The AP Chinese Language and Culture course is designed to prepare students for success on the AP exam and is comparable to a fourth semester university course in Mandarin Chinese. Students will develop their proficiencies across a full range of language skills within a cultural frame of reference reflective of the richness of Chinese language and culture. Students learn about various aspects of contemporary Chinese society, including geography and population, ethnic and regional diversity, travel and transportation, climate and weather, holidays and food, sports and games and current affairs. They also explore societal relationships of family members, elders and peers. Throughout the course, students hone their language skills, including pronunciation, vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, grammatical structures and written characters.
The AP French Language class is the culmination of work for many students in the target language. The course begins with a review of verb tenses and grammatical structures and requires the students to communicate solely in French. Additionally, the class incorporates a more sophisticated vocabulary and a variety of texts to practice an advanced level of speaking and listening.
In addition to the textbooks, students will be exposed to authentic French websites and magazines, and have the opportunity to practice their skills in the language lab. On a daily basis, students will participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in French and use the language with both the teacher and fellow students. Each trimester, the students will have the opportunity to complete a unit of study related to a French film in order to improve their vocabulary and provide exposure to French language and culture.
Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of the need for systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
This course covers the material assessed on the Latin AP Examination. Students will progress rapidly through the curriculum while mastering high-level grammar concepts such as the supine and more case functions such as the ablative of specification. Students will work diligently to improve their translation skills to be able to comprehend unseen passages of Latin. Additionally, they will refine their ability to scan Latin poetry and appreciate word choice through the lens of literary devices. Students will further deepen their appreciation of the syllabus through a study of the historical context in which these texts were written. Ultimately, students will combine these skills to write analytical essays demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the literature in the AP syllabus. Upon completion of this course, students should be prepared to continue their study of Latin at the university level.
The AP Spanish Language and Culture is an advanced, college-level language class that prepares students to communicate orally and in writing in all time frames and all moods. This course continues the work from Spanish III Honors and/or Spanish IV Accelerated. While students polish their mastery of all verb tenses in all time frames, they continue to broaden their vocabulary through thematic units. Students apply their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as they compare, contrast, and evaluate real-life situations. The students utilize a variety of resources in their studies, and they have the opportunity to practice their skills in the language lab.On a daily basis, students participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in Spanish and use only Spanish with both the teacher and fellow students. Students will collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
AP Spanish Literature is a college-level course that follows the work of the AP Spanish Language and Culture course. Students will read, discuss, and analyze Hispanic literature (poetry, drama, and prose) of the Medieval Age, Golden Age, Colonial Age, 19th Century, and 20th Century. Frequent oral and written reports explore the textual and thematic diversity of the Hispanic world from the epic and picaresque to magical realism. Students collaborate on projects linking literature to historical, political, and artistic movements in order to contextualize and make links between the readings. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Essays, written at home and in class, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities. Students are expected to successfully participate in the Spanish AP Literature Examination in May.
This course is for the student who has little or no previous experience in French. The course concentrates on conversation, listening, reading, and grammar, and introduces the culture of France and francophone countries throughout the world.
The French II class reinforces the structures from French I, or equivalent, with a review of verb tenses and basic vocabulary. The class requires students to develop and employ vocabulary as well as expand the scope of verb tenses to allow students to communicate more naturally. There is an emphasis on speaking and writing in the target language as students create original sentences and innovative products of greater length. In addition to their textbook, students will access French and Francophone websites and have the opportunity to utilize online activities based on the material found in the textbook. On a daily basis, students will participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in French and develop the use of the language with both the teacher and fellow students. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects that require students to use digital media in order to collaborate creatively with the language round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
This course is an ongoing study of language and an introduction to the history, culture and literature of francophone countries throughout the world. Vocabulary building, formal study of grammar, and work in the four basic language skills continue, with special emphasis on speaking, reading, comprehension and writing. Students are expected to speak French in class. The course culminates with the reading of an important original work in its entirety.
The French IV class continues the work from French III with a review of verb tenses and basic vocabulary. Additionally, the class incorporates new vocabulary and expands the scope of verb tenses to allow students to refine their communication skills. There is an increased emphasis on speaking solely in the target language as the students work to improve their listening, reading, and writing skills. The text presents all instruction within a multi-cultural francophone context. In addition to the textbook and workbook, students are exposed to authentic francophone websites, magazines, and film. Students participate on a daily basis in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in French and to use the language with both the teacher and fellow students. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
This is a year-long honors course. The majority of the course will be an introduction to Ancient Greek. Students will progress rapidly through an introductory textbook while learning about major events in Ancient Greek history from the Bronze Age through the Peloponnesian War. Students will also learn more about Ancient Greek mythology and religion by reading summaries of tragedies in Ancient Greek by the famous playwrights Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Throughout the course, students will review Latin through a study of literature that pertains to the Greek tragedies being studied. In addition, they will learn briefly about Biblical Hebrew and, through a comparative study, better appreciate the nuances of all three languages.
Students will review characters covered in Mandarin Chinese I. They will finish Huan Ying 1, and emphasis will be put on recognition of Chinese characters without using Pinyin. Students will present two booklets on “Cars in my Family” and “The Story of Clothes.” The instructor will teach largely in Chinese, except when explaining grammatical problems. During the second semester, students will perform short skits and write short essays in Chinese. They will have mastered more than 450 words in Chinese.
This is a year-long honors course. Possible topics include an introduction to Classical Greek and an introduction to Biblical Hebrew. Offered if numbers permit.
The French II Honors class reinforces the structures from French I, or equivalent, with a review of verb tenses and basic vocabulary. The class requires students to develop and employ new vocabulary as well as expand the scope of verb tenses, enabling them to communicate more naturally. There is an emphasis on speaking and writing in the target language as students create original sentences and innovative products of greater length. In addition to using their textbooks, students access French and Francophone websites and have the opportunity to complete online activities based on the material found in the textbook. On a daily basis, students participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in French and develop the use of the language with both the teacher and fellow students. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects requiring students to use digital media to collaborate creatively round out the full complement of assessment opportunities. Abridged versions of French classics are used to practice reading skills and increase vocabulary.
The French III Honors class continues the work from French II with a review of verb tenses and basic vocabulary. Additionally, the class incorporates new vocabulary and expands the scope of verb tenses to allow students to communicate more naturally. There is an increased emphasis on speaking solely in the target language as the students work to improve their listening, reading, and writing skills. In addition to the textbook and workbook, students are exposed to authentic French websites and magazines, and they have the opportunity to practice their skills in the language lab. On a daily basis, students participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in French and use the language with both the teacher and fellow students. Short stories are read throughout the year. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
This course will emphasize oral expression and comprehension. Vocabulary essential for everyday living will be studied through a variety of sources. Students will continue the study of grammar and further develop their writing and reading skills. The course is open to students who have completed at least three years of French and have the recommendation of their teacher.
French V / V Honors is open to students who have completed at least four years of study of the language and who wish to maintain and improve their French skills at a high level. This course will treat cultural topics chosen to reflect the student's interests and the teacher's expertise. Materials will include authentic, primary sources selected from French and Francophone literature, news organizations, online media, cinema, etc. The class will discuss daily what they are learning. Students will practice their French by engaging in many activities, for example, writing for various purposes, giving oral presentations, participating in conversations and debates, and teaching their classmates a new skill. Language structures will be reviewed as necessary.
French V / V Honors is open to students who have completed at least four years of study of the language and who wish to maintain and improve their French skills at a high level. This course will treat cultural topics chosen to reflect the student's interests and the teacher's expertise. Materials will include authentic, primary sources selected from French and Francophone literature, news organizations, online media, cinema, etc. The class will discuss daily what they are learning. Students will practice their French by engaging in many activities, for example, writing for various purposes, giving oral presentations, participating in conversations and debates, and teaching their classmates a new skill. Language structures will be reviewed as necessary.
Students will briefly review the fundamentals of the language learned in Latin I and continue to build a strong foundation of vocabulary. The course covers an extensive amount of material and students will encounter challenging grammar topics, such as advanced case functions, pronouns, and the passive voice, at an accelerated pace. Students will also have the opportunity to translate authentic Latin texts and experiment with Latin composition while improving their understanding of the grammar and vocabulary of English and Romance languages. In addition, students will attain a better knowledge of Greco-Roman culture and its complex legacy.
In this fast-paced course, students will master more advanced grammar topics such as the various uses of the subjunctive mood and differentiate between complex functions of different cases. This course is designed to help students transition from a more textbook-oriented method of study to a literature-based curriculum in which students read more authentic Latin prose and poetry. Students will begin to appreciate the style of prose authors such as Cicero and grasp the rudiments of scanning Latin poetry. In addition, students will study the republic period of Roman history to better appreciate the historical context of the literature which they are reading while also learning about Roman religion and the Roman calendar. This course is primarily designed to prepare students for the subsequent course of AP Latin.
The Honors Latin IV course is designed to help students transition to AP Latin or provide students with a moderately-paced introduction to reading authentic Latin literature. The year includes mastery of advanced vocabulary, grammar and translation specific to both a prose author such as Cicero or Livy, and a poet, such as Vergil, Horace, and/or Catullus. Roman culture is specific to the late Republican period as well as the early empire, during which these authors lived and wrote. The Roman writers vary from year to year and depend on the authors covered in previous courses. Culture and historical topics will further connect students to the ancient Roman life, beliefs and attitudes of the period during which the Latin authors wrote. By the end of the Latin IV Honors course, students should be prepared to continue Latin studies in AP Latin or Latin V Honors. Additionally students should have a better understanding of advanced Latin grammar, skill in translation of original Latin, and an expanded English vocabulary.
The Honors Latin V course is the ultimate course in the Latin curriculum that allows students to explore challenging, authentic Latin at a brisk pace. The year includes mastery of advanced vocabulary, grammar and translation specific to both a prose author such as Cicero or Livy, and a poet, such as Vergil, Horace, and/or Catullus. The Roman writers vary from year to year and depend on the authors covered in previous courses. Culture and historical topics will further connect students to the ancient Roman life, beliefs and attitudes of the period during which the Latin authors wrote. By the end of the Latin V Honors course, students should be prepared to continue Latin studies at the university level. Additionally students should have a better understanding of advanced Latin grammar, skill in translation of original Latin and an expanded English vocabulary.
The Spanish I class teaches the basic fundamentals of the language with exercises in verb tenses, grammar, and basic vocabulary, building the foundation for basic communication skills. Additionally, the class incorporates and continues to build a solid vocabulary base and expands the scope of verb tenses to allow students to communicate more naturally. Each chapter of the textbook concentrates on a particular theme with the vocabulary, and the students generate conversation by using the appropriate vocabulary lists. There is an increased emphasis on speaking solely in the target language as the students work to improve their listening, reading, and writing skills. In addition to using the textbook and electronic resources, students view short films, which incorporate the new vocabulary from each chapter. The students are also exposed to cultural and informational readings from various regions of Latin America and the United States, which are related to the lesson. The students are required to analyze and memorize a poem in Spanish during the second semester. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
Successful completion of this course and teacher recommendations will enable students to enroll in Spanish III or Spanish III Honors.
The Spanish III Honors class continues the work from Spanish II or Spanish II Honors with a review of verb tenses and basic vocabulary to prepare students for AP Spanish Language and Culture the following year. Additionally, the class incorporates new vocabulary and expands the scope of verb tenses at an accelerated pace to allow students to communicate more naturally. Particular focus is given to complex verb structures and their use in extemporaneous conversation. Spanish is the language of communication as the students work to improve their listening, reading, and writing skills as well. In addition to the textbook and workbook, students are exposed to authentic Spanish websites, newspapers, and magazines, and they have the opportunity to practice their skills in the language lab. On a daily basis, students participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in Spanish and to use the language with both the teacher and fellow students. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
Prerequisite: Honors Spanish III or Spanish III and recommendation of instructor. This fast-paced and rigorous bridge course will follow similar content and curriculum from Spanish IV, however: topics will be studied in greater depth in order to prepare qualified students to take AP Spanish Language and Culture the following year. Equal emphasis is placed on enhancing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through an international and cultural context while communicating exclusively in Spanish. Students are expected to properly use a variety of simple and complex grammatical structures in both written and verbal communication as they discuss common themes to improve their language proficiency. Successful completion of this course and departmental approval will enable students to enroll in AP Spanish Language and Culture in the subsequent year.
Successful completion of this course and departmental approval will enable students to enroll in AP Spanish Literature and Culture or Spanish V.
Latin II begins with a review of the grammar and vocabulary covered in Latin I. The Latin II course year will include mastery of more vocabulary, grammar and translation. This course covers a moderate amount of material and students will encounter challenging grammar topics, such as advanced case functions, pronouns and the passive voice verbs. Roman culture and mythology topics will further connect students to the ancient Roman life, beliefs and attitudes. By the end of the Latin II course, students should be prepared to continue Latin studies in Latin III or Latin III Honors. Additionally, students should have a better understanding of English grammar and an expanded English vocabulary. Study of Latin will lead to improved critical thinking, analytical reasoning and a greater appreciation for Roman culture, mythology and the legacies passed down to current societies.
This course is designed for students who, after two years of Latin, want to continue their study of the language but need a thorough review of the grammar. Students will review basic grammar concepts and expand upon their knowledge at a steady pace, building a solid foundation on which to develop a strategy for translation of authentic Latin literature. They will improve their translation skills through diagramming and interpreting brief, edited excerpts from influential Roman authors such as Martial, Horace, and Caesar. We will also examine Greco-Roman culture through self-guided, exploratory projects that encourage students to connect with the past while acknowledging its impact on the present. In addition to frequent grammar drills, the course includes a brief survey of Latin literature.
This course is designed for students who, after three years of Latin, want to continue their study of the language but need more time and space to develop their translation skills. Students will review more advanced grammar concepts while engaging in scaffolded translation activities to build their confidence when reading authentic, Latin texts. Students will gain a deeper appreciation for Latin by studying the nuances of word choice and syntax of influential authors such as Ovid, Cicero, Vergil, and Livy. We will also examine Greco-Roman culture through self-guided, exploratory projects that encourage students to connect with the past while acknowledging its impact on the present.
The Spanish I class teaches the basic fundamentals of the language with exercises in verb tenses, grammar, and basic vocabulary, building the foundation for basic communication skills. Additionally, the class incorporates and continues to build a solid vocabulary base and expands the scope of verb tenses to allow students to communicate more naturally. Each chapter of the textbook concentrates on a particular theme with the vocabulary, and the students generate conversation by using the appropriate vocabulary lists. There is an increased emphasis on speaking solely in the target language as the students work to improve their listening, reading, and writing skills. In addition to using the textbook and electronic resources, students view short films, which incorporate the new vocabulary from each chapter. The students are also exposed to cultural and informational readings from various regions of Latin America and the United States, which are related to the lesson. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
Successful completion of this course and teacher recommendation will enable students to enroll in Spanish II Intension, II, or II Honors.
The Spanish II class continues the work of Spanish I or Middle School Spanish with a review of verb tenses, grammar, and basic vocabulary. Additionally, the class incorporates new vocabulary and expands the scope of verb tenses to allow students to communicate in present and simple past tenses more naturally. Each chapter of the textbook concentrates on a particular theme with the vocabulary, and the students generate conversation by using the appropriate vocabulary lists. There is an increased emphasis on speaking solely in the target language as the students work to improve their listening, reading, and writing skills. In addition to the textbook and electronic resources, students are exposed to video and audio clips, which incorporate the new vocabulary from each chapter. The students are also exposed to culture readings from various regions of the Spanish-speaking world related to vocabulary topics. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
Successful completion of this course and teacher recommendations will enable students to enroll in Spanish III or Spanish III Honors.
The Spanish II Intensive course continues to develop the skills built in Spanish I or middle school Spanish. There will be a specific focus on developing greater proficiency in the target language. This class emphasizes mastery of basic verb tenses focusing on simple present and past tenses as well as other structures. Students will study a variety of Spanish-speaking cultures with a variety of cultural readings. Successful completion of this course and teacher recommendation will enable students to enroll in Spanish III Intensive or Spanish III the following year.
The Spanish III class continues the work from Spanish II or Spanish II Honors with a review of verb tenses and basic vocabulary. Additionally, the class incorporates new vocabulary and expands the scope of verb tenses to allow students to communicate more naturally. There is an increased emphasis on speaking solely in the target language as the students work to improve their listening, reading, and writing skills. In addition to the textbook and workbook, students are exposed to authentic Spanish websites, newspapers, and magazines, and they have the opportunity to practice their skills in the language lab. On a daily basis, students participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in Spanish and to use the language with both the teacher and fellow students. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Students create original compositions to encourage a personal connection with the language and its speakers. Group projects that require students to use digital media in order to collaborate creatively with the language round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
In addition to the textbook and workbook, students will be exposed to authentic Spanish websites, newspapers and magazines, and have the opportunity to practice their skills in the language lab. On a daily basis, students will participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in Spanish and use the language with both the teacher and fellow students.
Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of the need for systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
Prerequisite: Spanish II or Spanish II Intensive and recommendation of instructor: Students recommended for this course will continue to work on the language foundation they have built in Spanish II or Spanish II Intensive with a thorough review of former topics. Students will demonstrate mastery of simple verb tenses while continuing to improve upon other structures through various modes of communication, thematic units, and project-based work. Students will be introduced to more advanced structures as they transition from elementary to intermediate language level with the goal of improved language proficiency and authentic Spanish communication. Students will also study a variety of Spanish speaking cultures through cultural readings, videos, and news sources to support their language acquisition.
Successful completion of this course and teacher recommendations will enable students to enroll in Spanish IV the following year.
Spanish IV is an advanced class that continues the work Spanish III with a review of verb tenses, grammar, and varied vocabulary. Additionally, the class incorporates new vocabulary and expands the scope of verb tenses to allow students to communicate more naturally in the present, past, and future time frames. Each chapter of the textbook concentrates on a particular theme with the vocabulary, and the students generate discussion by applying the terms from the target vocabulary lists, both past and present. There is an increased emphasis on speaking solely in the target language as the students work to apply their listening, reading, and writing skills in real-life situations. In addition to the textbook and workbook, students are exposed to authentic short films from Spain and Latin America designed to develop listening skills and provoke critique and analysis. The students are also exposed to contemporary and typical music, literature, politics, and history from various regions of Latin America that often relate to whatever grammar exercise is being done with the chapter. Regular evaluations, from quizzes and tests to daily participation and homework, signal the importance of systematic study and frequent contact with the language. Group projects that require original creation with the language, as well as compositions, round out the full complement of assessment opportunities.
Spanish V is an advanced class that offers an in-depth review and practice of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. It incorporates readings, art, culture, literature, and history from Spain and the Americas. Presentations and discussions are conducted in the target language, giving students the opportunity to hone their skills through written, spoken, and auditory means. In addition to the textbook, students are exposed to authentic Spanish websites, newspapers and magazines, art, and movies. On a daily basis, students participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their proficiency in Spanish. Regular evaluations in the form of presentations, quizzes, tests, essays, daily participation, and homework signal the importance of review and frequent contact with the language. Students are given a variety of opportunities for original expression to complement their assessment.
DanielleArmstrong
St. Cat - Teacher, Spanish in US, Faculty Advisory Council, Instructional Coach