Foreign Language
Although foreign language is not a requirement for graduation, most four-year colleges and universities require students to complete at least two years of the same foreign language. Three years of one foreign language or two years of two foreign languages are required for a diploma with honors. Students with “A” or “B” averages in eighth grade are encouraged to begin a foreign language as freshmen. This allows the option of four years of foreign language study.
French I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: “C” in Language Arts/English is recommended
French I introduces students to the fundamentals of the language and the culture and geography of France. Students learn to pronounce and recognize basic words and sentences. The vocabulary that one might encounter in everyday situations is stressed. Students become familiar with basic grammar concepts.
French II
1 Credit
Prerequisites: French I; “C” in French I is recommended
French II is a continuation of the study of the basic skills of the French language. Students learn to express ideas in more complicated grammatical structures. The basic vocabulary is expanded to include more situations. Culture is highlighted in dialogues, projects, and supplemental readings.
French III – Honors
1 Credit
Prerequisites: French I and French II; “C” in French II is recommended
French III concentrates on expanded vocabulary, longer readings, advanced grammar, composition, and oral work. Students acquire an understanding and appreciation of French culture through special units on French art, history, landmarks, and literature. They also write and present original stories and dialogues.
French IV – Honors
1 Credit
Prerequisites: French I, French II, and French III; “C” in French III is recommended
French IV encourages the continued improvement in comprehension, written, and oral skills. This is accomplished through readings, compositions, and oral presentations. More advanced aspects of grammar are studied. French history, literature, and culture are examined in more depth.
Spanish I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: “C” in Language Arts/English
Course Fee: Cost of Workbook
Spanish I introduces students to the fundamentals of the language and the culture and geography of Spain and Latin-American nations. Emphasis is placed on developing comprehension of basic grammatical structures and on developing the ability to think and communicate in Spanish.
Spanish II
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Spanish I; “C” in Spanish I is recommended
Course Fee: Cost of Workbook
Spanish II is an in-depth review and continuation of Spanish I. Emphasis is placed on the study of expanded vocabulary, grammar, conversation skills, and writing skills. The course includes more complex studies in Spanish and Latin American history and culture, but emphasis continues to be on oral and written work.
Spanish III – Honors
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Spanish I and Spanish II; “C” in Spanish II is recommended
Course Fee: Cost of Workbook
Spanish III is an intensive study of written and spoken Spanish. Continued emphasis is placed on the study of expanded vocabulary, advanced grammar, conversation skills, and writing skills. Students read longer selections, study the history and culture of Spain and Latin America, and give oral presentations.
Spanish IV – Honors
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Spanish I, Spanish II, and Spanish III; “C” in Spanish III is recommended
Spanish IV is a continuation of Spanish III. Emphasis is placed on the study of advanced grammar and culture. Students continue to improve their skills in written and spoken Spanish.