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FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Winchester High School offers a fully articulated Foreign language sequence of French, Italian, Latin and Spanish in compliance with the National Standards and the Massachusetts Frameworks. Emphasis in all Foreign Language classes is on the development of the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as on familiarity with the culture and people of the countries where each language is used. In Latin the focus is on reading and writing the language and oral communication is primarily in English while in the modern foreign language classes, the target language is used as appropriate for each level. In addition to the daily exposure to language and culture in the classroom students will go regularly to the departmental language lab to further practice and refine their language skills and enhance their knowledge of the culture of the language they are studying.

Prerequisites and Requirements for sequential courses:

· A minimum end of year average of C- is required for advancement to the next level in all Foreign Language courses. Teacher approval is also a prerequisite.

· All first and second year courses are C1 level.

· In the third and fourth years of the language, students will choose whether to take Honors or C1. This choice will be made in the spring when they sign up for courses. In order to enroll in 3 Honors, a student must have a solid B average in the second year and be recommended by his or her teacher.

· In order to matriculate in a fourth year honors course, a student must have a B+ average in the third year honors or an A in the third year C1 course. The same standard is held for the fifth year honors and C1.

· Italian I, Italian II, Spanish I and Spanish II are also offered at the C2 level. After successful competition of the two year sequence a student may enroll in the second year of the language at the C1 level with approval of the director.

· Advanced Placement courses are available in French, Spanish language and Latin (Vergil). Although the AP Italian language and culture exam will not be offered next year by the Collegeboard, Winchester High School will continue to offer the capstone Italian course. This course holds the same weight as the AP courses. The curriculum is the same as the AP course which was approved by the Collegeboard. The minimum requirement for recommendation is a solid A in Italian III Honors or a B+ in Italian 4 Advanced Honors at the midyear, a B+ or better at midyear in the third year of Latin and the fourth year of Spanish and French. In addition to teacher recommendation writing and speaking sample may be required and final approval must be given by the director of the department.

There are exchange programs in French and Spanish, usually made available to students in the upper levels of the language. In addition, other travel opportunities are available on a regular basis to Italy. Each year, seniors studying Italian have the opportunity to take an educational trip to Italy during a school vacation.

FRENCH Ninth graders who have already completed two full years of French in grades 7 and 8 enter the high school in French 2

0200 FRENCH 1 (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

This course is intended both for students with no previous background in French and for those who need a thorough review before proceeding into French 2. It covers the same basic curriculum as French 7 and French 8 and, upon successful completion, students may go on to French.

0201 FRENCH 2 (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

French 2 is an exciting mix of francophone cultures, literature, film and text. Students build upon their basic grammar and vocabulary foundation with communicative activities in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The Allez, Viens! program, Level 2 (Holt, Rinehart, and Winston) includes video, language labs, and web sites to take students “on location.” French 2 students will see “La Boum.” They will read African short stories and correspond with French speakers via e-mail.

0203 FRENCH 3 C1 (10, 11, 12) Y 5

This curriculum is built upon the Allez, Viens! program, Level 3 (Holt, Rinehart, and Winston) which emphasizes francophonie around the world. Students will study Europe, Northern Africa, and Canada through arts, literature, and film and cultural text. To continue to build upon the grammar and vocabulary foundation of the previous years of study, students will also use video, language labs, and web sites. They will read Histoire d’une Revanche and see several French films

0204 FRENCH 3H (10, 11, 12) Y 5

This curriculum is built upon the Allez, Viens! Program, Level 3 (Holt, Rinehart and Winston) which emphasizes froncophonie around the world. Students will study Europe, Northern Africa, and Canada through arts, literature, and film and cultural text. To continue to build upon the grammar and vocabulary foundation of the previous years of study, students will also use video, language labs, and web sites. They will read Histoire d’une Revanche and see several French films.

French 3 C1 and French 3 Honors usually meet in the same sections. Honors requirements include additional sections on tests and quizzes, additional projects and additional literature assignments.

(See guidelines in introduction to department offerings) As an Honors course, it is an intensive course that is taught almost exclusively in French and demands a high level of motivation on the part of the students.

0243 FRENCH 4 (C1) (11, 12) Y5

In this course, students expand their knowledge of French language and culture with the Bravo text. In addition, they will read the classic LePetit Prince and see the film. They will read and write poetry and see “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des Sources.” In the first semester students will follow a radio program, “Suivez la Piste.” Upon successful completion of French 4, students can go on to French 5 or AP French

0205 FRENCH 4 (H) (11, 12) Y 5

French 4 C1 and French 4 Honors usually meet in the same sections. Honors requirements include additional sections on tests and quizzes, additional projects and additional literature assignments.

0206 FRENCH 5 (H) (12) Y 5

French 5 is a thorough grammatical review course based on the text Une Fois Pour Toutes. Students read Six Contes de Maupassant and Les Jeux Sont Faits (Sartre) or “l’Etranger” (Camus) and various articles from the French press. They will see and analyze several films while reviewing French history. They will also listen to the radio program, “Poursuite Inattendue.” The course places greater emphasis on development of speaking and reading skills. (See prerequisite guidelines)

0207 ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH (AP) (12) Y 5

The AP course requires summer reading and prepares the student for the Advanced Placement examination in French language. It will include the basic curriculum of French 5 plus the intensive speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice necessary for success on the AP exam. Successful completion of this course is the equivalent of a third-year college French conversation and composition class. (See prerequisite guidelines)

ITALIAN

0232 ITALIAN I (C2) (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5
This course will include the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking using the Forza I textbook. Students will learn basic language for communication and make connections in the fields of culture, geography, music, cuisine and history. Students will have the opportunity to watch three classic Italian films. Students who pass this course may continue with Italian II C2.

0230 ITALIAN 1 (C1) (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

Italian 1 stresses the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through a new communicative based text, Avanti con l’Italiano. Verb tenses include the present and past with emphasis on personal expression. By the end of the year the students should be able to read simple passages and communicate in simple topics pertaining to life. Students will have the opportunity to view at least three classic Italian films to enhance understanding of language and appreciation of cultural differences.

0239 ITALIAN 2 (C2) (10, 11, 12) Y 5

This is a continuation of Italian I C2 using the Forza II textbook.

0231 ITALIAN 2 (C1) (10, 11, 12) Y 5

This course provides all the elements for a full communicative second course. It features cultural material in dialog and narrative forms. After a review of year one, vocabulary and verbs are continued to include more tenses. Students will have the opportunity to view at least three classic Italian films to enhance understanding of language and appreciation of cultural differences.

0233 ITALIAN 3 (C1) (10, 11, 12) Y 5

The Prego text provides a strong review of basic grammatical structures and development of vocabulary and more advanced grammar. The study of the verb tenses is continued. The development of oral skills is stressed focusing on real life situations with readings, videos, projects and skits. Students will have the opportunity to view at least three classic Italian films and listen to Italian songs in order to gain an understanding of language and appreciation of cultural differences.

0234 ITALIAN 3 (H) (10, 11, 12) Y 5

The text provides a strong review of basic grammatical structures and development of vocabulary and more advanced grammar. The study of the verb tenses is completed. The development of oral skills is stressed focusing on real life situations with readings, videos, projects and skits. As an honors course, it is taught almost exclusively in Italian and requires strong motivation on the part of the students. This course begins the preparation for Italian 5 Advanced Honors (see prerequisite guidelines for Honors weighting). Students will have the opportunity to view at least three classic Italian films and will listen to a number of Italian songs to enhance understanding of language and appreciation of cultural differences. Students will work on the development of writing skills through essays and projects.

0244 ITALIAN 4 (C1) (11, 12) Y5

The emphasis shifts from grammar and involves more readings and discussions. Italian fables, legends, short stories and Collodi’s classic Pinocchio are read as a reflection of Italian culture. Geography and civilization across a 2000 year time line include Italian contributions to world culture. Students will have the opportunity to view at least three classic Italian films to enhance understanding of language and appreciation of cultural differences.

0235 ITALIAN 4 (H) (11, 12) Y 5

Italian 4 C1 and Italian 4 Honors usually meet in the same sections. Honors requirements include additional sections on tests and quizzes, additional projects and additional literature assignments.

(See guidelines in introduction to department offerings) As an Honors course, it is an intensive course that is taught almost exclusively in Italian and demands a high level of motivation on the part of the students.

0242 ITALIAN 4 ADVANCED HONORS (11, 12) Y 5

This course is designed for juniors who have earned a B+ in Italian 3 Honors. Successful completion of this course will prepare these students for AP Italian in the senior year. In this course students will expand their knowledge and usage of Italian language, culture, history and geography. The emphasis continues on the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as they apply preciously learned information as well as learn more complicated grammatical structures. Reading and writing will include critical analysis of contemporary Italian authors.

0245 ITALIAN 5 ADVANCED HONORS (Formerly Advanced Placement Italian) (12) Y 5

Course requires summer reading and work in the language as well as a strong commitment from the student. It is the equivalent of a university level course and prepares the students for college placement tests as well as the Italian SAT II’s. It will include listening, speaking, literature, history, geography and writing practice for the AP Exam. This course is an option for seniors who have completed Italian III or IV and meet the requirements. (See prerequisite guidelines.)

LATIN

0216 LATIN I (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

Latin I begins the Cambridge Latin series with an introduction to the language, culture, traditions and daily life of the ancient Romans living in Pompeii and Britain in the 1st century A.D. The emphasis is on the reading of Latin but the other language skills of speaking, writing, and listening are included as well. By following the life of an actual Pompeian family through readings the students will become familiar with the grammar, syntax, and written expression of the Romans and the Latin vocabulary will enable them to make connections between Latin and English and the modern Romance Languages. Slides and other realia will help students to visualize the life of the Romans and they will have the opportunity to investigate aspects of the ancient culture through quarterly projects.

0217 LATIN II (10, 11, 12) Y 5

Latin II continues the story begun in Latin I, taking the characters to Alexandria and back to Britain. There will be an ongoing review of first-year grammar and the introduction of new grammatical material and the opportunity to develop increasingly sophisticated reading skills. Work on word derivations is continued to help with English vocabulary building. There is more emphasis placed on reading for comprehension and translating by context. Students will investigate the influence of the Roman culture around the world and its impact on life in the modern world.

0219 LATIN III (C1) (11, 12) Y 5

In Latin III students will conclude the story begun in Latin I by completing Unit 4 of the Cambridge Latin series. The readings will continue to increase in sophistication and will move the students into excerpts from real Latin authors such as Pliny, Catullus and Vergil. Much of the setting is Rome but there will also be travel to other parts of the Roman Empire such as Bithynia, Ephesus and Sicily. Cultural topics include Roman government, law and marriage customs. Advanced grammar will be introduced in order to prepare students for the additional focus on Latin literature in Latin IV or AP Latin.

0220 LATIN III (H) (11, 12) Y 5

(Refer to introduction to department offerings for criteria for Honors/College weighting).

0246 LATIN IV (C1) (12) Y5

This course will consist of reading the works of poets determined by class interest. The choices offered will be Vergil's Aeneid or selections from Catullus and Ovid. The Aeneid option will consist of portions of Books I, II, IV, VI, X, and XII in Latin with the remainder of the poem being read in English. The Catullus/Ovid option will include selections from the Metamorphoses and Amores of Ovid and numerous poems of Catullus. The basic objective of this course is progress in reading, understanding, and interpreting the Latin in the original. Students will be expected to:

1. translate accurately the poetry from Latin into English.
2. demonstrate a grasp of the grammatical structures and vocabulary used by the poets.
3. analyze the stylistic devices and literary techniques used by the poets.
4. exhibit an understanding of the political, social and cultural background of the poems.

0221 LATIN IV (H) (12) Y 5 (see prerequisite guidelines)

Latin IV C1 and Latin IV Honors usually meet in the same sections. Honors requirements include additional sections on tests and quizzes, additional projects and additional literature assignments.

(See guidelines in introduction to department offerings) As an Honors course, it is an intensive course that is taught almost exclusively in Latin and demands a high level of motivation on the part of the students.

0222 ADVANCED PLACEMENT LATIN (AP) (12) Y 5 (see prerequisite guidelines)

This course will consist of reading the works of poets determined by class interest. The choices offered will be Vergil's Aeneid or selections from Catullus and Ovid. The Aeneid option will consist of excerpts from Books I, II, IV, VI, X, and XII in Latin with the remainder of the poem being read in English. The Catullus/Ovid option will include selections from the Metamorphoses and Amores of Ovid and the poems of Catullus as required by the AP. syllabus. The basic objective of this course is progress in reading, understanding and interpreting the Latin in the original. Students will be expected to:

1. translate accurately the poetry from Latin into English.
2. demonstrate a grasp of the grammatical structure and vocabulary used by the poets.
3. analyze the stylistic devices and literary techniques used by the poets.
4. exhibit an understanding of the political, social and cultural background of the poems.
5. complete the required Advanced Placement syllabus and prepare for the A.P. exam.

SPANISH

Emphasis in all levels is on the development of the four basic language skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - as well as on familiarity with the culture and people of Hispanic America and Spain. Spanish is the primary means of communication in the classroom. The following is a summary of the work covered in the Spanish program at Winchester High School.

0210 SPANISH 1 (C2) (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

This course will include the four skills of listening, speaking reading and writing with an emphasis on learning basic language for communication and making connections in the fields of culture, geography, music, ,cuisine and history of Spanish speaking countries. .Students who successfully complete this course may continue with Spanish II C2 the following year.

0208 SPANISH 1 (C1) (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

This course is designed to be an introduction to Spanish language and culture. It will begin the Paso a Paso textbook series which emphasizes the four language learning skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

0218 SPANISH 2 (C2) (10,11,12) Y 5 (Not Offered in 2009-2010)

This is a continuation of Spanish I C2 for those students who have passed Spanish I C2.

0209 SPANISH 2 (C1) (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

Students successfully completing Spanish 7 and 8 will enter the Spanish program at this level. Students will continue the Paso a Paso series with Book 2 and accompanying materials will guide students towards functional communicative proficiency and a fuller appreciation of the role of Hispanic cultures in a global context.

0211 SPANISH 3 (C1) (10, 11, 12) Y 5

Students in Spanish 3 will complete Paso a Paso Book 2 at mid-year and begin Paso a Paso Book 3 2nd semester. The course continues to study the Spanish language and culture by means of the four language skills of speaking, writing, reading and listening.

0212 SPANISH 3 (H) (10, 11, 12) Y 5

This is an intensive course that is taught almost exclusively in Spanish and demands a high level of motivation on the part of the student. The course continues to study the Spanish language and culture by means of the four language skills of speaking, writing, reading and listening. Students in Spanish 3H will complete Paso a Paso Book 2 at mid-year and begin Paso a Paso Book 3 2nd semester. (See department introduction for criteria for College/Honors weighting).

0247 SPANISH 4 (C1) (11, 12) Y5

Students will finish Paso a Paso Book 3. They will also do a unit on the movie El Norte. It is a proficiency-based course with the objective of improving oral communication, linguistic skills, and knowledge of literature. Upon successful completion of Spanish 4, students may go on to Spanish 5 Honors.

0213 SPANISH 4 (H) (11, 12) Y 5

Spanish 4 C1 and Spanish 4 Honors usually meet in the same sections. Honors requirements include additional sections on tests and quizzes, additional projects and additional literature assignments.

(See guidelines in introduction to department offerings) As an Honors course, it is an intensive course that is taught almost exclusively in Spanish and demands a high level of motivation on the part of the students.

0214 SPANISH 5 (H) (12) Y 5

The course covers advanced grammar (stressing the subjunctive) and reading comprehension. In addition, students will read two major works in literature. They will also be working on videos and other projects that will help students develop their oral proficiency, written expression and cultural awareness.

0215 ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH (AP) (12) Y 5

The AP course prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish language and will include readings of Spanish and Latin American literature plus the intensive speaking, listening, reading and writing practice necessary for the AP exam in language. (see prerequisite guidelines)