Foreign Language

Peg Abhalter, Department Chairperson - WVHS
Yvonne Fawell, Department Chairperson - NVHS

• Foreign Language Department's User Guide

"The main purpose of studying a foreign language is to obtain something approaching a mastery of the language." (Dr. James B. Conant) This broad and long-range objective implies the need for short term objectives on each level of instruction. The four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing must be emphasized with student involvement at each stage of development. In conjunction with each level of study, the culture from which the specific language emerged will be a vital part of the learning process. In order to successfully enter and complete the first level of any foreign language offered, the individual student should have a "C" average in regular level English or permission of the instructor. This implies having an understanding of the parts of speech. If a student is linguistically inclined, it would be to his/her advantage to aim at mastering at least one foreign language through level III or IV. AP language courses carry a weighted grade. Native speakers may be placed in higher levels with department approval.

Foreign Language Course Listing

Special Note: Spanish V and French V are available for dual credit through COD. Please see the department chair for information.

Foreign Language Course Descriptions

All Foreign Language courses are year long. They are sequential, requiring completion of the previous level.

4500 French I - Grade 9-12. French I introduces the student to practical vocabulary and basic grammatical structures that will enable him/her to communicate in simple French The course focuses on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as well as various aspects of French culture. Oral communication is stressed.

4502 French II - Grade 10-12. French II builds on the skills developed in French I. Students expand their vocabulary and begin to study more complex grammatical structures. Cultural exploration continues. Development of all four communication skills is stressed, with special emphasis on oral communication. Most of this class is conducted in French.

4504 French III - Grade 10-12. French III reinforces and develops the four basic communication skills and allows students to use them at a more advanced level. As time allows, this course introduces students to French literature, art, and history. Class discussions and work are conducted almost exclusively in French.

4506 French IV AP - Grade 10-12. French IV focuses on a more extensive exploration of French culture and literature. Readings range from classic to contemporary literary works. Students continue to expand their communication skills as they compare and contrast French and American cultures and explore French history, art, and films. A selection of projects will be required during the summer preceding the course… Weighted credit… Students will have the opportunity to attain proficiency in the skills assessed on the AP exam. The class is conducted entirely in French.

French V - is available as a dual credit option with COD. Please see the department chair.

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4510 German I - Grade 9-12. German I puts an emphasis on structure and beginning proficiency, German I introduces the student to basic conversational forms and self-expression in the target language. As the student learns to understand, speak, read, and write German on a basic level, he/she becomes familiar with aspects of German culture, particularly relating to the everyday life of teens.

4512 German II - Grade 10-12. German II has an increasing emphasis on vocabulary and conversational proficiency. Students also begin a portfolio of written work. A higher level of structural forms is learned while students learn to express themselves in everyday situations in the family and with friends.

4514 German III - Grade 10-12. German III continues on basic language skills while the student learns the most complex structures and begins to describe, discuss, and express themselves personally in the language. Short stories and a short mystery novel are read.

4516 German IV AP - Grade 10-12. German IV focuses on student production in the form of reports, oral projects, role-playing, essays, and discussions. Speaking, reading, and writing are emphasized. Readings include current articles as well as short stories and a modern drama. A selection of projects will be required of students during the summer preceding the course. Students will have the opportunity to attain proficiency in the skills assessed on the AP exam.

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4520 Spanish I - Grade 9-12. Spanish I is designed to train the student to understand, speak, read, and write basic Spanish, as well as presenting a cultural background of the Spanish-speaking people. Oral communication is stressed.

4522 Spanish II - Grade 9-12. Spanish II expands the basic skills of the first year course by broadening the knowledge of vocabulary, basic grammar skills and Spanish culture. The course is also designed to further develop conversational, reading and writing skills. Oral communication is stressed.

4524 Spanish III - Grade 10-12. Spanish III continues to build proficiency in listening, speaking, writing and reading. It enhances and expands upon the material which students have mastered in levels I and II. Language proficiency is developed through a challenging and varied curriculum, including cultural readings, oral presentations utilizing technology, a video telenovela, and a novel study. The class is taught primarily in Spanish.

4525 Spanish IV Regular - Grade 10-12. The regular Spanish IV class focuses on the four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, emphasis is on the conversational skills. The students expand their vocabulary through reading stories, literature, and through various cultural units. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.

4526 Spanish IV AP - Grade 10-12. Spanish IV focuses on further developing the speaking, reading, writing, and listening level of proficiency of the student. The students review previous grammar, learn new grammar, and expand their vocabulary knowledge through the reading of short stories and literature pieces such as “Don Quixote”.

A Selection of projects will be required during the summer preceding the course. Students will have the opportunity to attain proficiency in the skills assessed on the AP exam.

Spanish V - is available as a dual credit option through COD. Please see the department chair.

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