World Languages

Grades: 9 & 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

French I introduces students to the French language and culture. Beginning students focus on understanding the language and speaking it in short conversations. As they advance, they learn to read and write French, but throughout the year, the focus remains on oral communication. Through the use of various media, students are aided in their study of French through music, art, and cuisine. To further increase their understanding of the French culture, students begin to correspond with young people in French-speaking countries.

Grades: 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

This course is a continuation of French I. French II students are able to communicate in French with one another and with their instructor with greater ease, and at this level the class is taught almost exclusively in French. Continued study of grammar and vocabulary aids the students in speaking and writing about events in the past, the present, and the future. Besides their textbooks, French II students will continue to use different media to increase their understanding and proficiency in the language. Students will complete a major art project that incorporates their knowledge of French history, French culture and, of course, the language itself. At this level, students can appreciate excursions to French movies, plays, and museum exhibits. French games, music, and cuisine continue to enhance their appreciation of French culture.
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in French I or a grade of C or better on Salesian’s World Language Placement exam.

Grades 9, 10, 11
Credit:  10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

French II Honors is a rigorous intermediate level course for students who are considering the Advanced Placement French Language and Culture course. This course is also a prerequisite to taking French III Honors. In French II Honors, students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing which are incorporated into class every day. Besides their textbook, students regularly use workbooks, audio activities, and magazines. The culture, social customs, and geography of French-speaking countries are also included in this advanced second year of language.

Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A- or better in Spanish I; and 2) recommendations from their teachers.  Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grade: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

French III offers students the opportunity to describe their lives entirely in French. The class is conducted primarily in French with opportunities for linguistic and cultural translation and comparison. Students utilize grammar from French I and II to help them learn and practice expressions of the future, of emotions, and of uncertainty. Besides their textbooks, French III students continue to use different media to increase their understanding and proficiency in the language. Students create analytical texts (spoken, written, visual) that reflect both their linguistic competence but also their symbolic competence, their way of personalizing and responding to the patterns of the French language.
Prerequisite: A grade of B- or higher in French II.

Grades 10, 11, 12         
Credit:  10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

French III Honors is an advanced level course that will further prepare the student for real-life interactions in the French language. This course is also a prerequisite to taking the AP French Language and Culture course the following year. In French III Honors, students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students read newspapers and magazine articles, short stories, poems, excerpts from plays and examine them critically. The use of music, films, games, and celebration of Francophone holidays enhances the French III Honors student’s appreciation and understanding of the French and Francophone cultures.

Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A  in Spanish II or a B+ or better in Spanish II Honors; and 2) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the Department Chair.

Grade: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP French challenges students to describe world issues entirely in French, with a goal of taking the AP French examination in May. AP French students engage in French with the themes of health, technology, urban living, careers, ecology, and the arts. The class is conducted exclusively in French with opportunities for linguistic and cultural translation and comparison. Students are expected to read, write, and speak French consistently and in a variety of ways. Besides their textbooks, AP French students will use different media to present their learning to their classmates. Students create analytical texts (spoken, written, visual) that reflect both their linguistic competence but also their symbolic competence, their way of personalizing and responding to the patterns of the French language. There is a focus on linguistic variation and cultural differences in the French-speaking world.
Prerequisite: A grade of B or higher in French III.

Spanish I provides a basic introduction to Spanish. The goal of Spanish I is for students to acquire a strong foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing the language. The main focus, however, will be on facilitating daily conversation among all students. Beyond the study of the language and its structure, this course will promote an appreciation and understanding of the Latin culture throughout the world. Aids to cultural awareness include Spanish music, films, magazines, and celebration of Hispanic holidays.

Grades: 9, 10, & 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish II will build upon the knowledge that students acquired during their first year. In Spanish II students will continue to focus on oral and written comprehension. The four major skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are incorporated into class every day. Besides their text, students regularly use workbooks, audio, and magazines. The culture, social customs and geography of Spanish-speaking countries are also included in this pivotal second year.
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish I or equivalent, or a grade of C or better on Salesian’s World Language Placement exam.

Grades: 9, 10, & 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish II Honors is a rigorous intermediate level course for students who wish to continue into the Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture course. This course is also a prerequisite to take Spanish III Honors. In Spanish II Honors, students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing which are incorporated into class every day. Besides their textbook, students regularly use workbooks, audio activities, and magazines. The culture, social customs and geography of Spanish-speaking countries are also included in this advanced second year of language.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A- or better in Spanish I; and 2) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grades: 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish III is an advanced level course for students who wish to continue beyond the required two years of study. In Spanish III students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The students' skills will be reinforced through a wide range of activities that include cooperative learning and auditory and written exercises. The use of music, films, games, and celebration of Spanish holidays enhances the Spanish III students' appreciation and understanding of the Hispanic culture.
Prerequisite: A grade of B- or better in Spanish II and permission from the instructor.

Grades: 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish III Honors is an advanced level course that will further prepare the student for real-life interactions in Spanish language. This course is also a prerequisite to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture course the following year. In Spanish III Honors, students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students read newspapers and magazine articles, short stories, poems, excerpts from plays and examine them critically. The use of music, films, games, and celebration of Spanish holidays enhances the Spanish III Honors student’s appreciation and understanding of the Hispanic culture.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A in Spanish II or a B+ or better in Spanish II Honors; and 2) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the Department Chair.

Grade: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP Spanish is an honors level course for those students who have completed Spanish III and have chosen to increase their mastery of Spanish in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Building on previously learned concepts, students broaden their communication skills through written assignments and speaking situations. This course also focuses on the multi-faceted history, literature, and culture of the Hispanic world. At the end of the year, students will take the AP Spanish Language exam.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and a grade of B (86%) or better in Spanish III Honors.