World Language

French Classes | Latin Classes | Spanish Classes | Jr. High Classes

Each student is required to take two years of a world language. Although students may begin a first or second world language at any point in their high school career, it is recommended that students begin as freshmen in order to take advantage of the full four-year curriculum. Many public and private universities require a minimum of two years of high school language study for admission. Studying a language for three or four years may exempt students from university exit requirements. Each university is different, so direct specific questions to the guidance department.

The world language curriculum is greatly enhanced through the inclusion of Amity Scholars. Each year the school community hosts young people from French- and Spanish-speaking countries. The Amity Institute is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for 45 years. It provides a fantastic opportunity for students to increase their linguistic ability as well as to deepen their appreciation for other cultures.

Goals:
1. Increase student's ability to speak the language.
2. Increase student's ability to understand the language.
3. Increase student's confidence in interacting with native speakers.
4. Deepen the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the target culture.
5. Be a resource person for the teachers and students for language and culture.

Methods and activities of instruction:

• Present cultural topics to language classes.
• Introduce vocabulary and assist in pronunciation.
• Lead small conversational groups.
• Conduct individual sessions with students.
• Enhance the cultural atmosphere of the classrooms.
• Present to other classes, clubs, and organizations.

Franҫais

French I (YR)

This first-level French course offers students a balanced approach to language learning giving careful attention to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will gain cross-cultural awareness as they compare and contract the cultures of French-speaking countries and their contributions to the global society. Students learn to talk about themselves, their families and interests as well as explore units on schools, cuisine and shopping. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.

Two semesters, two credits, open to all grade levels.

French II (YR)

This second-level course is designed to develop and expand students’ communication skills. The study of Francophone countries broadens to include Quebec and Senegal. Students read about and learn to discuss issues such as health and wellness, festivals and film. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music and films. 

Prerequisite: French 1.

Two semesters, two credits, open to all grade levels.

French III (YR)

This course is designed to improve the basic skills of listening comprehension, oral expression, reading and writing through conversations, discussions, readings and practical writing activities. This course will refine and introduce new structures in grammar and vocabulary. The study of Francophone customs and cultures include an overview of French history, art, fairy tales and legends. Students discuss topics such as love and friendships, the environment, media and society. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.

Prerequisite: French II.

Two semesters, two credits, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

French IV (YR)

The goals of French IV are to improve student’s ability to communicate in French, develop a deeper understanding of Francophone customs and culture and gain an appreciation of their roles in the world. Based on student’s interests we co-create the curriculum selecting material from areas of language study, fine arts, literature, cultural topics and current events. Popular literary choices are Le Petit Prince, Carmen, and Le Comte de Monte Cristo. Students also have opportunities to discuss issues that are important to them, such as how to select the right college, racism, or teen peer pressure in French conversation circles.

Prerequisite: French III.

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

French V (YR) 

This advanced level course provides an option for students who have completed French IV and want an alternative to AP French. Students will continue to develop their language proficiency as they develop a more sophisticated vocabulary and grammar base. Students’ interests drive the selection of material in this co-created curriculum. Some options are French provincial cooking, poetry, Candide, En Attendant Godot, immigration and discrimination in France, the United States, and film. Students have opportunities to discuss issues that are important to them in French conversation circles. They also have options to research an area of interest and present their findings to classmates.

Prerequisite: French IV.

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

AP French (YR) 

This intense college-level course is designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Language Examination. Based students’ interests we co-create the curriculum studying topics on Francophone history and culture through literature and film. For example students explore the impact of French colonialism on Algeria by reading L’Hôte by Camus and seeing Pontecorvo’s classic film La Battaile d’Algers. Students also study and discuss contemporary culture and issues and research areas of interest. Students review grammar to build their proficiency in the areas of speaking, listening, writing, reading and vocabulary recall.

Prerequisite: An average grade of "B+" or better in French IV or French V.

Two semesters, two credits, open to seniors.

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Latina

Latin I (YR)

This first-year course is designed for students with no prior Latin study. Students study the Latin language, Roman history and culture, and the connections between Latin and English, with a focus on grammar and vocabulary building. Through increasingly complex Latin readings, students follow the lives of two young Romans as they approach adulthood. Cultural and historical perspectives are broadened through videos, class projects, and additional readings from outside sources.

Two semesters, two credits, open to all grade levels.

Latin II (YR)

This second-year course, designed for students who wish to continue their study of Latin, focuses on more complex Latin grammar, vocabulary expansion, and the culture and history of the classical world. Videos, class reports, and projects enhance understanding of the ancient Roman world.

Prerequisite: Latin I or two years junior high Latin.

Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Latin III (YR)

Latin III continues to expand students’ command of Latin grammar and vocabulary, to gain sufficient proficiency to begin reading ancient Roman authors in the original language. In the second semester, language units alternate with in-depth units on Roman history, from prehistoric Italy to Rome’s domination of the Mediterranean world.

Prerequisite: Latin II.

Two semesters, two credits, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Latin IV (YR)

The Latin sequence continues in a course covering a variety of genres and authors, ranging from Pliny’s letters to Cicero’s speeches to the poems of Martial and Vergil. Videos, reports, and class projects enhance understanding of the works being studied and the milieu in which they arose.

Prerequisite: Latin III.

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

Latin V (YR)

Latin V continues to broaden and deepen students’ understanding of the Latin language, Roman history and culture, and their impact on the modern world. A variety of Roman writers will be read and discussed, sampling an assortment of genres and eras. Poetry and prose, history, philosophy, and drama will be introduced, with authors and works varying at the instructor’s discretion.

Prerequisite: Latin IV.

Two semesters, two credits, open to seniors.

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Español

Español Para Hispanohablantes (YR)

This course is designed for 9th graders with near native fluency in Spanish. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish and will include the study of literature and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. The content will also incorporate grammar instruction to build writing skills and students’ understanding of structure and syntax. Methods will include discussions, student presentations, compositions, and projects.

Prerequisite: Native speakers with a good understanding of grammar or students who were enrolled in a Spanish immersion school for a minimum of five years. Other students with extensive experience in studying Spanish may qualify by taking a proficiency test.

Two semesters, two credits open to freshmen.

Español Para Hispanohablantes II (YR)

This course is designed for students who have completed Español para Hispanohablantes I. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish and will include the study of literature and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Students will continue to refine their writing skills and understanding of grammar structures and sytax. Methods will include discussions, student presentations, compositions and projects.

Prerequisite: Español para Hispanohablantes I.

Two semesters, two credits open to freshmen and sophomores.

Spanish I (YR)

This first-level Spanish course offers students a balanced approach to language-learning, giving careful attention to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will engage in conversations, express feeling, and exchange opinions on topics such as likes/dislikes, personality, school life, foods, hobbies, community, sports, family, and clothing. Within these topics, students will build an awareness of culture, including attitudes and lifestyles in Spanish-speaking countries. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate technology, music, and videos.

Two semesters, two credits, open to all grade levels.

Advanced Spanish I

This first-level Spanish course is fast paced and designed for students who have excelled in Spanish. Teaching and learning methods will actively engage students in a variety of activities focused on the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will explore themes such as likes/dislikes, personality, school life, foods, hobbies, community, family, clothing, travel, the house, shopping, theatre, TV, and the environment. As these themes are presented, students will build an awareness of culture, including attitudes and lifestyles in Spanish-speaking countries.

Prerequisite:  An average grade of “B+” or higher in prior yearlong Spanish class or equivalent and teacher recommendation.

Two semesters, two credits, open to all grade levels.

Spanish II (YR)

This course builds on the fundamentals and skills presented in Spanish I. Students will engage in conversations, develop listening skills, and write in the Spanish language. Thematic units presented will include the classroom, daily routines, downtown activities, children and play, emergencies, television programs, and cooking. Within these units, students will build an awareness of culture, including attitudes and lifestyles, in Spanish-speaking countries. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.

Prerequisite: Spanish I or equivalent.

Two semesters, two credits, open to all grade levels.

Advanced Spanish II

This second-level Spanish course is fast paced and rigorously builds upon the fundamentals taught in Spanish 1. Students will engage in conversations, develop listening skills, and read and write in the Spanish language. Thematic units presented include the classroom, daily routines, downtown activities, children and play, emergencies, television programs, cooking outdoors, making travel plans, tourist activities and behaviors, future plans and professions, environment and green efforts. Within these units students will build an awareness of culture, including attitudes and lifestyles in Spanish-speaking countries. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music and movies.

Prerequisite: An average grade of “A-“ or higher in Spanish 1 or Advanced Spanish 1.

Two semesters, two credits, open to all grade levels.

AP Spanish Literature (YR)
This is an intense college-level course designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature Examination. Students will learn and review vocabulary and grammar by reading and analyzing authentic Spanish-language literature through all components of language learning.  Students will debate, evaluate, synthesize, and apply literature themes and terms. This class will explore culture through Latin American, South American, and Spanish authors, poets, and essayists. Literature in this class covers the Medieval & Golden Age, as well as the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Prerequisite:  An average grade of “B+” or better in Spanish IV, Spanish V or AP Spanish.

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

Spanish III (YR)

This third-year Spanish course is designed to continue developing the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through conversations, discussions, readings and practical writing activities. This course will refine and introduce new structures in grammar as well as vocabulary. The study of Spanish-speaking people, their customs and cultures include units on art, health and fitness, and communities and volunteerism. Participation and conversation are integral parts of this course. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.

Prerequisite: An average grade of “C-” or better in Spanish II.

Two semesters, two credits, open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Spanish IV (YR)

The goals of Spanish IV are to improve students ability to communicate in Spanish and develop a deeper understanding of the customs and cultures of Spanish-speaking people. Conversation, reading and composition are integral parts of this course as students learn to analyze literature from different countries and different literary styles. Film and contemporary issues are also topics for class discussions. Grammar review and vocabulary are based on selected reading. 

Prerequisite: An average grade of “B-”or better in Spanish III.

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

Spanish V (YR)

This advanced level course provides an option for students who have completed Spanish IV and want an alternative to AP Spanish. Students will continue to develop their language proficiency as they develop a more sophisticated vocabulary and grammar base. Students will explore cultural aspects of Latin American as they develop communicative and cultural competency through readings, writing and speaking.

Prerequisite: An average grade "B" or better in Spanish IV.

Two semester, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

AP Spanish (YR)

This is an intense college-level course designed to prepare student for the Advanced Placement Language Examination. Students review grammar to build their proficiency in the areas of speaking, listening, writing, reading and vocabulary recall. Students read, analyze and discuss literature in Spanish, which becomes the topic for compositions, oral interviews and personal reflection.

Prerequisite: An average grade of "B+" or better in Spanish IV or Spanish V.

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

AP Spanish Literature (YR)

This is an intense college-level course designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature Examination. Students will learn and review grammar and vocabulary by reading and analyzing authentic Spanish-language literature through all components of language learning. Students will debate, evaluate, synthesize, and apply literature themes and terms. This class will explore culture through Latin American and Spanish authors, poets, and essayists. Literature in this class covers the Medieval & Golden Age, as well as the 19th and 20th centuries.

Prerequisite:  An average grade of B+ or better in Spanish IV or Spanish V or AP Spanish.

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

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Jr. High Curriculum

Introduction to Language

Through the study of Latin, students increase their English vocabulary, develop verbal abilities and learn skills that can be applied to future world language study. Students study Roman history and culture, and learn about the importance of Latin in English and in the Romance languages. Students are introduced to French and Spanish during second semester.

Year-long course required of 7th graders.

French

This first-level French course offers students a balanced approach to language-learning giving careful attention to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will gain cross-cultural awareness and compare and contrast the cultures of French-speaking countries and their contributions to the global society. Students will learn to talk about themselves, their families and interests as well as explore units on schools, cuisine and shopping. Teaching and learning methods actively engage students in a variety of activities, which incorporate authentic materials, interactive technology, music, and films.

Year-long course open to 8th graders.

Latin

This beginning course introduces students to the Latin language and to Roman culture. Through written and spoken activities, students develop their ability to read and understand Latin. The connection of the Latin language to English is emphasized. This course is a continuation of Introduction to Language.

Year-long course open to 8th graders.

Spanish

This level I Spanish courses introduces students to the culture and language of the Spanish-speaking workld. Students will engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, and exchange opinions on themes such as sports, hobbies, school-life, family, clothing, the house, community and staying healthy. Teaching and learning methods will actively engage students in a variety of activities, which focus on balancing the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. An interactive online textbook, vidoes and music are integrated in junior high Spanish.

Year-long course open to 8th graders.