Staff Directory District Curriculum
Welcome To World Languages at Wilton High School!
The Department of World Languages encourages the study of one or more languages to promote global understanding. Language expresses the essence of a people and its study fosters a gradually deepening knowledge of the culture, geography, history and social institutions of another country or countries. In addition, it provides a differing perspective on one’s own culture and language.
World Language study is also a developmental experience which implies progressive learning of the fundamental skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The general goals of the World Language Department are to develop in students an increasing ability:
1) to understand the spoken world language, 2) to read it with ease and enjoyment, 3) to write it, and 4) to speak it. Attaining language proficiency is directly related to the learner’s motivation and to the time and effort expended. All courses in the World Language Program have access to the audio and computer language laboratory facilities. Scheduled language lab programs are designed to reinforce linguistic and lexical skills learned in the classroom, as well as to expand the horizon of language study through the use of cultural materials.
The table below indicates which languages are taught, which sequences are offered, and which electives may be selected. Actual courses depend on sufficient enrollment.
Paths of Study
Grade 9 |
Grade 10 |
Grade 11 |
Grade 12 |
|
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE |
American Sign Language I |
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FRENCH (if started at Cider Mill or Middlebrook) |
French II |
French IV |
French V |
French VI |
French III |
French IV Honors |
French V Honors |
AP French Language |
|
FRENCH (if started at WHS) |
French I |
French II |
French III |
French IV or French IV Honors |
GERMAN |
German I |
German II |
German III |
German IV or German IV Honors/UConn ECE German |
LATIN |
Latin I |
Latin II |
Latin III |
Latin IV or Latin IV Honors |
SPANISH (if started at Cider Mill or Middlebrook) |
Spanish II |
Spanish III |
Spanish IV or Spanish IV Honors or Spanish IV/V Honors
|
Spanish VI or AP Spanish Language or AP Spanish Literature or UConn ECE Spanish Conversation |
Spanish III |
Spanish IV |
Spanish V |
Spanish VI |
|
Spanish IV Honors |
Spanish V Honors |
UConn ECE Spanish Conversation or AP Spanish Language or AP Spanish Literature |
||
Spanish IV/V Honors |
AP Spanish Language or AP Spanish Literature or UConn ECE Spanish Conversation |
AP Spanish Language or AP Spanish Literature or UConn ECE Spanish Conversation |
||
SPANISH (if started at WHS) |
Spanish I |
Spanish II |
Spanish III |
Spanish IV or Spanish IV Honors or Spanish IV/V Honors |
*Please note that an Independent Study in Greek is also offered. Information on this offering is provided under the Independent Study section in the Special Programs section of the Program of Studies.
Language Honor Societies
The language honor societies at Wilton High School: Spanish Honor Society, French Honor Society, German Honor Society and Latin Honor Society (starting 2020-2021), are open to students by invitation only. Students are invited to join based on their current teacher's recommendation and cumulative grade (see more details on specific requirements by language below).
After invitation, students are also evaluated on integrity, honor, responsibility, citizenship, interest, cooperation, trust and other criteria. To evaluate a candidate's character, the committee uses two forms of input: first, school disciplinary records are reviewed; second, members of the faculty are solicited for input regarding their professional reflections on a candidate's character and leadership. These forms, with the application materials, are carefully reviewed by the committee to determine membership.
Students are notified regarding selection or non-selection by the individual society. Following notification, a formal induction ceremony is held at the school to recognize all the newly selected members. Once inducted, new members are required to maintain the same level of performance in all criteria (or better) that led to their selection. This obligation includes regular attendance at meetings held during the school year and participation in the chapter service projects.
French Honor Society
">German Honor Society
Spanish Honor Society
Latin Honor Society (Coming Soon)
FRENCH LANGUAGE PROGRAM
THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE IS RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED FRENCH 8 (GRADE 8):
WLF442: FRENCH II
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Completion of French 8 at Middlebrook (along with teacher recommendation) or successful completion of French I at WHS.
This course is for students who have successfully completed French I at WHS or completed French 8 at Middlebrook. Students in this course will continue to develop and practice the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Additional verb conjugations and other grammatical concepts will be covered in this course. The culture of France and other francophone countries will also continue to be an integral part of French II.
WLF443: FRENCH III
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 8.
This course builds upon the basics of language learning (vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation) established in previous courses. Specific objectives at this level are to continue the study of grammar, develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, and foster cultural awareness of the francophone world. Emphasis will be placed on learning current vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to increase reading comprehension and oral fluency in authentic situations. Students will regularly practice all forms of communication (interpretive and presentational) in the context of writing, speaking, listening and reading. Aspects of French and francophone civilizations will be presented through a variety of materials and media.
WLF444: FRENCH IV
Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French III.
This course continues to stress the acquisition of the fundamental language skills of listening, writing, speaking, and reading (fiction and nonfiction) using an interdisciplinary approach. Formal grammatical structures are studied at a more complex level. Emphasis will be placed on learning current vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to increase reading comprehension and oral fluency. Students will hear and read selected materials varying in length and difficulty to develop greater word recognition in context. Students will regularly practice all forms of communication (interpretive and presentational) in the context of writing, speaking, listening and reading. Aspects of French and francophone civilizations will be presented through a variety of materials and media.
WLF449: FRENCH IV (HONORS)
Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: A cumulative average of A for the first two quarters, an A on the midterm exam, and the teacher’s recommendation in French III.
In addition to fulfilling the curriculum requirements of French IV, honors students will complete additional advanced-level coursework and assessments. This may include selected literature, writing, portfolios, recordings, journals, teaching lessons, current events, projects and other performance-based assessments.
WLF447: FRENCH V
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French IV
In this course, students will build upon the lexical, grammatical and cultural components learned in French IV. They will complete the second half of D’accord 2 (units 4, 5, 6, 7), the textbook that they used in French IV. These last four units of D’accord 2 incorporate more advanced vocabulary and grammatical constructions than those used in the first half of the book. Students will continue improving their speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills. They will regularly practice all forms of communication (interpretive and presentational). French and francophone culture and society will be studied through the use of various materials. Reading passages and listening exercises of a more advanced level will be used to enhance these skills. The class will be conducted entirely in French and students will be required to speak exclusively in the target language. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ACTFL testing in the spring and, upon passing all four of the sections (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript.
WLF445: FRENCH V (HONORS)
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French IV (Honors) and teacher recommendation.
In this course, students will work on several thematic units. Emphasis will be placed on advanced structures, syntax and idioms. Students will work on interpersonal and presentational communication. The course will be taught mostly in French and students will be expected to use the target language during communication in groups and with the teacher. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ACTFL testing in the spring and, upon passing all four of the sections (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript. Authentic short films from the Francophone world will be integrated in the instruction. An emphasis will also be placed on the study of the culture of diverse sections of the Francophone world. The Imaginez series provides students access to an e-text and an online supersite for interactive practice.
WLF446: FRENCH VI (HONORS)
Grade: 12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French V (Honors) and teacher recommendation.
In this course, students will read authentic contemporary cultural documents and selected literary works of prose and poetry from the Middle Ages to the present. Frequent compositions and oral presentations will be made in French and all classroom discussions will be conducted entirely in the French language. Grammar review will be stressed through the composition segment of the program. Students will regularly practice all forms of communication (interpretive and presentational) in the context of writing, speaking, listening and reading. Students will be required to perform with greater accuracy the basic skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Grade: 12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or better in French V (Honors), teacher recommendation, and completion of a preparatory summer assignment.
Students who elect this course will develop their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in preparation for the AP French Language and Culture examination. In addition to the material covered in French level VI Honors, AP students will write compositions regularly, prepare and submit recordings, read, analyze and discuss a variety of written text and audio segments, and will complete assigned grammatical review exercises. This course follows the prescript of the College Entrance Examination Board and is viewed as the equivalent of an intermediate level college course. Students will regularly practice all forms of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational) in the context of writing, speaking, listening and reading. This course is taught entirely in French and only makes use of authentic French and francophone materials.
THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE IS RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE BEGINNING FRENCH IN HIGH SCHOOL:
WLF441: FRENCH I
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None
This course is offered to students wishing to begin the study of French in Grade 9 or to start the study of French as a second or third language. The students will practice the four skill areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. They will also learn about the cultures of France and other francophone countries. Emphasis will be placed on learning current and high frequency vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to increase reading comprehension and oral fluency in authentic situations.
WLF442: FRENCH II
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of French I at WHS.
This course is for students who have successfully completed French I. Students in this course will continue to develop and practice the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Additional verb conjugations and other grammatical concepts will be covered in this course. The culture of France and other francophone countries will also continue to be an integral part of French II.
WLF443: FRENCH III
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French II.
This course builds upon the basics of language learning (vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation) established in previous courses. Specific objectives at this level are to continue the study of grammar, develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, and foster cultural awareness of the francophone world. Emphasis will be placed on learning current vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to increase reading comprehension and oral fluency in authentic situations. Students will regularly practice all forms of communication (interpretive and presentational) in the context of writing, speaking, listening and reading. Aspects of French and francophone civilizations will be presented through a variety of materials and media.
WLF444: FRENCH IV
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French III.
This course continues to stress the acquisition of the fundamental language skills of listening, writing, speaking, and reading (fiction and nonfiction) using an interdisciplinary approach. Formal grammatical structures are studied at a more complex level. Emphasis will be placed on learning current vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to increase reading comprehension and oral fluency. Students will hear and read selected materials varying in length and difficulty to develop greater word recognition in context. Students will regularly practice all forms of communication (interpretive and presentational) in the context of writing, speaking, listening and reading. Aspects of French and francophone civilizations will be presented through a variety of materials and media.
WLF449: FRENCH IV (HONORS)
Grade: 12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: A cumulative average of A for the first two quarters, an A on the midterm exam, and the teacher’s recommendation in French III.
In addition to fulfilling the curriculum requirements of French IV, honors students will also complete additional advanced-level coursework and assessments. This may include selected literature, writing, portfolios, recordings, journals, teaching lessons, current events, projects and other performance-based assessments.
WLG481: GERMAN I
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: None.
This course is an introduction to German for students who are interested in starting a new language or studying a second language. The four skill areas of listening, reading, speaking, and writing are covered. Emphasis is placed on communication and vocabulary acquisition in real-world contexts. Students will interact using various modalities and using technology. Culture and geography are an integral part of the course and are reinforced through class projects, online activities, DVDs, and music.
WLG482: GERMAN II
Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of German I.
This course will continue to develop skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. More emphasis is placed on grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions, and oral communication in real-world contexts. Active participation in class is essential and students will interact using various modalities and technology. Culture and geography are an integral part of the course and are reinforced through class projects and online activities, DVDs and music.
WLG483: GERMAN III
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of German II.
This course builds on the basics covered in levels one and two and introduces additional grammar necessary for effective communication. Students are expected to speak German as often as possible and keep a journal to track their writing progress over the course of the year. More advanced vocabulary will accompany thematic units. Song lyrics will help acquire vocabulary and grammar. Culture will continue to play a key role. Students will use the technology available to challenge and enhance their skills.
WLG484: GERMAN IV
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of German III.
Students in German 4 will have the opportunity to speak, write, and reflect using the language as frequently as possible. Topics will have a cultural basis and will integrate authentic materials through a cultural, historical and literary lense. Students will be encouraged to use more complex language after reviewing key grammar points. Topics will include: relationships, national identity, media & culture, city & society, traveling, customs and traditions, studying and working the German-speaking world, and art. Selected short readings will provide an introduction to literature in a historical context. Cultural films and television series related to the topics will also help facilitate discussion and reflection. The four skill areas will continue to be reinforced through practice and review. Students will write journal entries. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ACTFL testing in the spring and, upon passing all four of the sections (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript.
WLG485: GERMAN IV (HONORS)/UCONN ECE
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: A cumulative average of A for the first two quarters, a B+ on the midterm exam, and the teacher’s recommendation in German III.
The German IV HONORS/UCONN ECE course is intended for highly-motivated German students with an interest in earning Honors credit and (at the election of the student) 6 college level credits through UCONN, for a nominal fee. The learning experience will fulfill the curriculum requirements of German 4th year, but will also require additional advanced level coursework and assessments, designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of an intermediate level college course. In this year long course, students have the option to enroll in two UCONN intermediate semester courses through the ECE program, UCONN’s 3233 and 3255 courses and focus on “Building Language Skills Through Culture and Studies in 20th and 21st Century German Literature and Short Stories.” In order to earn the 6 credits, students must also fulfill the requirements of the courses and earn the grade designated by UCONN. Students who do not wish to pursue the UCONN experience will still benefit from the rigor of the honors course, immersing students in German language and culture. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ACTFL testing in the spring and, upon passing all four of the sections (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript.
WLL451: LATIN I
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: None.
This course uses the Cambridge Latin Course, designed to teach the comprehension of the Latin language for reading purposes and to develop an understanding of the content, style and values of Roman civilization. Emphasis will also be placed on grammar, vocabulary building, and topics such as mythology, history, and Roman culture.
WLL452: LATIN II
Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin I.
This course continues with the Cambridge Latin Course designed to teach the comprehension of the Latin language for reading purposes. Intermediate forms of syntax and vocabulary are emphasized. Students will also continue their study of Roman History, Government and Social Customs, as well as Classical Mythology and English words derived from Latin and Greek roots.
WLL453: LATIN III
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin II.
This course focuses on the reading of original Latin literature. Advanced forms of syntax will be emphasized through selected readings from Vergil and Ovid. Students will read and interpret extensive selections from the Aeneid or Metamorphoses, focusing on figures of speech, diction, meter and the Latin literary tradition.
WLL454: LATIN IV
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin III and teacher recommendation.
This course emphasizes the development of language skills (including advanced grammar, syntax, and vocabulary) necessary for the reading of original Latin literature. Authors which students may read in this course include Vergil, Ovid, Catullus, Cicero or Caesar. In addition to advanced language study, students will also continue their study of such important topics as Roman history, government, and social customs, classical mythology and Graeco-Roman art. Latin IV students ordinarily take a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ALIRA test in the spring and, upon passing will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript.
WLL456: LATIN IV (HONORS)
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: A cumulative average of B+ for the first two quarters, a B+ on the midterm exam, and the teacher’s recommendation in Latin III.
In addition to fulfilling the curriculum requirements of Latin IV, honors students will also complete additional advanced-level coursework and assessments. This may include selected literature, writing, portfolios, recordings, journals, teaching lessons, current events, projects and other performance-based assessments. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ALIRA test in the spring and, upon passing will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript.
THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE IS RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED SPANISH 8 IN GRADE 8 OR SPANISH I AT WILTON HIGH SCHOOL:
WLS462: SPANISH II
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish 8 at Middlebrook (or Spanish I at WHS) and the teacher’s recommendation.
This course will continue to develop the basics of language learning in oral competence, reading skills, formal grammar and writing. Students will learn more verb tenses and other grammatical concepts as they develop oral and listening competence. A strong focus on vocabulary will also further enhance their reading and writing skills at this level. Cultural aspects will be an integral part of the class.
WLS473: SPANISH III
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 8 at Middlebrook (or Spanish II at WHS) and the teacher’s recommendation.
This course builds upon the basics of language learning begun in previous courses. By the end of the year students will be able to exchange written and oral information with other students about memorable experiences in their lives, the outdoors, art, and health. They will have to compare, contrast, analyze and apply the uses of the present, preterit, and imperfect tenses in everyday tasks, class discussions, and homework assignments; and integrate the learned concepts in performance based assessments such as quizzes, tests, and interpersonal and presentational tasks. Emphasis will be placed on learning vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to increase comprehension and fluency in authentic situations as well as fostering cultural awareness. A variety of materials and media will be used. The class will be conducted primarily in Spanish.
WLS474: SPANISH IV
Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III.
This course expands the understanding and production of the target language by using authentic resources from the Spanish speaking world. Specific cultural themes provide the context to learn and apply grammar and vocabulary and to develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes. Resources include short stories, articles and videos. As the school year progresses, students are expected to increase the use of the target language when they collaborate in small group activities and participate in whole class discussions. Language labs are another resource used to apply concepts learned in class to simulated real world life situations. This class will be conducted primarily in Spanish.
WLS478: SPANISH IV (HONORS)
Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: A cumulative average of A for the first two quarters, a proficient score on the qualifying speaking and written assessment as well as the Spanish III teacher’s recommendation based on attitude, class participation and commitment to learn about the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
This course expands on language acquisition by incorporating resources that will further develop students’ communicative skills. Students will sharpen their writing skills by completing interpersonal and presentational writing samples. They will also develop interpretive reading skills through short stories and other authentic materials. Students will enhance their interpersonal and presentational speaking skills by producing recordings and participating in classroom oral activities. This class is conducted in the target language, at a faster pace and the content is explored more in-depth than Spanish IV. Students are expected to use the target language at all times.
WLS479: SPANISH IV/V (HONORS)
Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: A cumulative average of A for the first two quarters, an exemplary score on the qualifying speaking and written assessment as well as the Spanish III teacher’s recommendation based on attitude, class participation and commitment to learn about the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
This is a compacted course that combines both Spanish IV Honors and Spanish V Honors into one academic year. It is aligned to prepare students for the AP Spanish Language & Culture and subsequently AP Spanish Literature & Culture courses. This course will broaden students’ linguistic knowledge base and enhance their cultural awareness at an advanced level and accelerated pace. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ACTFL testing in the spring and, upon passing all four of the sections (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript. (See course descriptions for Spanish IV Honors and Spanish V Honors).
WLS481: SPANISH V
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish IV and Teacher Recommendation
This class offers the opportunity for students to improve their listening, speaking and writing skills and to strengthen their reading skills through the study of various literary pieces. Students are expected to participate in discussions in Spanish on authentic materials. Reading passages and listening exercises of a more advanced level will be used to enhance those skills. A review of grammar, idioms, and verb usage will be an ongoing process throughout the year. Films from Spanish-speaking countries will also be studied to emphasize culture and communication. This class is conducted in Spanish and students are required to speak exclusively in the target language. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ACTFL testing in the spring and, upon passing all four of the sections (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript.
WLS475: SPANISH V (HONORS)
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish IV (Honors) and teacher recommendation.
In addition to fulfilling the curriculum requirements of Spanish V, Spanish V Honors students will complete advanced-level coursework and assessments. This course will broaden students’ linguistic knowledge base and enhance their cultural awareness at a rigorous and accelerated pace. This may include selected literature, writing, portfolios, recordings, journals, teaching lessons, current events, projects and other performance-based assessments. Over the course of the year, students will prepare for the proficiency-based ACTFL testing in the spring and, upon passing all four of the sections (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript.
WLS476: SPANISH VI
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish V.
This course offers students the opportunity to improve their communication skills, placing emphasis on conversation and composition applied to real world scenarios. Students are expected to understand formal and informal Spanish. Resources such as literary works, articles and videos from Spanish speaking countries are used as context to write narratives, direct responses and essays; to participate in class discussions and interviews and to create skits and oral presentations. Language labs are used for more focused interactive speaking and collaborative tasks. This class is conducted entirely in Spanish.
WLS485: UCONN ECE SPANISH CONVERSATION (HONORS)
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish IV/V (Honors) or Spanish V (Honors) or Spanish VI or AP Spanish Language or AP Spanish Literature, and the teacher’s recommendation.
In this year long course, students have the option to enroll in a UConn intermediate level semester course through the ECE (Early College Experience) program. This option requires a nominal fee, and in order to earn 3 college credits, a student must earn a C or better and fulfill the requirements of the course (as outlined in UConn’s Course Catalog):
SPA 3179 Spanish Conversation: Cultural Topics
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to demonstrate their oral proficiency in the Spanish language at an upper-intermediate university level (intermediate-advanced range speaking proficiency) in the three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational), using a variety of formal and informal formats and real life situation tasks. This course is conducted solely in Spanish.
WLS477: ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE (HONORS)
Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish IV/V (Honors) or Spanish V (Honors), an acceptable performance on the placement test given in January, completion of preparatory summer assignments and teacher recommendation..
Students who elect this course will develop proficiency by integrating their language skills while using authentic materials and sources. In preparation for the AP Spanish language examination, students will make appropriate content and cultural inferences and predictions from written and listening resources, improve their interpersonal and presentational communicative skills, produce informal and formal writing samples, and read with increased speed and comprehension. In addition, students will complete assigned grammar review exercises and demonstrate competence in their knowledge of the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Students who enroll in this course typically take the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam in May.
WLS480: ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LITERATURE & CULTURE (HONORS)
Grade: 12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: A- or better in AP Spanish Language & Culture, completion of preparatory summer assignments and teacher recommendation.
This course is designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of a third-year college course in Peninsular and Latin American literature. Students will be introduced to the formal study of a representative body of literary texts, exposing them to a wide variety of genres and types of discourse from the 14th century through modern times. The course provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their proficiency in Spanish across three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) and the five goal areas (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities). The overarching aims of the course are to provide students with ongoing and varied opportunities to further develop their proficiency across the full range of language skills - with special attention to critical reading and analytical writing - and to encourage them to reflect on the many voices and cultures included in a rich and diverse body of literature written in Spanish. Students who enroll in this course will be expected to take the AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam in early May.
CLASSICAL GREEK LANGUAGE - INDEPENDENT STUDY
Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and independent study contract required.
Beginning Greek
This course covers essential grammar, vocabulary and readings for first year Attic Greek. Students move at an accelerated pace through all forms, including the Greek verb system, and switch to a Homeric Greek textbook in the fourth quarter.
Intermediate Greek
Students continue their study of Homeric Greek with an intensive focus on the unique vocabulary and grammar of the Homeric poems. In the spring semester students read approximately 500 original lines from Odyssey Book 9.
Advanced Greek (Level III or IV)
Open to third and fourth year Greek students, this class focuses in the first semester on two selected books from the Homeric poems. In the spring semester students will read a complete tragedy of Sophocles or Euripides. In past years, students have read Euripides' Medea, Bacchae, and Electra, and Sophocles' Oedipus and Antigone.
WLO431: AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I
Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introduction to American Sign Language for students who are interested in starting a new language or studying a second language. It is designed for students with no or minimal sign language skills to develop basic skills in the use of ASL and knowledge of Deaf culture and history. Emphasis is placed on acquisition of comprehension, production, and interactional skills using basic grammatical features, vocabulary, fingerspelling, and numbers. ASL will be taught within contexts and related to general surroundings and everyday life experiences.