High School World Language Courses

Did you know that American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most commonly used language in North America? American Sign Language 1 Part A will introduce you to vocabulary and simple sentences, so that you can start communicating right away. Importantly, you will explore Deaf culture—social beliefs, traditions, history, values, and communities influenced by deafness. Part B will introduce you to more of this language and its grammatical structures. You will expand your vocabulary by exploring interesting topics like Deaf education and Deaf arts and culture.

College Prep • UC Approved Language • NCAA Approved Additional Core

Explore the vocabulary you need for shopping, making purchases, and dealing with emergencies. Building upon the prior prerequisite course, you will progress your communication skills and foster your understanding of Deaf culture. You will learn about classifiers, glossing, and mouth morphemes, as well as how to give descriptions and directions. In Part B, students will increase their proficiency by learning about sequencing, transitions, role-shifts, and future tenses. Students will learn how to tell a story and ask questions, benefiting from greater exposure to deaf culture. Speed, conversations, signing skills, and cultural awareness are characteristic of this course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 1

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As you dive into more advanced ASL signing, including unique grammar features and advanced classifiers and locatives, you’ll learn, compose, and present your new-found vocabulary and narratives by immersing yourself in Deaf culture and community. From opinions, slang, and idioms, to using technology and media that offers authentic deaf perspectives. Explore how travel, cultural differences, and geography affect sign language. And gain a better understanding of Deaf culture by learning important events and examining topics such as education, science, and literature.

For Part B, are you ready to discover ways in which Deaf culture influences the world in general? After all, the concept of culture goes far beyond an understanding of Deaf history. Through discussing Deaf culture and experiences, you’ll advance your signing skills by developing verb tenses, grammar, and syntax. Apply your language skills in real conversation activities and through opportunities to debate real issues. It’s also time to explore the next steps in education and career opportunities for your new intermediate ASL skills.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 2

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Students begin their introduction to Spanish by focusing on the four key areas of foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit.

Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

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Students continue their study of Spanish by further expanding their knowledge of key vocabulary topics and grammar concepts. Students not only begin to comprehend listening and reading passages more fully, but they also start to express themselves more meaningfully in both speaking and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit.

Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand common vocabulary terms and phrases, use a wide range of grammar patterns in their speaking and writing, participate in conversations and respond appropriately to conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. By semester two, the course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

Prerequisite: Successful completion of High School Spanish 1

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Students further deepen their understanding of Spanish by focusing on the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Each unit consists of a variety of activities which teach the students how to understand more difficult written and spoken passages, to communicate with others through informal speaking and writing interactions, and to express their thoughts and opinions in both formal and informal spoken and written contexts. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, use correct vocabulary terms and phrases naturally, incorporate a wide range of grammar concepts consistently and correctly while speaking and writing, participate in conversations covering a wide range of topics, respond appropriately to conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries, read and analyze important pieces of Hispanic literature, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.

The course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Upper School Spanish 2

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French 1 is an introductory course in learning academic French. It is also the foundation course for French 2 and 3. In this course, students begin their introduction to French by building fundamental skills in the four key areas of world language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The majority of study is focused on verb conjugation, grammar, basic vocabulary, and basic pronunciation. Cultural information about Francophone countries and communities and cross-cultural reflections are present throughout the course.

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Students further expand their knowledge of key vocabulary topics and grammar concepts while begining to comprehend listening and reading passages more fully, and expressing themselves more meaningfully orally and in writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit.

Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand common vocabulary terms and phrases, use a wide range of grammar patterns in their speaking and writing, participate in conversations and respond appropriately to conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various French-speaking countries, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. By semester two, the course is conducted almost entirely in French. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Upper School French 1

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The purpose of the French 3 course is to further students’ language acquisition and to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where French is spoken. This course provides students with opportunities to expand their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. They will identify main ideas and details in texts, dialogues, and videos within a cultural context. During the first semester, students will delve into various captivating topics, including geography, daily routines, food, culture, politics, and travel, all presented through the lens of the French language. By exploring these themes, students will gain insight into the diverse aspects of French-speaking countries and broaden their intercultural knowledge. During the second semester, students will embark on an enriching exploration of Africa, Canada, role plays in real-life situations, favorite francophone trips, globalization, and contemporary topics. Through the modules, students will delve deeper into the vibrant cultures and diverse perspectives of French-speaking regions. Each module will feature writing, listening, and speaking assignments that provide students with many opportunities to practice and refine their language skills in authentic contexts

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Upper School French 2

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Since mastering a classical language presents different challenges from learning a spoken world language, students learn Latin through ancient, time-honored, classical language approaches which include repetition, parsing, written composition, and listening exercises. These techniques, combined with a modern multimedia approach to learning grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, provide students with a strong foundation for learning Latin. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading comprehension activities, writing activities, multimedia culture, history, and mythology presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar.

There is a strong emphasis on engaging with authentic classical Latin through weekly encounters with ancient passages from such prestigious authors as Virgil, Ovid, and Lucretius. The curriculum concurs with the Cambridge school of Latin; therefore, students will learn ancient high classical styles of pronunciation and grammar in lieu of generally less sophisticated medieval styles, making it possible for students to comprehend the most Latin from the widest range of time periods. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, understand and analyze the cultural and historical contexts of the ancient sources they study, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.

The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

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Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand and use common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, understand and analyze the cultural and historical contexts of the ancient sources they study, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Upper School Latin 1

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Continue your journey through the culture and history of the ancient Romans through the study of classical Latin. In the Latin 3 course, you will build upon your Latin 1 and 2 foundations of grammar and vocabulary skills to help increase fluency and language proficiency. You will explore the history, culture and myth of ancient Rome through its rich literary tradition. You will apply what you have learned to translation practice, writing, listening, and conversation exercises –bringing to life Roman poetry and prose written thousands of years ago. Prerequisite: Latin 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin 2

Available after August 1, 2024

Students begin their introduction to Chinese by focusing on the four key areas of foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Both Chinese characters and pinyin are presented together throughout the course and specific character practices are introduced after the first quarter.

Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Chinese-speaking regions, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

College Prep • UC Approved Language • NCAA Approved Additional Core

Students continue their study of Chinese by further expanding their knowledge of key vocabulary topics and grammar concepts. Students not only begin to comprehend listening and reading passages more fully, but they also start to express themselves more meaningfully in both speaking and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Character recognition and practice are a key focus of the course and students are expected to learn several characters each unit. However, pinyin is still presented with characters throughout the course to aid in listening and reading comprehension.

Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand common vocabulary terms and phrases, use a wide range of grammar patterns in their speaking and writing, participate in conversations and respond appropriately to conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Chinese-speaking regions, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Upper School Chinese 1

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Continue your journey in the exploration of the Chinese language and the richness of its diverse cultures. In the Chinese 3 course, you will sharpen the increased listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills you acquired in Chinese 1 and 2. Communication remains the main focus through speaking, listening, writing, and reading. You will dive a little deeper into the Chinese culture and apply what you learn through written practice, listening, and speaking exercises.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese 2

Available after August 1, 2024

In German 1A, students will begin their language-learning journey by gaining the skills needed to talk about themselves and their immediate environment. Students will learn to introduce themselves, share some basic personal information, talk about their family and friends, discuss what they like to do for fun, and describe their daily routine at home and school. In German 1B, students will continue their language-learning journey by gaining the skills needed to talk about themselves, their immediate environment, and German-speaking communities. Students will learn to share some basic personal information about topics including healthy eating habits, family traditions, and pop culture preferences. In addition, students will gather information about a German-speaking community and use this information for a presentation. To prepare for this, students will gain the skills necessary to discuss culture, geography, and governments.

The class takes a proficiency-based approach, which is informed by current language acquisition research and the ACTFL performance descriptors for novice language learners. A heavy focus is put on German-speaking cultures around the world, with grammar being learned implicitly through input and meaning-based activities. Throughout the 8 Modules, each containing 3 units, students’ language learning is guided by Can Do statements which focus on specific language abilities, such as “I can greet others and introduce myself.”

Available after August 1, 2024

In German 2A, students will learn to share information about their lives and the world around them as they continue to develop their communicative language skills. They will learn to talk about physical and mental health and identify solutions to common health problems. Students will also learn to describe past events from their everyday lives, such as what they did last weekend. Throughout the course, students will continue to follow the fictional journey of Frau Brauns SchülerInnen, the story of three students learning German. One of them is even preparing to depart for a study abroad program. Through this lens, students will explore programs on their own and learn about the potential benefits of participating in an exchange program, while preparing to answer mock interview questions in a discussion-based assessment with their instructor. In German 2B, students will continue their language-learning journey by gaining the skills needed to talk about themselves, their immediate environment, and German-speaking communities. Students will learn to share some basic personal information about topics including their communities, culture, spending habits, and future career plans. This course culminates with students presenting information about themselves. To prepare for this, students will write short texts about themselves and work toward their final presentation throughout the course.

The class takes a proficiency-based approach, which is informed by current language acquisition research and the ACTFL performance descriptors for novice language learners. A heavy focus is put on German-speaking cultures around the world, with grammar being learned implicitly through input and meaning-based activities. Throughout the 8 Modules, each containing 3 units, students’ language learning is guided by Can Do statements which focus on specific language abilities, such as "I can greet others and introduce myself."

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 1

Available after August 1, 2024

The AP^® Spanish Language and Culture course is an advanced language course in which students are directly prepared for the AP Spanish Language and Culture test. It uses as its foundation the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. The course is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish. The course is based on the six themes required by the College Board: (1) global challenges, (2) science and technology, (3) contemporary life, (4) personal and public identities, (5) families and communities, and (6) beauty and aesthetics. The course teaches language structures in context and focuses on the development of fluency to convey meaning. Students explore culture in both contemporary and historical contexts to develop an awareness and appreciation of cultural products, practices, and perspectives.

Students should expect to listen to, read, and understand a wide variety of authentic Spanish-language materials and sources, demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication using Spanish, gain knowledge and understanding of the cultures of Spanish speaking areas of the world, use Spanish to connect with other disciplines and expand knowledge in a wide variety of contexts, develop insight into the nature of the Spanish language and its culture, and use Spanish to participate in communities at home and around the world. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is a college-level course. The intensity, quality, and amount of course material can be compared to that of a third-year college course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3 or native fluency in Spanish

Advanced Placement • UC Honors Approved Language • NCAA Approved Additional Core

The level of rigor in these AP^® World Languages courses is equivalent to that required of students in a freshman or sophomore college course in this area of study. These courses have been audited and approved by the College Board and prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement^® examination.