World Language Course Composites
World Language
The World Language Department at Westford Academy offers classes in French, German, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. As students progress through the target language sequence, they will develop their communication skills, sharpen their critical thinking capacities, and expand their cultural perspectives. They will be introduced to the culture, history, and literature as well as the linguistic structures of the language(s) selected to study. Learning is framed by types of communication: interpersonal (spontaneous spoken and written exchanges), interpretive (reading, listening to, and analyzing authentic resources), and presentational (synthesizing and sharing out information). To prepare students to face global challenges and be productive in a global society, students at Westford Academy are required to study two sequential years of the same language, are recommended to study a third and fourth year of that same language, and are encouraged to study additional languages.
French
101 French I CP - 5 credits
This course is intended for students who have never studied French. Students should choose French I CP if they are studying the language for the first time, changing languages, or adding a second language.
NOTE: Depending on enrollment requests and faculty availability, some first year language courses may not be offered. Please indicate an alternate language choice should your first choice not be offered or available.
This course is designed to introduce students to the language and cultures of the French-speaking world. Through role-plays, small group work, and exposure to authentic texts, students will begin to develop their communication skills in French. They will initiate and maintain basic conversations about a variety of topics, including family, school life, favorite activities, and food preferences. Students will learn how to describe the world around them. There is a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and patterns of language structures at this level. French will be used as much as possible during classroom instruction.
102 French II CP - 5 credits
This course is designed for students who have completed Grade 8 French or French I CP at Westford Academy. Students will be exposed to a variety of authentic texts and multimedia sources as they continue to develop their communication skills in French. Students will describe, glean information, and express their opinions verbally and in writing on a variety of topics including home life, household responsibilities, foods, daily routines, healthy living, and city life. Students will continue to increase their vocabulary base and utilize verb tense to convey time frame. French will be used as much as possible during classroom instruction.
103 French II H - 5 credits
To enroll in this course, students must earn a grade of 92 or above in Grade 8 French or French I CP. Teacher recommendation is required.
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Grade 8 French or French I CP at Westford Academy. Through interpretation of a variety of literary excerpts, authentic texts, and multimedia sources, students will continue to develop their communication skills in French. Students will describe, glean information, and express their opinions verbally and in writing on a variety of topics including home life, household responsibilities and chores, foods, daily routines, healthy living, and city life. Students will continue to increase their vocabulary base and utilize verb tense to convey time frame as they improve their level of grammatical accuracy. Class will be conducted primarily in French.
104 French III CP - 5 credits
This intermediate course is designed for students who have completed French II CP. Students will strive to strengthen their communication skills. They will gather and convey information from a variety of authentic sources as they practice speaking with greater confidence and ease in everyday situations. Students will study a variety of topics including the environment, careers, technology, and transportation. Students will continue to enrich their vocabulary base and expand their knowledge of verb tense to convey time frame. Class will be conducted primarily in French.
105 French III H - 5 credits
To enroll in this course, students must maintain a Grade of 85 or above in French II Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
This intermediate course is designed for students who have successfully completed French II Honors. Students broaden their skills in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Expansion of vocabulary and increased use of complex grammatical structures are encouraged so that students can communicate with confidence and increased accuracy. Students will study a variety of topics including careers, technology, the environment, and transportation. They will continue to focus on the culture and geography of France and other francophone countries. Class will be conducted primarily in French.
106 French IV CP - 5 credits
Depending on course enrollment requests, French IV CP may be offered concurrently with French V CP. Alternating course content will be offered, if needed.
This intermediate course is designed for students who have completed French III CP. Students increase their proficiency in the language with a primary emphasis on speaking and listening comprehension. Authentic and adapted stories, novels, and films provide the basis for in-class conversations. Students will engage in simulations designed to increase their vocabulary and comfort level in practical situations relating to healthy living, art, and natural resources. Class will be conducted primarily in French.
107 French IV H - 5 credits
To enroll in this course, students must maintain a Grade of 80 or above in French III Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
This intermediate course is designed for students who have completed French III Honors. Students increase their proficiency in the language through a comprehensive grammar review and readings designed to significantly increase their active and passive vocabulary base. Literary selections, notably le Petit Prince, l'Homme qui plantait des arbes, and l'Etranger provide the basis for discussion and composition assignments. Class will be conducted exclusively in French. Students taking French IV Honors are encouraged to continue their study of French in AP French Language and Culture.
108 French Language and Culture AP - 5 Credits
To enroll in this course, students must have successfully completed French IV Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
This AP course is structured around six specific themes to promote the exploration of the French language in context as well as to develop a deeper understanding of French and francophone cultures. Students will refine their proficiency skills in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Summer reading and essays are required.
Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement French Language exam in May.
109 French V CP - 5 Credits
Depending on course enrollment requests, French V CP may be offered concurrently with French IV CP. Alternating course content will be offered, if needed.
French V CP students continue to hone their speaking and oral comprehension skills while increasing their overall proficiency level in the language. Emphasis will be placed on the student's ability to interpret authentic materials they hear, read and see through though the use of videos, music, short stories, and other electronic resources. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to further expand their understanding of French culture and civilization. They will engage in an exploration of the history, geography and lifestyles of several Francophone regions.
Mandarin
110 Mandarin I CP - 5 Credits
This course is intended for students who have never studied Mandarin. Students should choose Mandarin I CP if they are studying language for the first time, are changing languages, or adding a second language.
NOTE: Depending on enrollment requests and faculty availability, some first year language courses may not be offered. Please indicate an alternate language choice should your first choice not be offered or available.
This course is designed to introduce students to the language, culture, and history of China. Through simple conversation and short writing tasks, students will begin to ask and answer questions about their families, likes and dislikes, food preferences, and school. Students will learn to read and write simplified characters as well as have the opportunity to study calligraphy. Learning will be supplemented by documentaries and field trips. Mandarin will be used as much as possible during classroom instruction.
112 Mandarin II CP - 5 Credits
Students with existing Mandarin language skills who score 85 or higher on a cumulative Mandarin I exam may enroll directly in Mandarin II. Teacher recommendation is required.
This course expands the student's ability to communicate in Mandarin. Within contextualized situations, students will improve their oral proficiency as they discuss a variety of topics including shopping, directions, the weather, clothing, as well as hobbies and sports. Students will increase their vocabulary base and increase their knowledge of techniques learned in Mandarin I with expanded conversation. Mandarin will be used as much as possible during classroom instruction.
112a Mandarin II H - 5 Credits
To enroll in this course, students should maintain a grade of 92 or above in Mandarin I CP. Teacher recommendation is required. Students with existing Mandarin language skills who score 92 or higher on a cumulative Mandarin I exam may directly enroll in Mandarin II Honors.
Students in Mandarin II Honors are introduced to authentic materials in the form of short stories, news articles, TV programs, movies, and music videos. Email and blog exchanges with a Chinese sister class provide opportunities for students to practice interpersonal and intercultural exchanges. By the end of Mandarin II Honors, students will be able to communicate appropriately in Mandarin, write short journal entries and give short oral reports and presentations. Mandarin II Honors will continue to expose students to Chinese culture through poetry, proverbs, colloquial expressions, cooking, calligraphy, and different cultural artifacts such as musical instruments, clothing, and holiday decorations. Mandarin will be used as much as possible during instruction.
113 Mandarin III CP - 5 Credits
Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with other upper level Mandarin courses. Alternating or differentiated course content will be offered, if needed.
Students in Mandarin III CP strengthen their ability to communicate in Mandarin. They will expand their conversational skills with regards to opinions and thoughts. Students will learn more extensive vocabulary and complex grammatical structures. Students will read and write longer pieces, learn to initiate and maintain small group discussions, and analyze Chinese writing and movies. Class will be conducted primarily in Mandarin.
114 Mandarin III H - 5 Credits
To enroll in this course, students should maintain a grade of 85 or above in Mandarin II Honors. Teacher recommendation is required. Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with other upper level Mandarin courses. Alternating or differentiated course content will be offered, if needed.
Students in Mandarin III Honors will expand their aural, oral and writing proficiency skills. Students will engage in extensive reading activities to increase their vocabulary base. Authentic materials such as movies, videos, blogs, news, fictional stories, and poems will continue to be introduced. Email and blog exchanges with a Chinese sister class provide opportunities for students to practice interpersonal and intercultural exchanges. By the end of Mandarin III Honors, students will be able to read level appropriate stories and Chinese newspapers, and understand Chinese movies and TV programs. Students will be able to write journal entries as well as stories and give oral reports and presentations in Chinese. Class will be conducted exclusively in Mandarin.
115 Mandarin IV CP - 5 Credits
Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with other upper level Mandarin courses. Alternating course content will be offered, if needed.
Students in Mandarin IV CP1 continue to strengthen their ability to communicate in Mandarin. Students will continue to learn vocabulary and increase their knowledge of complex grammatical structures. They will continue to learn about Chinese culture including Chinese poetry, proverbs, colloquial expressions, cooking, calligraphy, and different cultural artifacts such as musical instruments, clothing, and holiday decorations. Students will read Chinese stories and blogs as well as watch the news and movies. They will participate in group discussions about a variety of topics including film and current events. Class will be conducted exclusively in Mandarin.
116 Mandarin IV H - 5 Credits
To enroll in this course, students should maintain a grade of 85 or above in Mandarin III Honors. Teacher recommendation is required. Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with other upper level Mandarin courses. Alternating course content will be offered, if needed.
Mandarin IV Honors will provide students with various opportunities to further develop their aural, oral and written communication skills. Mandarin IV Honors will continue to expose students to Chinese culture including Chinese classical novels, poetry, different cultural artifacts and current affairs. Authentic materials such as movies, videos, blogs, news, fictional stories, and poems will continue to be introduced. Students will engage in extensive reading to increase and expand vocabulary in a wide variety of areas, such as economic development as well as social and environmental issues. Class will be conducted exclusively in Mandarin.
Latin
The main objective of the Latin curriculum is to enable students to learn about the Roman World by reading and comprehending a variety of Latin texts.
120 - Latin I CP - 5 credits
This course is intended for students who have never studied Latin. Students should choose Latin I CP if they are studying language for the first time, changing languages, or adding a second language.
NOTE: Depending on enrollment requests and faculty availability, some first year language courses may not be offered. Please indicate an alternate language choice should your first choice not be offered or available.
Latin I CP introduces students to Latin grammar, vocabulary, and culture through a reading based approach. Readings are based on a Roman family living in Pompeii ust before the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Daily life, politics, gladiators, education, and superstitions are just a handful of the topics students explore. Students learn how Latin has influenced the English language and how Ancient Roman society as influenced our modern world.
121 Latin II CP - 5 credits
Students should choose Latin II CP if they achieve a grade below 92 in middle school Latin or achieve a grade below 85 in Latin I CP at Westford Academy.
Students continue to develop their reading comprehension skills and increase their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary through reading longer passages of Latin prose centered in the provinces of Egypt and Britain. This course progresses ONLY to Latin III CP.
122 Latin II H - 5 credits
Students should choose Latin II Honors if they achieve a grade of 92 or above in grade 8 Latin or 85 or above in Latin 1 CP at Westford Academy. Teacher recommendation is required.
Students continue to develop their reading comprehension skills and increase their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary through reading longer passages of Latin prose centered in the provinces of Egypt and Britain. Honors students must be self-motivated and willing to cover more material in greater depth than their Latin II CP counterparts. This course progresses to Latin III CP or Latin III Honors.
123 Latin III CP - 5 credits
Students should choose Latin III CP if they achieve a grade below 85 in Latin II Honors OR a passing grade in Latin II CP.
Students continue to develop their reading comprehension skills and increase their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary through reading longer passages of Latin prose centered in the province of Britain and the city of Rome. This course progresses ONLY to Latin IV CP.
124 Latin III H - 5 credits
Students should choose Latin III Honors if they achieve a grade of 85 or above in Latin II Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
Students complete their study of the major grammatical structures and continue to develop their reading comprehension skills and expand their vocabulary knowledge by reading longer passages of Latin prose. In the latter part of the course, students begin to read adapted and heavily annotated texts from ancient authors of both poetry and prose. This course progresses to Latin IV CP or Latin IV Honors.
125 Latin IV CP - 5 credits
Students should choose Latin IV CP if they achieve a grade of 80 or below in Latin III Honors or a passing grade in Latin III CP. Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with Latin V CP. Alternating course content will be offered, if needed.
Students begin the transition from adapted Latin texts to heavily annotated ancient texts. There is a significant review of the major grammatical structures of the language. This course progresses ONLY to Latin V CP.
126 Latin IV H - 5 credits
Students should choose Latin IV Honors if they achieve a grade above 80 in Latin III. Teacher recommendation is required.
Latin IV Honors is a literature course with selections from various ancient authors, such as Caesar, Catullus, Cicero, Pliny, Ovid, and Vergil. Students focus on the critical interpretation of these works, including the authors' use of literary devices and rhetorical techniques. Students must be highly self-motivated and willing to do significant vocabulary and grammar review on their own. This course progresses to Latin V AP.
128 Latin V CP - 5 credits
Students should choose Latin V CP if they have completed Latin IV CP or if they have completed Latin IV Honors but do not wish to continue on to Latin V Honors. Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with Latin IV CP. Alternating course content will be offered, if needed.
Students continue the transition from adapted Latin texts to heavily annotated ancient texts. There is a significant review of the major grammatical structures of the language. Other topics to be studied may include Roman entertainment and mythology.
158 Latin V Honors - 5 credits
Students should choose Latin V Honors if they have completed Latin IV Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
Latin 5 Honors is a theme-based literature course focused on Roman values such as auctoritas , pietas , and moderatio . Students will read unadapted excerpts from a variety of ancient authors including Vergil, Horace, and Ovid. The understanding of texts will be assessed in a variety of ways including English composition and summaries, in-class discussions, reading comprehension questions, and translation. Students will be encouraged to make connections between Roman values and modern society. Students must be highly self-motivated and willing to do vocabulary and grammar review independently.
German
The main objective of each German course is to get the student communicating in the language. To this end, we stress the use of the language in class and offer many cultural activities, including a student exchange with a school in Germany.
130 German I CP - 5 credits
This course is intended for students who have never studied German. Students should choose German I CP if they are studying this language for the first time, changing languages, or adding a second language.
NOTE: Depending on enrollment requests and faculty availability, some first year language courses may not be offered. Please indicate an alternate language choice should your first choice not be offered or available.
This course is designed to introduce students to the language, cultures, and peoples of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Through role-plays, small group work, and the interpretation of authentic texts, students will begin to develop their communication skills in German. They will initiate and maintain basic conversations about a variety of topics, including family, school life, free time activities, and current events. Students will learn how to describe the world around them. There is a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and patterns of language at this level. German will be used as much as possible during classroom instruction.
132 German II CP - 5 credits
Students should choose German II CP if they achieved below a 92 in grade 8 German.
This course covers topics similar to those of the first year course (see above) but at a higher level and with more in-depth approaches, as well as content (vocabulary, grammar, etc.) introduced in the Mosaik Level 2 book. Though proper usage of the language is expected, grammar is embedded in the assignments. Emphasis is on communicating through TPRS (Total Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) and short stories. Topics covered include healthy living, travel, and the German School System.
133 German II H - 5 credits
Students should choose German II Honors if they received a grade of 92 or above in grade 8 German or German I CP at Westford Academy. Teacher recommendation is required.
This course covers topics similar to those of the first year course (see above) but at a higher level and with more in-depth approaches, as well as content (vocabulary, grammar, etc) introduced in the Mosaik Level 2 book. Students must be able to do more independent learning, learn vocabulary and grammar at an accelerated pace, move along faster doing "honors" work, and be interested in the workings of the language. Topics covered include healthy living, travel, and the German School System.
134 German III CP - 5 credits
Students should choose German III CP if they have completed German II CP and want to continue in German, or have below an 85 in German ll Honors.
Students in German III CP begin to "decorate" their language. Vocabulary explodes, grammar begins to make more sense, and students begin to transfer all skills to some original work. Grammar, vocabulary, and themes are taken from our textbook, Mosaik 2, as well as from short stories, books from Germany, the internet, and TPRS work. Students participate in role-plays, conduct their own research, explore the German-speaking world, and continue to improve their speaking and writing skills.
135 German III H - 5 credits
Students should choose German III Honors if they achieve a grade of 85 or above in German II Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
Students in German III Honors begin to "decorate" their language. Vocabulary explodes, grammar begins to make more sense, and students begin to transfer all skills to some original work. Grammar, vocabulary, and themes are taken from our textbook, Mosaik 2, as well as from short stories, books from Germany, the internet, and TPRS work. Students participate in role-plays, conduct their own research, explore the German-speaking world, and continue to improve their speaking and writing skills. Students choosing German III Honors should be curious about language in general, motivated to learn independently, and strive for accuracy in their work.
136 German IV CP - 5 credits
Students should choose German IV CP if they have completed German III CP and want to continue in German or have below an 85 in German lll Honors.
NOTE: This course may be offered concurrently with German V CP. Alternating course content will be offered, if needed.
At the German IV CP level, speaking becomes more fluid, students begin to discuss and argue about issues, and their writing improves. Selected structures are covered through the texts and other authentic materials. Language is improved and vocabulary expanded through cultural lessons, units dealing with German film, geography and culture.
137 German IV H - 5 credits
Students should choose German IV Honors if they have an 85 or above in German lll Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
At the German IV level speaking becomes much more fluid, students begin to discuss and argue about issues, and their writing has their own voice. Selected grammatical structures are covered through the texts, Mosaik 2 and Denk Mal!. We read short stories, both humorous ones from Ursula Wölfel's 29 Verrückte Geschichten as well as selections from the anthology Lebendige Literatur. Poetry is introduced. Some authors read include Novak, Borchert, Grass, Bichsel, Brecht, even Goethe! Very often we read about those troublemakers Max und Moritz by Wilhelm Busch. We continue exploring contemporary topics affecting the German-speaking world today through authentic materials via the internet, and we try to stay up-to-date with their most current cultural trends, political events, and societal issues.
138 AP German Language and Culture - 5 credits
Students should choose this class if they have successfully completed German IV Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
In German Language AP speaking is fluid and comfortable. Writing skills have improved tremendously, and students discuss, argue, and joke constantly. Specific intricacies of grammar are readdressed or presented in preparation for the AP exam. The anthologies Lebendige Literatur and Der Weg Zum Lesen are used, we explore classic as well as contemporary music, and poetry is analyzed which introduce new authors and revisit old favorites. We continue to stay informed on the most recent news out of Berlin, Vienna, and Bern via authentic resources on the internet. Our biggest accomplishment involves reading (and sometimes acting out) a full play by Swiss playwright Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Der Besuch der alten Dame.
Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement German Language and Culture exam in May.
139 - German V CP - 5 credits
German V CP is a continuation of level IV, with topics ranging from film, to fairy tales, to Cold-War Berlin. Each student is exposed to authentic texts and cultural practices to give the student a greater understanding of the German speaking world.
153 German V H - 5 credits
German V Honors is for students who have successfully completed German IV Honors but do not wish to take AP German Language and Culture, or students who have demonstrated maturity and growth within German IV CP.
Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with German IV CP and/or German V CP. Teacher recommendation is required.
Topics to be studied may include film, fairy tales, and Cold-War Berlin, as well as contemporary topics in German culture. Students will be exposed to authentic texts and materials to deepen their understanding of the German-speaking world. Students will work closely with the teacher to create a personalized and meaningful experience throughout the year.
Spanish
141 Spanish II CP - 5 credits
This course is intended for students who need additional reinforcement in the foundational elements of learning Spanish. Teacher recommendation is required.
This course will help students develop their ability to communicate basic needs in the target language using fundamental vocabulary. Students will review concepts learned in Spanish I and apply them to various thematic topics. Students will expand their knowledge of the geography and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Class activities include role-playing and small cultural projects.
142 Spanish I CP - 5 credits
This course is intended for students who have never studied Spanish. Students should choose Spanish I CP if they are studying this language for the first time, changing languages, or adding a second language.
NOTE: Depending on enrollment requests and faculty availability, some first year language courses may not be offered. Please indicate an alternate language choice should your first choice not be offered or available.
This course is designed to introduce students to the language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Through role-plays, small group work, the interpretation of authentic resources, students will begin to develop their communication skills in Spanish. They will initiate and maintain basic conversations about a variety of topics, including family and home, school life, sports and leisure activities, weather, and food preferences. Students will learn how to describe the world around them. There is a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and patterns of language structures at this level. Spanish will be used as much as possible during classroom instruction.
143a Spanish II CP (Grade 9) - 5 credits
This course is intended for 9th grade students students who studied Spanish in middle school. Students should choose 143a Spanish II CP if they achieve a grade below 92 in Grade 8 Spanish.
Students develop and strengthen their ability to communicate in Spanish, with an emphasis on speaking and comprehension. Working in small groups, students plan and present authentic skits and dialogues. Students also begin to read more complex narratives and write paragraph length responses. The culture and geography of Spanish-speaking regions are presented through video and and other electronic sources.
143 Spanish II CP (Grades 10-12) - 5 credits
This course is intended for students who completed Spanish I CP at Westford Academy.
Students develop and strengthen their ability to communicate in Spanish, with an emphasis on speaking and comprehension. Working in small groups, students plan and present authentic skits and dialogues. Students also begin to read more complex narratives and write paragraph length responses. The culture and geography of Spanish-speaking regions are presented through video and other electronic resources.
144 Spanish II H - 5 credits
To enroll in this course, students must earn a Grade of 92 or above in Grade 8 Spanish or a grade of 94 in 142 Spanish I CP. Teacher recommendation is required.
With emphasis on all four proficiency skills, Spanish II Honors students develop and strengthen their ability to communicate in Spanish and are expected to use more extensive vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures. Students read longer narratives and write page length responses. Students become more familiar with life in Spanish-speaking countries through video and the Internet. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish and students are expected to speak in Spanish.
145 Spanish III CP - 5 credits
Students should choose Spanish III CP if they achieve below an 85 in Spanish II Honors or a passing grade in 143 Spanish II CP.
Spanish III CP students broaden their skills in communicating effectively with an emphasis on speaking and listening. Vocabulary building, a review of essential grammatical structures, and an introduction of more tenses and moods, are major elements of the curriculum. This course also incorporates authentic language through music, video, and short Spanish texts. Students work toward speaking with greater confidence and ease in practical, everyday situations through prepared and extemporaneous dialogues, informal oral and written reports, and skits about real-life situations. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish.
146 Spanish III H - 5 credits
Students should choose Spanish III Honors if they achieve a grade of 85 or higher in Spanish II Honors and have the Teacher recommendation.
Spanish III Honors students broaden their skills in communicating effectively through regular participation in informal conversation as well as more formal oral and written communications. Expansion of vocabulary and increased use of more complex grammatical structures are important goals. Students also have the opportunity to explore the culture, history, and geography of the Spanish speaking world. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish.
147 Spanish IV CP - 5 credits
Students should choose Spanish IV CP if they achieve a grade below 85 in Spanish III Honors or a passing grade in Spanish III CP.
Students in Spanish IV CP work to improve their ability to use Spanish in everyday situations and to increase their speaking vocabulary and fluency using film and thematic units. Grammar is reviewed as necessary. Students read short examples of authentic written materials and work on improving their listening and comprehension skills. This course utilizes multimedia such as film, music, and other electronic resources to reinforce fundamental grammatical structures and encourage oral proficiency.
148 Spanish IV H - 5 credits
Students should choose Spanish IV Honors if they achieve a grade of 85 in Spanish III Honors and have the recommendation of the teacher.
Students in Spanish IV Honors increase their proficiency in the language through a thorough review of verb tenses and grammatical structures learned in previous years. Listening comprehension is improved through use of authentic audio materials such as songs, podcasts and news videos. Students will continue to explore topics from the Hispanic world, with a more in-depth study of the history and culture of several regions. Discussion themes may include family and community, the natural world, immigration, human rights, the media, and current events. Students will be exposed to authentic literature as they read excerpts from poetry, short stories, and on-line articles related to topics discussed in class. Students will write essays as well as emails and become familiar with the types of exercises they will be required to complete on the AP language exam. Students will be required to participate actively and spontaneously in classroom discussion in order to improve their speaking ability. Class will be conducted exclusively in Spanish. Students are encouraged to progress to either Spanish V Honors or Spanish V AP Spanish Language and Culture.
149 AP Spanish Language and Culture - 5 credits
Students should choose Spanish V AP if they achieve a grade of 85 in Spanish IV Honors. Teacher recommendation is required.
In AP Spanish Language and Culture, students continue to work on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. They read plays, short stories, as well as excerpts from novels. Students are required to speak only in Spanish and are asked to participate in a variety of oral and written exercises to increase fluency, spontaneous speech and ease of writing in preparation for the AP exam. Current media such as Spanish language newspapers, magazines, films, radio programs, and videos are used to increase reading and writing skills, as well as cultural knowledge. Grammar and vocabulary are not explicitly taught. Summer work is required.
Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Spanish Language exam in May.
150 Spanish Contemporary Film and Literature CP - 5 credits
Students who wish to enroll in this course must successfully complete Spanish IV CP or Spanish 4H.
NOTE: Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with Spanish Contemporary Film and Literature Honors.
This course is designed for students who have completed Spanish IV at any level. The core content of the class will be conversation-based. Current and historical events in the Spanish-speaking world will be examined through film, music, and other media. Thematically relevant vocabulary and grammar units will be studied, as needed, to supplement conversation and stimulate independent and abstract thought in Spanish.
151 Spanish Contemporary Film and Literature H - 5 credits
Students may enroll in this course if they have earned a grade of 80 or above in Spanish IV Honors or a grade of 90 or above in Spanish IV CP.
NOTE: Depending on enrollment requests, this course may be offered concurrently with Spanish Contemporary Film and Literature CP.
Students taking this course will be exposed to the same program as Spanish Contemporary Film and Literature CP. Students taking the class at the honors level will be given longer written, reading, and oral assessments and will be evaluated more rigorously with regards to grammar usage, listening skills, and oral participation.