Languages other than English

Foreign Language (Languages other than English)

Introductory French
This course introduces students, at the Grade 7 level, to a basic understanding of the French language. They learn useful expressions that are necessary for everyday conversation. Students become familiar with basic vocabulary for a variety of topics such as school, family, home, community, animals, sports, transportation, travel and more. Grammar is taught in conjunction with these topics, as it is needed for personal expression. The students become familiar with Francophone countries through a series of projects that take place throughout the semester.

French 1
Taught at Grade 8, the objective of this beginning level course closely follows the NYS Learning Standards for learning a second language. From the first day of class, students are speaking, listening, reading and writing in the French language. All lessons and communication takes place in French in a friendly and encouraging environment. English is used only for clarification. Students learn the fundamentals of French grammar: how to converse in the spoken and written form using the present and past tenses; how to discuss their preferences; persuade others and solicit information; how to describe their world and the people in it. The curriculum includes a comparison of French culture with American culture, with the focus being on understanding the cultural differences. In addition, the students study French geography. The final quarter of this course is spent in review for the NYS Proficiency test. Students have the opportunity to take previous Proficiency tests in order to become familiar with the format. Moreover, they learn test-taking strategies specifically developed for passing a foreign language test.

French 2
This Grade 9 offering is the second course of three for students taking the French Regent Exam. This course is also conducted in the target language with as little reference made to English as possible. Following the New York State standards, this course challenges the students’ ability to speak, listen, read and write in the target language. At this level, students will learn all of the verb tenses necessary for everyday conversation. Grammar lessons will reinforce and augment the foundations established at the first level. The basic cultural understanding and the knowledge gained in French 1 is also enriched and increased. A unique feature of this course is the eight-week survey of French History, which extends from pre-Roman times to the 21st. century. This unit is meant to enhance the students’ knowledge gained in Global Studies in preparation for the Regents in that course.

French 3
At Grade 10, this is the final preparatory course for the Regent Exam and is designed only for students with two completed years of French. All lessons are conducted in the target language. Grammar lessons are treated as a review with the real focus being on using that knowledge in real life scenarios. For example, renting an apartment in France or writing a resume in French is covered. Throughout the year, the students are presented with activities that challenge their oral, aural, writing and reading skills in preparation for the Regents. The last ten weeks of the course, students have the opportunity to take previous Regents tests in order to become familiar with the format. Moreover, they learn test-taking strategies specifically designed for passing the foreign language test.

French 4
The objective of this course is Cross Cultural awareness and it is designed for post-Regents French students only. As countries become less isolated and humanity finds itself in a global neighborhood, it is increasingly important to become aware of our ethnocentricity. In the first unit of the course, we study the cultural conditioning within many different societies, focusing mainly on France and the United States, in an effort to develop understanding. Our studies include not only the deep culture but also the formal culture of France. Students use their language skills in a variety of ways. During the Survey of French Literature unit, students analyze carefully chosen excerpts in the target language. The French cuisine unit requires the students to translate French recipes and then to prepare traditional French foods. The course ends with the Visual Arts unit that includes a survey of French fine art in addition to French filmmaking.

French 5
This course is available for those students who wish to continue advanced French studies in college and is designed for college-bound French students only. It is recommended in particular for students interested in an international professional such as international law. The course is taught completely in the target language and its main focus is advanced French grammar and culture. The curriculum will have been approved by the Foreign Language Department at SUNY, so college credit can be transferred. The main objective is to allow students to test out the beginning and intermediate levels of French instruction at the university level.

Introductory Spanish
This course introduces students, at the Grade 7 level, to a basic understanding of the Spanish language. They learn useful expressions that are necessary for everyday conversation. Students become familiar with basic vocabulary for a variety of topics such as school, family, home, community, animals, sports, transportation, travel and more. Grammar is taught in conjunction with these topics, as it is needed for personal expression. The students become familiar with Spanish speaking countries through a series of projects that take place throughout the semester.

Spanish 1
Spanish 1 is a beginning step to becoming proficient using the Spanish language and is taught at the Grade 8 level. This course focuses on developing vocabulary and conversation skills with an emphasis on spoken communication and grammatical knowledge. Hispanic history and cultural information are covered through class discussions, readings and student research projects. At the end of the year, students must take the New York State Second Language Proficiency Exam.
Spanish 2
This Grade 9 course emphasizes the continuing development of vocabulary and conversation skills with an increased emphasis on grammatical structure and accuracy. Students are expected to use Spanish as the principal means of communication during class. Students will begin to read authentic works in Spanish and discuss literacy concepts in class conversation. History and culture are explored through reading, presentations and student research projects presented in the target language.

Spanish 3
This Grade 10 course emphasizes developing confidence in speaking through intensive conversation practice. Students will use Spanish as the principal means of communication during class. In addition to oral conversations, dialogues and presentations, students are required to write essays in Spanish and present research on a variety of cultural topics. A stronger emphasis is placed on reading comprehension ability. Students will read a variety of authentic selections in Spanish and learn to derive meaning through inference and discussions. At the end of the year, students must take the New York State Regent Exam.

Spanish 4
This course focuses on linguistic accuracy through discussion, debate and general Spanish conversation, Students will read and analyze authentic Spanish literature and discuss contemporary issues in the target language. The course incorporates an extensive reading and writing component, with a comprehensive review of the first three years of grammar and final introduction of new advanced grammar. Spanish 4 is designed to prepare academically motivated students to continue their study of Spanish at the college level and beyond.

Spanish 5
This course is available for those students who wish to continue advanced Spanish studies in college and is designed for college-bound students only. It is recommended in particular for students interested in an international professional such as international businesses. The course is taught completely in the target language and its main focus is advanced grammar and culture. The curriculum will have been approved by the Foreign Language Department so college credit can be a possibility. The main objective is to allow students to test out of the beginning and levels of instruction at the university level.

 

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