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: 15 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C in the 1st semester of ASL 1. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. 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: 15 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C in the 1st semester of ASL 2. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. 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: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum C in the 1st semester of ASL 3. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. 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: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• 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: 15 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum C in the 1st semester of French 1. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. 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: 15 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A in the 1st semester of French 1. Current teacher recommendation required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. 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: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum C in the 1st semester of French 2. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

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: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A in the 1st semester of French 2 or  a minimum B in the 1st semester of French 2 H. Current teacher recommendation is required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

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: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum C in the 1st semester of French 3 or French 3H. Final placement dependent on second semester grades.

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: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum B in the 1st semester of French 3H, or a A in the 1st semester of French 4. Final placement dependent on second semester grades.

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: 50 minutes to 1 hour per day
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: None.

There is a reason "all roads lead to Rome." In this course, students find out for themselves as they take their first steps on the journey of learning the Latin language. Students will explore the history and culture of the Romans by studying their language. Translation, grammar, and etymology study will open the ancient, Latin-speaking world whose influence is still seen today. Students improve their command of the English language by studying Latin and gain a better understanding of today's laws and culture by getting into the Roman mind. Latin I is the most comprehensive way to begin. 

• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Latin 1 is an in-person class.

Prerequisite: Minimum C in the first semester of Latin 1. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

In Latin 2 (in-person), students continue their study of the history and traditions of Rome and the Latin world while deepening their knowledge of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Reading in Latin increases during this course, as does introductory speaking of the language. Students will increase their mastery of etymology while acquiring improved command of all Latin verb tenses and declensions. By the end of Latin 2 students will be able to read add an intermediate level.

• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C in Latin 2 and current teacher recommendation required. 

In Latin 3 Honors (in-person), students continue their study of Latin language, literature, and history. In this course, students will begin reading and translating unadapted sections of classical Latin prose and poetry. Authors studied include Caesar, Catullus, Cicero, Vergil, Horace, and Pliny.

• 10 Credits
• UC Approval Pending
• NCAA Approval Pending

Mandarin I is an introductory course for students new to the Chinese language, emphasizing fundamental skills using the Pinyin system and simplified characters. The goals include the development of basic integrated communicative skills in Chinese, as well as an understanding of contemporary Chinese customs and life. At the end of the course, students are anticipated to conduct basic conversations, recognize over 150 Chinese characters, read short texts, and write sentences. Students will be engaged in short dialogues covering diverse topics such as self-introduction, family, making plans, and visiting friends. Cultural activities featuring tea tasting and the hands-on experience of making mooncakes and dumplings offer opportunities to enrich language and cultural proficiency.

• Homework expectation: 15 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C in the 1st semester of Mandarin 1. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement Test.

Mandarin II builds upon the foundation laid in Mandarin I, focusing on advancing students' proficiency in the Chinese language and culture. The course objectives include further development of communicative skills, refining pronunciation, expanding vocabulary, and constructing sentences with various grammatical structures. Students will achieve fluency in daily conversations, read and write short paragraphs, and explore topics related to campus and daily life. A special topic on the Tang dynasty and Tang poems is introduced to help students learn about Chinese history and a unique literary form. Cultural activities, including tea tasting, playing mahjong and Chinese chess, and hands-on experiences of making mooncakes and dumplings, provide opportunities to enhance language and cultural proficiency.

• Homework expectation: 15 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B in the 1st semester of Mandarin 2. Current teacher recommendation required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. 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: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B in the 1st semester of Mandarin 3H. Current teacher recommendation required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. 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: 25 to 35 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B in the 1st semester of Mandarin 4 Honors. An interview with the teacher and current teacher recommendation are required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

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: 35 minutes to 1 hour per day
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Spanish 1 introduces students to the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. The emphasis is on language production (speaking & writing), and on language reception (listening & reading). Oral and written instruction from the teacher is 40/60 between target language and English, respectively.

• Homework expectation: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Incoming freshmen must take a qualifying placement exam to enroll in Spanish 1 Honors or above.

Spanish 1 introduces students to the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures at an accelerated pace. The emphasis is on language production (speaking & writing), and on language reception (listening & reading). Oral and written instruction from the teacher is 50/50 between target language and English. This course is designed for students who have studied Spanish in middle school.

• Homework expectation: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C in the 1st semester of Spanish 1. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement exam.

Spanish 2 strengthens and expands the student’s knowledge of both the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. Each unit is designed to increase students’ proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking. Oral and written instruction from the teacher is 60/40 between target language and English, respectively. Homework expectations are 2-3 hours per week.

• Homework expectation: 25 to 35 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B in the 1st semester of Spanish 1H. Students in Spanish 1 must receive a minimum A in the 1st semester. Current teacher recommendation required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. Incoming freshmen must take the World Language Placement exam.

Spanish 2H strengthens and expands the student’s knowledge of both the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures at an accelerated pace. The emphasis is on language production (speaking & writing), and on language reception (listening & reading). Oral and written instruction from the teacher is 70/30 between target language, respectively. This course is designed as a continuation of Spanish 1H or for students who have studied Spanish extensively in middle school.

• Homework expectation: 25 to 35 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum C in the 1st semester of Spanish 2. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

Spanish 3 continues to build foundational skills in Spanish. Students will be expected to speak and write in all time frames: past, present, and future. Additionally, students will be expected to read, write, and speak with increased depth and fluency. Oral and written instruction from the teacher is 80/20 between target language, respectively.

• Homework expectation: 25 to 35 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B in the 1st semester of Spanish 2H. Students in Spanish 2 must receive a minimum A in the 1st semester. Current teacher recommendation required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

In addition to covering the Spanish 3 curriculum, Spanish 3H requires students to go beyond the basic skills of the level and work towards greater depth and breadth of expression in written and spoken Spanish. The course materials use complex language and challenge students to apply what they have learned in new contexts. Oral and written instruction from the teacher is conducted 100% in the target language.

• Homework expectation: 35 to 50 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C in the 1st semester of Spanish 3 or  Spanish 3H. Final placement dependent on second semester grades.

This course allows students to build on their skills by revisiting many of the grammatical structures seen in previous courses, refining and expanding their ability to use them with greater fluency. Spanish 4 is thematically based, and with each unit students will practice writing with more depth and accuracy, speak with more nuance and fluency, and understand the varieties of Spanish spoken throughout the Hispanic world. Oral and written instruction from the teacher is conducted 100% in the target language.

• Homework expectation: 35 to 50 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B in the 1st semester of Spanish 3 H, or a A in the 1st semester of Spanish 4. Final placement dependent on second semester grades.

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

AP Spanish Language prepares the student for the AP Exam in May. Students will: understand Spanish spoken by native speakers in both formal and informal contexts, develop an active vocabulary sufficient for reading in Spanish without dependency on a dictionary, and express themselves in Spanish, both orally and in writing. Students must be independent learners and demonstrate outstanding critical thinking and analytical skills. This course is conducted entirely in the target language.

• Homework Expectation: 35 minutes to 1 hour per day
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved