World Languages

The Department of World Languages strives to help students develop a deeper and broader awareness of language and culture. We promote engagement in the international community of the twenty-first century and insight into historical traditions and societies. We challenge our students at all levels to increase their understanding of other communities, to communicate in the target language, and to make linguistic and cultural comparisons and connections. By working to advance our own pedagogical and technological knowledge, we endeavor to be examples of life-long learning for our students.

Italian Language and Culture I
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 9, 10
This course focuses on the aural-oral approach to the beginning learning of Italian. Usage of basic grammar, speaking, listening and reading skills are achieved through the study of thematic units such as the Italian family unit, Italian holidays, Italian immigration, Italian cities and Italian food. Active participation enables students to acquire modest conversational skills. When necessary, English is spoken to facilitate student understanding
Italian I
Year - 5 Credits - All Grades
Students acquire basic knowledge of Italian vocabulary and grammar. An emphasis is placed on acquiring communicative skills. Cultural components of the course include: Italian homes, Italian families, geography of Italy, Italian cities and Italian-American studies. Classes are conducted primarily in Italian and English is used when it is necessary to facilitate comprehension
Italian II
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Italian I. Students continue with the development of audio-lingual proficiencies. The use of the iPod and programs available on the tablet, and video equipment promote these skills. Advanced grammar concepts are included as well as authentic reading material. In addition students continue to study cultural aspects of Italy such as: Italian regions, regional Italian food, Italian fashion, the Italian school system and Italian pastimes. The class is conducted primarily in Italian. Students are expected to respond primarily in Italian by January in the second trimester.
Italian II (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: A in Italian I; teacher recommendation. This Honors level course is available for the most motivated student. This course will go forward at a faster pace and/or in greater depth. A greater oral proficiency is required for the Honors level. This course will have different assessments.
Italian III
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Italian II; teacher recommendation. Students progress to an in-depth study of advanced grammar concepts. While students are furthering their oral proficiencies, an additional emphasis is based on writing skills and reading comprehension. Short stories and articles from the internet are read. Movies are discussed both orally and in writing. An extensive study of Italian art and art history is the primary focus of cultural study this year. In addition, an opera is selected and studied in-depth. This class is conducted in Italian. Students are expected to respond in Italian.
Italian III (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: A in Italian II; B+ in Italian II Honors; teacher recommendation. This Honors level course is available for the most motivated student. This course will go forward at a faster pace and/or in greater depth. This course will have different assessments. A greater oral proficiency is required for the Honors level. An A in Italian II and teacher recommendation is required
Italian IV
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: B- in Italian III; teacher recommendation. Italian IV continues to further develop the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Advanced grammatical topics will be introduced and applied to the reading and discussion of excerpts from classical and modern literature as well as current event articles from Italian periodicals. An in-depth study of Italian businesses and their practices is undertaken. The third trimester is dedicated entirely to the study of Italian history by viewing, discussing and writing about various Italian films. This class is conducted in Italian.
Italian IV (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: A in Italian III; B+ ItalianIII Honors; teacher recommendation. This Honors level course is available for the most motivated student. This course will go forward at a faster pace and/or in greater depth. This course will have different assessments. A greater oral proficiency is required for the Honors level.
Latin I
Year - 5 Credits - All Grades
Students begin to learn to read and use Latin actively. They focus on building a strong vocabulary base and gaining an understanding of the structure of Latin. Additional course topics include Greco-Roman mythology, ancient culture, and the ways in which the classics have impacted the world for over 2,000 years.
Latin II
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Latin I. Students will increase their understanding of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. They will continue to study mythology and the ways in which the Latin language and ancient culture influence us today. There is a strong emphasis on the development of reading and translation skills.
Latin II (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: A in Latin I; teacher recommendation. This course will incorporate the aspects of Latin II at a faster pace, with different assessments and/or in greater depth.
Latin III
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Passing grade in Latin II (B average strongly suggested); teacher recommendation. The development of reading skills and increased understanding of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary are the goals for this course. Students will continue their study of mythology, learn about the Trojan War cycle, and begin to read authentic Latin prose. Students must have a strong understanding of basic Latin grammar and syntax.
Latin III (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: A in Latin II; B+ in Latin II Honors; teacher recommendation. This course will incorporate the aspects of Latin III at a faster pace, with different assessments, and/or in greater depth.
Latin IV
5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: B- in Latin III; teacher recommendation. Students use the skills and knowledge gained in Latin I through III to read, analyze and discuss authentic Latin letters, historical documents, inscriptions, poems and myths. They will examine the historical context of the literature in order to enhance their understanding of the ancient world. Course expectations include a thorough understanding of Latin grammar and syntax, strong translations skills and willingness to contribute to class discussions.
Latin IV (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: A in Latin III; B+ in Latin III Honors; teacher recommendation. The reinforcement of reading skills and increased understanding of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary are the goals for this course. Students will read authentic Latin literature, including selections from Pliny’s letters, Vergil’s Aeneid and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Students must possess strong translation skills and be prepared to discuss their reading.
Spanish I
Year - 5 Credits - All Grades
This is an introductory course designed to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing competency in Spanish. Students are introduced to basic grammatical structures, pronunciation and the practices and perspectives of the Spanish speaking world, using the communicative approach. Classes are conducted primarily in Spanish; English is used when it is necessary to facilitate comprehension.
Spanish II
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 9, 10, 11
Prerequisites: Spanish I; teacher recommendation. This course continues the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish. They are introduced to the history, geography, culture and literature of Spain. Students are exposed to a wide variety of Spanish audio-lingual/visual materials. The use of the iPod and programs available on the tablet, and video equipment help promote aural/oral skills. The class is conducted primarily in Spanish. Students are expected to respond primarily in Spanish by January in the second trimester.
Spanish II (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: A in Spanish I. This Honors level course is available for the most motivated student. This course will go forward at a faster pace and/or in greater depth. A greater oral proficiency is required for the Honors level. This course will have different assessments. A greater oral proficiency is required for the Honors level.
Spanish III
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Spanish II; teacher recommendation. Fluency in Spanish, as a form of written and oral communication, is the aim of this course. Grammar vocabulary and idiomatic expressions will be presented through conversational practices, the study of literary pieces and oral presentations. There is an in-depth study of geography, history and cultural trends of Latin America and Spain. Classes are conducted in Spanish.
Spanish III (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: A in Spanish II or B+ in Spanish II Honors; teacher recommendation. This Honors level course is available for the most motivated student. This course will go forward at a faster pace and/or in greater depth. This course will have different assessments. A greater oral proficiency is required for the Honors level.
Spanish IV
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: B- in Spanish III; teacher recommendation. Fluency in Spanish, as a form of written and oral communication, is the aim of this course. More complex usage of grammar, listening, reading and writing skills is practiced through thematic units such as travel, the arts and careers. Short readings will give the students exposure to the history, geography and culture of different Spanish-speaking countries.
Spanish IV (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: A in Spanish III; or B+ in Spanish I; teacher recommendation. This course is open to those students who have excelled in level III Honors and who anticipate continuing on to the AP program. This course involves more complex structures and patterns of grammar and the study of idiomatic expressions that contribute to an advanced level of reading and composition. It is also an introduction to, and a survey of, Spanish Literature, particularly Spanish masterpieces of the 20th and 21st centuries. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish and students are expected to speak only in Spanish as a pre-AP level.
The Literature, Art and Culture of the Spanish Speaking World
Year - 5 Credits - Grade 12
Prerequisites: Spanish III Honors, or Spanish IV. This course is designed for the student who desires to improve her oral proficiency in the Spanish language. Spanish will be used exclusively in class, and it is expected that students are committed to developing fluency. Students will engage in conversations, provide and exchange information and express and exchange opinions based on information gleaned from Spanish films, music, literature and art. This course is not intended for students desiring to take the Advanced Placement course. Students must submit a written request for enrollment to the Department Chair describing their Spanish proficiencies. This is a senior level course only.
Advanced Placement Spanish Language
Year - 6 Credits - Grade 12
Prerequisites: A- in Spanish IV Honors; oral test; teacher recommendation. This course focuses on the student’s development of advanced listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish. Literature as well as various reading passages, and an intense grammar and vocabulary review are emphasized. There are pre-course summer assignments. Listening exercises are to be done independently throughout the school year. This is a university level course that includes much independent study in addition to class time. Only Spanish is spoken in class, and students are required to take the AP exam.
Literature Through Translation
Year - 5 Credits - Grade 12
The student will develop an accurate understanding of the Italians and their contribution to Western civilization through Italian literature. They will explore modern Italian society through a study of literary, Cultural, artistic and historical development. The instructor will incorporate films, theater, works of art and music appropriate to the piece of literature studied. Assessment will include research projects, individual and group presentations, quizzes and writing. Literature, in its cultural context, will be presented in English. This is a senior level course.