MHS Foreign Language Department

Foreign Language

GRADES	COURSES OFFERED	CREDITS
9,10,11,12	French I	1
10,11,12	French II	1
11,12	French III	1
12	AP French	1
9,10,11,12	Spanish I	1
10,11,12	Spanish II	1
11,12	Spanish III	1
12	AP Spanish	1

FRENCH I

1 credit

(1 year)

Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: C average or above in English recommended
This course is an introduction to the French language and culture. The four skills of speaking, reading, writing and listening are developed through conversational pair activities, a study of beginning grammatical structures, guided writing practice, and teacher developed listening activities. The culture of France and other French speaking countries is studied through the use of slides and videos. Active learning activities such as singing, dancing, games, cooking and puppetry are integrated into the lessons.

FRENCH II

1 credit

(1 year)

Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: C or better in French I
This course is a continuation of French I, developing further proficiency in the areas of speaking, reading, writing, listening, and cultural understanding. There is a continuation of paired conversational activities and the development of short oral presentations. Reading proficiency is increased through the study of vocabulary, verbs, and grammar structures. Guided writing practice continues and the use of spoken French in the classroom increases. Many active learning activities are used to enhance instruction. Slides, videos and periodicals are used in cultural instruction.

FRENCH III

1 credit

(1 year)

Grades: 11,12
Prerequisite: C or better in French II
This course continues to develop proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, listening and culture. Reading activities and grammar structures are more complex and more of an emphasis is placed on verbal expression.

AP FRENCH
1 credit (1 year)

Grade: 12
Prerequisite: C or better in French III
This yearlong course will be the terminal course offered in French. It will continue the holistic study of language begun in previous courses and will be offered to any student having completed French III with a C average or with the permission of the instructor. The course will continue to develop and enhance reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills necessary to achieve fluency in the language. The course will focus on the development of 1) "the ability to understand spoken French in various contexts, 2) a French vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper and magazine articles, literary texts and other non-technical writings without the dependence on a dictionary and 3) the ability to express themselves coherently, resourcefully, and with reasonable fluency and accuracy in both written and spoken French." (Quote from the College Board AP Program, May 2004 - May 2005 course description)

SPANISH I

1 credit

(1 year)

Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: C or better in English recommended
Spanish I is an introductory course which will acquaint the students with the language and customs of the Spanish-speaking countries. Using the Spanish language in everyday situations in the classroom and the language laboratory will help the students develop the four basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing, and an insight into the way of life of Spanish-speaking peoples.

SPANISH II

1 credit

(1 year)

Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: C or better in Spanish I
This course builds upon continued activities in the basic skills. There is increased emphasis upon speaking and reading and guided practice in writing. The basic verb tenses will have been introduced by the year’s end. There is much classroom and laboratory drill to help build skills. Individual exercises on the computer are also assigned. There are activities which nurture student awareness of the cultural values, traditions, and customs of the Spanish-speaking peoples.

SPANISH III

1 credit

(1 year)

Grades: 11,12
Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish II or instructor approval
This course offers continued activity in building the basic skills. There is more emphasis on individual activities in the classroom, since writing is less guided and students are encouraged to express themselves verbally in a progressively less structured setting. Reading material is of a more sophisticated nature with many selections drawn from writings of noted Hispanic writers. Individual projects will be assigned in speaking, writing, and Hispanic culture; individualized activities will be assigned on the computer as well.

AP SPANISH

1 credit

(1 year)

Grade: 12
Prerequisite: C or better in Spanish III
This yearlong elective is comparable to advanced-level Spanish courses offered during the fifth and sixth semesters (or their equivalents) at colleges and universities. Course content includes aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar, and composition. Intellectual interests (the arts, history, current events, literature, sports, and culture), shared by the students and teacher, may be reflected in the course work. Moreover, the course seeks to develop language skills that are highly useful and applicable to the mastery of any subject matter. Finally, much emphasis is placed on the organization and writing of Spanish compositions.

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This page was last updated February 7, 2007.
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