Academics
Foreign Language Course Descriptions
| • Italian I |
| • Italian II |
| • Italian III |
| • Honors Italian III |
| • Italian IV |
| • Honors Italian IV |
| • Latin I |
| • Latin II |
| • Latin III |
| • Latin IV |
| • AP Latin Vergil (offered 2004-05) |
| • AP Latin Literature (offered 2005-06) |
| • Spanish I |
| • Spanish II |
| • Honors Spanish II |
| • Spanish III |
| • Honors Spanish III |
| • Spanish IV |
| • AP Spanish |
Italian I
Grade: 9
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course is an introduction to the language's grammatical structures, pronunciation and vocabulary building. Continual practice in reading, speaking, writing and listening to Italian occurs at the introductory level.
Italian II
Grade: 10
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
A continuation of the development of grammar and sentence structures introduced in Italian I. More emphasis is placed upon reading, speaking, and writing correctly to reinforce previously learned grammar, vocabulary and pronunciations.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "C" in Italian I and/or departmental approval
Italian III
Grade: 11
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course begins with a review of the basic grammar skills established in Italian II. Focus is on the application of these skills in the areas of: readings in Italian dealing with the history, geography and culture of the countries speaking Italian, composition based on the readings and personal experiences, and conversations.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "C" in Italian II and/or departmental approval
Honors Italian III
Grade: 11
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course is similar to Italian III with a more intense study of the oral and written language. Additionally the course also stresses extensive study of the Italian culture through selective readings.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "B" in Italian II and/or departmental approval
Italian IV
Grade: 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course is a continuation of Italian III with focus remaining on mastery of grammatical skills. The application of those grammatical and listening skills to more intensive compositions, reading and speaking exercises is stressed.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "C" in Italian III and/or departmental approval
Honors Italian IV
Grade: 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course consists of an intense study of culture, history and literature of Italy. Short novels will be read and grammatical concepts used in literature will be discussed in the native language. Speaking, reading, writing and comprehension in the target language are expected. In addition, students will be expected to critique Italian literary works without the loss sometimes associated with translations. The majority of the course will be taught in the native language.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "B" in Italian III and/or departmental approval
Latin I
Grade: 9
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course introduces students to the Latin language and major concepts in the history, culture, and civilization of the ancient Roman world. Focus is on the understanding and utilization of the grammar, vocabulary, and syntax of Latin. Critical evaluation of the history and mythology of the Roman world is stressed. Students will be exposed to such aspects of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary as: cases, declensions, tenses, conjugations, noun-adjective agreement, and sentence structure. In addition, students will identify key people and events in Roman history, literature, art and myth.
Latin II
Grade: 10
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
Latin II continues the practice of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary rules of Latin I. More focus is given to the key people and events in Roman history especially pertaining to the life of C. Julius Caesar and his war campaigns in Gaul. Students are asked to make connections between the people and events in Roman history and their own lives and studies.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "C" in Latin I and/or departmental approval
Latin III
Grade: 11
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
Latin III is a continuation of the studies of Latin II. In Latin III, however, emphasis is placed upon reading and translating Latin literature, particularly poetry and oratory.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "C" in Latin II and/or departmental approval
Latin IV
Grade: 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course reviews the grammar and writing skills taught in Latin III. Reading and composition progress to a more difficult level. Additionally more complex grammar is mastered. Students continue to read and translate Latin literature but at a higher level of proficiency.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "C" in Latin III and/or departmental approval
AP Latin Vergil
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course is designed to engage students in the study of one of the best-known authors in Latin literature. The course begins with a review of major concepts of grammar and syntax and moves to intensive study of the literature. Students will work through the syllabus of the AP Latin Vergil Exam. The AP examination is a course requirement.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "B+" in Latin II, recommendation of the instructor and departmental approval
Note: This course will be offered in the 2004-2005 school year. AP Latin Literature will be offered in the 2005-2006 school year. The two AP courses will continue to be offered on a rotating basis each academic year.
AP Latin Literature
Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course is designed to engage students in the study of major authors of Latin Literature. The course begins with a review of major concepts of grammar and syntax and moves into intensive study of the literature. Special attention will be paid to developing the students' "ability to read, translate, understand analyze, and interpret the lines of the text(s)." Students will work through the syllabus of the AP Latin Literature exam, varying by years between the AP Latin Literature Exam options (Catullus-Cicero, Catullus-Horace or Catullus-Ovid). Students who take the course in junior year will be eligible to take AP Latin Vergil in the fourth year. The AP examination is a course requirement.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "B+" in Latin II, recommendation of the instructor and departmental approval
Note: This course will be offered in the 2005-2006 academic year on a rotating basis with AP Latin Vergil.
Spanish I
Grade: 9
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course is an introduction to the language's grammatical structures including number and gender agreement for nouns, pronouns and adjectives and subject verb agreement. Vocabulary building resulting in accurate comprehension in present tense. Development of keen listening skills is also stressed. Focus is on pronunciation, reading, and speaking skills culminating in the ability to communicate in complete sentences.
Spanish II
Grade: 10
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
This course is a continuation in the practice of proper grammar and sentence structure of the language with emphasis on subject-verb agreement in present, past preterit and past perfect tenses. Reflexive verbs and actions as well as direct, indirect, and reflexive pronouns are studied.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "C" in Spanish I and/or departmental approval
Honors Spanish II
Grade: 10
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course covers the same material as regular Spanish II but with more depth and breadth. More emphasis is placed upon speaking and writing. Students in this course will begin preparation for the possibility of AP Spanish in the senior year.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "B" in Spanish I and departmental approval
Spanish III
Grade: 11
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
In this course basic grammar skills will be reviewed for application of that knowledge in reading, composition and conversation. Focus is on history, geography and cultures of countries speaking the language.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of a "C" in Spanish II and /or departmental approval
Honors Spanish III
Grade: 11
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
This course is similar to Spanish III except that it stresses mastery of grammar forms and the use of outside materials such as novels to increase oratory genre.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "B" in Spanish II and teacher recommendation and/or departmental approval
Spanish IV
Grade: 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year
Spanish IV expands grammar and writing skills through more intense levels of reading and composition. Additionally more complex grammatical structures such as subjunctive are studied. There is more emphasis on speaking and writing skills. Additional materials include videos and recordings to complement the study of the target language and culture.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "C" in Spanish III and/or departmental approval
AP Spanish
Grade: 12
Credit: 1.00
Full Year (Receives Honor Value Points)
AP Spanish is taught primarily in the language. It further emphasizes writing and speaking skills. Additionally, Spanish novel readings are required. As with any AP course, students will also be required to take the AP exam for which there is an additional fee set by the College Board.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "B" in Spanish III and teacher recommendation and/or departmental approval