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Modern Languages

The ability to function competently in at least one language other than English is essential in the interdependent world of the twenty-first century. In addition to learning the structure and vocabulary of the target language, students will learn about daily life, social institutions, literature, art, culture, and contemporary and historical issues. Placement of students with prior language experience will be determined on an individual basis. Two years of a single modern language are required for graduation, but students are encouraged to take language classes beyond the two-year requirement. Three or four consecutive years of a single modern language are strongly recommended for students who plan to attend a four-year college or university.

Modern Languages Courses

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  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I

2 SEMESTERS

Students in this course are introduced to American Sign Language and Deaf culture, focusing on frequently used signs, basic rules of grammar, introductory finger spelling, and nonmanual aspects of ASL (e.g., facial expressions.). Upon completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate a beginning conversational level of comprehension when receiving ASL and a beginning level of expressive fluency when using ASL. This course incorporates many experimental activities and successful second language acquisition among students with a variety of learning styles

Prerequisite: Preference is given to students with language-based learning disabilities 

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
AP CHINESE LANGUAGE  AND CULTURE

2 SEMESTERS

This course is a continuation of the Honors Pre-AP Chinese Language And Culture structure, taught entirely in Chinese. Students are provided with intermediate to advanced level tasks across the three communicative modes to attain the ACTFL intermediate-high to advanced-low levels of proficiency. The course content includes all AP thematic topics: Families & Communities; Personal & Public Identities; Beauty & Aesthetics; Science & Technology; Contemporary Life; Global Challenges; and Current Events and News. Students are required to take the AP Chinese Language and Culture Examination in May.  

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Pre-AP Language and Culture or completion of Chinese Immersion middle school education and demonstration of exceptional language skills.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
AP SPANISH LANGUAGE  AND CULTURE

2 SEMESTERS

AP Spanish is the equivalent of a third-year college course in Advanced Spanish communication. The course draws on all of the student’s previous language learning and emphasizes the use of the three modes of communication: interpretive, presentational and interpersonal. AP Spanish utilizes higher-level critical thinking skills, reading and listening comprehension, advanced writing of compositions, and spontaneous verbal conversation. Students are required to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture Examination in May. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in PACC, a program created with Saint Mary’s University by which students can acquire additional credits.

Prerequisites: A minimum grade of A- in Honors Spanish III and the department approval are required. A minimum grade of B in Honors Spanish IV and/or Spanish Culture and Communication and the instructor’s approval are required.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
CIS - MANDARIN CHINESE III

2 SEMESTERS

This course allows students to further advance their Chinese language skills along with knowledge of Chinese culture. Students will learn vocabulary and sentence patterns to improve their listening, writing, speaking and reading skills. As a College in the Schools course, students will be eligible to earn University of Minnesota credits for a modest tuition fee. A limited number of seats will be available to students who opt to take the class for high school credit only.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better is required in Mandarin Chinese II and the department approval

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
CIS - MANDARIN CHINESE IV

2 SEMESTERS

This course allows students to further advance their Chinese language skills along with knowledge of Chinese culture. Students will learn vocabulary and sentence patterns to improve their listening, writing, speaking and reading skills. As a College in the Schools course, students will be eligible to earn University of Minnesota credits for a modest tuition fee. A limited number of seats will be available to students who opt to take the class for high school credit only.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better is required in Mandarin Chinese III or CIS Mandarin Chinese III and the department approval.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
FRENCH I

2 SEMESTERS

In this course students will develop the four communication skills listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language. Pronunciation, spelling, and basic sentence structure are stressed. Students are introduced to the culture and traditions of the countries of the target language.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
FRENCH II

2 SEMESTERS

In this course students will review the basic vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in the first year. They will learn new grammar, expand their vocabulary, and improve their communication skills by practicing the target language. In addition, they will continue learning about the culture and traditions of the countries of the target language.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
FRENCH III

2 SEMESTERS

This course is designed to be a comprehensive in-depth review of the four communication skills in the French language. Students will increase their proficiency by reviewing grammar and reading abridged literary and historical selections in French. Students will improve their speaking and writing abilities by formulating and expressing their personal thoughts.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better and department approval are required in French II. 

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS FRENCH IV

2 SEMESTERS

Honors French IV is a continuation of level III French in which students will expand their knowledge of French grammar, vocabulary, culture, literature, art, and media. This course serves as a bridge to post-secondary French courses.

Grade of C or better in French III and department approval.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS PRE-AP CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

2 SEMESTERS

This course, taught entirely in Chinese, allows students to further advance their Chinese language skills and knowledge of Chinese culture. Units are designed to incorporate students’ daily lives, current events, and global issues embedded in age-appropriate context across the three communicative modes. Through guided reading, creative writing, spontaneous verbal conversation and scenario play, authentic materials will be used for students to develop an awareness and appreciation of the elements of Chinese culture.

Prerequisites: Completed Chinese Immersion middle school education or CIS Mandarin Chinese IV and demonstrate proficient language skills and the department approval or a grade of B or better is required in Mandarin Chinese IV with department approval.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS SPANISH CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION

2 SEMESTERS

This course is designed for students who are native or heritage speakers of Spanish, who have been immersed in the Spanish language, and who have successfully completed Spanish III or Honors Spanish III. Through this course students will acquire a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the language and culture. The goals are to expand grammar and vocabulary skills, to develop the four communication skills in-depth, and to think critically about the themes of study.  » Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Spanish III or Honors Spanish III and department approval are required.

Prerequisite: For incoming first language Spanish speakers or students coming from an immersion program: a placement test will be required.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS SPANISH III

2 SEMESTERS

In this course students will proceed at a more accelerated pace than in previous levels, which will enable them to explore cultural and literary topics in greater detail. They will deepen into the four communication skills to continue improving proficiency in the target language.

Prerequisites: A test average of B or better and department approval are required in the Spanish II.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS SPANISH IV

2 SEMESTERS

In this course, students will increase their proficiency in the four communication skills through an in-depth review and expansion of grammar and vocabulary. Students will increase language and cultural understanding through authentic texts and multimedia resources. Students will improve their speaking and writing abilities with opportunities for formulating and expressing their personal thoughts.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Spanish III or Honors Spanish III and department approval are required.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
MANDARIN CHINESE I

2 SEMESTERS

In this course students develop basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Mandarin Chinese. Simplified Chinese characters, Pinyin (pronunciation symbols) and simple sentence patterns will be taught. Students are introduced to the culture and traditions of Mandarin speaking countries.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
MANDARIN CHINESE II

2 SEMESTERS

In this course students will further acquire language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Comprehensible input will be applied in Mandarin Chinese to develop students’ communication skills along with knowledge of Chinese culture.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
SPANISH I

2 SEMESTERS

In this course students will develop the four communication skills listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language. Pronunciation, spelling, and basic sentence structure are stressed. Students are introduced to the culture and traditions of the countries of the target language.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
SPANISH II

2 SEMESTERS

In this course students will review the basic vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in the first year. They will learn new grammar, expand their vocabulary, and improve their communication skills by practicing the target language. In addition, they will continue learning about the culture and traditions of the countries of the target language. 

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
SPANISH III

2 SEMESTERS

In this course students will review the vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in the previous year. New grammar structures and a variety of vocabulary are introduced in the four communication skills to help students improve proficiency in the target language. Literature, art, and music will be presented at different points in the curriculum.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better is required in Spanish II, and department approval.