World Languages

This introductory course is designed to introduce students to American Sign Language (ASL) and fingerspelling as it is used within American Deaf culture. Instruction includes preparation for visual/gestural communication followed by intensive work on comprehension skills, modeling of grammatical structures, and general information about American Deaf culture.

Students will learn to recognize and demonstrate basic ASL vocabulary, beginning conversations,  fingerspelling and facial expressions to convey thoughts and ideas. Students will identify and analyze basic similarities and differences between American Deaf and hearing cultures. The curriculum parallels what we know about language development and second language learning. We focus on introducing language in content and reinforcing what is learned by engaging students with various interactive activities. A conversational curriculum requires students to be active learners.

Classes are conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) from the very first day. Students are immersed in the language for 4.5 hours a week to maximize language learning. Students will be assigned group activities as well as individual activities. Outside of class, students are expected to complete reading assignments from Deaf profiles and complete quizzes on handout questions related to each section of reading. Students will also be required to attend a local Deaf event or conduct Deaf culture research and write a reaction paper.

• Homework expectation: 1 hour per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of ASL 1. Incoming freshmen and transfers must take the World Language Placement Test.

Students will acquire the use of ASL by practicing signs with the teacher during lectures, using workbook materials, and other visual resources. Upon completion of this course the student will be able to communicate and understand basic topics with those who use ASL. Deaf culture and perspectives will be covered and the overall course will prepare the student for ASL 3.

Students are expected to have the workbook in class each day, to sign along with the teacher when directed, practice receptive skills by intentionally observing teacher lectures and workbook videos. There is typically a quiz every 2 weeks and a chapter test 3-4 weeks. The project is in the form of a live presentation with a partner once every quarter. There is light reading and writing for each unit we cover. For each unit there are also videos to be watched and practiced when starting the unit and should be reviewed prior to each quiz or test.

• Homework expectation: 1 hour per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of ASL 2. Incoming freshmen and transfers must take the World Language Placement Test.

Students will acquire a higher level of ASL by practicing signs with the teacher during lectures, using workbook materials, and other visual resources. Upon completion of this course the student will be able to communicate at a beginner to intermediate level, be introduced to interpreting concepts, and understand relevant topics with those who use ASL. Deaf culture and perspective will be covered and the overall learned course will prepare the student for ASL 4.

Students are expected to have the workbook in class each day, to sign along with the teacher when directed, practice receptive skills by intentionally observing teacher lectures and workbook videos. There is typically a quiz every 2 weeks and a chapter test 3-4 weeks. The project is in the form of a live presentation with a partner(s) once every quarter. There is light reading and writing for each unit we cover. For each unit there are also videos to be watched and practiced when starting the unit and should be reviewed prior to each quiz or test.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of ASL 3. Teacher approval required.

American Sign Language 4 continues reviewing, expanding, and perfecting expressive skill, structure, and vocabulary for the purpose of active communication.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approval Pending
• NCAA Approved

This is an introductory course to the French language and prior knowledge is not necessary. Elementary grammar principles and basic vocabulary will be studied. Emphasis will be on the development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. An introduction to French culture will be offered.

Students will be exposed to the language through video, listening, reading and dialogue activities along with lectures on grammar and the culture of the French speaking world. Upon completion of this course,  students will be able to understand and communicate on a basic level in the target language, have a broad understanding of French culture and history and be prepared for French 2. There is a quiz every two weeks and a unit test every four weeks.

• Homework expectation: 1 hour per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of French 1.  Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement Test.

This course is a continuation of the study of grammar principles and vocabulary. Increased emphasis will be placed on the development of communicative competence in both the spoken and written language with a continued study of the French culture. The class will integrate multimedia, and technology to make learning French easier.

The students will be exposed to the language through listening, reading, video and dialogue activities along with lectures on grammar and the culture of the French speaking world. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to understand and communicate in a variety of situations on an intermediate level in the target language. The student will gain a broader understanding of French culture and history and be prepared for French 3. There is a quiz every two weeks and a unit test every four weeks. There is an oral presentation for every unit.

• Homework expectation: 1 hour per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of French 1. Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement Test.

Students will be exposed to the language through listening, reading, video and dialogue activities along with lectures on grammar and the culture of the French speaking world.  Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to understand and communicate in a variety of situations on an intermediate level in the target language.  The student will gain a broader understanding of French culture and history and be prepared for French 3. There is at least one project every quarter consisting of speaking without notes, either alone, in a group skit or partner dialogue. Students write at least one essay per quarter.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum  C- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of French 2.

French 3 is a review of all basic grammar principles and an introduction to more sophisticated structures. This course continues the development of oral and written communication skills, and students begin the study of short literary selections. French civilization forms the basis of cultural study. There is at least one project every quarter consisting of speaking without notes, either alone, in a group skit or partner dialogue. Students write at least one essay per quarter.

• Homework expectation: 1-2  hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of French 2 or a minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of French 2 H. Current teacher recommendation is required.

French 3 Honors is an intense course which continues the study of advanced French grammar while developing increased student mastery of the spoken language. The students will have the opportunity to speak French and converse with their peers in the target language. The class exposes the student to a wide range of expressions from French speaking countries.  French 3 Honors also emphasizes reading, discussion, and critical analysis of French literary works. Students will write original compositions while exploring the history and culture of French countries.

Upon completion of this course, students will have the ability to carry on a substantive conversation with another French speaker. This course will provide the resources and create an environment in which the student will improve weekly in their ability to speak French. Class is taught mostly in French. Students are expected to study at least half an hour to an hour for quizzes and tests. There is at least one project per quarter which consists of doing an oral presentation in front of the class with no notes. Students are also expected to speak and communicate in French while in class with limited use of English. Students will write compositions while exploring the history and culture of French countries.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of French 3 or a minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of French 3H.

Students qualifying for French 4 have previously learned grammar and acquired skills in speaking, writing, reading, and understanding the French language. Therefore, the curriculum for this course is designed to refine, perfect, and enhance these skills as well as to broaden the students' understanding of French culture.

Students will have weekly assignments in writing, reading comprehension, and must watch videos to complete their assignments. In addition, students will listen to audio recordings from various French-speaking countries weekly. Students are also expected to speak and communicate in French while in class with no use of English.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of French 3H. Current teacher recommendation required.

The AP French Language Course spans a full school year and is taught via total immersion.  This course is designed for students who have had three to four prior years of formal experience with the French language.

AP French prepares students for the AP Examination. It is assumed that students qualifying for this class have already learned grammar and have acquired skills in speaking, writing, reading, and understanding French. Therefore, the curriculum for this course is designed to refine, perfect, and enhance these skills as well as to broaden the students' understanding of French culture and foster interest in continuing the study of French in college.

Students will have weekly assignments in writing, reading comprehension, and must watch videos to complete their assignments. In addition, students will listen to audio recordings from various French-speaking countries weekly. Students will take weekly tests varying from writing, listening comprehension, and reading to prepare for the AP test. Students are also expected to speak and communicate in French while in class with no use of English.

• Homework Expectation: 4-5 hours per day
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Mandarin 1 is an elementary course which introduces students to the fundamentals of Chinese language and culture. This course uses the Pinyin system and simplified Chinese. The goals are to help students develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Chinese and to understand the customs and life of modern China. Area of focus is the pronunciation with accurate tones. After the first year of Mandarin, students are expected to carry basic conversation, recognize over 150 Chinese characters, read short texts and write sentences. Cultural activities such as songs and festivals provide each student with opportunities to enhance language and cultural learning.

• Homework expectation: 1 hour per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Mandarin 1. Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement Test.

Mandarin 2 is a continuation of Mandarin 1. Students will continue to build knowledge of the Chinese language and culture. The objectives are for students to further develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Chinese. Students will refine tones and pronunciation, increase their vocabulary, and produce sentences with various grammatical structures. Students will be more fluent in daily conversation and be able to read short essays. This course will integrate technology to facilitate better learning experiences. Cultural activities including legends and food will be emphasized to enhance students' understanding.

• Homework expectation: 1 hour per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Mandarin 2. Current teacher recommendation required. Incoming freshmen and transfers must interview with the teacher.

Mandarin 3 Honors is an accelerated and more challenging version of Mandarin 3 aimed at equipping students with linguistic and cultural skills to communicate in a wider range of contextual settings. Topics such as traveling, holidays, and wellness are added to the Mandarin III level. Students will spend approximately 30% more time completing assignments in this honors class than the regular Mandarin III course. This rigorous course will deepen students' immersion into the language and culture of the Chinese-speaking world. Chinese will be the primary language used in the classroom. Besides a dumpling party, a field trip will be organized to encourage students to use Chinese in real life.

Homework is assigned three times a week. There is a project or a presentation at the end of each dialogue. Each unit test consists of listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Mandarin 3H. Current teacher recommendation required. Incoming freshmen and transfers must interview with the teacher.

Mandarin 4 Honors is an accelerated and more challenging version of Mandarin 4 aimed at equipping students with linguistic and cultural skills to communicate in the Chinese language successfully and effectively beyond the school setting. Particularly, Chinese for business purposes and Chinese business etiquette are added to the Mandarin 4 level to improve learners' business Chinese proficiency and intercultural business communication competence. In addition to making travel and housing arrangements as well as socializing with friends, students will also be able to develop their business ideas and propose marketing strategies in Chinese.

Homework is assigned three to four times a week. There is a project or a presentation at the end of each dialogue. Speaking tests are in the format of role-play in the business Chinese section. Each unit test consists of listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing.

• Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Mandarin 4 Honors. An interview with the teacher and current teacher recommendation are required.

AP Chinese Language and Culture course is designed to further improve students’ proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Chinese by expanding vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and grammatical structures. Students will have broad exposure to Chinese cultural elements that are integrated in the process of learning the language. Students will also be able to apply their growing cultural and linguistic knowledge to communicative tasks in real-life contexts and develop the ability to write and speak in a variety of discourse styles. This class prepares the student for the AP Chinese exam in May.

Homework is assigned three to four times a week with an average of 30-50 minutes duration each time. There is a project or a presentation at the end of each unit. Each unit test consists of listening, speaking, reading, and writing sections with similar question formats to AP Chinese exams.

• Homework expectation: 3-5 hours per week
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

As an introductory course, Spanish 1 does not require prior knowledge of Spanish. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of teaching methods, including, but not limited to: information searches, problem solving, presentations, reading , writing and note taking. Upon completion of this course the student will be able to understand and communicate on a basic or emergency level in the target language, have a broad understanding of the Hispanic culture and history and be prepared for Spanish 2.

There is at least one project every quarter, consisting of speaking without notes. The course will enable the student to express themselves and understand native Spanish speakers on a basic level. The student will enjoy the skills giving them greater travel, work, recreation, relationship and communication experiences.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement exam.

Students should have a strong background from junior high or middle school Spanish. This is an accelerated version of Spanish 1 expecting that the students have some mastery of the basics of Spanish grammar. The goal is to complete the entire Spanish 1 book, as opposed to Spanish 1 class, where half the book is completed. The students will be exposed to the language through video, listening, reading and dialogue activities along with lectures on grammar and the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Upon completion of this course the student will be able to understand and communicate on a basic or emergency level in the target language, have a broad understanding of the Hispanic culture and history and be prepared for Spanish 2 Honors.

There is a project each quarter which consists of speaking without notes. The course will enable the student to express themselves and understand native Spanish speakers on a basic level. The student will enjoy the skills giving them greater travel, work, recreation, relationship, and communication experiences.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 1. Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement exam.

Students will be exposed to the language through video, listening, reading and dialogue activities along with lectures on grammar and the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Upon completion of this course the student will be able to understand and communicate in a variety of situations on an intermediate level in the target language. The student will be able to use several different past tenses and two future tenses along with the present to express him or herself more effectively. The student will have a broader understanding of the Hispanic culture and history and be prepared for Spanish 3.

There is typically a quiz every week and a chapter test every three weeks. There is an oral presentation per quarter. There is light reading and writing included in every chapter.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 1H or a minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 1. Current teacher recommendation  required.  Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement exam.

Spanish 2 Honors is an accelerated and more challenging version of Spanish 2 preparing the students for Spanish 3 Honors and the probability of continuing to AP Spanish Language. The class is designed for students with a strong interest in acquiring Spanish as a second language. The students will be exposed to the language through video, listening, reading and dialogue activities along with lectures on grammar and the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Upon completion of this course students will be able to understand and communicate in a variety of situations on an intermediate level in the target language. Students will be able to use several different past tenses and two future tenses along with the present, to express themselves more effectively.

There is at least one project every quarter consisting of speaking without notes, either alone, in a group skit or partner dialogue. There is at least one essay of approximately 100 words due per quarter.

• Homework expectation: 1-2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 2.

Spanish 3 is the review of all basic grammar principles and intermediate concepts learned in Spanish 2. More sophisticated grammar such as the subjunctive and simple future will be introduced. This course continues the development of oral and written communication skills, and the students are introduced to short literary selections. A spoken thematic approach to Spanish and Latin American cultures is included. The course is designed to prepare the student for Spanish 4.

There is at least one oral presentation per quarter. Writing and reading in the target language is light to moderate.

• Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 2H or a minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 2. Current teacher recommendation required.

Spanish 3 Honors is an intense course which continues the study of advanced Spanish grammar while developing increased student mastery of the spoken language. The class exposes the student to a wide range of jargon from Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries and creates a space/opportunity for students to practice speaking the language with their peers and Spanish instructor. Spanish 3 Honors also emphasizes reading, discussion, and critical analysis of Spanish literary works. Students will further their cultural study by writing original compositions that explore the history and civilization of Latin America.

This class is taught mostly in Spanish. Students should expect moderate homework. In addition, students are expected to study (at least half hour to an hour) for quizzes and tests (about 5 quizzes per chapter and a total of eight chapter tests). There is at least one project per quarter which consists of an oral presentation with no notes in front of the class. While in class, students are expected to communicate in Spanish as much as possible.

• Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 3 or a minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 3H. Current teacher recommendation required.

Students have an opportunity to practice and refine their skills in speaking, thinking, and writing in Spanish. While we will review most of the important grammar concepts throughout the year, the emphasis is on reading, listening, understanding, thinking and speaking. Upon completion of this course, the diligent student will have the ability to carry on a substantive conversation with another Spanish speaker. Native Spanish speakers will significantly improve their vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and spelling.

Students will be expected to read and understand Spanish at a higher level, figure out context, increase their listening comprehension and learn common sayings often heard among native Spanish speakers.

• Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 4 or a minimum B- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish 3 H.  Readiness evaluation and current teacher recommendation are required.

Summer Assignment Required: Due on 1^st day of class.

The AP Spanish course prepares the student to be proficient in the language in multiple situations and circumstances. This is achieved through many means, including reading excerpts from novels, poems, articles from periodicals about current events and videos of news reports from around the world. The class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish and the students are expected to improve regularly in their ability to speak Spanish in class. Listening comprehension, ability to speak, reading comprehension, and the ability to write coherently both formally and informally in the target language are all required and cultivated throughout the school year. There will be extensive reading, writing, and film analysis in the target language.

• Homework Expectation: 5-7 hours per week
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved