WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

In today's ever-changing and multicultural world, the study of a world language is an essential tool in understanding the complexity of our society and the people who live in it. At Montini Catholic, emphasis is placed on several aspects of learning a world language: culture, the written language, and the verbal/oral language combined with everyday conversation. Particular attention is paid to grammar because it serves as an effective tool for the literate learner of a second language. Students will have opportunities to use computer software, videos and Internet access to enhance and further reinforce the study of the target language. The enrollment in a world language in high school is a crucial and significant step towards successful admission into a major university or college. All students are required to take two consecutive years of the same world language.

614 FRENCH I

Grade: 9, 10, 11

This course aims at establishing basic communication skills in French. Vocabulary and basic grammar are taught thematically as they pertain to concrete and useful everyday situations and activities. The study of Francophone cultures is integrated into this communication experience.

1 Credit

616 HONORS FRENCH I

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: Proficiency Exam Scores and Placement Exam Scores 1 Credit

This course introduces the student to the French language and culture with short dialogues, partner activities, and creative role-playing. Simple readings in the target language and extensive vocabulary will be studied.

624 FRENCH II

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: French I 1 Credit

The basic structures of French I are reviewed, and more advanced concepts of grammar and verb tenses are introduced. Vocabulary is increased so that the level of communication is more complex. Cultural lessons are incorporated, and short stories and/or a simple chapter book are read.

626 HONORS FRENCH II

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: 93Average or better in French I and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

This course offers an accelerated approach to the development of communication skills. Advanced grammar structures are explored as they occur for a higher level of understanding in French. Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are polished. Customs and traditions of French speaking countries are presented throughout the year through readings and activities.

634 FRENCH III

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: 75Average or better in French II and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

This course offers an emphasis on oral communication and reading skills in the target language. Grammar skills presented in the first two years are reviewed and applied; written and oral communication in a great variety of verb tenses is stressed. Literature is introduced through short stories, a serial mystery and news articles. Film study units are introduced. Guided written compositions are incorporated into lessons.

636 HONORS FRENCH III

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: 95Average in French II (624) and Teacher Recommendation or 90Average in H French II (626) and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

This course includes an intensive grammar review. The emphasis is on speaking, reading and guided paragraph and composition writing. Literature and film studies are introduced; this class will also begin to prepare students for a college placement exam.

644 FRENCH IV

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: 75Average or better in French III and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

French literature, culture and film are studied in this class as a means and basis for conversation and composition. Class discussion further strengthens comprehension and oral expression. Intense grammar and practical vocabulary are taught.

646 HONORS FRENCH IV

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite: 95Average in French III (634) and Teacher Recommendation or 90Average in H French III (636) and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

This course completes the work begun in French III. The student surveys cultural development and thought as expressed in literature and film. Grammar is supplemented by written composition. Class discussion further strengthens comprehension and oral expression; this class will also prepare students for a college placement exam.

656 HONORS FRENCH V

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: 91Average in French IV and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

A great variety of literary works and films are studied with the emphasis on both spoken and written review and analysis. Advanced vocabulary and grammatical study is emphasized. Oral proficiency is enhanced.

658 ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGEAND CULTURE

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: 93Average in H French IV (646) andApproval of Department Chair 1 Credit

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Test in French for college credit. It is conducted solely in the target language and intensely reviews and refines oral and written expression and grammatical language skills.

414 SPANISH I

Grade: 9, 10, 11

Spanish I is an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Interpersonal speaking and writing skills are cultivated in the context of daily life experiences. Correct pronunciation and communication strategies are emphasized. The customs of Spanish-speaking countries are studied. No previous experience is needed for this course.

1 Credit

416 HONORS SPANISH I

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: Proficiency Exam Scores and Placement Exam Scores 1 Credit

This course introduces the student to the Spanish language and culture with a communicative approach. Readings in the target language and extensive vocabulary study will be emphasized. The cultures of Spanish-speaking countries are studied.

424 SPANISH II

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Spanish I 1 Credit

This course is a continuation and development of audio-lingual skills in Spanish I. Advanced grammar structures are introduced and incorporated into the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Latin American countries are presented throughout the year.

426 HONORS SPANISH II

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: 93Average in Spanish I and Teacher Recommendation 90 or higher in Honors Spanish I and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

This course is an in-depth and accelerated continuation and development of audio-lingual skills. Advanced grammar structures are introduced and incorporated into the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The customs of Spain and LatinAmerican countries are presented throughout the year.

434 SPANISH III

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Spanish II with a 75Average or better and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

This class is an in-depth review of grammar skills presented in the past two years. Emphasis is placed on oral communication. Hispanic civilization and culture are explored.

436 HONORS SPANISH III 1 Credit

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: 90 Average or higher in Honors Spanish II (426) & Teacher Recommendation or 95Average in Spanish II (424) and Teacher Recommendation

Expansion of the reading, writing, and listening comprehension skills is undertaken in the third year of Spanish. Except for grammar explanations, very little English is spoken at this level. This class will also begin to prepare students for theAP exam at level V.

444 SPANISH IV

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Spanish III with a 75Average or better and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

The course provides communicative activities and grammar review to enable students to improve their oral fluency and writing skills. In this course students develop a greater understanding of the Spanish people in other lands. The class is conducted in Spanish except for grammar explanation, when necessary. Activities include role playing, oral presentations, short compositions, short readings, novel studies, and use of authentic materials (i.e., music, films, etc.).

446 HONORS SPANISH IV 1 Credit

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite: 90 or higher Average in Honors Spanish III (436) & Teacher Recommendation or 95 Average in Spanish III (434) and Teacher Recommendation

This course intensifies development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In this course students develop a greater understanding of the Spanish people in other lands. Oral participation is expected as a means of improving oral proficiency. Except for grammar explanations, very little English is spoken at this level. Activities include role playing, oral presentations, short compositions, short readings, novel studies, and use of authentic materials (i.e., music, films, etc.). Special emphasis is put on preparation for college placement exams and theAP exam at the next level.

456 HONORS SPANISH V

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: 87Average or higher in H Spanish IV and Teacher Recommendation 1 Credit

The class uses authentic readings to develop students’ proficiency in the areas of reading, writing and speaking. In this class students move beyond facts to a point at which they can use higher order thinking skills and critical thinking. Vocabulary and oral proficiency are enhanced. The class is conducted in Spanish except for grammar explanation. This class also refines grammatical language skills. Activities include role playing, oral presentations and extensive use of authentic materials (i.e., music, films, etc.).

458 ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGEAND CULTURE

Grade: 12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: 95Average in Spanish IV (444) andApproval of Department Chair or 93Average or higher in H Spanish IV (446) andApproval of Department Chair

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Test in Spanish for college credit. Students enrolled in it would work toward taking the Advanced Placement Test at the end of the school year. This class is conducted solely in the target language and intensely reviews and refines grammatical language skills and fluent oral expression. Also the goal of this course is to further comprehension and practice of oral and written communication skills through the study and discussion of various literacy works. Activities include role playing, oral presentations, compositions and extensive use of authentic materials (i.e., music, films, etc.)

470 CHINESE I

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Intended for beginners in the Chinese language 1 Credit

Chinese I is intended for beginners in the Mandarin Chinese language; it serves as an introduction not only to the Mandarin Chinese language, but also to the culture and customs of these Chinese people. The course will aim at learning basic communication skills in Mandarin Chinese, including vocabulary, basic grammar, and reading, writing, and speaking skills.

471 CHINESE II

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Chinese I 1 Credit

Chinese II is the follow up course to Chinese I and will focus on the building of strong vocabulary for the student and will explore further both the Chinese culture and modern day examples of Chinese life.

476 HONORS CHINESE III

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Chinese I and Chinese II and ChairApproval 1 Credit

The course is designed to reinforce what was learned in Chinese II and builds even further. Students who are taking Chinese III show an obvious interest in the language and will learn more about colloquialisms and the culture in depth. The class will build on the competency and fluency in which the past two years have laid a solid foundation.

477 HONORS CHINESE IV

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Chinese I, II, III and ChairApproval 1 Credit

Chinese IV is an integral, advanced-level Chinese course that will allow students of the highest caliber to continue to pursue the Chinese language and culture at the highest level of achievement and challenge. This class hinges on the performance of the past 3 years of Chinese instruction, and will feature even more speaking and presenting, with a focus on writing. Any student who takes Chinese IV will be prepared to pursue the language into college, or should they prefer, test out of basic level language courses with the knowledge they’ve garnered in their years here with the program.