Foreign Languages

Exploratory Spanish (1/2) unit credit) Course 113.  This course is an introduction to Spanish for those students who are apprehensive about taking Spanish I and would like to get a head start, or those students who have taken French and would like to learn a little Spanish, too.  Students will be learning such things as how to greet people and ask their name.  They will also learn numbers, how to tell time, vocabulary groups like classroom objects, clothes, colors, foods, etc.   The geography, history, art, music, and literature of the Hispanic world will also be explored.  this course will count for one-half of a humanity credit, but it will not count as a foreign language credit.  This course does not replace Spanish I.  This is a split block academic class.  Fee: $3

Spanish I (1 unit credit) Course 117. You must be at least a sophomore to enroll in this course or have permission of a teacher.  It is recommended that students enroll in both Spanish I and Spanish II in the same year so these courses can be taken consecutively.  Major emphasis is placed on learning to speak and understand spoken Spanish, especially to ask questions and understand the answers. Students also learn to read and write in Spanish. Memorization of vocabulary is essential. Students encounter basic grammatical concepts. Class participation is stressed as the primary way to obtain language fluency. Testing is both oral and written. Students study the history, geography, and ways of life of Spanish speaking countries, also.  This is a blocked academic class.

Spanish II (1 unit credit) Course 217. It is recommended that students enroll in both Spanish I and Spanish II in the same year so these courses can be taken consecutively.  A continuation of Spanish I. All four language skills are stressed -- reading, writing, speaking, and listening. More complex grammatical structures are covered - especially verb tenses. The study of culture continues.  This is a blocked academic class.  Fee: $14.50

Spanish III (1 unit credit) Course 317. This is an opportunity to really use all four language skills gained in Spanish I and II. Since most grammar has been covered in the first two years of study, emphasis is on gaining vocabulary and practicing the use of the language in everyday situations. There is some flexibility based on the interests of the students. Students will read a play or novel in Spanish at the end of the year.  This is a blocked academic class.  Fee: $14.50

Spanish IV (1 unit credit) Course 417.  An independent reading program designed to keep the student using the skills gained in the first three years of study and prepare him/her for college language courses or credit by examination.  Students read novels, plays and short stories in Spanish, answer comprehension questions, write summaries and opinions in Spanish, and then talk with the instructor about the work in Spanish.  Thus, they continually practice the four language skills- reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  Class is scheduled by appointment.

Spanish V (1 unit credit) Course 517.  This course is an independent reading program where the student reads plays, novels, and nonfiction in Spanish.  Then the student writes and speaks about what was read in order to practice those skills.  Spanish V includes an additional component where the student may choose to either 1.) do a major research project on a topic agreed to by the student and the teacher: or 2.) participate in a hands-on project involving teaching Spanish to elementary age children.  (School is exploring the possibility of Advanced Placement credit for this course.)  Class is scheduled by appointment.

Cultural French (1/2 unit credit) Course 114. This course is an introduction to French designed for students who want to learn about the French culture and language without the intensity of the standard French language course. French cuisine, both cooking and eating, will also be covered as well as French history and French literature. It is recommended for freshman who are wanting to take a foreign language in the future of for students who have completed the Spanish sequence and want to sample French. This course will count for one-half of a humanity credit, but it will not count as a foreign language credit. This course does not replace French I. This is a split-block Academic class.

French I (1 unit credit) Course 116. You must be at least a sophomore to enroll in this course or have permission of the teacher.  It is recommended that students take French I and French II in the same year so they can be taken consecutively.  Students work on basic vocabulary and basic grammar. It is a fundamental course used to build a knowledge of French, and therefore, English grammar skills and French culture. There are taped, written and oral drills. There is an emphasis on written and spoken French, and memorization of details.

French II (1 unit credit) Course 216. In the second year, student spend more time on advanced vocabulary and verbs. A simple French book is read and discussed in class. Beginning in semester two, the class is primarily in French.

French III (1 unit credit) Course 316. This is a continuation of French II.  The first quarter emphasizes French Literature.  It is recommended that most students continue in French III. 

French IV (1 unit credit) Course 416. The primary focus of this course is writing and analytical reading of French literature as well as advanced grammar. This class is scheduled by appointment.

French V (1 unit credit) Course 516.  This course is similar to French IV- an independent reading program where the student reads plays, novels, and nonfiction in French.  Then the student writes and speaks about what he/she has read in order to practice those skills.  French V includes an additional component where the student may choose to either 1.) do a major research project on a topic agreed to by the student and the teacher: or 2.) participate in a hands-on project involving teaching Spanish to elementary age children. This class is scheduled by appointment.

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