Course Catalog: Language Department

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – French 1 or placement by written and oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Satisfactory completion of French 1 or placement by written and oral examination

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — French 2 is designed for students who have successfully completed their first year of French.  It is a two-semester course which aims to improve the student’s ability to speak, read, and write in French, to systematically review grammar previously studied, to master new concepts in French, and to enhance the student’s knowledge of the cultural diversity of the French-speaking world.  The emphasis on improvement of oral skills will be  considerable, and  the  student  will be  encouraged to speak in French  on a  variety  of topics and in a number of situations ranging from question and answer to oral presentations and/or situations. A final grade of C+ (in June) is required to go on to French 3.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – French 1 or placement by written and oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA 
 

Course Description — French 2H is an accelerated course designed to challenge the student who, during his/her first year, has actively participated in class, mastered the grammar and vocabulary presented in level one and/or demonstrated the ability to advance more rapidly than the average college preparatory student.  The teacher will aid students in acquiring the following skills: increased oral proficiency on a variety of topics, an expanded vocabulary, the ability to read selections appropriate to intermediate level students and increased ability to write essays.  The course materials are designed to stimulate conversation and to perfect that skill, striving to imitate the native speaker’s pronunciation, accent, and rhythm, as the student’s abilities increase.  Students will also become more informed about some of the contemporary problems and difficulties affecting Francophone communities. Students will further develop their ability to express themselves in spoken and written French.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – French 2 or 2H or placement by written and oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C+ in French 2 or 2H or placement by written and oral examination 

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — French 3 is an intermediate level language course designed for those students who have acquired satisfactory competency during their first two years of language study.  The course builds upon the skills and material covered in French 1 and 2.  It reviews all major grammatical structures and introduces a broader scope of grammatical knowledge.  Emphasis is placed on improving oral skills, broadening the range of grammatical structures the student can effectively use in writing and conversation, enriching the student's vocabulary, and deepening his/her awareness of present day social justice issues within the French-speaking world.  This class is conducted in French, except when complex grammar concepts require a clearer explanation in English. Through a variety of cultural activities, the course will enhance students’ knowledge and appreciation of the incredible diversity of the French–speaking world and will encourage and enable the student to broaden his/her  “French life.” Students are expected to speak in French at all times.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – French 2 or 2H or placement by written and oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations
 

Course Description — French 3H is an advanced language course designed for students identified during their first two years as superior French students, who wish to become fluent in French and prepare themselves for French 4 AP. Students will practice the major grammar structures previously studied, as well as more complex grammar concepts, including expanded uses of the subjunctive mood.  Considerable emphasis will be given to enriching the students’ active vocabulary and increasing their ability to comprehend and express themselves in spoken and written French.  Students will be required to speak in French in a variety of situations ranging from class discussion to oral presentations and situations.  Students will be able to read with comprehension selected short stories and newspaper and magazine articles. Through a variety of cultural activities the course will enhance students’ knowledge and appreciation of the incredible diversity of the French–speaking world, will encourage and enable the student to broaden his/her  “French life,” and will prepare the  student for French 4AP.  This class is conducted entirely in French, and students are expected to speak French at all times.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – French 3 or 3H
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C+ in French 3 and recommendation of third-year teacher 

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — French 4 is a two-semester course for students who have received an A, B or C+ in French 3 and/or teacher approval. This course is designed for students who are interested in using their foundation in French to explore in greater depth the cultures of the francophone world through art, film, literature, history, current events, and social justice issues. The primary aim of this course is to improve the student’s ability to speak, read, write and comprehend French in more sophisticated social, historical and political contexts.   The student will review vocabulary and grammar, master new advanced language concepts, and enhance his/her knowledge of the cultural diversity of the French-speaking world. The class is conducted entirely in French except for complex grammatical explanations and students are expected to speak in French at all times.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year 

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – French 3 or 3H
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May.

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations
 

Course Description — French 4AP is a two-semester advanced language course designed for students who have excelled in French 1, 2H, and 3H and who are interested in pursuing a more rigorous course of study in the language and cultures of the francophone world. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and improve proficiency in the three modes of communication—Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational—defined as foundational in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21^st Century. This course will enhance the student’s cognitive, analytical, and communicative skills while emphasizing both fluency and accuracy in French. Authentic materials from the francophone world will be used to enhance student exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. There are 6 primary themes presented throughout the year: Beauty and Aesthetics, Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Family and Community. These themes, which also parallel the content of the AP exam, will be addressed through literature, art, music, poetry, politics, and world events. The class is conducted entirely in the target language and students are expected to speak in French at all times.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11
Length – One Year 

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – None
Criteria for Enrollment – None

UC/CSU Subject E Approval

Course Description — The Cambridge Latin Course, Units 1 and 2, open the door to the Latin language and literature for the beginning student through adapted readings about a Roman family living in Pompeii. Students will engage in the following activities: reading Latin aloud and silently; asking and answering Latin questions about the readings; translating Latin sentences into English and vice-versa; memorizing and using vocabulary; developing listening and speaking skills; studying the history and origin of English words derived from Latin; and learning about the customs, history, and mythology of the ancient Romans, especially as they have affected our own culture today. The aims of the course are: to teach students to read Latin accurately and confidently; and to familiarize students with life in the early Roman Empire.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year 

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Latin 1 or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Satisfactory completion of Latin 1 or placement by written   examination

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — Latin 2 continues the progress of first-year Latin. Students will read and write more sophisticated Latin, incorporating passive voice, various types of clauses, participles, infinitives and the subjunctive mood (mode), as they begin to transition to "real Latin," authentic primary sources from the Roman era.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Latin 1 or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA 
 

Course Description — In Latin 2H, the more advanced students will more quickly acquire new knowledge of Latin grammar and sentence structures to enable them to read more sophisticated works of prose and poetry.  Students continue to learn about various aspects of Roman culture and history using the Cambridge Latin Course Unit 3.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Latin 2 or 2H or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C in Latin 2 or teacher recommendation

UC/CSU Subject E Approval

Course Description — Latin 3 Prose is an advanced level language course for the serious student who has mastered the basic elements and concepts of Latin 1 and 2, and those students wishing to continue their Latin study, but not as Advanced Placement.  The Latin Prose student completes the learning of Latin forms and grammar, concentrating on use of infinitives, subjunctive verbs, gerunds and gerundives within the classical Latin periodic sentence in Roman prose writers such as Cicero, Livy, and Pliny. Students will encounter the genres of history, commentary, and, oratory.

NOTE: LATIN 3 PROSE is offered in the Fall of odd years (2023, 2025, etc.)

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Latin 2 or 2H or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment –Latin 2 and teacher recomendation. See criteria for Honors Enrollment.

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations 
 

Course Description — Cambridge Latin Course Unit 4.  Latin 3H is an advanced language course designed for the superior Latin students who wish to continue to refine their Latin skills and reading ability.  New grammar includes all uses of the subjunctive mood, gerund and gerundive; the student’s overriding task is to read and comprehend the variety of clauses and constructions which typically form the Latin periodic sentence. A study of rhetoric accompanies readings from speeches of Cicero.  In addition to the prose readings mentioned in the description of Latin 3, the 3H student will study a selected Latin author, reading excerpts from  his   original  works.  Latin 3H is strongly recommended for students intending to enroll in Latin 4AP in the following year. 

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Latin 3 or 3H
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C in Latin 3 or 3H or teacher recommendation 

UC/CSU Subject E Approval

Course Description — Latin 4 Prose is an advanced level language course for the serious student who has mastered the basic elements and concepts of Latin 1, 2 and 3 and wishes to continue the study of Latin literature, but not as Advanced Placement.  The Latin Prose student reviews all Latin forms and grammar, and becomes more proficient in reading, understanding and translating the classical Latin periodic sentence in Roman prose writers such as Cicero, Livy, and Pliny.  Students will encounter the genres of history, commentary, and oratory.

NOTE: LATIN 4 PROSE is offered in the Fall of odd years (2023, 2025, etc.)

Grade Level – 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Latin 3H, 3/4 Prose, 3/4 Poetry, with teacher recommendation
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May.

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations
 

Course Description — The Latin 4AP course is an advanced reading course. Selections from De Bello Gallico Books 1, 4, 5 and 6 and Vergil’s Aeneid Books 1, 2, 4, and 6 are read in Latin.  Students will also read Caesar’s Conquest of Gaul Books 1, 6, and 7 and Vergil’s Aeneid Books 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 in English.  In addition to appropriate translation skills, students are expected to employ literary analysis (much as in an English literature class), in order to fully appreciate the Latin work being studied.  The aims of this year-long course are:  to improve the students' ability to read, understand and translate Latin poetry and prose; to expose students to poetic syntax, figures of speech, and meter; to involve students in literary analysis  of  Latin poetry and prose; to  enhance  the  student's understanding of the literary and social contexts of the Roman world of the first century B.C. and A.D.; and to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in Latin. 

*This course will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – None
Criteria for Enrollment – None

 UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — Mandarin 1 is a two-semester course designed for beginners.  No background in Mandarin is presumed or required.  Mandarin 1 introduces students to the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Chinese.  As students gain knowledge, understanding and fluency, the communication in class will be conducted in Mandarin only. By the end of the year, students are expected to pronounce the sound of Mandarin with reasonable accuracy, and to understand and sustain simple conversations in Chinese. Students will be exposed to Chinese culture in order to develop an understanding of and appreciation for different cultures and people, customs, behavior and traditions.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Mandarin 1 or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Satisfactory completion of Mandarin 1 or placement by written and oral examination 

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — Mandarin 2 is a two-semester course that continues the study and development of Mandarin. This course will have combination of acquiring elementary to low intermediate level of Mandarin language use along with Chinese culture information. Students will continue developing skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and expanding knowledge of grammatical structures. Instruction in written Chinese will be a combination of simplified and traditional characters. The transcription of Mandarin sounds will be in Hanyu Pinyin. 

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Mandarin 1 or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment or placement by examination

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA 
 

Course Description — Mandarin 2H is an accelerated course designed to challenge the student who, during his/her first year, has actively participated in class, mastered the grammar and vocabulary presented in level one and/or demonstrated the ability to advance more rapidly than the average college preparatory student. The teacher will aid students in acquiring the following skills: increased oral proficiency on a variety of topics, an expanded vocabulary, the ability to read selections appropriate to low intermediate level students and increased ability to write essays. The course materials are designed to stimulate conversation and to perfect that skill, striving to imitate the native speaker’s pronunciation, accent, and rhythm, as the student’s abilities increase. Students will also become more informed about some of the contemporary problems and difficulties affecting Chinese communities. Students will further develop their ability to express themselves in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Mandarin 2 or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C in Mandarin 2 or placement by written and oral examination

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — Mandarin 3 is a third-year course that continues the study and development of Mandarin to high intermediate level. This course builds upon the skills and materials covered in Mandarin 1 and 2. It broadens the range of grammatical structures the students can effectively use in day-to-day communication, focusing on listening and reading comprehension skills, and developing students’ oral and written skills in the language. This course includes a closer look at the classic and modern Chinese culture, enriching the student’s vocabulary and deepening his or her awareness of the Mandarin-speaking world. This class is conducted mainly in Mandarin, except when complex grammar concepts require a clearer explanation in English. Students are expected to speak in Mandarin at all times.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year 

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requiremen
tPrerequisite – Mandarin 2/2H or placement by written and oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations
 

Course Description — Mandarin 3H is an advanced language course designed for students identified during their first two years as superior Mandarin students, who wish to become fluent in Mandarin and prepare themselves for Mandarin 4 AP. This course broadens the range of grammatical structures the students can effectively use in communication. Considerable emphasis will be given to enriching the students’ active vocabulary and increasing their ability to comprehend and express themselves in spoken and written Mandarin. The students will be required to speak in Mandarin in various situations ranging from class discussions to oral presentations and skits. Students will be able to read with comprehension selected short stories and various articles. This course includes a closer look at the classic and modern Chinese culture, enriching the student’s vocabulary and deepening his or her awareness of the Mandarin-speaking world. This class is conducted mainly in Mandarin and students are expected to speak in Mandarin at all times.

Grade Level – 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Mandarin 3 or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C in Mandarin 2 or placement by examination

 UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — Mandarin 4 is a two-semester course designed for students who have received an A, B or C+ in Mandarin 3 and/or teacher approval. This course is designed for students who are interested in using their foundation in Mandarin to explore in greater depth the cultures of the Chinese world through art, film, literature, history, current events, and social justice issues. The primary aim of this course is to improve the student’s ability to speak, read, write and comprehend Mandarin in more sophisticated contexts. The student will review vocabulary and grammar, master new advanced language concepts, and enhance his/her knowledge of the diversity of t he Mandarin-speaking world. The class is conducted entirely in Mandarin except for complex grammatical explanations and students are expected to speak in Mandarin at all times.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year 

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Mandarin 3 or 3H or placement by examination
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations
 

Course Description — AP Mandarin 4 is a two-semester advanced language course designed for students who have excelled in their previous Mandarin study and who are interested in pursuing a more rigorous course of study in Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and improve proficiency in the three modes of communication—Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational—defined as foundational in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21^st Century. This course will enhance the student’s cognitive, analytical, and communicative skills while emphasizing both fluency and accuracy in Mandarin. Authentic materials will be used to enhance student exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The class is conducted mostly in Mandarin and students are encouraged to speak in Mandarin at all times.

*This course will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – None
Criteria for Enrollment – None

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — Spanish 1 is designed for the beginning Spanish student. No background in Spanish is expected. Comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills are developed simultaneously from simple to more complex sentence structures. The language skills are presented in a logical progression so that the student learns by practice both in the classroom and at home with the help of on-line tutorials. The learning process is based on the active participation of each student in a variety of formats. Students learn essential vocabulary, basic structures of the language, and cultural aspects of Latin America and Spain. By the end of the course, each student has the ability to do the following: ask questions and answer them affirmatively or negatively using present tenses; arrange proper word order; speak and write clearly; write short compositions; and use common idiomatic expressions.

Grade Level – 9
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Some background experience in Spanish
Criteria for Enrollment – Oral and written placement examination

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — This course is designed for incoming freshmen who have some experience in Spanish but did not place in Spanish 2 Honors at St. Ignatius. Since these students already have some basic skills in Spanish, they will review and/or learn, at an accelerated pace, the vocabulary and grammar structures taught in a regular level one course. Significant emphasis will be placed on improving students’ speaking and writing skills. They will acquire an expanded vocabulary, a deeper understanding of grammatical concepts, increased reading proficiency, improved oral expression, increased aural proficiency, the ability to write short compositions, and further knowledge of Spanish and Latin American cultures.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year 

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Spanish 1 or Spanish 1 Accelerated or placement by written or oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Satisfactory completion of Spanish 1 or placement by written and oral examination

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description —Spanish 2 is a language course designed for students who have successfully completed their first year of Spanish. It is a two-semester course which aims to improve the student’s ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish, to systematically review grammar previously studied, and to master new concepts in Spanish, and to enhance the student’s knowledge of the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. The emphasis on improvement of oral skills will be considerable, and the student will be encouraged to speak in Spanish on a variety of topics and in a number of situations ranging from question and answer to oral presentations and/or situations.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Spanish 1 or Spanish 1 Accelerated or placement by written and oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA 

Course Description — Spanish 2H is an accelerated course designed to challenge the student who, during his/her first year, has actively participated in class, mastered the grammar and vocabulary presented in level one and/or demonstrated the ability to advance more rapidly than the average college preparatory student. The teacher will aid students in acquiring the following skills: increased oral proficiency on a variety of topics, an expanded vocabulary, the ability to read selections appropriate to intermediate level students and increased ability to write essays. The course materials are designed to stimulate conversation and to perfect that skill, striving to imitate the native speaker’s pronunciation, accent, and rhythm, as the student’s abilities increase. Students will also become more informed about some of the contemporary problems and difficulties affecting Hispanic communities. Students will further develop their ability to express themselves in spoken and written Spanish.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Spanish 2 or 2H or placement by written and oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C in Spanish 2, recommendation of second-year teacher and active class participation

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — Spanish 3 is an intermediate level language course designed for those students who have acquired satisfactory competency during their first two years of language study. The course builds upon the skills and material covered in Spanish 1 and 2. It reviews all major grammatical structures and introduces a broader scope of grammatical knowledge. Emphasis is given to improving oral skills, broadening the range of grammatical structures the student can effectively use in writing and conversation, enriching the student's vocabulary and deepening his/her awareness of present day social justice issues within the Spanish-speaking world, as well as examining immigration issues facing Latinos. This class is conducted in Spanish, except when complex grammar concepts require a clearer explanation in English. Students are expected to speak in Spanish at all times.

Grade Level – 9, 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Spanish 2 or 2H or placement by written and oral examination
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment 

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations
 

Course Description — Spanish 3H is an advanced language course designed for students identified during their first two years as those superior Spanish students, who wish to become fluent in Spanish and prepare themselves for Spanish 4 AP. Students will practice the major grammar structures previously studied, as well as more complex grammar concepts, including expanded uses of the subjunctive mood. Considerable emphasis will be given to enriching the students’ active vocabulary and increasing their ability to comprehend and express themselves in spoken and written Spanish. Students will be required to speak in Spanish in a variety of situations ranging from class discussion to oral presentations and situations. Students will be able to read with comprehension selected short stories and newspaper and magazine articles. They will also become more informed about some of the contemporary problems and  difficulties affecting Hispanic communities. This class is conducted in Spanish, and students are expected to speak Spanish at all times.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year 

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Spanish 3 or 3H
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C in Spanish 3 or recommendation of third-year teacher

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

 Course Description — This two-semester course is an advanced language course designed for those students who wish to improve and build upon their Spanish skills and delve deeper into the cultures and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. Prominent topics uncovered will be the volatile history of Latin American dictatorships, the impact and perception of Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S., and the diversity and beauty of art in the Spanish-speaking world. The course is comprised of an on-going review of all major grammar structures, as well as a thorough study of more complex grammar concepts. Considerable emphasis is given to broadening his/her cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world and increasing his/her ability to comprehend and express him/herself in both spoken and written Spanish. In order to maximize interaction with the language, students are expected to speak Spanish at all times.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Year

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requiremen
tPrerequisite – Spanish 3/3H or 4
Criteria for Enrollment – See criteria for Honors Enrollment. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May.

UC/CSU Subject E Approval
 

Course Description — AP Spanish language covers the equivalent material of a third-year college course in advanced Spanish composition and conversation. The aims of this two-semester course are: to improve dramatically the student’s speaking ability; to review systematically grammar previously studied; to master — orally and in writing — new and more complex grammar concepts; to expose students to the literary use of Spanish and to increase both their literal and critical reading skills; to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination; and to enhance the students’ knowledge of the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will be required to speak Spanish in a variety of situations ranging from class discussions to oral presentations and debates. Students will read newspaper and magazine articles, short stories, poems, and excerpts from novels or plays by peninsular and/or Latin American authors. The selected class materials are designed to stimulate and perfect conversation and to assist students in the imitation of the native speaker’s pronunciation, rhythm, moods and humor as their abilities increase. This class is conducted in Spanish, and students are expected to speak Spanish at all times.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Semester

Type of Course – Elective which meets one semester of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Spanish 3, 3H, 4 or 4AP
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C+ in Spanish 3, 3H, 4 or 4AP

UC/CSU Subject G Approval
 

Course Description — This is an advanced, semester-long course designed for students who wish to improve their Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge, with particular emphasis on the improvement of oral communication skills. Students will gain a better understanding of the culture, history and traditions of Latin America and Spain by watching films and participating in class debates and discussions. New vocabulary and expressions will be taught to allow the students a better understanding of the authentic materials used in class.  The class will review some of the advanced grammar structures learned in previous classes, but no new grammar structures will be covered. This class will be conducted in Spanish, and students will be expected to speak Spanish at all times.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Semester

Type of Course – Elective which meets one year of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Spanish 3, 3H, 4 or 4AP
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C+ in Spanish 3, 3H, 4, or 4AP

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — This one semester course will explore the origin, cultural value, and materials used to create a variety of Latin American handicrafts. Students will make their own craft for each unit. Scheduling approximately 9 class meetings per handicraft would allow for 5-6 different units during a semester course. The class would be conducted in Spanish. Students would also learn new vocabulary and review a major grammar point per project.

Each craft project would be accompanied by:   
   A.  historical background of object   
   B.  cultural value and meaning of object
   C.  vocabulary list related to current topic
   D.  at least one main grammar review point
               a.  formal and informal commands 
               b.  preterite & imperfect
               c.  present subjective
               d.  future & conditional
   E.  at least 2-3 reading comprehension activities
   F.  music/videos/rentals  

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level – 11, 12
Length – One Semester

Type of Course – Elective which meets one semester of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Available to students who have completed Spanish 3, 3H, 4 or 4AP
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C+ in Spanish 3 or recommendation of third-year teacher

UC/CSU Subject E Approval

Course Description — Students will explore Mexico through the lens of film for one semester in this advanced Spanish course designed for students who wish to improve their Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge.  In class, students will view full-length feature films, shorts, and documentaries.  Students will learn about the Golden Era of Mexican Film during the 1940's and 1950's. Students will focus on New Mexican Cinema with films from the 2010's.  Students will learn to appreciate Mexican directors, like Luis Buñuel & Claudia Saint-Luce, and actors, like Pedro Infante, Mario Moreno "Cantinflas", Blanca Estela Pavón, Karla Souza, Eugenio Derbez. Students will gain perspective on the Mexican experience, taking a critical look at poverty and wealth, gender issues, music as a tool for change, migration, and the family unit amongst other themes.  Students will be asked to view a brand new Mexican movie at a film festival.  In-class discussions will provide a forum for students to think critically and trade ideas with each other.  Writing assignments will include movie critiques and alternative final scenes.  Students will get to make their own short films as well.  

In order to immerse students, the class will be conducted in Spanish and students are expected to speak Spanish in class.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.
 

Grade Level – 11, 12
Length – One Semester

Type of Course – Elective which meets one semester of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Available to students who have completed Spanish 3, 3H, 4 or 4AP
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C+ in Spanish 3 or recommendation of third-year teacher

UC/CSU Subject E Approval

Course Description — Students will delve into Caribbean music for one semester in this advanced Spanish course designed for students who wish to improve their Spanish and cultural awareness. Genres include salsa, son, merengue, bachata, rumba, latin jazz, and cumbia. Through music, students will better understand the beautiful culture, complex history, and powerful influence of Caribbean people from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.  Students will learn to recognize styles and instruments, break down song lyrics, watch films like Buena Vista Social Club, and read related literature like stories by Gabriel García Márquez.  Themes of the music include love and friendship, religious syncretism, political resistance, baseball and fútbol, and racial, geographic, and national identities.  Students will experience artists like Bomba Estereo, Carlos Vives, Celia Cruz, Afro-Cuban All Stars, Gloria Estefan, Tito Puente, Juan Luis Guerra, Sara González, and Prince Royce.  Students will create and dance to different Caribbean rhythms.  Students are asked to go see a live concert and report back on their experience. Students do not need a background in music to take this course. 

In order to immerse students in the target language, the class will be conducted in Spanish and students are expected to speak Spanish at all times.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level – 11, 12
Length – One Semester

Type of Course – Elective which meets one semester of language graduation requirement
Prerequisite – Spanish 3, 3H, 4 or 4AP
Criteria for Enrollment – Minimum semester grade of C+ in Spanish 3 or recommendation of third-year teacher

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — In this one semester Spanish course, students will explore, use and improve their Spanish by reading outstanding short stories by some of the most successful authors of our time; Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, Julio Cortázar, Jorge Luis Borges, Carlos Fuentes, & Juan Rulfo, just to name a few. Students will read ONE short story per week. Students will be asked to read, understand, & analyze these short stories. For quizzes students will need to recall characters, vocabulary, and storylines and critically think about themes.  Class discussions and debates will provide a forum for students to become literature critics and trade ideas with the teacher and classmates regarding the messages provided in the stories. Students will be able to strengthen their grammar, vocab and speaking skills in Spanish. In order to immerse students in the target language, the class will be conducted in Spanish and students are expected to speak Spanish at all times. 

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level – 10, 11, 12
Length – One Semester

Type of Course – Elective
Prerequisite – None
Criteria for Enrollment – Permission of instructor or Department. Enrollment is via roster submitted by instructor. Students should not list this course on their Schedule Request Forms.

Course Description — Language Teaching Assistants provide support for the Language faculty for 1 hour/week. Teaching Assistants fulfill the following duties:

1. checking homework
2. grading objective sections of tests
3. doing Internet or other research
4. decorating bulletin boards
5. peer tutoring

Normally, the student will help before school or after school. There will be times when some of the correcting may be taken home for delivery on the following day. Interested students may apply by requesting and completing a Teaching Assistant Contract from their teacher.