World Language Courses
World Languages Department Chair
Ross Halvorsen :: rhalvorsen@sileducation.com
World Languages Instructors
- Anena Otii :: aotii@sileducation.com
- Deborah Kohn :: dkohn@sileducation.com
- Liliana Cabral :: lcabral@sileducation.com
- William Juola :: wjuola@sileducation.com
Spanish Courses
Spanish 1
In this course, students learn how to identify and describe their surroundings by communicating in spoken and written Spanish. Students learn to conjugate verbs into the present and past tenses, as well as gender-agreement, pluralization, posessive pronouns, reflexive pronouns, and other grammatical concepts. The four major aspects of language are covered in this course. These are: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. To that end, each assignment will specifically target at least one of these goals.
Prerequisites: None.
Spanish 2
This course is designed to reinforce the components learned in Spanish 1 while providing new materials to challenge the student's knowledge of the language. By the conclusion of Spanish 2, students are able to offer comparisons, indicate where things are located using adjectives and demonstrative pronouns, and how to talk about things that may or may not happen. Verb tenses covered in Spanish 2 include the preterite, the imperfect, the subjunctive, the future, and the conditional. The four major aspects of language are covered in this course. These are: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. To that end, each assignment will specifically target at least one of these goals.
Prerequisites: Spanish 1 or equivalent.
Spanish 3
Content for this course is based on such themes as: the music of Latin America and Spain; festivals and holidays; the environment; physical and personal health; Spanish in the workplace; and the presence of Spanish in the United States. Grammatical concepts include: verbs whose subject is the opposite of that in English; direct and indirect object pronouns and their function in standard Spanish; reflexive pronouns and how they change the meaning of a verb; comparisons of equality and inequality; the imperative tense; the subjunctive mood; subordinate clauses; the conditional tense; the multiple uses of "se"; the perfect tenses; negative transformations; relative clauses; expressions dealing with time; and the passive voice. At the conclusion of Spanish 3, students have a firm grasp of all major verb tenses.
Prerequisites: Spanish 2 or equivalent.
Spanish 4
This course is designed to be an overall review and expansion of the basic skills of Spanish. It is intended, through an in-depth examination of grammar, to increase accuracy and consistency in reading, listening, and writing, and to develop oral proficiency.
This course is recommended for the student who plans to take the Spanish SAT II Subject test.
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 or equivalent.
Spanish 4 Honors
Spanish 4 Honors is designed to provide students with a more rigorous and in-depth study of the Spanish language and Iberian and Latin American literature and culture than that afforded by College Prep Spanish 4. This is an introduction to the formal study of literary texts, standard grammar and written practices, and the cultures associated with the Spanish language. Reading assignments are authentic, and written primarily for a native audience. Grammatical concepts introduced assume a foundation of principal verb tenses, moods, voices, and other modes of grammar. The cultural component arises organically from readings, student projects, research assignments, and other investigations.
As with all language courses, Spanish 4 Honors focuses on the four primary aspects of language: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 or equivalent.
AP Spanish Language
The AP Spanish Language course is designed to provide students with a learning experience comparable to advanced-level college courses such as Spanish Composition and Conversation. Students are expected to take the AP Spanish Language Examination at the conclusion of the course. The course is designed to develop a strong command of the Spanish language. Students gain proficiency in integrating language skills and synthesizing written and aural materials with emphasis on the formal writing process, extensive interpersonal and presentational speaking and writing practice, and aural comprehension skills through quality, authentic, and level-appropriate audio and video recordings.
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 or equivalent.
AP Spanish Literature and Culture
The AP Spanish Literature course is designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of an introductory college course in literature written in Spanish. The course is designed to introduce students to the formal study of a representative body of Peninsular and Latin American literary texts. Students read a wide variety of genres, from a variety of time periods, so that students may trace the history of Spanish prose from medieval to modern times, encompassing the 16th through the 20th centuries. Class discussions and directions are conducted primarily in Spanish.
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 or 4 years of Spanish, instructor's approval.
French Courses
French 1
In this course, students learn regular verbs ending in "er" and some irregular verbs (to be, to have, to do, to go, etc.), present and past tenses, basic negations, questions, and adjectives. Main conversation topics include: introducing oneself, talking about food, family, telling time, and different actions in the present and past tenses. Students also learn how to describe themselves and others. Formal speech vs informal, likes and preferences, expressions referring to age and time, locations/directions, daily activities, sports and hobbies, as well as practical expressions involving travel are also covered.
Prerequisites: None.
French 2
French 2 is a continuation of the first year experience in the language. Students learn basic conversation, reading, listening and writing skills at the 2 level. Students learn more regular and irregular verbs. Future, subjunctive and more past tenses are introduced as well as grammar items such as question formation and pronoun usage. Main conversation topics include: talking about television, hobbies, and cultural aspects of the French speaking world.
By the end of French 2, students can use the present, future, and past tenses, give commands, make negative statements, and ask different types of questions. Students are also able to use the conditional tense to discuss hypothetical situations. Another skill students obtain is the ability to express wishes, doubts, and emotional reactions in standard French.
Prerequisites: French 1 or Equivalent.
French 3
French 3 begins as a review of some of the basic grammar items covered in a first-year French class (1 and 2), with an emphasis on exceptions to rules and new vocabulary items to improve conversational skills. Also, students are introduced to the works of some of the major writers of the francophone world. By the end of French 3, students can: talk about actions that may or may not take place; express wishes, preferences, necessity, or possibility; ask questions formally and informally; express emotional reactions to others; and express uncertainty, uniqueness, and opinions about past events. Students also have the ability to use the subjunctive after certain conjunctions. The conditional tense is mastered in order to express hypothetical ideas, and uncertainty in the past tense. The future tense is used to express what will happen.
Prerequisites: French 2 or Equivalent.
French 4
French 4 is the continuation of French 1, 2 and 3. During this year, students master advanced grammar and syntax to assist them in consistently forming sentences in Standard French. This course is designed to be an overall review and expansion of the basic skills of French. It is intended, through an in-depth examination of grammar, to increase accuracy and consistency in reading, listening, and writing, and to develop oral proficiency.
This course is recommended for the student who plans to take the French SAT II Subject test.
Prerequisites: French 3 or equivalent.
AP French Language and Culture
Students who enroll in AP French Language and Culture should already have a good command of French grammar and vocabulary and have competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Course content can reflect intellectual interests shared by the students and teacher (the arts, current events, literature, sports, etc.). Materials may include audio and video recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines. The course seeks to develop language skils (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) that can be used in various activities and disciplines rather than to cover any specific body of subject matter. Extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions is also emphasized.
Prerequisites: 3 or 4 year of French or equivalent, instructor's permission.
French Literature Honors
Students who enroll in French Literature Honors should have proficiency in the fundamental language skills that enable them to read and understand prose and verse of moderate difficulty and mature content, as well as to formulate and express critical opinions and judgments in correct oral and written French. The program is designed to be an introduction to representative works of prose, poetry, and drama from different periods. Students acquire the basic concepts and terminology of textual analysis. In their study, students further cultivate appreciation of the cultural context of the works read. By learning to identify and interpret the various elements that enter into the composition of a literary text and to perceive their relationships, students acquire a fuller understanding and appreciation of the art and significance of literature.
Prerequisites: 3 or 4 years of French or equivalent.
Italian Courses
Italian 1
This course introduces students to the Italian language. They learn how to greet others, introduce themselves, handle basic social situations, talk about their interests and hobbies, express likes and dislikes, obtain food and beverages, use the phone, carry out simple transactions, and talk about a variety of topics of common interest (their family, friends, school, sports, hobbies, television, cinema, daily routines and the role of health in Italy, their body and a healthy lifestyle) within the limits of an introductory vocabulary. Students learn how to write and read in present and past tenses, and how to understand Italian well enough to carry out routine tasks and engage in simple conversations. They also learn about some aspects of everyday culture in Italy.
Prerequisites: None.
Italian 2
Italian 2 is the continuation of Italian 1. During this year students learn advanced grammar and intermediate syntax to assist them in consistently forming sentences in Standard Italian. As students move through the readings and exercises with the teachers, students engage in reflective classroom discussions during which they articulate feelings, emotions, exchange opinions, and recognize distinctive viewpoints that are only available through Italian language and culture.
Prerequisites: Italian 1 or the equivalent
Italian 3
Italian 3 is the continuation of Italian 1 and Italian 2. During this year students learn advanced grammar and syntax to assist them in consistently forming sentences in Standard Italian. As students move through the readings and exercises with the teachers, they engage in reflective classroom discussions during which they articulate feelings and emotions, exchange opinions, and recognize distinctive viewpoints that are available through Italian language and culture.
Prerequisites: Italian 1 & 2 or the equivalent
Italian 4
Italian 4 is the continuation of Italian 1, 2 and 3. During this year students master advanced grammar and syntax to assist them in consistently forming sentences in Standard Italian. As students move through the readings and exercises with the teachers, students engage in reflective classroom discussions during which they articulate feelings, emotions, exchange opinions, and recognize distinctive viewpoints that are only available through Italian language and culture. By the end of the course, students shall have built a solid foundation from which they can both explore Italian language and culture and understand the nature of the language and the concept of culture via individual research, use of multimedia, and informal discussions with other speakers of Italian.
Prerequisites: 3 years of Italian classes.
German Courses
German 1
In this course, maps, anecdotes, and introductory lessons are designed to foster students' confidence in their ability to learn German by allowing them the opportunity to use it actively from the first day of class. Basic concepts dealt with here include: introducing oneself, counting, classroom vocabulary and useful phrases, and the German alphabet. Grammatical concepts covered include basic pronouns, conjunctions, case, gender, pluralization, common verbs (including stem-changing verbs), commands, and the present tense as substitute for the future. Students also become acquainted with basic geography, some famous people of the German tongue, and a few famous Germanic places and concepts.
Prerequisites: None.
German 2
This second year course is designed to build off previous student knowledge from the first year of instruction and whatever other knowledge or experience of the German-speaking world the student may have. When necessary, some basic concepts are reviewed such as: introducing oneself, counting, classroom vocabulary and useful phrases, and using the German alphabet. Grammatical concepts covered include more verbs in the present tense, additional examples of case, reflexive verbs, adjective endings, comparatives, interrogatives, and the future tense (with the verb 'werden'). Major areas of emphasis are speaking, listening, reading and writing in German.
Prerequisites: German 1 or equivalent.
German 3
German 3 is a course for students who have completed introductory years of study in the German language. The course develops communication skills in all its forms: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. It places major emphasis on accurate pronunciation and intonation, a cultivation of 'Sprachgefühl' (an intuitive feeling for language use), and a thorough training in grammar. At the conclusion of this course students are able to use all of the major verb tenses to discuss actions completed in the past, the present, and the future, as well as to express hypothetical situations, desires, doubts, and emotional reactions. It also fosters an appreciation of German culture (music, humor, traditions, some history, multi-culturism and popular culture).
Prerequisites: German 2 or equivalent.
German 4
German 4 is a course for students who wish to continue their German studies at the advanced level. Apart from developing communication skills in the forms of listening, reading, speaking, and writing, this course also places major emphasis on accurate pronunciation and intonation, a thorough training in grammar, and an appreciation for German culture (music, humor, traditions, some history, multi-culturism and popular culture). The reading list for German 4 includes texts written for a German-speaking audience. Emphasis is placed on not only the comprehension of texts, but the student's ability to react to them in writing and through speech. Instruction is carried out primarily in German.
Prerequisites: German 3 or equivalent.
AP German Language and Culture
This AP course is designed to instruct a qualified student of German simultaneously towards the successful completion of the AP German Language and Culture Exam and towards the successful acquisition of linguistic skills in student to progress, at an accelerated pace, in achieving a knowledge and communicative ability in German approaching the standard linguistic expectations of a native speaker of German. A combination of circumlocution and composition of pointed questioning will undergird the emphasis in class time.
Prerequisites: 3 or 4 years of German or equivalent, instructor's permission.
Latin Courses
Latin 1
This course introduces students to fundamental elements of Latin grammar (morphology & syntax) and to Roman culture. Students will build a basic Latin vocabulary. By the end of the course, students should be able to translate passages of the appropriate level and be familiar with the values and culture of classical Roman society.
Prerequisites: None.
Latin 2
Latin 2 continues to introduce students to the fundamental elements of Latin grammar (morphology & syntax) and expand their knowledge of Roman history and culture. During this course students will expand their Latin vocabulary and will translate their first long text. By the end of the course, students should be able to translate and sight read passages of the appropriate level and be familiar with the history and culture of Roman society.
Prerequisites: Latin 1.
Latin 3
In this course students will review fundamental concepts of Latin grammar from Latin 1 and Latin 2, and will be introduced to more advanced elements of Latin grammar, as well as build an advanced vocabulary. The reading list is comprised of original Latin prose and poetry from major authors including Ovid, Cicero, Catullus, and Caesar, which exposes students to fundamental elements of Latin rhetorical style and scansion of poetry.
Prerequisites: Latin 2.
Latin 4
This course includes a cumulative knowledge base that starts with Latin 1 and progresses until a level of mastery is achieved, matching a basic fluency in both everyday and literary Latin of the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods. Special attention will be given to strenuous grammatical structures and more natural and varied vocabulary.
Prerequisites: Latin 3.
AP Latin: Vergil
This course is structured to allow students to complete the entire required reading as defined in the AP Latin Course Description. Students will gain an appreciation of the Aeneid as a great epic and an appreciation of Vergil's artistry; learn critical analysis; and be as prepared as possible for the AP Exam. Each student must: understand the epic genre as seen in the Aeneid; know the background of the story itself, characters, events, and effects of the Trojan War; know the historical, cultural, social, and political framework surrounding the writing of the Aeneid, Rome in the first century BCE and its impact on Vergil, and the coming of Augustus; understand the content and artistry of the Aeneid; analyze critically the poem as a work of art with particular attention to the required Latin passages and appropriate references to the use of stylistic and metrical techniques used by Vergil; and develop the ability to read selected passages of Latin literature at sight.
Prerequisites: Three years of Latin, instructor's permission.
American Sign Language (ASL) Classes
ASL 1
American Sign Language 1 is designed to give students the tools necessary to begin communication with the Deaf world. Fingerspelling, basic vocabulary, grammatical points, forms of expression, idioms, and techniques that increase comprehension are the emphases. The areas of focus are: interpreting Sign; expressing thoughts in Sign; and fingerspelling and its interpretation. Emphasis is also placed on the understanding of issues surrounding Deaf and hard-of-hearing culture, including the history of deafness, society's ways of dealing with deafness, the history of Sign, the history of American Sign Language, and contemporary issues regarding education and communication within Deaf culture. Students can converse in the past, present, and future tenses, as well as identify when events take place. Other grammatical structures to be mastered are the imperative, interrogative, and superlative forms, as well as affirmative versus negative statements and questions.
Prerequisites: None.
ASL 2
By the end of this course, students feel confident in their ability to interpret basic American Sign Language. They are also able to express fundamental ideas in the language. Students understand the "five building blocks" of ASL, and are able to identify them in a given sign. The difference between American Sign Language and Signed English (which serves as a "bridge," connecting your existing knowledge of grammar and language with the established grammar of ASL) is fully comprehended. Students can converse in the past, present, and future tenses, as well as identify when events take place. Other grammatical structures to be mastered are the imperative, interrogative, and superlative forms, as well as affirmative versus negative statement questions.
Prerequisites: ASL 1 or equivalent.