Foreign Languages

2008-2009



FRENCH I - This course is an introduction to French language and culture which develops listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills.  Classroom emphasis is on listening and speaking through activities such as question/answer exercises, dialogues, and games.  Reading and writing are practiced in textbook exercises, cooperative learning activities, and puzzles done in class, and in daily assignments done at home.  Class participation and homework constitute a major portion of the course grade.  Evaluation is also based on projects, quizzes and tests.

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FRENCH II - The main goal of this course is to help each student attain proficiency in the skill of listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing within the framework of French culture. There is a greater emphasis on grammar than in French I, but classroom activities, assignments, and evaluation are essentially similar.  A final grade of at least C– in French I is strongly recommended for enrollment in this course.

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FRENCH III - The main objective of this course is to refine and expand the students’ knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in order to further improve their skills in both oral and written French.  Basic grammar is reviewed.  Activities and assignments are comparable to those in the earlier levels, and the basis for evaluation is similar.  Students also watch a five episode “soap opera” and do activities related to it.  A final grade of at least C– in French II is strongly recommended for enrollment in this course.
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FRENCH IV - In this course, students continue to perfect their foreign language skills through a detailed review of grammar. In addition, students read, discuss, and write about a French play or novel and a number of stories from the French speaking world. They also create a simulation of life in an apartment building or on an island. A final grade of at least B- in French III is strongly recommended for enrollment in this course.

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FRENCH V - This course is essentially similar to French IV in terms of class activities and assignments. Students will continue to explore French literature and will work on expanding their vocabulary and fine tuning their skills through extensive grammar review. A final grade of at least B- in French IV is required for enrollment in this course.

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SPANISH I - This course provides an introduction to Spanish language and culture, and develops listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills.  There is a thorough study of Spanish grammar; however, emphasis is placed upon the oral, “survival” use of the language in contextually appropriate settings.  In addition, the course includes an introduction to Hispanic culture through the study of customs.
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SPANISH II - This course provides the student the opportunity to build on the main concepts of Spanish I.  Its primary goal is to help students attain proficiency within the framework of the Hispanic culture.  There is a greater emphasis on grammar than in Spanish I, and students are given both written and oral tests to assess verbal skills, listening comprehension, reading, and writing.  A grade of C– or better in Spanish I is strongly recommended for enrollment in this course.
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SPANISH III - The main objectives of this course are to refine and expand the students’ knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in order to further improve their skills in both oral and written Spanish.  Basic grammar is reviewed and students are introduced to several new verb tenses and grammatical concepts.  Students may also read, discuss, and write about short stories or novels and plays; and further develop their understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture through a variety of activities.  A grade of C– or better in Spanish II is strongly recommended for enrollment in this course.

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SPANISH IV - In this course, students continue to perfect their language skills: listening, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. There is an extensive grammar/vocabulary review, and the finer points of Spanish grammar are studied in greater detail.  The students continue to develop their communicative abilities through various activities, and record many oral assignments on tape to gain valuable practice speaking.  In addition students are responsible for keeping a journal.  Cultural awareness will continue to be stressed.  A final grade of at least B in Spanish III is strongly recommended for enrollment in this course.

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SPANISH V - is strongly recommended that entrance into the class be based upon a B average or above in the previous year of Spanish, a pledge to use only Spanish during the class period, and a commitment to increased proficiency in the language.  Class activities and assignments will be similar to those in Spanish IV.
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SPANISH VI (AP) - Depending upon enrollment, this class is either an independent study or an AP language class. This class may be taken via the internet or in a traditional classroom.

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The following classes are taught via distance learning and are two semesters in length for one credit. Students who enroll in these classes and then withdraw may be subject to administrative fees charged by the Governor's Virtual AP Academy:

LATIN I - Students begin to develop the cultural understand, attitudes, and linguistic performance skills necessary to experience the life style and the culture of the Classical World. Students gain greater perspective on the present as they find the roots of their own culture and language in areas of Roman life such as history, government, literature, art, architecture, philosophy, religion, the military, and linguistics. Pre-requisite: overall B average. 11th and 12 grade.

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LATIN II - Students continue to develop an understanding of the cultural attitudes, and linguistic performance skills. They increase their awareness of the contributions of Roman civilization to our Western civilization, increase their knowledge of vocabulary, improve their reading skills, and improve their mastery of the Latin structural system. Pre-requisite: overall B average in Latin I.

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JAPANESE I - Students will begin to acquire skills in comprehending and speaking the Japanese language. The Kanji (Chinese characters) and Hiragana (the Japanese syllabary) writing systems will be introduced. Through language students will look at the history, culture, and customs of the Japanese people. Pre-requisite: overall B average. 11th and 12 grade.

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JAPANESE II - Students will continue to increase knowledge in the skill of understanding, reading, and writing Japanese. The student is introduced to additional vocabulary and grammar in order to engage in more complex conversations. History, geography, culture and customs are emphasized. Pre-requisite: overall B average and Japanese I

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**ALL ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES TAKEN THROUGH THE GOVERNOR’S VIRTUAL AP SCHOOL, REQUIRE COMPLETION OF THE GOVERNOR’S EARLY SCHOLARS AGREEMENT AND A VIRTUAL SCHOOL AGREEMENT.  DROPPING OF ANY VIRTUAL CLASS AFTER 21 DAYS OF BEGINNING THE COURSE REQUIRES A FEE OF $75.00.**