises will enable the student to think critically using the correct grammar forms. The language study is presented as a medium of the great culture and literature that molded it. Students will become familiar with Latin mottoes, many which are used today, and become comfortable with short dialogues between teacher and student. The students will also know many Roman and Greek mythological characters and the part they played in Roman religion. The students will be able to describe to their classmates a topic of Roman culture by doing a research and visual aid project. Students will become aware of the Latin roots in their own language. They will be able to successfully take the National Latin Exam.

Latin II

Grades 10-12
2 credits
Prerequisite: Latin I

The Latin II course continues the grammar study. Students will be able to recognize different types of participles, infinitives, passive voice and the subjunctive mood. Students will be able to translate and recognize six verb tenses in active and passive voice. Through extensive reading practice, students will recognize and be able to use all five noun declensions and their cases. The readings at this level will focus on the Romans occupation of Britain. The students will understand the influences Romans had on the Celts in many aspects of their lives and will be able to discuss what effects they eventually had on our culture. The readings will then move to Rome and students will be able to describe the physical appearance of the city, social institutions, and the contrast between the rich and the poor. Students will be able to recognize more Latin mottoes and to increase their knowledge of mythology. Students will master an area of Roman culture and be able to explain their findings to their peers. Students will increase their Latin vocabulary and understand their relationship to the English language. They will be able to successfully take the National Latin Exam.

Latin III (Honors)

Grades 11-12
2 credits
Prerequisite: Latin II

Latin III makes a transition from reading facsimile to original Latin. Readings are adapted or taken wholly from original Latin texts. By reading selections from Roman authors including Catullus, Horace, and Ovid, students will gain an understanding of Roman life during the era these authors wrote. Students will understand figures of speech and meter used in Roman poetry. Students will be able to read a Latin passage with emphasis and correct dialect. By reading in English the complete fifteen books of the Metamorphoses, students will know all characters, gods, goddesses and background of Ovid’s mythology stories. While translating sections of Ovid’s work, students will be able to compare the style of the Latin work and its importance in history. Students will understand grammar points studied which occur frequently in Roman authors, which are various forms of indirect statement, the historical present tense, the gerund with ad, and word patterns found in Latin verse. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of Roman authors and their works with projects to be completed throughout the course. Students will become aware of the assessment criteria used for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. They will be able to successfully take the National Latin Exam.

Classical Languages Standard Level, International Baccalaureate (Latin IV)

Grades 12
2 credits
Prerequisite: Latin III and teacher recommendation

Latin IV continues the transition from reading facsimile to original Latin. Readings are adapted or taken wholly from original Latin texts. By reading selections from Roman authors including Catullus, Horace, and Vergil, students will gain an understanding of Roman life during the era these authors wrote. Students will understand figures of speech and meter used in Roman poetry. Students will be able to read a Latin passage with emphasis and correct dialect. By reading in English the complete twelve books of the Aeneid, students will know all the history and background of Vergil’s epic. While translating Book I of the epic, students will be able to compare the style of the Latin work and its importance in history. Students will understand grammar points studied which occur frequently in Roman authors, which are various forms of indirect statement, the historical present tense, the gerund with ad, and word patterns found in Latin verse. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of Roman authors and their works with projects to be completed throughout the course. Students will take part in the International Baccalaureate assessment. They will be able to successfully take the National Latin Exam.

Spanish I

Grades 9-12
2 credits
Prerequisite: None

The entry level of Spanish enables students to begin using and applying the language as well as developing an understanding of the people and countries where the language is spoken. The course consists of an assortment of basic vocabulary themes as well as practicing the fundamental operations of the language, such as learning to communicate in the present tense. After completing Spanish I students are able to introduce themselves and others, talk about time, dates, and weather, and express likes and dislikes. The students can describe personality and physical traits. They can use numbers and colors and talk about clothing. These students can ask and answer simple questions, request food, discuss their plans and talk about places and people they know. Students can share their feelings, extend invitations and say where they are going and coming. The students can talk about sports and leisure activities and express their preferences. Listening, speaking, writing, and reading assignments that incorporate grammar and culture in context of the unit in study are included in each unit. This work is all completed in a cultural setting from Latin America or Spain.

Spanish II

Grades 10-12
2 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish I

The Spanish II course enables students to use and apply the language in a wider range of situations along with continuing to develop an understanding of the cultures where the language is spoken. The course reviews the vocabulary themes and grammatical features learned in the entry level as well as introduces additional vocabulary themes along with more advanced grammatical themes. The ability to effectively use and understand all of the basic tenses is an area of concentration. After completing Spanish II, students can discuss clothing and accessories, daily routines at home and at school, and ask for and give directions with the use of commands. They can tell where they went in the past, discuss personal care, tell others what to do and negotiate responsibilities at home and at school. Students can talk about their houses and furniture and plan a party or celebration. They can also talk about professions in Spanish. Listening, speaking, writing, and reading assignments that incorporate grammar and culture in context of the unit in study are included in each unit. This work is all completed in a cultural setting from Latin America or Spain.

Spanish III (Honors)

Grades 11-12
2 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish II

The Spanish III course reinforces study of the grammar and vocabulary learned in the previous levels in addition to new material of greater depth and quantity. Short stories, cultural and geographic vignettes, and dialogues will be included in each lesson to reinforce the reading and writing of the language and the understanding of the culture. The course also consists of a project that utilizes the student’s ability to apply the language. After completing Spanish III, the students can talk about where they went and what they did. They can discuss art, leisure time, and childhood experiences in both past tenses. They can discuss family relationships and celebrations in great detail. Students can discuss ways to stay fit and healthy. Students can talk about chores and give advice. Students can talk about their future plans and make suggestions to others. They can talk about their community and how to care for the planet. Listening, speaking, writing, and reading assignments that incorporate grammar and culture in context are included in each unit. This work is all completed in a cultural setting from Latin America or Spain.

World Language B Standard Level, International Baccalaureate (Spanish IV)

Grade 12
2 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish III and teacher recommendation

Spanish, Standard Level is a world language-learning course established by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The main focus of the course, regardless of the language, is on language acquisition and development in the four primary language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. International Baccalaureate Language B students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of situations and within the cultures where the language is spoken. In the context of Language B the successful use of a language consists of demonstrating competence in three distinct but interrelated areas: language, cultural interaction and message. These language skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Such material will range from everyday oral exchanges to print and spoken information regarding current, culturally relevant topics. The material will be chosen to enable students to develop mastery of language skills. It is not intended solely for the study of specific subject matter or content.