World Language

3 credits

Prerequisite: None

Advantages: Acquire a firm foundation in the basics of a language

The Level I World Language classes are for students in any grade level who are interested in learning a second language and the culture of the people who speak it.

Level I provides students with the tools to communicate about themselves, their hobbies and interests, school life, family life, shopping and foods.

Learner Outcomes

Students will:

• Communicate both orally and in writing using basic sentences about everyday topics such as family and descriptions about themselves and others within the limits of vocabulary appropriate to Level 1.
• Describe, compare and contrast similarities and differences between the cultures of the target language and their own on topics such as values, customs, surname system, meals, social issues.
• Read and interpret pamphlets, advertisements and short cultural readings in the target language.
• Listen, repeat and infer the basic meaning of authentic material in the target language, such as commercials, short video clips, cultural videos and songs.

3 credits

Prerequisites: Level I with a minimum recommended grade of C-

Advantages: Continuation of building a firm foundation in the basics of a language. Colleges generally require a minimum of two to three years of the same language for admission.

The Level II classes are for students in any grade who are interested in continuing to learn a second language and its culture.

Level II provides students with the tools to expand their communication about themselves, their hobbies and interests, school life, family life, shopping and foods.

Learner Outcomes

Students will:

• Communicate both orally and in writing using simple sentences about food, daily routines, holiday celebrations, health and life experiences.
• Describe, compare and contrast similarities and differences between the cultures of the target language and their own on topics, such as geography, customs, traditions, social issues and lifestyles.
• Read and restate the meaning of postcards, advertisements, readers and signs in the target language.
• Listen, repeat and infer the main ideas of authentic material in the target language of songs, movie clips, trailers, online videos and commercials.

3 credits

Prerequisites: Level II with a minimum recommended grade of C-

Advantages: Students will be prepared to succeed in intermediate level college courses, satisfy their world language requirement for admission to some colleges, or in the case of others, completely fulfill the language requirement.

Level III classes are for students who truly enjoy the language, are interested in acquiring more advanced language skills, and have successfully completed Level II.

Level III provides students with the tools to communicate in a variety of real life situations (i.e., asking for and giving information about travel, movies, theater, health issues, personal appearance, current events, etc.). Students will read short stories and plays in the target language.

Learner Outcomes

Students will:

• Communicate both orally and in writing using more advanced vocabulary and complex grammar structure on topics related to the environment, workplace, health, social issues and politics.
• Discuss comparisons after reading and listening to authentic material through film, plays, short stories, magazines and newspaper articles.

*German III and IV will be offered as a combined  course.

3 credits

Prerequisites: Level III with a minimum recommended grade of C-

Advantages: Weighted grade. Students solidify and strengthen their ability to understand, speak, read, and write the language. Students can enhance their college application by demonstrating four years of language study. Students feel a sense of satisfaction in reaching a higher level of ability in the language.

Level IV classes are for students who truly enjoy the language and are interested in more advanced language skills and have successfully completed Level III.

Level IV provides students with the tools to communicate at an intermediate level in a variety of real life situations (i.e., leisure, communication, family, music, multicultural society, environmental concerns).

Level IV classes are conducted primarily in the target language and students are expected to communicate in that language.

The AP test is available to students in Level IV. The Spanish IV/AP course prepares the students for the exam.

Students enrolled in AP classes will prepare for and may take the AP exam in May.

Spanish IV/AP course is approved through the University of St. Mary’s PACC Program.

Learner Outcomes

Students will:

• Communicate orally and in writing using more complex vocabulary and sentence structure on topics relating to politics, history, social issues, art and technology.
• Read, discuss and analyze short stories, plays and poems.
• Discuss and interpret news clips, short videos and music.

*German III and IV will be offered as a combined  course.

Prerequisites: Level IV with a minimum recommended grade of C-.

Advantages: Weighted grade. Students solidify what they have already learned in previous years. Students deepen their cultural understanding, preparing them for intermediate and advanced coursework at the university level. Students feel a sense of pride for having achieved a high level of proficiency.

Level V classes are for students who wish to enrich their written, spoken and aural comprehension of the Spanish language at the advanced level.

Level V classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. Students are expected to already have acquired a solid command of the language because grammar is only taught or reviewed as remedial work.

Learner Outcomes

Students will:

• Express themselves orally and in writing by convincing, arguing, inquiring and describing in the target on in-depth cultural topics.
• Communicate using more complex vocabulary and grammar structure on topics related to current and historical events, politics and social issues.
• Read and analyze books, short plays and stories, current news articles and opinion pieces.