World Languages



Pathways above illustrate recommended movement within a sequence of courses. Students interested in moving between levels should discuss the options with their counselor and teachers. In an effort to accommodate individual student needs, movement between levels can be made with Department approval.


American Sign Language (ASL) 1
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
This course focuses on the development of conversational fluency in American Sign Language (ASL). Students learn to accurately recognize and produce signs in ASL using non-manual gestures and grammatical features. Students develop both expressive and receptive ASL skills through discussions and exchanging information.


American Sign Language (ASL) 2
Open to: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 1 
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
ASL 2 continues to build on skills from ASL1 by providing training in both expressive and receptive skills. Students continue to work on fingerspelling, vocabulary building, and grammatical structures. Students begin to develop understandings and use of classifiers and space.


American Sign Language (ASL) 3
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: ASL 2 with “C” or better 
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
This course expands on the development of American Sign Language vocabulary and grammar. It includes using two to three character role shifts, describing settings, and explaining or discussing everyday objects and their use. ASL 3 addresses step-by-step processes, and culturally significant topics relating to the Deaf Community.


French 1
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
Through the use of pictures and exercises, students are taught from the very beginning to think in French. Work is done in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Cultural material is provided to give the students a feel for the lifestyle of French-speaking people, focusing primarily on life in France and francophone Canada.


French 2
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of either High School French 1 or 2 years of Middle School French 1A/1B.
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
Work is continued in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. French is used to a larger extent in class as students augment their grammar and vocabulary skills. At the same time, students expand their understanding of the francophone world, which includes exposure to the culture of non-European francophone countries.


French 3
Open to: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: French 2 with “C” or better 
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
French is used primarily at this level. Work is done in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. There is a detailed study of grammar so that students may begin to read authentic French materials and express their ideas in written form. The speaking and listening skills are continued through classroom presentations and discussions. Testing takes place in all language skill areas. More independent work is completed at this level.


French 4 Honors
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: French 3 with “C” or better 
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
Students intensify work in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. French is used exclusively. During the first semester, there is a comprehensive grammar review and expansion of vocabulary to prepare students for the college entrance examination. During the second semester, a deeper understanding of French literature and civilization is emphasized; in addition, classic French films are viewed and critiqued.


Advanced Placement French 5
Open to: 12
Prerequisite: French 4 with “C” or better 
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
This course is designed to develop students' fluency in French using more sophisticated language patterns in grammar and vocabulary. French is used exclusively for instruction, discussion, writing assignments, sketches, and presentations. Students are expected to speak only French. A variety of genres and epochs of French literature, history, culture, current events, and films provide authentic material. At least one AP French Language and Culture theme is studied each month. They are Family and Community, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Global Challenges, Beauty and the Arts, and Contemporary Life. Students who enroll in this course will be prepared to take the AP French exam in May.


Spanish 1
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
This course introduces the basics of formal Spanish to students with little to no Spanish speaking, listening, or writing skills. Elements of Spanish grammar are taught through interactive lessons with a variety of activities, technology, and short stories, basic writing, and culture. Students work on oral exercises and start to use the language from the first day of class.


Spanish 2
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1 or Department Approval
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
After a thorough review of all the basic patterns of Spanish 1, writing and reading skills are emphasized as well as correct construction of oral and written Spanish. This course builds on their prior knowledge from Spanish 1 with an eye toward the mastery they will need to begin to use the language in a more organic form in level 3.


Spanish 3
Open to: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 2 or Department Approval
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
Spanish Language 3 is a conversation-based course incorporating basic speech patterns and composition with the history and heritage of many Spanish-speaking countries. In level 3, students begin to study more advanced grammatical construction, vocabulary, reading, and listening comprehension. More real-life literature and current events are brought into the class and discussed as the students move toward natural usage of the language.


Spanish 4 Honors
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish Language 3 or Department Approval
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
In efforts to continue building Spanish speaking and listening skills, this course is taught primarily in Spanish. Also at this level, students begin writing short compositions, in addition to reading short stories and short novels. Oral proficiency skills are also emphasized. The class is literature-based and is designed around thematic units, or collections, or literature, poems, high-interest topics, history, and culture. At this level, students are prepared for either the AP level or college-level courses. This course is also offered for students in the Dual Language program. 


Advanced Placement Spanish Language 5
Open to: 12
Prerequisite: Spanish Language 4 with “C” or better, or Department Approval
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
This course is designed to further students’ knowledge of the Spanish language and culture through the use of real literature, writing and culture. Grammar skills, interpersonal and formal/informal oral communication skills are also stressed. Students acquire the skills necessary to be successful on the AP Exam and broaden their understanding of the cultures that make up the Spanish-speaking world. They also can easily make the connection between using Spanish in the formal, academic setting and their daily lives. The course is given entirely in Spanish at this level. Students who enroll in this course will be prepared to take the AP Spanish Language exam in May. This course is also offered for students in the Dual Language program. 


Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None.
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
This course is designed for students comfortable speaking and listening in Spanish who are looking for a first-time exposure to reading and writing in the language. The main focus of the course is to provide an opportunity for Spanish-speaking students to formalize their knowledge of standard or universal Spanish and begin learning the elements of grammar and speech patterns. The curriculum for this course not only provides lessons in the Spanish language but also the history and heritage of Spanish-speaking countries.


Spanish for Heritage Speakers 2
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1 or Department Approval
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
In this course, students continue to study more advanced grammar, literary, artistic, and cultural topics. The objective is to develop their written language and reading comprehension skills to a point where they will be successful in levels Honors Spanish Language 3 or Spanish Literature 3. 


Spanish Literature and Culture 1
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish for Heritage Speakers 2 or Department Approval
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
This course is designed for students to be comfortable speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish. The main focus of this course is standard, or Universal Spanish, with a focus on proper oral and written expression. Students will become familiar with various accents and dialects that exist within the Spanish-speaking world. The course focuses on grammar, literature, culture, and art from all Spanish-speaking countries. This course is also offered for students in the Dual Language program. 


Spanish Literature and Culture 2
Open to: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish Literature and Culture 1 or Department Approval
Credit 1.0 - World Language Credit
Students in this course continue work in learning standard Spanish, taking a deeper look into oral and written expression. The class includes high-level literature-based grammatical lessons. Students will also expand their knowledge of various accents and dialects that exist within the Spanish-speaking world. This course is also offered for students in the Dual Language program. 


Spanish Literature and Culture 3 Honors
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish Literature and Culture 2 or Department Approval
Credit 1.0 – World Language Credit
This course takes into account the advanced speaking, reading, and writing comprehension skills of Latino students and incorporates them into the study of the history, geography, and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. The class also focuses on advanced grammar topics and discusses important themes from modern and ancient Latino culture. The class is given exclusively in Spanish and is a preparation for Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture. This course is also offered for students in the Dual Language program.


Spanish Civilization 223 Dual Credit
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: CLC placement criteria
Credit 1.0 - World Language Credit and college credit
This course is designed to provide the advanced student of Spanish with the opportunity to explore the Spanish-speaking culture through the use of a variety of culturally relevant writings, music, and media. The discussion and written assignments will increase the student’s proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the Spanish language. This is not a grammar class; however, it is expected that students will properly utilize grammatical structures.

In this course, we will explore a full range of music, newspapers, magazines, and articles along with literary works by Hispanic writers. In addition, we will analyze films and videos from award-winning film directors to independent filmmakers. The selection of works will be chosen to provide the student with a wide spectrum of diverse styles and perspectives to stimulate the interest and understanding of the multi-faceted and contrasting aspects that compose the cultures and civilizations of the Hispanic world.


Spanish Civilization 224 Dual Credit
Open to: 11, 12
Prerequisite: CLC placement criteria
Credit 1.0 - World Language Credit and college credit.
This class is designed to allow the advanced students of Spanish to improve their language proficiency. Linguistic accuracy, and to explore the Spanish-speaking culture through reading, writing, and discussion of a range of subjects connected to Hispanic civilizations. This class will analyze and explore the Hispanic culture through representative films, readings from literary works, and articles. Additional materials such as magazines, newspapers, and music will be utilized to provide the writing and conversational material needed to expand the student’s knowledge of the culture and civilization of the Hispanic world. This is not a grammar class; however, it is expected that students use grammatical structures correctly.