World Languages

Welcome to the World Languages Department at Wakefield High School!

Wakefield World Language teachers are members of professional organizations, including the American Association Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the American Association Teachers of French (AATF), Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA), and the Washington D.C. Alliance Française. Teachers often take advantage of local trainings offered through the Embassy of France and Spain to further their professional development and enrich their classes.

French students in levels 4 and higher may be selected for the Société Honoraire de Français, a French National Honor Society sponsored through AATF. Spanish students may be selected for the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, a Spanish National Honor Society sponsored through AATSP.

French students participate in the AATF Grand Concours, a nationally recognized exam for French students across the United States. Likewise, Spanish students may participate in the National Spanish Exam. The National Latin Exam and National German Exam are also offered to Wakefield students. Wakefield student often win high-ranking awards.

In past years, French students have participated in an exchange program through the Arlington-Reims Sister City Committee Exchange with Reims, France, Arlington’s Sister City. Spanish Immersion students have traveled to Costa Rica as part of their program in past years.

Because of our Spanish Immersion Program, we maintain a close link with the Embassy of Spain in Washington D.C. as an ISA school and were named ISA High School of the Year in 2015. Teachers maintain other professional relationships with French and Spanish speakers in North and South American, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Wakefield hosts a “Declamation Contest” in late winter every other year. This event features selected World Language students from beginners to more advanced reciting memorized poetry before a large audience in the school auditorium. A panel of fluent speakers of outside judges, often university level professors or embassy staff, rate the students on rubrics. Winners receive small prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. If you wish to contribute or participate, please contact [email protected].

Students in Arlington Public Schools in grades 7-12 may receive world language credit for native language study and for the study of world languages. To receive world language credit, the following requirements must be met:

A transcript verifying a minimum of 140 hours of formal language study for each credit must be submitted.
The student must have earned a passing grade.
A state approved Credit-by-Exam assessment has been taken and the student has demonstrated proficiency levels that may earn up to four credits.

Speakers of languages taught in Arlington Public Schools should consult with counselors for placement testing.

Students seeking the Advanced Studies diploma will meet the world language requirements by completing three years/levels of study in one language or two years of study in each of two languages. Successful completion of each world language course results in one credit toward the Advanced Studies Diploma. Some colleges require the study of world languages to continue in high school. If your student has successfully completed three years of study upon completion of their freshman year, be sure to look at the college admissions criteria for the student’s college(s) of choice. According to SB323 in 2020, a student who is pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma and whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifies a credit accommodation for world language may substitute two standard units of credit in computer science for two standard units of credit in a world language.

Under 8VAC20-131-51 (graduation requirements to students entering 9th grade in 2018-19 or thereafter), the Advanced Studies Diploma has a sequential elective requirement for both world languages and electives. Thus, a fourth and fifth year of a world language, arts, and/or career & technical education count towards the sequential elective requirement.

Note: Courses that have fewer than 15 students may not be offered based on student interest and budget considerations. In some cases, additional budget considerations may require that courses may not be offered in any given year and impacted students should select an alternative course. Additionally, courses with insufficient enrollment may be offered through virtual courses.

World Languages Courses

AP

Advanced Studies in French, Post AP

Full Year (25160)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Designation: AP

This course is designed for students who demonstrate a high level of fluency in the target language. The focus of the curriculum is on developing strong conversational and communicative skills by discussing contemporary topics that provide the background through which students engage in inquiry and rich discussions. Students will be able to understand authentic material from the Francophone world utilizing various media sources. They will read, write, and engage in conversations about selected topics on the literature, cinema, history, and popular culture of the cultures in which the target language is spoken.

Advanced Studies in Latin, Post AP

Full Year (25360)

Level: High School
Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Designation: AP

This course, recommended as a post AP experience, is designed for students who are fully conversant with Latin grammar and syntax and are able to analyze original texts, both literally and figuratively. Students review grammar in the context of the works they read in class and continue to enlarge their vocabularies and knowledge of derivatives. Students identify and interpret the syntax of each author read in class with increased facility, and practice critical analysis skills. Students synthesize the cultural and historical contexts of the works they read.

Advanced Studies in Spanish, Post AP

Full Year (25560)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages, Wakefield Immersion Program

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Designation: AP, Immersion

This course is designed for students who demonstrate a high level of fluency in the target language. The focus of the curriculum is on developing strong conversational and communicative skills by discussing contemporary topics that provide the background through which students engage in inquiry and rich discussions. Students will be able to understand authentic material representing the richness of the Spanish speaking countries utilizing various media sources. They will read, write, and engage in conversations about selected topics on the literature, cinema, history, and popular culture of the target language.

American Sign Language

American Sign Language I

Full Year (25990)

Level:nHigh School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students will learn receptive and expressive language skills within the context of everyday interaction with others in their home, school, and community environments. Students will learn to ask and answer questions about family, school events and celebrations. They will exchange essential information such as making introductions, leave-taking, getting attention and negotiating the signing environment using appropriate non-manual behaviors (i.e., facial expression, body posture, spatial organization). Students will study the history of American Sign Language and will explore aspects of Deaf culture.

American Sign Language II

Full Year (25995)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students will expand and enhance the communicative skills in ASL. They will ask and respond to questions for clarification and be able to further express opinions and preferences regarding their everyday experiences and environment. Students will expand their vocabulary and conversational ability by studying more abstract topics and literary works. A deeper understanding of the Deaf community will also be a goal of this level, through the discussion of the community’s norms and values. Students will gain an understanding of concepts that are unique to the Deaf community and their implications for language learning. They will be encouraged to interact with others using their ASL skills beyond the classroom level.

American Sign Language III

Full Year (25997)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students will apply the language skills and vocabulary acquired in previous levels to increase their conversational abilities, focusing on more abstract topics. These topics include literary works and current events and issues of the Deaf world. Students will deepen their understanding of the Deaf community through discussion of the community’s norms and values. Through a more involved study of the ASL roots and linguistics, students will gain a better understanding of the language while also being able to compare it to their own language. Students will be encouraged to use the language both within and beyond the school setting. For example, students will interview members of the Deaf community on topics of personal interest, the greater community and/or world concern.

American Sign Language III, Dual Enrollment

Full Year (95999W )

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Quality Points: 1.0

Designation: Dual Enrollment

Students continue to develop cultural awareness, comprehension and production skills, and emphasizes a variety of sentence structures in American Sign Language (ASL) with a continued focus on interactive communicative competence. This course provides students with the opportunity to become skilled in ASL conversational fluency while developing an understanding and awareness of the culture, heritage, and civic values of the U.S. Deaf community.

American Sign Language IV

Full Year (25992)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students will apply the language skills and vocabulary acquired in previous levels to increase their conversational abilities, focusing on specific fine-tuning strategies which will help them reach the next level with their ASL skills and prepare them for college-level ASL courses, as well as prepare them for possible careers involving ASL. Topics include literary works, deaf art, current events, and issues within the Deaf community. Students will deepen their understanding of the Deaf World through a storytelling lens with a brief taste of the ASL interpreting process. Through a more involved study of ASL roots and linguistics, notably classifiers and parameters, students will gain better understanding of the language while comparing it with their native language. Students will be encouraged to use ASL both within and beyond the school setting. In addition to this, they will collaborate with their ASL IV peers from another high school. For example, students might participate in a Deaf literature book club, reading outside of class. They will return to the classroom where they will share in ASL with each other their newfound knowledge.

American Sign Language IV, Dual Enrollment

Full Year (95998W)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Quality Points: 1.0

Designation: Dual Enrollment

Students continue to develop cultural awareness, comprehension and production skills, and emphasizes a variety of sentence structures in American Sign Language (ASL) with a continued focus on interactive communicative competence. This course provides students with the opportunity to continue to become skilled in ASL conversational fluency while developing an understanding and awareness of the culture, heritage, and civic values of the U.S. Deaf community.

Arabic

Arabic I

Full Year (25800)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This level introduces students to the Arabic alphabet and sound system. This course is very rich in cultural and historical information. The history of the Arabic language, family tree of Arabic language and script are given. In addition to the initial focus on the sound and writing systems, students learn and reproduce sounds, stress patterns and intonation of the language. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary are introduced so that students can produce basic formulaic exchanges in simple sentences and conversations in contexts appropriate to the novice level. Students will be able to write words and sentences accurately from dictation, read previously learned words and sentences, greet, and introduce others, form simple questions and answers, engage in basic social interactions, talk about themselves, family members and others and exchange basic personal information. The principal topic around which language is developed is personal and family life.

Arabic II

Full Year (25822)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This course continues the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at a novice proficiency level and revolves around daily life situations students in Arabic speaking countries may encounter. Students increase vocabulary building and continue to learn more about basic Arabic sentence structure and to apply basic grammatical structures for engaging in functional language. Upon completion of Arabic II, students will be able to initiate social interactions, and be aware of basic cultural perspectives. Students will be able to understand and respond to simple questions, short statements, and high frequency commands, especially on familiar topics. Using previously practiced or memorized sentences and phrases, students will be able to describe people, talk about how they look and feel, exchange information about hobbies and will be able to read and compose simple sentences and short paragraphs using previously learned material. They will also be familiar with some of the differences between formal and spoken Arabic. Topics include school and home life, social life and personal interests and community life, including shopping, restaurants, and food.

Arabic III

Full Year (25830)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The content is focused on issues and challenges that relate to the lives of high school students. Themes and topics go beyond daily life situations into social issues related to the world around them. As part of the curriculum, students will be able to read and understand simplified texts that relate to issues that are of interest to Arabs as manifested in pop songs and poetry. Students will comprehend simple to more complex songs and video texts that revolve around familiar topics and be able to express views in simple terms about issues that rotate around the self and the people around you. Students will handle a number of uncomplicated communicative tasks relating to social situations and be able to read and understand basic instructions and standard messages and expressions such as those found on menus, maps and road signs. They will also understand main ideas in texts that are highly contextualized. Topics include additional and more sophisticated aspects of personal and family life, teen culture, future plans and choices and the environment.

Arabic IV

Full Year (25840)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This course continues the refinement of linguistic functions identified in the level III curriculum and develops more sophisticated communication skills with emphasis on the oral and written language. Themes focus on future plans and choices, current and historic events and the environment and include topics on careers, jobs and educational plans, national holidays and the arts, nature, ecology, conservation and eco-tourism. Students will be able to summarize, ask and answer questions related to themes and topics studied. In addition, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the practices, products, and perspectives of the Arabic cultures and how they compare and contrast with their own culture.

Arabic V

Full Year (25841)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Arabic Level V is based on newspaper articles from different parts of the Arab world. The articles revolve around several themes, and the structure of the language is discussed and reviewed. Course material focuses on professional topics of everyday interest including health, economic and popular culture such as: Arab Markets (historical markets, markets of Jeddah, Om Derman market), and Arab songs. At the end of the course, students should be able to read Arabic newspapers with a good general understanding, especially on familiar topics. Students should be able to express themselves by combining and recombining known elements.

Chinese

Chinese I

Full Year (25615)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills-listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course emphasizes the development of listening and speaking skills. Students are introduced to piny in and also learn simplified Chinese characters that relate to the themes and grammatical elements targeted at this level. Students learn to recognize characters correctly, not only for reading, but also with the goal of developing their writing and ability to communicate in text on computers and on other electronic devices. Students begin to explore and study the themes of personal and family life, school life, social life, and community life.

Chinese II

Full Year (25625)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills-listening, speaking, reading and writing-with emphasis on the ability to communicate orally. Students continue to expand their study on the themes of personal and family life, school life, social life, and community life, which were introduced in level I. Students continue to refine their writing skills in simplified Chinese. Students learn to recognize characters correctly, not only for reading, but also with the goal of developing their writing and ability to communicate in text on computers and on other electronic devices. In addition to the characters learned in level I, students are introduced to new simplified Chinese characters that relate to the themes and grammatical elements targeted at this level.

Chinese III

Full Year (25630)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in all four language skills-listening, speaking, reading and writing-with emphasis on the ability to interact orally. They communicate using more complex language structures on a variety of topics, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts. At this level, students comprehend the main ideas of the authentic materials that they read and hear, and they can identify significant details when the topics are familiar. Students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them while studying rights and responsibilities, future plans and choices, teen culture, environment, and humanities while revisiting themes and topics from previous levels. However, the spiral character of the theme-based instruction requires students to demonstrate their communicative skills and sophistication at a new developmental level and understand announcements and messages connected to daily activities. Students present reports orally and/or in writing on topics being studied. They can write descriptions of people and objects from their everyday environment and school. Students also acquire information from a variety of sources about topics being studied. Student work will be required outside of class time.

Chinese IV

Full Year (25640)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in all four language skills-listening, speaking, reading, and writing-with emphasis on the ability to interact orally and in writing. They communicate using more complex language structures on a variety of topics, focusing on abstract concepts. At this level, students comprehend the main ideas of the authentic materials that they read and hear, and they are able to identify significant details when the topics are familiar. Students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them while studying Beijing, facets of China’s traditional culture, social life, hobbies, the environment, work, and college. Some familiar themes and topics from levels I, II, and III may reoccur at the same time. However, the spiral character of the theme-based instruction requires students to demonstrate their communicative skills and sophistication at a new developmental level. Students will be introduced to the Advanced Placement Chinese Language course and the College Board examination.

Chinese Language & Culture, AP

Full Year (35860)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Designation: AP

This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in Chinese language. It is a rigorous college level course equivalent to a fourth semester college course in Mandarin Chinese. Students will demonstrate proficiency in presentational, interpersonal and interpretative communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing; explore contemporary and historical Chinese cultures; study a variety of themes related to the Chinese Language and Culture as outlined by the College Board; broaden their global perspectives and compare Chinese cultures with their own environment.

French

French I

Full Year (25110)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students learn sounds, stress patterns, and intonation of the language. Basic structures and vocabulary are learned through practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis on using language to communicate orally. Students express themselves both orally and in writing by recombining the vocabulary and language structures creatively. Students comprehend and read simple questions and statements about daily activities and interests. Students also learn basic information about the geography, customs, and culture of French speaking countries.

French II

Full Year (25120)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop their skills listening, speaking, reading, and writing with an emphasis on oral communication. They participate in simple conversations about familiar topics using the vocabulary and grammatical patterns they learn. They read familiar material and write short, guided compositions on topics within their vocabulary and grammatical control. They expand their knowledge of the customs and culture of the French speaking countries to include social patterns, activities, and roles.

French III

Full Year (25130)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop their proficiency in the target language in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They understand short conversations and can be understood by natives accustomed to dealing with foreigners. Emphasis is on consistent use of the language for classroom activities. Students recount uncomplicated events and experiences orally, read short authentic material for main idea, and write about familiar topics using more complex grammatical structures. A deeper insight into the target culture is developed.

French IV

Full Year (25140)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Level IV students focus on increased accuracy and appropriateness of speech in formal presentations and spontaneous conversations when narrating, describing, seeking and giving information. Students read authentic material, particularly on familiar subjects, and discuss contemporary subjects. They also write about these topics in some detail. A broader knowledge of cultural contributions in the arts, historical and current events in the francophone culture is developed.

French V

Full Year (25150)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students will read, listen to and discuss current events to experience and understand authentic material (from media, literary excerpts by native speakers, etc.). They read, write, and converse with some depth about selected topics on the culture, history, and literature of the target language and begin to extend comprehension beyond the literal level. The course also includes some analysis of literature in the target language.

French Language & Culture, AP

Full Year (35165)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Quality Points: 1.0

Designation: AP

This course is designed for students who demonstrate a high level of fluency and can understand material on concrete and abstract topics. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in French. Students will demonstrate their abilities in all language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in various ways, such as writing coherent summaries, descriptions, narrations, and essays. They will comprehend, analyze, and discuss a variety of spoken and written texts, representing literary works, contemporary life, and popular culture. Students will continue to refine syntax and mechanics of French both orally and in writing, demonstrating a more advanced control of language and also a deeper understanding and use of idiomatic expressions.

German

German I

Full Year (25210)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students learn sounds, stress patterns, and intonation of the language. Basic structures and vocabulary are learned through practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis on using language to communicate orally. Students express themselves both orally and in writing by recombining vocabulary and language structures creatively. Students comprehend and read simple questions and statements about daily activities and interests. Students also learn basic information about the geography, customs, and culture of the German speaking countries.

German II

Full Year (25220)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

German III

Full Year (25230)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop their proficiency in the language in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They understand short conversations and can be understood by native speakers accustomed to dealing with non-native speakers of German. Emphasis is on consistent use of the language for classroom activities. Students recount uncomplicated events and experiences orally, read short authentic material for main idea, and write about familiar topics using more complex grammatical structures. Cultural information is expanded.

Japanese

Japanese I

Full Year (25910)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students begin to acquire skills in understanding and speaking the Japanese language. Basic grammar and vocabulary used in daily living, practical conversations, and discussions of Japanese culture are studied. Hiragana, the Japanese syllabary writing system, and Katakana, the Japanese syllabary for foreign words are taught. A limited number of Kanji, Chinese characters, are also introduced. Through the language, students study Japanese history, geography, culture, and customs.

Japanese II

Full Year (25920)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to increase their skills in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Japanese. About 100 kanji characters are taught. Students are introduced to additional vocabulary and grammar in order to engage in more complex conversations. History, geography, culture, and customs of Japan are emphasized.

Japanese III

Full Year (25930)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Japanese III is designed to further enhance students’ speaking, reading, and writing skills. The course will teach new skills through the study of topics related to contemporary life in Japan. About 100 new kanji characters will be introduced. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss and express opinions and feelings in various speech styles.

Latin

Latin I

Full Year (25310)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

In this first Latin course, students are introduced to the language and life of the ancient Romans. Students learn to read simple Latin texts and adapted stories with expression and enjoyment. Topics include: home and family, city life, entertainment, and education in ancient Rome. Students learn basic vocabulary patterns and language structures by making connections to modern languages, including English.

Latin II

Full Year (25320)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students build upon the reading skills, vocabulary and forms acquired in Latin I as they read increasingly complex texts and adapted stories. Throughout the course, students examine social status in the ancient world including interactions between Romans and other cultures. Students further develop their understanding of Latin roots and language patterns through dialogue and interactive learning activities.

Latin III

Full Year (25330)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue their study of Latin language structures by reading and analyzing adapted narratives and dialogues. Topics include: life in the provinces, Roman values and customs, and military life. By identifying patterns in Latin words and texts, students build a more robust vocabulary and read increasingly complex stories.

Latin IV

Full Year (25340)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students complete their study of Latin language structures by reading and analyzing adapted texts. Topics include: politics, law, country life, and city life in ancient Rome. Through examining patterns in Latin root words, students make connections and deepen their understanding of language. Toward the end of the course, students transition from adapted texts to reading authentic Latin works written by Roman authors.

Latin V

Full Year (25350)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

(This course may be combined with Latin, AP or Latin, IB.)

Students read authentic Latin, both poetry and prose. The course focuses on comprehension, literary analysis, and the larger historical and cultural contexts of works read. Students activate prior knowledge of Latin roots and language structures to build a deeper understanding of new vocabulary and patterns in Latin.

Latin V, Dual Enrollment

Full Year (95350W)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Quality Points: 1.0

Designation: Dual Enrollment

Students read authentic passages by Roman authors and review language constructions and vocabulary in context. There is a focus on comprehension, analysis of stylistic technique, and interpretation of the author’s intent through word choice, syntax, and allusion. Latin verse will be read aloud in meter to explore the meter’s impact on the mood of the passage. Students make connections between the passages studied and larger topics including: ancient history and geography; Roman daily life and culture; and modern words derived from Latin.

Latin, AP

Full Year (35350)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Quality Points: 1.0

Designation: AP

(This course may be combined with Latin V.)

This course is designed for students who are fully conversant with Latin grammar and syntax and are able to analyze original texts, both literally and figuratively, preparing them for the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in Latin. The curriculum exposes students to some of the finest examples of Latin literature, comprising of both poetry and prose. Examining both Vergil’s poetry and Caesar’s prose, students will study the literature and civilization of those authors in great depth and will demonstrate their proficiency through analytic essays that show a firm grasp of the nuances of those authors’ respective literary genres with a particular focus on critical reading and analytical writing. In addition, the course approaches the study of classical literature through various cultural contexts, allowing students to draw connections between the ancient texts they read and a variety of other disciplines, as well as their own personal life experiences.

Spanish

Spanish for Fluent Speakers I

Full Year (25517)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This course is a Spanish Language arts course designed for students who have oral fluency in Spanish but have not mastered basic reading and writing skills. Students develop communication skills in reading, writing, and speaking and begin the study of Spanish grammar. Students develop a deeper understanding of perspectives and practices of the Hispanic culture.

Spanish for Fluent Speakers II

Full Year (25527)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This course is a Spanish language arts course designed for students who already know how to read and write in Spanish at a basic level. Students improve spelling and mechanics and write short compositions. They read original works and begin to interpret and/or analyze narratives and poetry. The study of grammar is continued. Students improve their oral communication skills through class presentations and other interpersonal activities. Cultural perspectives and practices are explored, and a deeper understanding is developed through the context of literature.

Spanish for Fluent Speakers III

Full Year (25537)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages, Wakefield Immersion Program

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Designation: Immersion

This course is a Spanish language arts course designed for students who know how to read and write at a more advanced level. Students will be able to write letters, compositions, and reports, and interpret and/or analyze more complex and longer narratives. In addition, students will present oral and written reports on a variety of topics. Cultural perspectives and practices are shared, and a deeper understanding is developed through the context of literature. Upon successful completion of Spanish for Fluent Speakers III, students are encouraged to enroll in Intermediate Spanish I/II Dual Enrollment (95501W) full year, one credit, +1.0 quality point, or Spanish Language and Culture, AP.

Spanish I

Full Year (25510)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students learn sounds, stress patterns, and intonation of the language. Basic structures and vocabulary are learned through practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis on using language to communicate orally at the novice level. Students express themselves both orally and in writing by recombining vocabulary and language structures creatively. Students comprehend and read simple questions and statements about daily activities and interests. Students also learn about the geography, customs, and culture of Spanish speaking countries.

Spanish II

Full Year (25520)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing with an emphasis on oral communication at the novice level. They participate in simple conversations about familiar topics using the vocabulary and grammatical patterns they learn. They read familiar material and write short, guided compositions on topics within their vocabulary and grammatical control. They expand their knowledge of cultural perspectives and practices.

Spanish III

Full Year (25530)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Students continue to develop their proficiency in the language in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They understand short conversations and can be understood by native speakers accustomed to dealing with non-native speakers of Spanish. Emphasis is on consistent use of the language for classroom activities. Students recount uncomplicated events and experiences orally, read short authentic material for main idea, and write about familiar topics using more complex grammatical structures. Knowledge of cultural perspectives and practices is expanded.

Spanish IV

Full Year (25540)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Level IV students focus on increased accuracy and appropriateness of speech in formal presentations and spontaneous conversations when narrating, describing, seeking, and giving information. Students read authentic material, particularly on familiar subjects, and discuss contemporary subjects within a cultural context. They also write about these topics in more detail. A deeper understanding of cultural perspectives and practices is developed through literature and authentic materials.

Spanish V

Full Year (25550)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages, Wakefield Immersion Program

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Designation: Immersion

Students are able to discuss current events and to understand authentic material (from media, literature excerpts from native speakers, etc.). They read, write, and converse with some depth about selected topics on the culture, history, and literature of the language, and begin to extend comprehension beyond the literal level. The course also includes some analysis of literature in the target language.

Spanish V, Dual Enrollment

Full Year (95501W)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Quality Points: 1.0

Designation: Dual Enrollment

Students will listen to, read and discuss current events and other authentic material including the study and analysis of literary works. They read, write, and converse with some depth about selected topics on the culture, history, and literature of the language and extend comprehension beyond the literal level. Lessons are infused with a cultural framework to analyze the perspectives that derive the products and practices of the Spanish speaking world. This course is designed to increase Spanish proficiency above the intermediate-mid level as defined by the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Proficiency Guidelines.

Spanish Language & Culture, AP

Full Year (35565)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages, Wakefield Immersion Program

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Quality Points: 1.0

Designation: AP, Immersion

This course is designed for students who demonstrate a high level of fluency and can understand material on concrete and abstract topics. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in Spanish language. Students will demonstrate their abilities in all language skills; (listening, speaking, reading, and writing,) in various ways, such as writing coherent summaries, descriptions, narrations, and essays. They will comprehend, analyze, and discuss a variety of spoken and written texts, representing literary works, contemporary life, and popular culture. Students will continue to refine syntax and mechanics of Spanish both orally and in writing, demonstrating a more advanced control of language and also a deeper understanding and use of idiomatic expressions.

Spanish Literature, AP

Full Year (35580)

Level: High School

Content Area: World Languages, Wakefield Immersion Program

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Quality Points: 1.0

Designation: AP, Immersion

This course is designed for students who demonstrate a high level of fluency and can understand material on concrete and abstract topics, including literary texts representing various genres and literary styles. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in Spanish literature. The curriculum exposes students to a wide range of literature from across Spanish speaking countries. Students will study literature and civilization in greater depth and will demonstrate proficiency in Spanish across all language skills, with a particular focus on a critical reading and analytical writing. In addition, this course approaches the study of literature through various cultural contexts, allowing students to understand the literary texts they read while at the same time relating this content to many other areas of learning and connecting it to their own life.