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About Our Department |
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Foreign language study makes its greatest contribution to the intellectual and cultural development of the student. Its study involves a gradually expanding and deepening knowledge of the student's first language, which is in most cases English. It provides the student with the primary key to understanding and appreciating another culture. The study of a foreign language is both a progressive experience and a cumulative acquisition of a skill. |
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Department Members |
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Course Descriptions |
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FRESHMAN ACADEMY - As part of the small learning community structure of the freshman year, the For- eign Language Department offers several year-long courses: Spanish 1, Spanish 2, and German 1 FRENCH 1 - 1 year, 1 credit - Students will learn to understand spoken French and to pronounce it cor- rectly in order to communicate at a beginning level. This learning is achieved through guided, paired, or group activities which imitate real-life situations. Special emphasis is placed on developing an interest in French culture through lesson themes, class projects, videotapes, computer programs, realia, correspon- dence with French teenagers, and the extra-curricular activities of the French Club. FRENCH 2 - 1 year, 1 credit - The second year of French continues the development of the four basic skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. An increased emphasis is placed on oral communication. An introduction to French literature and prose is offered through selected readings. Stu- dents are exposed to the diverse culture of many Francophone countries. They are also encouraged to participate in the French Club. FRENCH 3 - 1 year, 1 credit - This course expands the study of French as a tool of communication. French cuisine, fashion, and traditions as well as everyday life and the geography of France are explored. The exclusive use of French is encouraged as students participate in spontaneous free speech activities and extended discourse. Finer points of grammar are studied, and there is an emphasis placed on ex- panding vocabulary. In addition to the prescribed textbook, students read a selection of culturally pertinent material which is specifically prepared for the foreign language student at this level. Students also develop and perfect listening comprehension. Advanced writing skills are used in projects dealing with everyday living and the geography and customs of French-speaking countries. FRENCH 3H - 1 year, 1 credit - This course expands the study of French history, music, literature, films, cuisine, customs, and everyday life. The exclusive use of French is encouraged as students participate in spontaneous free speech activities and extended discourse. This course reviews grammar acquired in the first two levels and teaches more difficult and advanced grammar structures. Vocabulary is expanded through textbook readings, as well as through poetry and a 20th century novel. In addition to writing ad- vanced sentences and paragraphs in French, students write compositions based on given works of litera- ture. FRENCH 4 - 1 year, 1 credit - Students do extensive reading of culturally relevant materials of the Fran- cophone countries. Life-styles, history, and literature of these countries are studied in conjunction with material specifically prepared for this level of instruction. Students work toward perfecting their oral French through a review of grammar. Frequent discussions are held in French to compare and contrast the stu- dentís own culture with that of the target language. FRENCH 4H - 1 year, 1 credit - Students expand on their knowledge of French history, culture, and clas- sical and contemporary French literature. Emphasis is placed on elaborative vocabulary study in conjunc- tion with advanced writing, conversation, grammar, and phonetic drills. In-depth study of contemporary and classical literature reinforces the studentsí skills in the aforementioned areas. This course serves as additional preparation for the Advanced Placement course or as the final course for those seeking a challenging, honor-level curriculum. FRENCH LANGUAGE AP - 1 year, 1 credit - Students read classical and contemporary French literature and study the accompanying history and culture in French. Oral competence is stressed through various teacher-directed and student-directed conversation-eliciting techniques. The students analyze readings both orally and in written form, review grammar structures and learn finer points of grammar. Students work toward perfecting their French pronunciation and intonation through phonetic drills. Components of the French Language Advanced Placement curriculum are incorporated into the course to prepare the students to take the AP exam and to take college placement exams. Students are encouraged to enroll for this purpose. GERMAN 1 - 1 year, 1 credit - Students will learn to engage in situational activities incorporating practical and interesting vocabulary. Daily listening, reading, writing, and speaking activities will acquaint students with the language and culture of people living in German-speaking countries today. The introduction to cul- ture is enhanced through realia, projects, textbook-specific videos, Internet projects and field trip activities offered through German Club. GERMAN 2 - 1 year, 1 credit - Second year students will expand and refine their acquired listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on oral and written communication. Reading selections and videos give insight into the cultures of German-speaking countries. GERMAN 3H - 1 year, 1 credit - This course builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired in German 1 and 2. Emphasis is placed on the studentsí increasing ability to speak and write German. Students will engage in many interactive activities relating to everyday situations. Students will also read and discuss a variety of poetry and literature selections. GERMAN 4H - 1 year, 1 credit - This course offers the opportunity for an advanced and deeper under- standing of German through current written materials, videotapes, audiocassettes and Internet projects. Students will have the opportunity to engage in interactive activities, and to comprehend and speak German effectively. SPANISH 1 - 1 year, 1 credit - This introductory course emphasizes the four skills of second-language learning: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The grammar taught and the vocabu- lary acquired develop communicative competence at a novice level. Students will develop their listening comprehension through a DVD series, øEres t˙ Maria? Culture is introduced through lesson themes, mov- ies, videotapes, realia, and various cultural projects and extracurricular activities offered by the Spanish Club. SPANISH 2 - 1 year, 1 credit - This course builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired in Spanish 1: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. The thematic organization of the course allows students to communicate with others using interesting and practical vocabulary. A DVD se- ries, En busca de la verdad, is introduced at this level which develops listening comprehension and reveals a unique perspective of Hispanic culture. SPANISH 3 - 1 year, 1 credit - Students enhance their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills through topics based on current issues. Students build communicative competence through paired, group and whole class discussions. Selected readings acquaint students with the literature and the cultures of the Hispanic world. In order to develop listening comprehension, students watch a contemporary video series set in Spain. SPANISH 3H - 1 year, 1 credit - At this level, students begin their study of advanced Spanish. This course reviews grammar acquired in the first two levels and also teaches more difficult and advanced grammar structures. Readings, both traditional and contemporary, provide an introduction to literature and a unique perspective of the many dimensions of Hispanic cultures. Communicative and listening skills are expand- ed through paired and group activities, whole class discussions, and a contemporary video series set in Spain. Advanced writing skills are developed through reaction papers. SPANISH 4 - 1 year, 1 credit - Conversation and composition are based upon class readings, discussions, and studentsí experiences. Individual projects are written and presented in Spanish. Listen- ing comprehension is also enhanced through the second half of an intriguing storyline video series. Gram- matical structures and usage are periodically reviewed and expanded. SPANISH 4H - 1 year, 1 credit - This course is designed to meet the needs of those students who have been successful in Spanish 3H and wish to continue their language study at an honors level. It will also provide appropriate placement for those students who wish to receive an in-depth language study without the rigorous Advanced Placement test preparation. This course will prepare students to perform at a high level of proficiency in the four basic skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will improve these language skills through discussions, presentations, compositions, listening activities, and readings by Spanish and Latin American writers. Through literature and authentic readings, Spanish 4H will review extensively and introduce higher-level grammar concepts. SPANISH LANGUAGE AP - 1 year, 1 credit - Students acquire an advanced knowledge of structure, and they expand their vocabulary to read newspaper and magazine articles in Spanish, as well as modern His- panic literary prose. Students write compositions of up to 200 words in length. Students speak with accu- racy and fluency in Spanish, both formally in speeches, and informally, as the class is conducted in Span- ish. Extensive listening activities are incorporated. Since this course contains all the necessary practice and content for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam, students are encouraged to take the course with this goal in mind. SPANISH FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS 1 ñ 1 year, 1 credit - This course is specifically designed for students who speak Spanish at home and have some experience with writing and reading in Spanish. Students will focus on developing their reading and writing skills while building on their existing listening and speaking skills. Students will also learn the structure as well as the rules of the language. Advanced grammar, spell- ing and punctuation will be taught. Students will expand their knowledge of the Spanish speaking countries while developing an awareness of the richness of their own culture. In addition, students will read and discuss various literary pieces from Spain and Latin America. SPANISH FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS 2 - 1 year, 1 credit - This course is specifically designed for students who speak Spanish at home, have experience in writing and reading Spanish, and have taken Spanish for Native Speakers 1. Students will learn more complex structures in writing and speaking. There will be a focus on reading literature, writing compositions, and giving formal presentations and debates. This course will also include how to translate business documents and letter writing. |
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