World Languages
WORLD LANGUAGES
Multilingualism is a fundamental goal for all BHRSD students. Proficiency in both
linguistic and cultural communication develops over time, with opportunities beginning
in pre-Kindergarten and continuing through twelfth grade. Through the study of at least
one western or non-western language other than English, students deepen their
understanding of their own language and culture and develop their ability to participate
fully in local and global multilingual communities with appreciation and respect. In
addition, the study of world languages builds confidence, and the ability to think clearly
and critically. Instruction balances communicative facility with linguistic accuracy, and
makes connections with other disciplines through the study of geography, history,
science, literature, and the arts.
The Massachusetts Core Curriculum recommends two years of consecutive world language study for graduation.
French or Spanish (Level One) Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: None
This course is the introductory level of world language classes and is the pre-requisite for entry into Level Two. It is designed to lay the foundation for language learning, by introducing thematic vocabulary, parts of speech, and the conjugation of verbs in the present tense. At the conclusion of Level One, students will be able to: give a 1-2 minute presentation in the target language with comprehensible pronunciation, comprehend structured audio/audio-visual activities, write short compositions of 75+ words in 30 minutes, and read and comprehend thematic readings and short passages.
FRENCH I Credit: 1
Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None
(See above) This course introduces and systematically develops the four communications skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about many aspects of the French-speaking world and its people.
FRENCH II Credit: 1
Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: French I
French II continues to reinforce and develop basic communications skills. Expanded cultural units are also presented through a wide variety of culturally authentic materials.
FRENCH III Credit: 1
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: French II
French III reviews and reinforces previously learned language skills, gradually leading to more sophisticated activities in all areas.
CULTURE OF THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD Credit: 1
Prerequisite: French III
French Culture continues the development of the four language skills with heavier emphasis on the productive skills of writing and speaking. The cultural element of the course includes an exposure to the entire French-speaking world using music, film, literature and contemporary readings.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH Credit: 1
Grade 12 Prerequisite: French Culture and Civilization
This is a university level course taught entirely in French. The four language skills are developed to an advanced level. Students write extensively, give oral presentations and study more advanced literature from the French-speaking world. Students are required to use only French in class. AP French students are encouraged to take the advanced placement examination in May, which can lead to university credit.
SPANISH I Credit: 1
Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None
(See above) This course introduces and systematically develops the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about many aspects of the Spanish-speaking world and its people. Throughout the year, students will experience an increased use of the target language so that by the end of Spanish I, students will be comfortable listening to the target language. This class requires organization, study skills, motivation, and class participation.
FUNDAMENTALS OF SPANISH IA Credit: 1
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed for students who are interested in a world language, but lack a strong foundation in languages. Greater emphasis will be placed on knowledge of different Hispanic cultures and grammatical concepts will be covered at a slower pace than a traditional Spanish I course. Successful completion of both Fundamentals of Spanish IA and IB will meet the prerequisite for students who wish to take Spanish II.
FUNDAMENTALS OF SPANISH IB Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Spanish IA or approval of instructor
This course is a continuation of Fundamentals of Spanish IA. Successful completion of both Fundamentals of Spanish IA and IB will meet the prerequisite for students who wish to take Spanish II.
SPANISH II Credit: 1
Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I and
recommendation of the instructor
This course will reinforce the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing with an increased emphasis on speaking and writing. Expanded cultural units are also presented through a wide variety of textbook and teacher prepared materials. Much of the material will be presented in Spanish.
SPANISH III Credit: 1
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish II and recommendation of the instructor
Spanish III reviews and reinforces previously learned language skills while gradually introducing more sophisticated language and structure appropriate to intermediate language learners. At this level, instructors will conduct virtually all classroom activities in the target language. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to comprehend and actively use the target language with their classmates and teachers.
SPANISH IV Credit: 1
Grade 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III and recommendation of the instructor
For fourth year students the primary objective is to strengthen the reading, speaking and writing skills. Students view full-length foreign films to increase vocabulary and to develop composition topics. Reading selections provide an introduction to the more noted Spanish authors. Grammatical and structural skills are reinforced through composition work, leading from controlled to more independent writing activities.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH Credit: 1
Grade 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish IV and recommendation of the instructor
Advance Placement Spanish will further develop and refine the four communication skills with an increased emphasis placed on reading and writing. Selected readings include short stories, novels, plays and poetry.
Advanced Placement students must use the target language exclusively in class. AP Spanish students will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement examination in the spring.
LATIN AND COMPARATIVE LANGUAGES Credit: 1
Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None
Latin and Comparative Languages is a one-year, stand-alone, enrichment elective. The course introduces the basic grammar and vocabulary of Latin, explores historical and linguistic relationships among Latin, English, and other languages, and considers the underlying structures and idea of language itself.