World Languages

In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever that we have an understanding of other cultures and an ability to speak other languages. The fundamental purpose of world language instruction is to enable students to communicate in a foreign language and to understand and appreciate other cultures. The World Languages curriculum at any level concentrates on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, in addition to culture. Five years of French and Spanish, and three years of Italian are offered.

Conversational Spanish I - 5 credits

This course emphasizes the development of basic communication skills in the language, along with an understanding of the course emphasizes the development of basic communication skills in the language, along with an understanding of the cultural aspects of Spanish. Students enter the District having taken limited amounts of the language, therefore, the course will be flexible in order to accommodate and engage all students. Strategies will include student-centered instruction, cooperative learning and computer applications. Units will be organized by themes, situations, and scenarios.

Conversational Spanish II - 5 Credits

This course is the extension of Conversationa Spanish I. Once students in Conversational Spanish I reach the expected level of language competency, Conversational Spanish II builds on those acquired communication skills and also increases individual student development to recognize, respect and celebrate the similarities and differences between their culture and other cultures. Like Conversation Spanish I, the teaching approached as well as assessment are non -traditional, and nongrammar-based. At the completion of this course, students will be able to realize successful performance in language, as outlined in the New Jersey World Curriculum Framework.

Italian, Spanish, or French I - 5 credits

 The emphasis at this level is on the audio-lingual skills, especially at initial stages. Then the student will begin to read and write what he has been hearing and saying. Basic grammatical concepts are introduced and practiced.

Italian, Spanish, or French II - 5 credits

 During this level, the audio-lingual skills will be developed further and the reading-writing skills will be given greater emphasis. The major grammatical concepts studied at this level are the two aspects of the simple past tense. Writing exercises will include dictations, pattern drills, and the writing of narrative summaries of the basic dialogues.

 

Italian, Spanish, or French III - 5 credits

 In the third level of study, in conjunction with the development of all four language skills, thorough review of the fundamentals studied during the first levels is undertaken. The major grammatical effort of level three is the form and usage of the subjunctive mood. Considerable attention is paid to the finer points of usage both syntactically and semantically.

Italian Spanish or French IV - 5 credits

 The fourth level will afford the student the opportunity to achieve greater comprehension of the spoken language; greater accuracy and fluency of oral expression; greater facility in reading through contact with literary works of greater and wider scope; and abundant practice in writing through informal composition on topics of interest, formal reports on outside readings, and resumes and precis of what is read and/or what is heard.

Spanish or French V Honors - 5 credits

 The fifth level is designed to direct the student toward a deeper understanding of the culture, literature, art, music and history of the foreign country at a more advanced level. The students increase their ability to use the language in an intelligible fashion. Analysis of literary works, newspapers, magazines, tapes, videotapes, radio, and native speakers are extensively employed. This course prepares the student for Advanced Placement Examinations.

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