- Gabriel Medina, Department Chairperson – MVHS
- Tonya Koppin, Department Chairperson – NVHS
- Laura McAran, Department Chairperson – WVHS
Effective language learning focuses on the role of the individual in a global society. No longer do we live in an isolated world. Instead, there is an ever-changing, interdependent world in which diverse cultures and linguistic groups converge. Successful participation in a global society relies on successful communication in different situations. The World Languages classroom provides a forum to prepare students for those situations.
Courses are designed for non-native speakers. The objectives of the World Languages program in District 204 are aligned with the National Standards for World Languages (Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities) in the 21st Century. Students communicate using the 3 modes of communication: presentational, interpretive and interpersonal in all courses. The Common Core State Standards and the Advanced Placement guidelines are also addressed.
The disciplines of English and World Languages are closely related. Therefore, recommendations for World Language students should take into account the student’s success in English courses. Students who start in the two-year middle school Spanish or French program are well prepared for their second-year (Level 2) as freshmen.
It is recommended that a student take a language other than the language spoken at home. If a student is linguistically inclined, he or she can take a second World Language after completing the second-year of his/her first World Language.
All courses require a workbook fee.
World Languages Course Listings
CHINESE COURSES
FRENCH COURSES
GERMAN COURSES
ASL COURSES
| Course# | Title | Level | prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLAN5001 | American Sign Language 1 | Yr. 9-12 | None |
| WLAN5002 | American Sign Language 2 | Yr 10-12 | American Sign Language 1 |
| WLAN5003 | American Sign Language 3 | Yr. 11-12 | American Sign Language 2 |
WLAN1001 French 1
Grade 9-12.
French 1 is an introductory course to the French-speaking (francophone) language and culture. It introduces the student to practical vocabulary and basic grammatical structures that enable the student to participate in basic conversation and self-expression. Students gain beginning proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The introduction of cultural products, practice, and perspectives is also an integral part of the course.
WLAN1002 French 2
Grade 9-12.
French 2 builds on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills developed in French 1 by broadening student knowledge of vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures. Students expand their level of self-expression in everyday situations with family and friends. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of francophone cultures, products, and practice through the use of authentic materials. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness.
WLAN1003 French 3
Grade 10-12.
French 3 builds on the skills developed in French 1 and 2: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students expand their level of self-expression in more abstract situations. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of francophone cultures, products, and practice through the use of authentic materials. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness. The class is facilitated primarily in French.
WLAN1004A AP French
Grade 11-12. Weighted grade.
AP French focuses on expanding the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing by exploring a variety of contemporary and classic topics utilizing authentic resources. Grammar and structure are also reviewed. The six overarching themes from the College Board are addressed in a variety of units. A selection of activities will be required during the summer preceding the course. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP French Language examination may receive college credit and/or higher placement in college.
WLAN1004H Honors French 4
Grade 11-12. Weighted grade.
Honors French 4 focuses on expanding the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students enrich their vocabulary through a variety of media and cultural units utilizing authentic resources. The class is facilitated primarily in French.
WLAN2001 German 1
Grade 9-12.
German 1 is an introductory course to the German-speaking language and culture. It introduces the student to practical vocabulary and basic grammatical structures that enable the student to participate in basic conversation and self-expression. Students gain beginning proficiency in listening, speaking, reading , and writing. The introduction of cultural products, practices, and perspectives is also an integral part of the course.
WLAN2002 German 2
Grade 10-12.
German 2 builds on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills developed in German 1 by broadening student knowledge of vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures. Students expand their level of self-expression in everyday situations with family and friends. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of cultures, products, and practice through the use of authentic materials. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness.
WLAN2003 German 3
Grade 10-12.
German 3 builds on the skills developed in German 1 and 2: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students expand their level of self-expression in more abstract situations. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of cultures, products, and practice through the use of authentic materials. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness. The class is facilitated primarily in German.
WLAN2004A AP German
Grade 11-12. Weighted grade.
AP German focuses on expanding the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing by exploring a variety of contemporary and classic topics utilizing authentic resources. Grammar and structure are also reviewed. The six overarching themes from the College Board are addressed in a variety of units. A selection of activities will be required during the summer preceding the course. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP German Language examination may receive college credit and/or higher placement in college.
WLAN3001 Spanish 1
Grade 9-12.
Spanish 1 is an introductory course to the Spanish-speaking language and culture. It introduces the student to practical vocabulary and basic grammatical structures that enable the student to participate in basic conversation and self-expression. Students gain basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading , and writing. The introduction of cultural products, practices, and perspectives is also an integral part of the course.
WLAN3002 Spanish 2
Grade 9-12.
Spanish 2 builds on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills developed in Spanish 1 by broadening student knowledge of vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures. Students expand their level of self-expression in everyday situations with family and friends. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of cultures, products, and practice through the use of authentic materials. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness.
WLAN3003 Spanish 3
Grade 10-12.
Spanish 3 builds on the skills developed in Spanish 1 and 2: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students expand their level of self-expression in more abstract situations. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of cultures, products, and practice through the use of authentic materials. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness. The class is facilitated primarily in Spanish.
WLAN3004A AP Spanish
Grade 10-12. Weighted grade.
AP Spanish focuses on expanding the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing by exploring a variety of contemporary and classic topics utilizing authentic resources. Grammar and structure are also reviewed. The six overarching themes from the College Board are addressed in a variety of units. A selection of activities will be required during the summer preceding the course. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP Spanish Language examination may receive college credit and/or higher placement in college.
WLAN3004H Honors Spanish 4
Grade 11-12. Weighted grade.
Honors Spanish 4 focuses on expanding the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students enrich their vocabulary through a variety of media and cultural units utilizing authentic resources. The class is facilitated primarily in Spanish.
WLAN4001 Chinese 1
Grade 9-12.
Chinese 1 is an introductory course to the Chinese language and culture. It introduces the student to the basics of pronunciation, grammatical structures, and character writing systems that enable the student to participate in basic conversation and self-expression. Students gain beginning proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The introduction of cultural products, practices, and perspectives is also an integral part of the course. This course is designed for non-native/non-heritage students; simplified characters are taught.
WLAN4002 Chinese 2
Grade 10-12.
Chinese 2 builds on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills developed in Chinese 1 by broadening student knowledge of vocabulary and more complex language patterns. Students expand their level of self-expression in everyday situations with family and friends. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of cultures, products, and practice through the use of authentic materials. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness. This course is designed for non-native/non-heritage students; simplified characters are taught.
WLAN4003 Chinese 3
Grade 10-12.
Chinese 3 builds on the skills developed in Chinese 1 and 2: listening, speaking, reading, and writing sentence patterns. Students expand their level of self-expression in more abstract situations. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of cultures, products, and practice through the use of authentic materials. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness. The class is facilitated primarily in Chinese. This course is designed for non-native/non-heritage students; simplified characters are taught.
WLAN4004H Honors Chinese 4
Grade 11-12. Weighted grade.
Honors Chinese 4 focuses on expanding the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students enrich their vocabulary through a variety of media and cultural units utilizing authentic resources. The class is facilitated primarily in Chinese. This course is designed for non-native/non-heritage students; simplified characters are taught.
WLAN5001 American Sign Language 1
Grades 9-12
American Sign Language (ASL) 1 is an introductory course to ASL and the Deaf community. This course introduces students to practical vocabulary and basic grammatical structures. The skills developed in this class will enable students to express themselves and participate in simple conversations. Students will learn about the history of ASL and the Deaf community. Students will explore cultural norms and perspectives, as well as ASL literature and Deaf artists
WLAN5002 American Sign Language 2
Grades 10-12
American Sign Language (ASL) 2 strengthens the receptive and expressive communication skills that were developed in ASL 1. Students will analyze and utilize more complex vocabulary and grammatical structures, elevating their level of conversational skills. In ASL 2, students will have more opportunities to use their skills to navigate various situations. This course will continue to examine cultural perspectives, historical Deaf figures, ASL literature, and Deaf artists.
WLAN5003 American Sign Language 3
Grades 11-12
American Sign Language (ASL) 3 builds on interpretive, interpersonal and presentational communication skills by focusing on the implementation of higher-level vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students will apply new knowledge to produce various ASL literature. This course will expand student knowledge through analysis of cultural perspectives. Students will examine the lives and works of historical Deaf figures.