World Language Curriculum

World language study at the Academy promotes a deeper understanding of the nature and function of language. As students progress, they grow in their ability to use the second language as a means of self expression and communication and to read the second language with ease and enjoyment.

Benefits
Appreciation and understanding of other cultures
Second language proficiency
Current events awareness
Lifetime skills
Travel
Enjoyment

Career Opportunities
International business and politics
Education
Translator
Librarian/Archivist
Museum Curator
Service industries - medical, judicial, social, other
Activities
World Language Week
Spanish Honor Society
World Language Concert
Holiday Celebrations
Exchange Programs
Presentations to Sending Schools
Foreign Correspondence
Foreign Travel
Field Trips
Home Stays
Students Have Demonstrated Excellence in:
Oral Proficiency
Creative Writing
College Achievement Exams
Video Presentations
State and National Latin Exams
World Language
College Entrance Exams
State Spanish Exams
COLT Poster Competition
State French Exams
COLT Poetry Competition
AP Exams

HIGHER EDUCATION Colleges see three years as a necessary part of liberal arts Career placement enhanced by World Language

French Courses

French 1

Students will acquire a large practical vocabulary, correct pronunciation and an ability to construct and speak simple sentences through daily conversation. Reading and writing exercises are used to reinforce the speaking skills. Included is a general study of Francophone countries.
Pre: None
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 9, 10, 11, 12

French 2

This course is a continuation of the French 1 curriculum. More advanced grammar and vocabulary are studied. Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are increased. One short reader, oral presentations and situational dialogues are used to increase proficiency and allow for individual development. Included is a general study of the cultures of France. This course is conducted mainly in French.
Pre: French 1 with C- average or better
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 9, 10, 11, 12

French 3

This course provides the student with the opportunity to perfect communication abilities. Compositions as well as personal accounts are written throughout the year. One short novel is used to raise the student’s reading level and discussion ability whereas situational dialogues, films, fun activities and songs help to increase the speed and ease with which a student can communicate. Students’ reports on civilization topics and cultural capsules complete the curriculum. Included is a study of Paris and of African Francophone countries. This course is conducted entirely in French.
Pre: French 2 with C- average or better
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 10, 11, 12

French 4

This course, taught exclusively in French, expands and edifies the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as the five C’s of world language learning (i.e. communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities). At this level, emphasis is placed on the practical use of basic skills previously learned, integrating them into the creation of complex and sophisticated conversations and compositions. Subject matter to be covered includes a study of finer points of grammar and new vocabulary, as well as an introduction to the products, practices and perspectives of the French speaking world with specific emphasis on Francophone writers. There is a continuation of the study of the elements of French/Francophone literature as poetry, drama and prose is explored by reading authentic texts and excerpts from authentic texts, and watching films in the target language. Historical background to all of the literature is studied.
Pre: French 3 with a C+ average or better
Credit: 1 E/HON/ECE Gr: 10, 11, 12

French 5

This course, taught exclusively in French, continues to expand and edify the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as the five C’s of world language learning (i.e. communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities) while concentrating mostly on writing. At this level, emphasis is placed on the practical use of basic skills previously learned and integrating them into the creation of complex and sophisticated compositions based on literature and current journals, newspapers, and media. Students will explore different genres of writing: journal, letter, portrait, film review, opinion/argument, and composition/research. Subject matter to be covered includes a review of grammar, vocabulary and oral skills for the AP exam, and Francophone prose and film. The language lab is used to practice listening and speaking skills. Composition writing is done weekly and is the emphasis of the course. All compositions are reviewed for errors and are re-written several times to attain an accurate and well written final product.
Pre: French 4 with a B average or better
Credit: 1 E/AP/ECE Gr: 11, 12

French Cinema: A Reflection of European Culture & History

This course is designed to be a forum in which students can learn about French culture and history through film. The course will be taught in English but all films will be shown in their original French version with English subtitles. Students will broaden their cultural and historical perspective of world events using French cinema as a medium. Students will trace the development of French cinema and the social and historical contexts in which the films were produced. Students will be encouraged to compare the French cinema to other World Language film art. Starting with the classics of French cinema and moving forward to the present, students will view 10-12 selected films examining how these films reflect the social and cultural trends of their time. Students will examine these films using critical thinking skills, focus questions, group discussion, background research and essay. Students will examine the historical perspective, philosophy, social and political ideology of the films with an eye towards their universal and timeless essence.
Pre: None
Credit: 1 E/ACP/SCP Gr. 9,10,11,12

Italian Courses

Italian 1

This course has as its principal objective the development of the language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Basic grammar and useful vocabulary are introduced and reinforced through oral and written exercises and short reading selections. Accurate pronunciation and inflection as well as correct grammar usage are emphasized. The general geography and culture of Italy are explored.
Pre: None
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 9, 10, 11, 12

Italian 2

This course continues the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Knowledge of grammar and useful vocabulary is expanded and reinforced through oral and written exercises and reading selections. The presentation of situational dialogues are used to increase proficiency. The study of geography, culture, and the contribution of famous Italians will be included. This course is conducted mainly in Italian.
Pre: Italian 1 with C- average or better.
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 9, 10, 11, 12

Italian 3

This level of the sequence is conducted exclusively in the target language. Advanced grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions are presented in a variety of topics related to life in modern-day Italy. Oral presentations, compositions, and role-playing on related themes are used to reinforce the course content. Specific regions and cities in Italy are highlighted through dialogues, readings, and Internet sources in Italian.
Pre: Italian 2 with a C- average or better.
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr.: 10,11,12

Italian 4

This course will provide the opportunity for dedicated Italian students to further expand upon the vocabulary and grammar base. Advanced grammar, new vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions will be presented through literary selections, Internet sources and music, and will be reinforced in the course assignments. Language skills will be strengthened through class participation, developed compositions, and oral presentations in Italian. There will be continued integration of the geography, history, and culture of Italy. The course will be conducted in Italian.
Pre: Italian 3 with a C+ average or better.
Credit: 1 E/ HON Gr.: 11,12

Latin Courses

Latin 1

This course lays the foundation for the acquisition of the Latin language for the purpose of eventually reading the literary masterpieces of the ancient Romans. Students are introduced to most of the basic grammar. They learn vocabulary as well as the rules of Latin syntax. Proficiency is developed through memorization, drills and extensive practice in translation and composition from Latin to English and vice versa. Grammar work is supplemented by the study of Classical history, mythology and culture.
Pre: None
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 9, 10, 11, 12

Latin 2

Students are introduced to the remaining elements of Latin grammar and syntax. Vocabulary continues to be built. Drills, translation, and composition skills continue to be emphasized. As they complete the grammar, students make the transition from adapted Latin to authentic Roman texts. Some attention may also be given to introducing the students to Classical Greek.
Pre: Latin I with C- average
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 9, 10, 11, 12

Latin 3: Literature

Having completed basic Latin grammar, students learn some of the more sophisticated and subtle grammatical structures, while increasing skill with that material which was previously learned. Emphasis is placed on refining translation and literary interpretation skills by reading selections from the literary works of Roman authors. Attention is also given to rhetorical devices and figures of speech, as well as to Classical literary criticism and scholarship. Latin 3 students read from the works of Catullus and Ovid. These authors make up the syllabus of the Latin Literature Advanced Placement Exam, which motivated and skillful students are encouraged to attempt.
Pre: Latin 2 with C average
Credit: 1 E/HON /ECE Gr: 10, 11, 12

Latin 4: Roman Epic

Students continue developing facility with analyzing, interpreting, and translating Latin literature by closely reading Vergil’s Aeneid and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Students study the historical and cultural background of the work, the techniques of the author, and secondary scholarship. Motivated and skillful students are encouraged to attempt the Vergil Advanced Placement Exam in the spring.
Pre: Latin 2 with C+ average or better
Credit: 1 E/H/ECE Gr: 10, 11, 12

Latin 5

The purpose of this course is to continue translating Vergil’s Aeneid, as well as other prose writers from the late republic and early empire. In this class, particular emphasis will be placed on literal translation, critical analysis ands interpretation of the literature, and also the recognition and appreciation of imagery, figures of speech, sound, and metrical effects. Students will also study the political, social, and cultural backgrounds of the authors and their works. Students may take the Vergil Advanced Placement Exam in the spring.
Pre: Latin 3 or 4 with a C+ average or better
Credit: 1 E/AP Gr: 11, 12

Mandarin Courses

Mandarin 1

The Mandarin I course is designed to provide a solid foundation in the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Basic grammar and vocabulary are introduced and reinforced through oral and written exercises and short reading selections. Conversational Chinese and cultural topics will be studied through thematic units.
Pre: None
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr. 9,10,11,12

Mandarin 2

The Mandarin 2 course continues to develop the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking that were introduced in Mandarin 1. More intensive grammar and vocabulary are covered and reinforced through oral and written exercises and short reading selections. Conversational Chinese and cultural topics will be studied through thematic units.
Pre: Mandarin 1with a C- average or better.
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr. 9,10,11,12

Spanish Courses

Spanish 1

ACP SPANISH 1
The Spanish 1 course is designed to provide a solid foundation in the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are introduced to vocabulary and grammatical structures in conversational contexts, thus enabling them to communicate with each other about common interests from the out set. Communication progresses from short opinion-oriented questioning to more advanced discussion of topics being studied. Although the primary emphasis on the first level is the attainment of effective aural/oral proficiency and mastery, students are also expected to know the correspondence between the spoken words and their written forms. Oral practice is reinforced by daily written assignments. Spanish and Latin American culture and practices are studied.
Pre: None
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 9, 10, 11, 12


SCP Spanish 1
This SCP Spanish I course is designed to introduce the basic
skills of the Spanish language, listening, reading, writing and
speaking. Students are introduced to thematic vocabulary and
a variety of grammatical structures, as well as the culture of
Spanish and Latin America. Upon completion of this course,
students may only continue to Spanish 2 at the SCP level.
Pre: None
Credit 1 E/SCP Gr. 9,10,11,12

Spanish 2

ACP Spanish 2
This course continues to stress the development of all four
communicative skills study -- listening, speaking, reading and
writing. At this level, the aim is to enhance the student’s ability
to communicate in the foreign language -- both in the spoken and
written language. A more detailed study of grammatical structures
serves as a basis for more sophisticated use of the language in
reading and writing. A continued appreciation and awareness of
Spanish and Latin American contributions to history, literature
and the arts are developed throughout the course.
Pre: Spanish 1 with C- average or better
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 9, 10, 11, 12

SCP Spanish 2
This Spanish 2 course completes the study of Spanish at the
SCP level. The four basic skills of listening, reading, writing
and speaking will be further developed. Students will gain
confidence in all areas of communication. At this level the
students will increase their knowledge of thematic vocabulary,
grammatical structures, as well as the culture of Spanish and
Latin America. Students wishing to continue to study this
language should enroll in ACP Spanish 2.
Pre: Spanish 1 with C- average or better
Credit: 1 E/SCP Gr. 9,10,11,12

Spanish 3

This course, taught mainly in Spanish, develops more fully the four communicative skills study stressed in the first two levels. At this level, particular stress is placed upon improving the student’s ability to creatively express his or her emotions and thoughts in both spontaneous conversation and prepared composition. By the end of this year’s study, all basic grammatical structures of the target language will have been learned and reviewed. The student’s ability to read and grasp directly the general meaning of materials in Spanish is enhanced by the continued stress on the development of this skill. A continued appreciation and awareness of Spanish and Latin American contributions to history, literature and the arts are developed throughout the course.
Pre: Spanish 2 with C average or better
Credit: 1 E/ACP Gr: 10, 11, 12

Spanish 4

At this level, emphasis is placed on the practical use of basic skills previously learned in Spanish 1-3, integrating them into the creation of complex and sophisticated compositions. Each week the students must write an informal writing sample (i.e., a postcard, a blog message, a thank you card, a movie critique) and a formal composition or persuasive essay. Students also read and listen to a variety of authentic resources, including Podcasts, and then write a personal reaction and/or summary in the target language. Subject matter to be covered includes a review of grammar and vocabulary from levels 1-3 and an introduction of finer points of grammar (i.e., prepositions, seven simple tenses, seven compound tenses, subjunctive, formal and informal commands, direct and indirect object pronouns, idiomatic expressions, passive voice, if clauses, demonstrative adjectives and pronouns, superlatives and comparatives) and new vocabulary; as well as a continuation of the study of the products, practices and perspectives of the Spanish speaking world. Upon completion of this course, students may choose to continue their study of the Spanish language in SP 392: Spanish 5. Spanish 5 focuses largely on conversation. In order for a student to advance to SP 392: Spanish 5 a B should be achieved in SP 390: Spanish 4.
Credit: 1 E/HON/ECE Gr: 11, 12

Spanish 5

The Spanish Language 5 Course is an intense course in which students will primarily develop and strengthen their speaking ability in the target language through integrating and synthesizing authentic materials and sources. Interpersonal, presentational and interpretive modes of communication will be used throughout the course. Students will be exposed to current events, products and practices of Spanish and Latin American cultures. The class is conducted exclusively in Spanish and students, as well, are required to communicate in the Spanish language.
Additional skills such as reading, writing, and listening comprehension will also improve greatly as a result of exposure to a variety of authentic sources and practice drills. Students will prepare for the Spanish AP exam, given in May. Students who enroll in this course must have completed the Spanish 4 390 Composition course, which covers and reviews advanced grammar, extensive vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
Pre: Spanish IV with a B average or better.
Credit: 1 E/AP/ECE Gr: 11, 12