World Languages

  • 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

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
WLAN4001 Chinese 1 Yr. 9-12 None
WLAN4002 Chinese 2 Yr. 10-12 Chinese 1
WLAN4003 Chinese 3 Yr. 10-12 Chinese 2
WLAN4004H Honors Chinese 4 Yr. 11-12 Chinese 3

FRENCH COURSES

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
WLAN1001 French 1 Yr. 9-12 None
WLAN1002 French 2 Yr. 9-12 French 1
WLAN1003 French 3 Yr. 10-12 French 2
WLAN1004H Honors French 4 Yr. 11-12 French 3
WLAN1004A AP French Yr. 11-12 French 3

GERMAN COURSES

Course# Title Level Recommended prior course work includes
WLAN2001 German 1 Yr. 9-12 None
WLAN2002 German 2 Yr. 10-12 German 1
WLAN2003 German 3 Yr. 10-12 German 2
WLAN2004A AP German Yr. 11-12 German 3

SPANISH COURSES

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
WLAN3001 Spanish 1 Yr. 9-12 None
WLAN3002 Spanish 2 Yr. 9-12 Spanish 1
WLAN3003 Spanish 3 Yr. 10-12 Spanish 2
WLAN3004H Honors Spanish 4 Yr. 11-12 Spanish 3
WLAN3004A AP Spanish Yr. 11-12 Spanish 3

 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