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Westfield's
Foreign Language Department provides many ways for students
to participate in a variety of foreign language clubs and
honor societies. Opportunities to attend Governor's School
for Foreign Language, Internships with the U.S. State Department,
and senior scholarships are available. Also, students may
interact with students from other language classes during
such activities as the department's Winter Fest, National
Foreign Language week, or the Bowling Championship.
Foreign
language teachers using the Renaissance 2200 Learning System
lab; Westfield High School is piloting the lab for the county.
American
Sign Language (ASL) Levels I, II, III
French I,II, III, IV, V, AP French Language,AP
French Literature
German I, II, III, IV, V, AP German Language
Japanese I, II, III, IV, V, Advanced Japanese,
AP Japanese Language
Latin I, II, III, IV, AP Latin
Spanish I, II, III, IV, V, AP Spanish Language,
AP Spanish Literature
Spanish for Fluent Speakers
I,II, III
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AMERICAN
SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) 1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: None
Students learn a basic vocabulary of 1000 signs and acquire
knowledge of the manual alphabet. Students learn the language
through lessons presented in context and through meaningful
and experiential activities. Cultural awareness and cross-cultural
adjustment skills are major components of the course. Students
are introduced to Deaf culture, the history of American Sign
Language, and the education of Deaf people. This course may
be counted as a foreign language course in fulfilling requirements
for graduation.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) 2
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 1 or equivalency test
Students continue to increase their skills in American Sign
Language. They will add to their vocabulary and increase proficiency
in grammatical features and conversational skills. Knowledge
of and sensitivity to the Deaf culture and the community of
Deaf people will continue to be emphasized. This course may
be counted as a foreign language course in fulfilling requirements
for graduation.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) 3
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 2 or equivalency test
Students add vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to preexisting
vocabulary base. Language functions and increasingly difficult
grammatical structures are learned in the context of everyday
interactions and social relationships. While Levels 1 and
2 emphasized expression of concrete information, Level 3 progresses
to expression of abstract concepts. Role-play situations which
predict everyday deaf-hearing encounters are used for the
development of cultural awareness and cross-cultural adjustment
skills. Students also investigate career opportunities associated
with American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.
Supplemental Information for American Sign Language
1, 2, and 3:
Describe
a typical lesson in this class:
This is a hands-on learning class. We have many interactive
activities and role plays. The majority of each class is taught
in ASL. We use written English, pictures, and gestures to
clarify and learn ASL. Spoken English is rarely used. Since
ASL does not have a written form, written work is not common.
Conversational use is highly emphasized. Visual and hands-on
learners tend to do VERY well in this class. Students who
are more auditory or have fine motor skill problems sometimes
find this class a challenge.
What
kind of homework is required?
Homework is given once or twice a week. Most of the time there
is no homework over the weekend or on holidays. Types of homework
include: creating sentences using recently learned vocab,
practicing signing using a certain grammar principle, or reading
cultural information. There is at least one project each quarter
and time is given during class to work on it. Studying vocabulary
is expected every night.
What
kinds of materials are used in this course?
Pictures/Objects
Internet
Videos and DVD’s
Video Recorders/Webcam’s
Articles
Books
Handouts
How
can this course help me in the future?
Deaf people live in all areas of the country and share the
use of ASL. While taking ASL, students comment that they are
able to communicate with the Deaf people they meet while at
work or in the community. They are very proud they have a
skill that most people do not. Other students have relatives
that are Deaf and want to better communicate with them. Deafness
will affect all of our lives in some capacity or another,
but more importantly this course teaches FIRST HAND about
diversity and minorities. This class approaches Deaf people
as a unique cultural community, not as people with a disability.
Students will see the world in a different light after participating
in a course such as this. Knowing a second language is always
a useful skill to be more competitive in the workplace and
on college applications.
What
extracurricular activities are associated with this class?
We have a growing ASL Club that meets monthly and plans events
such as Silent Dinners and ASL Caroling. They also plan and
host Deaf Awareness Week every year. Stone Middle School has
an ASL club that juniors and seniors in ASL help lead and
teach. There is also peer tutoring for those who are interested.
Anything
else I should know?
While not all colleges offer ASL, but colleges do honor diplomas
earned from Fairfax County from student who have taken ASL
as a foreign language. Many colleges have programs that use
ASL, such as: Deaf Education, Special Education, Interpreting,
and Social Work.
Where
do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Elizabeth Bush, ASL Teacher
Elizabeth.Bush@fcps.edu
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FRENCH
1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves
and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing
basic grammatical structures. The language learning process
integrates basic aspects of the geography, customs, and culture(s)
of the target language countries.
FRENCH 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 1 or equivalency test
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language
skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis
on the ability to communicate orally. They learn to function
in real-life situations using more complex sentences and grammatical
structures. They read material based on familiar topics and
write short, directed compositions. They learn about the family
structure, school life and holidays of the target language
countries.
FRENCH 3
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 2 or equivalency test
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language
skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis
on consistent and sustained use of the languages orally using
more complex grammatical structures. They discuss reading
selections using structures of increased complexity. They
recognize word relationships and associate them with proper
meaning. They write reports, general correspondence, and simple
compositions. They also study the influence of the target
language culture(s) on American culture.
FRENCH 4
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 3 or equivalency test
Students develop more sophisticated communication skills and
refine their reading and writing skills. Students hear reports
in the target language and recognize subtle points and moods
as conveyed by the speakers. Students describe, summarize,
explain, and discuss practical subjects. They express ideas
using complete sentences and broaden their understanding of
the foreign culture.
Supplemental information for French 1-5:
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
Students begin by learning the basic vocabulary and structures
to be able to communicate in French, and build on these skills
as they move on to levels 2,3 and 4. During each class session,
students participate in activities that help them develop
skills in speaking, understanding, reading and writing French.
Students are also introduced to French culture around the
world. Students often work in pairs, sometimes in groups or
alone.
In French 2 and 3, students spend a good part of the time
working on speaking skills and basic vocabulary needed for
everyday life. Students will see French movies over the course
of the year, and in level 3 they will be introduced to the
reading of French stories and texts. In level 4, students
practice expressing themselves in more complex structures
used for listening, speaking, reading and writing French.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Students have about 20 -25 minutes of homework in levels 1
and 2, and approximately 30 minutes of homework in levels
3 and 4 for each class attended.
What kind of materials do you use in this course ?
Students use a workbook which accompanies the text. Videos
and audio CDs are used as an integral part of each lesson.
Interactive CD-Rom programs are also used occasionally in
the lab.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
There is a French Club open to any student who is interested.
Once students have reached third year French and have the
appropriate qualifications, they will be eligible for the
French Honor Society.
How can this class help me in the future?
More and more businesses are looking for employees who are
bilingual or trilingual as business with other countries becomes
more and more important.
Colleges and universities continue to favor students who have
studied a foreign language, especially for three years or
more.
Although it is no longer the first language of diplomats and
business, French continues to be an important language in
more than 35 countries around the world.
A lot or research and technology is done in French-speaking
countries, especially in the fields of medicine, aerospace
research, transportation and energy.
It will help you understand English grammar.
Anything else I should know?
Learning a foreign language can be a really interesting experience.
It gives students insight into other cultures and, even more
importantly, it gives them insight into their own culture.
They begin to see that not everyone does exactly the same
thing or lives exactly the same way. The ability to see and
understand why is certainly an important part of becoming
an adult.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Mrs. Catherine T. Pluchinsky, French Teacher E-208
Catherine.Pluchinsky@fcps.edu
Mrs. Christine Barrau, French Teacher
Chrisitine.Barrau@fcps.edu
FRENCH
5
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 4 or equivalency test
Students strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing
skills through the study of literature, history, and current
events. They participate in in-depth studies of major literary
works and historical events and learn to recognize the various
themes and conflicts involved.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
click here
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Level 4 or equivalency test
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take
the Advanced Placement Language examination given each spring,
for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college
level if a qualifying score is obtained. Students study the
use of language for active communication. Specifically, they
understand the spoken target language in both formal and conversational
situations. They express ideas accurately and resourcefully,
both orally and in writing, with reasonable fluency, and they
develop a vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper
and magazine articles, contemporary literature, and other
nontechnical writings. They receive extensive training in
the organization and writing of compositions, review syntax,
and study selected works by contemporary authors. Materials
will include recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines.
All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Language
exam.
ADVANCED
PLACEMENT FRENCH LITERATURE (FCPS On-line Course)
Grade:11-12
Credit: one (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Level 4, or Advanced Placement Language, or
equivalency test
The
purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the
Advanced Placement Literature Examination, for which placement
and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying
score is achieved. Students increase their proficiency in
the basic language skills and learn to analyze prose and verse
passages designated in the College Board syllabus. (All students
are required to take the Advanced Placement Literature exam.)
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GERMAN
1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves
and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing
basic grammatical structures. The language learning process
integrates basic aspects of the geography, customs, and culture(s)
of the target language countries.
GERMAN 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 1 or equivalency test
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language
skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis
on the ability to communicate orally. They learn to function
in real-life situations using more complex sentences and grammatical
structures. They read material based on familiar topics and
write short, directed compositions. They learn about the family
structure, school life and holidays of the target language
countries.
GERMAN 3
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 2 or equivalency test
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language
skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis
on consistent and sustained use of the languages orally using
more complex grammatical structures. They discuss reading
selections using structures of increased complexity. They
recognize word relationships and associate them with proper
meaning. They write reports, general correspondence, and simple
compositions. They also study the influence of the target
language culture(s) on American culture.
GERMAN 4
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 3 or equivalency test
Students develop more sophisticated communication skills and
refine their reading and writing skills. Students hear reports
in the target language and recognize subtle points and moods
as conveyed by the speakers. Students describe, summarize,
explain, and discuss practical subjects. They express ideas
using complete sentences and broaden their understanding of
the foreign culture.
GERMAN 5
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 4, or Advanced Placement Language, or
equivalency test
Students strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing
skills through the study of literature, history, and current
events. They participate in in-depth studies of major literary
works and historical events and learn to recognize the various
themes and conflicts involved.
Supplemental Info for German 1-5:
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
Students are presented with a list of basic target vocabulary
words for the unit as well as basic grammatical structures.
Students are expected to expand those for their own use as
needed according to their own individual needs. The students
may practice speaking, reading, listening comprehension, and
writing in every class period. Occasionally, students are
expected to complete group work and/or projects to review
and internalize the material in each unit. Students will also
learn about the culture and geography of German-speaking countries.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
In levels 1-3, most students can achieve and learn German
by spending about 30 minutes each day at home reviewing and
practicing the material that is introduced in class. In levels
4, 5 and AP, 45 minutes is the average.
What kind of materials do you use in this course?
We use teacher-made materials, which are designed around the
FCPS Program of Studies as well as the FCPS PALS objectives
for the various levels. Generally, each unit at each level
incorporates either popular music or authentic poetry or prose,
which correlate with the unit's theme. Occasionally other
materials are used, such as textbooks, workbooks, videos,
and computer software.
In German 4 and 5, there are a variety of materials available.
The students will continue to read German texts and refine
their grammar skills, while constantly increasing their vocabulary.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
We have an extremely active German Club, as well as the German
Honor Society. .
How can this class help me in the future?
The German economy is the strongest economy in Europe. As
a result of the unification of Germany in 1990, many U.S.
businesses are investing in Germany, and there are many firms
that hire employees with a knowledge of German. Some of these
employees work in Germany as well. Additionally, because of
German's similarity to English, it is sometimes seen as a
springboard for English speakers to learn other languages.
Anything else I should know?
German and English are very closely related. The basic vocabulary
of German is very similar to English, and the structure of
English and German are also similar. In fact, approximately
65% of English came from German.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Herr Glenn Rife, Teacher of German Room G211
Glenn.Rife@fcps.edu
ADVANCED PLACEMENT GERMAN LANGUAGE
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
click here
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Level 4 or equivalency test
The purpose of these courses is to prepare students to take
the Advanced Placement Language examination given each spring,
for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college
level if a qualifying score is obtained. Students study the
use of language for active communication. Specifically, they
understand the spoken target language in both formal and conversational
situations. They express ideas accurately and resourcefully,
both orally and in writing, with reasonable fluency, and they
develop a vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper
and magazine articles, contemporary literature, and other
nontechnical writings. They receive extensive training in
the organization and writing of compositions, review syntax,
and study selected works by contemporary authors. Materials
will include recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines.
All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Language
exam.
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JAPANESE
1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves
and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing
basic grammatical structures. The language learning process
integrates basic aspects of the geography, customs, and culture(s)
of the target language countries.
JAPANESE 2/Advanced Grade 9
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 1 or equivalency test
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language
skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis
on the ability to communicate orally. They learn to function
in real-life situations using more complex sentences and grammatical
structures. They read material based on familiar topics and
write short, directed compositions. They learn about the family
structure, school life and holidays of the target language
countries.
JAPANESE 3/Advanced Grade 10
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 2 or equivalency test
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language
skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis
on consistent and sustained use of the languages orally using
more complex grammatical structures. They discuss reading
selections using structures of increased complexity. They
recognize word relationships and associate them with proper
meaning. They write reports, general correspondence, and simple
compositions. They also study the influence of the target
language culture(s) on American culture.
JAPANESE 4/Advanced Grade 11
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 3 or equivalency test
Students develop more sophisticated communication skills and
refine their reading and writing skills. Students hear reports
in the target language and recognize subtle points and moods
as conveyed by the speakers. Students describe, summarize,
explain, and discuss practical subjects. They express ideas
using complete sentences and broaden their understanding of
the foreign culture.
JAPANESE 5/Advanced Grade 12
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 4 or equivalency test
Students continue the study of the Japanese language by completing
the study of basic grammar, by learning new vocabulary, and
by preparing creative works in writing. They progress to use
more complex sentences using abstract vocabulary. Reading
selections of increased transitional and modern literature
will be discussed. The students continue to write reports,
business letters, and compose poems (haiku). In writing and
reading the number of kan'ji is increased. Cultural topics
include the study of the relationship of people with nature,
the conduct of business, major historical events, and the
ties with the United States.
ADVANCED JAPANESE
Advanced Japanese will be offered for all students from the
Immersion Program.
Supplemental Information for the Japanese program:
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
The goal of all Japanese classes is to be able to communicate
with native speakers. So classroom instruction will be given
in Japanese. Spoken language is focused as well as written
language and culture. We will do lots of pair work and group
work to speak and write Japanese.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Learning foreign language takes lots of practice and much
of this practice needs to be done outside of class. So you
will have homework almost every class periods. But most of
homework, you can finish in 15 minutes.
What kind of materials do you use in this course?
Textbook
Variety of Handouts
Video (Japanese animation, Japanese culture, authentic video,
etc.)
CD-Rom
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
We have a Japanese animation/culture club.
Also if you need help, it is available after school.
How can this class help me in this future?
Of course you will be able to communicate with Japanese people.
Also you will gain a global mind through learning Japanese
language and culture in this class.
Anything else I should know?
You can learn a totally different language from English and
learn about Japanese culture. Also you will have opportunities
to communicate with high school students in Japan via e-mail
or letter. There is a program to spend summer vacation in
Japan and experience the "real" Japan.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Kyoko Yada-Horner, Japanese teacher G212
kyhorner@fcps.edu
AP Japanese Language
Grades 11-12
Credit: one (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Level 4 or equivalency test
The
purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the
Advanced Placement Language examination given each spring,
for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college
level if a qualifying score is obtained. Students study the
use of language for active communication. Specifically, they
understand the spoken target language in both formal and conversational
situations. They express ideas accurately and resourcefully,
both orally and in writing, with reasonable fluency, and they
develop a vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper
and magazine articles, contemporary literature, and other
nontechnical writings. They receive extensive training in
the organization and writing of compositions, review syntax,
and study selected works by contemporary authors. Materials
will include recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines.
All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Japanese
Language exam.
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LATIN 1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Students
develop the ability to understand simple written Latin texts
based on a variety of topics. The focus is on comprehending
Latin through interpretation of texts. To support the development
of reading skills, students learn to understand oral Latin.
Students also learn about the perspectives, practices, and
products of the ancient Romans as reflected in aspects of
their daily lives. As students increase their understanding
of the structures of Latin language and vocabulary, they increase
their understanding of these same linguistic elements in the
English language. As students develop an understanding of
Greco-Roman culture, they are able to understand how the Roman
civilization influences their own world.
In Latin
I, students will learn the basic grammar structure for all
noun declensions, the indicative and imperative moods for
all verb conjugations, the basic forms of prepositional phrases,
and personal and demonstrative pronouns. Students study the
basic structure of a Roman family, the forms of Roman houses,
basic Roman history, and a survey of mythology.
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LATIN 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 1 or equivalency test
Students
learn additional vocabulary and new points of grammar and
syntax in order to read more complex sentences and paragraphs
in Latin. Students continue to explore Roman life and Rome’s
contribution to our civilization.
In Latin
II, students will continue to review nouns, and they will
learn the passive voice for verbs. They will learn more sophisticated
forms for nouns, prepositional phrases, and idioms. Students
study the Roman governmental structure, with a more in-depth
look at the history of the Roman Republic and early Empire.
They continue their study of mythology.
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Latin students in class
LATIN 3
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Latin 2 or equivalency test
Students
continue to develop and refine their reading skills through
the study of Latin literature. Additional vocabulary, more
complex language structures and syntax are emphasized in order
to be able to read the writings of prose authors. Through
translation and interpretation, students gain a greater understanding
of the foundation of Western government and civilization.
In Latin
III, students will continue to review the basic grammar constructions
and forms already covered in Latin I-II. They study the use
of the gerund and gerundive, more complex uses of the subjunctive
mood verb, and conditional uses. Students will read the original
texts from a variety of Roman authors.
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LATIN
4
Grades: 11-12
Credit:
Prerequisite: Latin 3 or equivalency test
Students read selected Roman authors for comprehension and
analyze the various passages for content, connotation of words,
and author's style. Students study the life and times of these
authors and their influence on other authors.
The JCL co-counsel explains her Saturnalia
creation.
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ADVANCED PLACEMENT LATIN: CATULLUS/OVID
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
go to the AP
Latin Literature webpage.
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Latin 3, Latin 4, or equivalency test.
The purpose
of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced
Placement examination on Catullus and Ovid, for which placement
and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying
score is achieved. Students study the literary techniques
used by Roman authors and learn aspects of stylistic analysis,
with emphasis on refining the student's ability to read and
understand Latin poetry and on comprehending and interpreting
the readings from Catullus and Ovid. Students also study the
political, social, and cultural backgrounds of the works being
read, as well as classical influences upon later literature.
All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Latin
- Catullus/Ovid exam.
Supplemental Information for Latin 1, 2 and 3:
Describe
a typical lesson in this class.
This is
a 'hands-on' foreign language class. In each class, there
are equal amounts of lecture, group-work, and hands-on cultural
activity.
What
kind/how much homework is required in this class?
In each
level of Latin, there is an assignment every night that should
take between 15 to 20 minutes to complete. As with any foreign
language, students will be required to learn vocabulary. There
are approximately 20 words a week. In Latin III, students
will have translation homework in addition to grammar and
cultural homework.
What
kind of materials do you use in this course?
Standard
academic supplies: notebook, paper, pen/pencil, textbook,
workbook, and a Latin-English dictionary
Is
there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities
associated with this class?
Students
may join the Westfield Junior Classical League (“JCL”),
which meets once a month. Membership in JCL includes membership
in the Virginia Junior Classical League and the National Junior
Classical League. Westfield JCL students attend the Virginia
Junior Classical League Latin Convention in Richmond, Virginia,
in November and compete in local certamina, (competitions
similar to "It's Academic") throughout the year.
Students are also encouraged to attend the National
Junior Classical League summer convention
All students
are required to take the National
Latin Exam in March, and students are encouraged to take
the Medusa
Mythology Exam in April. After five semesters of Latin,
students are eligible for admission to the Latin Honor Society,
which is a member of the National Junior Classical League
Latin Honor Society.
Winners of the Saturnalia party's "Make
a Roman house out of graham crackers and marshmallow fluff"
contest!
How
can this class help me in the future?
• Increased SAT scores: Comparisons of SAT scores shows
that taking at least two years of Latin will increase verbal
SAT scores on average by 100 points. Latin students do this
year after year because Latin words and prefixes show up today
in over sixty percent of the English that we speak daily!
•
Success in other classes - Our language, system of thought,
political system, and much of our culture is based on the
classical tradition. Information learned in Latin will be
found in almost every other discipline.
• It looks good on transcripts - As the competition
for college admission gets heavier and heavier each year,
colleges are looking for that extra “something”
on students’ applications. Students also have the opportunity
to add National Latin Exam and Medusa Mythology Exam awards;
both exams are standardized and are recognized by admission
officers. Students who participate at state and national conventions
have the opportunity to earn awards in academic contests,
creative contests, and certamina.
•
Preparation for a multitude of careers - The benefits of Latin
in preparing students for a future in the legal profession,
the medical field, and in writing are well documented, but
did you know that employers in Silicon Valley, who must train
their employees on the job, are now looking for college graduates
who have proved their worth in school with a Classical education?
Where do I go if I have more questions about this
course?
Ms. Donna Winstanley
G-210
Donna.Winstanley@fcps.edu
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SPANISH
1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves
and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing
basic grammatical structures. The language learning process
integrates basic aspects of the geography, customs, and culture(s)
of the target language countries.
SPANISH 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 1 or equivalency test
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language
skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis
on the ability to communicate orally. They learn to function
in real-life situations using more complex sentences and grammatical
structures. They read material based on familiar topics and
write short, directed compositions. They learn about the family
structure, school life and holidays of the target language
countries.
SPANISH 3
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 2 or equivalency test
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language
skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis
on consistent and sustained use of the languages orally using
more complex grammatical structures. They discuss reading
selections using structures of increased complexity. They
recognize word relationships and associate them with proper
meaning. They write reports, general correspondence, and simple
compositions. They also study the influence of the target
language culture(s) on American culture.
SPANISH 4
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 3 or equivalency test
Students develop more sophisticated communication skills and
refine their reading and writing skills. Students hear reports
in the target language and recognize subtle points and moods
as conveyed by the speakers. Students describe, summarize,
explain, and discuss practical subjects. They express ideas
using complete sentences and broaden their understanding of
the foreign culture.
SPANISH
5
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Level 3 with teacher recommendation, Level 4,
or Advanced Placement Language, or equivalency test
Students
strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
through the study of literature, history, and current events.
They participate in in-depth studies of major literary works
and historical events and learn to recognize the various themes
and conflicts involved.
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
The goal in the beginning levels of Spanish is to introduce
students to Hispanic cultures and develop proficiency in reading,
writing, speaking, and listening to Spanish. Each day is unique,
but each class will include all elements of foreign-language
learning, i.e., speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
These are taught in a variety of formats including pronouncing
new vocabulary and taking notes about grammatical topics,
group work, hands-on projects such as making and putting together
a newspaper in Spanish, dialogue writing and presentation,
etc. Students often work with partners or groups to have conversations
using current vocabulary and grammar. Students also do frequent
listening and reading activities. In the upper levels, all
instruction is in Spanish, with the exception of grammatical
explanations.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Homework is given frequently; most teachers give homework
every day. The homework is intended to help students practice
vocabulary and grammar in the format of reading and writing.
Homework may be activities from the textbook, workbook, or
creative writing exercises. Students occasionally have to
do creative projects using the language. The time necessary
for the completion of an assignment varies but normally would
require between 15 and 30 minutes.
What kind of materials do you use in this course ?
We use a textbook, workbook, tapes/CD's, a computer program
which is coordinated with the text, and a lot of hands-on
material which are produced by the individual teachers. It
is recommended that students have a good Spanish-English dictionary,
and for advanced students, a cassette recorder for use at
home.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
Teachers provide extra help on late-bus days after school.
Students may join the Spanish club to enrich their knowledge
of Hispanic cultures.
Also, the Spanish Honor Society is a nationally-recognized
organization that promotes academic excellence, community
service and a love of the Spanish language and culture. Spanish
3 students (second semester) and upper level students may
apply for membership to Westfield's chapter. Contact Señora
Wiley, sponsor, with any questions.
How can this class help me in the future?
In general, learning a foreign language helps students communicate
with people of other cultures. Also, the admissions requirements
for many colleges and universities include the study of a
foreign language in high school. Students who study Spanish
will find the language useful, since the Spanish-speaking
population in the United States is growing quickly. Students
who become proficient in Spanish often have expanded job and
career opportunities.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH
LANGUAGE
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
click here
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Level 3, 4 or equivalency test
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take
the Advanced Placement Language examination given each spring,
for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college
level if a qualifying score is obtained. Students study the
use of language for active communication. Specifically, they
understand the spoken target language in both formal and conversational
situations. They express ideas accurately and resourcefully,
both orally and in writing, with reasonable fluency, and they
develop a vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper
and magazine articles, contemporary literature, and other
nontechnical writings. They receive extensive training in
the organization and writing of compositions, review syntax,
and study selected works by contemporary authors. Materials
will include recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines.
All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Language
exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LITERATURE
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course,
click here
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Level 4, or Advanced Placement Language, or
equivalency test
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take
the Advanced Placement Literature Examination, for which placement
and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying
score is achieved. Students increase their proficiency in
the basic language skills and learn to analyze prose and verse
passages designated in the College Board syllabus. All students
are required to take the Advanced Placement Literature exam.
Where
do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Sra. Barbara R. Wiley, M.A., Foreign Language Department Chair
E209
Barbara.Wiley@fcps.edu
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SPANISH
FOR FLUENT SPEAKERS 1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Permission from instructor
This course offers fluent speakers of Spanish the opportunity
to strengthen their basic skills in reading and writing Spanish.
The students learn about the Hispanic contributions to the
English language and American culture. The students also study
the major historical figures and events of Spanish-speaking
countries. The course is conducted in Spanish and counts toward
fulfilling the foreign language requirement. Middle School:
credit becomes a part of the high school transcript, is included
in the determination of the high school grade point average
(GPA), and counts toward fulfilling the foreign language requirements
of the high school diplomas. It also counts toward the total
number of credits required for graduation.
SPANISH FOR FLUENT SPEAKERS 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Spanish for Fluent Speakers 1 or permission
from instructor
This course, designed for fluent speakers of Spanish, continues
to emphasize the improvement of students' skills in speaking,
reading, and writing in Spanish. Students read and critique
contemporary short stories and make oral presentations. The
writing and reading processes are emphasized to ensure growth
in both skills. The students will also study various Hispanic
personalities and historic events of Spanish-speaking countries.
The course is conducted in Spanish and counts toward fulfilling
the foreign language requirement
SPANISH FOR FLUENT SPEAKERS 3
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Spanish for Fluent Speakers 2 or permission
from instructor
This course, designed for speakers of Spanish, continues to
emphasize the refinement of proficiency in reading, writing,
and speaking Spanish. Students develop research skills through
the reading and critiquing of literary works. The influence
of Hispanic culture in contemporary American society is highlighted.
The course is conducted in Spanish and counts toward fulfilling
the foreign language requirement.
Supplemental Info for Spanish for Fluent Speakers 1-3:
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
Each day begins with journal writing.
Students go to computer lab, find information on adopted country.
They put together children's book in Spanish with 6 pages,
including pertinent information to learn about country and
points of interest, with drawings or cutout to accompany text.
Then students read information to each other, and work together
to make corrections.
Students revise work, put in book form and send to Dogwood
Elem.
.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
We have a workbook of activities, and we do poem writing,
essays. 30 minutes per night
What kind of materials do you use in this course ?
We use the text 'Tu mundo' and accompanying workbook, tapes,
videos,and we go to the computer lab and library.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
Make up work is done after school on late bus days.
We are starting a 'Latin Dance Club"
How can this class help me in the future?
Betters writing skills, reading skills, communications skills
in the target language for native speakers are the goals of
this class.
Anything else I should know?
Students must be able to function orally in Spanish and have
basic reading and writing skills as native speakers.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Sra. Iris Abbott, Spanish teacher T17
Iris.Abbott@fcps.edu
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