Modern and Classical Languages (Cont.)

French 1 (1 credit, Full Year)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course introduces students to spoken and written French and to the culture of the Francophone world. Emphasis is placed on the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. By the end of this course, students should be able to converse and write in French in a variety of contexts using basic vocabulary, as well as regular and irregular verbs.

French 2 (1 credit, Full Year)

Prerequisite: French 1

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course builds on the fundamental communicative and grammar skills acquired in French 1, incorporating study of vocabulary and regular and irregular verb tenses, especially the present, passé composé, and imperfect tenses. The curriculum integrates print and digital solutions that meet the needs of all language learners. Thematically based and engaging activities are carefully scaffolded. Students continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills based on contextual vocabulary themes.

Honors French 2 (1 credit, Full Year)

Prerequisite: French 1, Department permission required

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course builds on the fundamental communicative and grammar skills acquired in French 1, incorporating study of vocabulary and regular and irregular verb tenses, especially the present, passé composé, and imperfect tenses. The curriculum integrates print and digital solutions that meet the needs of all language learners. Thematically based and engaging activities are carefully scaffolded. Students continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills based on contextual vocabulary themes. Students read and write passages of increasing length and difficulty.

French 3 (1 credit, Full Year)

Prerequisite: French 2

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

French 3 is an intermediate course which builds upon the foundation of vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in the previous two levels. This course refines students’ skills in listening and reading comprehension as well as develops proficiency in written and spoken communication.

Honors French 3 (1 credit, Full Year)

Prerequisite: French 2/2H, Department permission required

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Honors French 3 is an intermediate course which builds upon the foundation of vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in the previous two levels. This course refines students’ skills in listening and reading comprehension as well as develops proficiency in written and spoken communication. In addition to thoroughly reviewing grammar, students read poetry, essays and short fiction and write formal compositions in French.

French 4 (1 credit, Full Year)

Prerequisite: French 3 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course is designed to provide a conclusion to a four-year course of study of French, or to prepare students to move on to French 5. Students use a carefully scaffolded material which integrates authentic print and digital resources. The course emphasizes an immersive environment with the use of the target language and the incorporation of authentic sources. There is a thorough review of French grammar and an emphasis on mastering a broader vocabulary through the literary and historical passages read and through the grammar exercises.

Honors French 4 (1 credit, Full Year)

Prerequisite: French 3/3H, Department permission required

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course is designed to provide a conclusion to a four-year course of study while strengthening linguistic and literary skills of students headed for French 5 or Advanced French Language. Students use a carefully scaffolded material which integrates authentic print and digital resources. The course emphasizes an immersive environment with the exclusive use of the target language and the incorporation of a large number of authentic sources. There is a complete review of French grammar with an emphasis on mastering a broader vocabulary through the literary and historical passages read and through the grammar exercises. Building confidence in written and oral expression is an integral part of the course.

French 5 (1 credit, Full Year)

Prerequisite: French 4/4H

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

French 5 serves as a bridge between 4 Honors and Advanced Language for juniors, as well as a final course for seniors. The course seeks to review all verb tenses and grammar points and to polish the students’ skill in using them in compositions and presentations. Through literary texts, film, current event readings and reports, and other authentic materials, students explore themes that interest them and that offer a window into experiencing Francophone cultures.

Advanced French Language (1 credit, Full Year)

Prerequisite: Department permission required

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course is designed to help students achieve mastery of oral and written expression and of reading and listening comprehension in preparation for the AP French Language and Culture Exam. Students cultivate their understanding of French language and francophone cultures by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges. Oral presentations, conversations, revision of expository compositions, readings of literary selections as well as journalistic pieces from current newspapers and magazines, and recordings and videos of interviews, conversations, and other presentations offer students the opportunity to improve their proficiency in the language.