The World Language Department encourages the completion of at least three years of a language at the high school level. The department further recommends the completion of both the Honors Level 4 and the AP course for those students who wish to perform at an extremely high level in preparation for college and/or a career in which knowledge of a second or third language is beneficial. It is the department’s belief that multilingual students can best navigate and respond to the demands of an ever-developing global community. To this end, courses are designed to enable students to communicate effectively in the target language while increasing the students’ appreciation of the cultural perspectives, practices, and products of different cultures. Students are advised to review the requirements of their particular Program of Studies before they select their language. Note: After completing the coursework for a given level of foreign language study, each student is required to pass a final exam or proficiency evaluation to ensure exit proficiency criteria have been met before moving to the next level of the foreign language.
World Language Recommended Course Sequence
Note: Students may also choose to take two World Language courses during any year.| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 or Level 4 Honors |
| Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 or Level 4 Honors | AP Language |
| Heritage Spanish 1 | Heritage Spanish 2 | Heritage Spanish 3 | AP Spanish |
FRENCH
FRENCH 1 (FR1002) 1.0 credit
The French 1 course is appropriate for students with no previous and/or little instruction in French. The goal of the course is the development of basic communicative skills in French. The course emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and provides a basic introduction to French-speaking cultures.
FRENCH 2 (FR2002) 1.0 credit
The French 2 course is designed for students who have completed French 1. Students learn additional vocabulary and language patterns to achieve a more functional communicative level. The course continues to emphasize speaking, listening, reading, and writing and provides further insight into French-speaking cultures.
FRENCH 3 (FR3002) 1.0 credit
The French 3 course expands upon skills acquired in previous levels to aid students in performing at higher levels in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students utilize higher levels of vocabulary and grammar in a variety of communicative situations. As with previous levels, exploring French culture is an integral part of the course.
FRENCH 4 (FR4002) 1.0 credit
The French 4 course seeks to increase proficiency in the target language. Students use their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a more expressive, personalized, and presentational manner. Students incorporate what they know and are learning about French-speaking cultures in their writing and speaking. Students also improve their skills and knowledge of culture by reading shorter samples of French texts.
HONORS FRENCH 4 (FR4000) 1.0 credit
Honors French 4 enables committed students to achieve a high level proficiency in the target language. Students use their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in open ended, real world situations. Students incorporate what they know and are learning about French-speaking cultures in their writing and speaking. Students also improve their skills and knowledge of culture by reading samples of French literature. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. This course is strongly recommended for those students who may consider Advanced Placement courses.
AP FRENCH LANGUAGE (FR5000) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: See Honors Program Requirements
AP French is a challenging course that is the equivalent of a college course. This course uses a variety of authentic materials to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing at a high level of competency. Students will also focus on the presentational aspects required for the AP exam. At the conclusion of the course, students are encouraged to take the AP Exam, which can earn them college credits. Many Pennsylvania colleges will award students 9-15 credits for scoring a 3/4/5 on the AP test. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP College Board exam in May. Students who have not completed Level 4 Honors are strongly encouraged to consult their teacher, guidance counselor and parent prior to scheduling.
GERMAN
GERMAN 1 (GE1002) 1.0 credit
The German 1 course is appropriate for students with no previous and/or little instruction in German. The goal of the course is the development of basic communicative skills in German. The course emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and provides a basic introduction to German-speaking cultures.
GERMAN 2 (GE2002) 1.0 credit
The German 2 course is designed for students who have completed German 1. Students learn additional vocabulary and language patterns to achieve a more functional communicative level. The course continues to emphasize speaking, listening, reading, and writing and provides further insight into German-speaking cultures.
GERMAN 3 (GE3002) 1.0 credit
The German 3 course expands upon skills acquired in previous levels to aid students in performing at higher levels in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students utilize higher levels of vocabulary and grammar in a variety of communicative situations. As with previous levels, exploring German-speaking cultures is an integral part of the course.
GERMAN 4 (GE4002) 1.0 credit
The German 4 course seeks to increase proficiency in the target language. Students use their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a more expressive, personalized, and presentational manner. Students incorporate what they know and are learning about German-speaking cultures in their writing and speaking. Students also improve their skills and knowledge of culture by reading shorter samples of German texts.
HONORS GERMAN 4 (GE4000) 1.0 credit
“Honors German 4 enables committed students to achieve a high level proficiency in the target language. Students use their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in open ended, real world situations. Students incorporate what they know and are learning about German-speaking cultures in their writing and speaking. Students also improve their skills and knowledge of culture by reading samples of German literature. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. This course is strongly recommended for those students who may consider Advanced Placement courses.
AP GERMAN LANGUAGE (GE5000) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: See Honors Program Requirements
AP German is a challenging course that is the equivalent of a college course. This course uses a variety of authentic materials to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing at a high level of competency. Students will also focus on the presentational aspects required for the AP exam. At the conclusion of the course, students are encouraged to take the AP Exam, which can earn them college credits. Many Pennsylvania colleges will award students 9-15 credits for scoring a 3/4/5 on the AP test. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP College Board exam in May. Students who have not completed Level 4 Honors are strongly encouraged to consult their teacher, guidance counselor and parent prior to scheduling.
SPANISH
SPANISH 1 (SP1002) 1.0 credit
The Spanish 1 course is appropriate for students with no previous and/or little instruction in Spanish. The goal of the course is the development of basic communicative skills in Spanish. The course emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and provides a basic introduction to Hispanic culture.
SPANISH 2 (SP2002) 1.0 credit
The Spanish 2 course is designed for students who have completed Spanish 1. Students learn additional vocabulary and language patterns to achieve a more functional communicative level. The course continues to emphasize speaking, listening, reading, and writing and provides further insight into Hispanic culture.
SPANISH 3 (SP3002) 1.0 credit
The Spanish 3 course expands upon skills acquired in previous levels to aid students in performing at higher levels in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students utilize higher levels of vocabulary and grammar in a variety of communicative situations. As with previous levels, exploring Hispanic culture is an integral part of the course.
SPANISH 4 (SP4002) 1.0 credit
The Spanish 4 course seeks to increase proficiency in the target language. Students use their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a more expressive, personalized, and presentational manner. Students incorporate what they know and are learning about Hispanic culture in their writing and speaking. Students also improve their skills and knowledge of culture by reading shorter samples of Hispanic texts.
HONORS SPANISH 4 (SP4000) 1.0 credit
Honors Spanish 4 enables committed students to achieve a high level proficiency in the target language. Students use their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in open ended, real world situations. Students incorporate what they know and are learning about Hispanic culture in their writing and speaking. Students also improve their skills and knowledge of culture by reading samples of Hispanic literature. NOTE: The grade for this course is weighted.This course is strongly recommended for those students who may consider Advanced Placement courses. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. This course is strongly recommended for those students who may consider Advanced Placement courses.
AP SPANISH LANGUAGE (SP5000) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: See Honors Program Requirements
AP Spanish is a challenging course that is the equivalent of a college course. This course uses a variety of authentic materials to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing at a high level of competency. Students will also focus on the presentational aspects required for the AP exam. At the conclusion of the course, students are encouraged to take the AP Exam, which can earn them college credits. Many Pennsylvania colleges will award students 9-15 credits for scoring a 3/4/5 on the AP test. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP College Board exam in May. Students who have not completed Level 4 Honors or Heritage Spanish 3 are strongly encouraged to consult their teacher, guidance counselor and parent prior to scheduling.
HERITAGE SPANISH 1 (SP1012) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: Students must speak and understand spoken Spanish on a basic level and have the recommendation of his/her current Spanish teacher. The student does not need to be completely fluent in Spanish, and when speaking he/she may sometimes mix English and Spanish.
The focus of this course will be to teach heritage speakers to read and write Spanish while developing and improving their speaking ability. The course will focus on building literacy skills while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will receive instruction in more formal grammar and will develop proficiency in all the skill areas – listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
HERITAGE SPANISH 2 (SP2012) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: Student must meet one of these requirements: (1) a grade of at least B- in a previous Spanish class with a teacher recommendation, (2) previous extensive study in a Spanish-speaking country, or (3) a successful interview with the instructor.
The primary focus of this course is to refine further the Spanish skills that many heritage students use in their daily lives. Students will continue to improve their reading skills, writing skills, and grammar usage through project-based thematic units, current events, and cultural/literary reading.
HERITAGE SPANISH 3 (SP3012) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: Student must meet one of these requirements: (1) a grade of at least a B- in a previous Spanish class with a teacher recommendation, (2) previous extensive study in a Spanish-speaking country, or (3) a successful interview with the instructor.
The focus of this course is to offer advanced students a comprehensive grammar review and insight into Hispanic/Latino thought and culture. Students will use the language extensively in their writing, and students will read and discuss current events, excerpts of novels, and selected modern and classical works in order to increase their literacy in Spanish. Students who take Heritage 3 are encouraged to take AP Spanish upon successful completion of the course.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 1 (AS1002) 1.0 credit
This course will provide an introduction to the signed alphabet and basic sign language. New vocabulary and language patterns will be provided for expressive and receptive practice. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to communicate in a limited degree with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community using fingerspelling and gesturing.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 2 (AS2002) 1.0 credit
Students in this course further develop skills acquired in America Sign Language I and acquire new skills for communicating with members of the Deaf community and with others who use American Sign Language.
ELECTIVES
INTRODUCTION TO INTERPRETING (WL9029) 1.0 credit
This course is an introduction to the practice of interpreting. The course is intended for students who have a level of dual language proficiency already and who want to learn more about a career pathway in interpretation. Students will learn about the ethics of interpretation and work to improve their dual language skills for the purposes of interpretation.
WORLD LANGUAGES INDEPENDENT STUDY (SP9009) 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: Completion of AP French, AP German, AP Spanish or Heritage 3. This course requires the approvals of the teacher supervising the independent study and the department chairperson. PASS/FAIL
World Language Independent Study is for students who wish to continue their language study past the AP French, AP German, AP Spanish, or Heritage 3 levels. The course is literature-based focused on reading novels and short stories in the target language. Students will also have the opportunity to maintain and improve their speaking and writing proficiency, as well as prepare for the CLEP and/or AP tests.