INTERNATIONAL languageS

Each student should determine her four-year program of language studies as a 9th grader.  Two consecutive years of one international language, taken at Duchesne, are required; four are recommended.  If, as a 9th grader, a student anticipates academic difficulty, enrollment in a first level language should be delayed. 

FRENCH I

French I, a beginning course for those who have had little or no French, is built around Total Physical Response Storytelling (TPRS), a method used to develop fluency.  The course emphasizes basic vocabulary and reading and listening comprehension, supplemented with speaking and short original paragraphs written in French.  Structure is generally presented as an explanation of what students have already acquired or are beginning to notice; materials are presented in both the present and the past tense.  Cultural activities include an introduction to traditional songs, holidays, geography, schools, leisure activities and daily life of/in France and other French-speaking countries.  Students have frequent homework assignments and are expected to participate orally in class.

FRENCH II

(Prerequisite:  a "C" average or better for semester II of French I and teacher recommendation; for students new to Duchesne, a 75 percent on the placement test.)

French II continues the TPRS approach described above (see French I).  Students improve communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing; materials continue to be presented in both the present and the past tense.  Cultural aspects are expanded to include shopping, sports, travel/transportation, and health care in France and other French-speaking countries.  Students are expected to do homework almost every evening and to participate orally in class.

FRENCH III

(Prerequisite:  a "B-" average in French II and recommendation.)

Structure and vocabulary presented in French II are expanded in the third level.  The imperfect, future and conditional tenses are introduced, with usage emphasized and communicative competence the goal. Discussions are primarily in French, and students are expected to ask questions, respond, and discuss in simple French.  Cultural information provides the context for and reinforces vocabulary and structure.  Students are introduced to the study of French literature.   

FRENCH IV-V

(Prerequisite:  a "B-" in French III and recommendation.)

Depending on the enrollment, French IV and V may be offered as separate or combined courses.  Both classes require a total commitment to speaking the language during class, and students are expected to interact and discuss in French.  To expand their knowledge of language registers, literature, and contemporary culture, students read and listen to a variety of selections.  Films and other media form the basis for part of the curriculum.  Grammar and composition are increasingly important.  Although neither of these courses is designated as an AP course, Level V students in particular are encouraged to consider taking the AP French Language Exam, and the structure and focus of that exam inform the curriculum.

SPANISH I

Spanish I is a beginning course for students who have had little or no exposure to the Spanish language.  Students work on the four basic language skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) and on learning skills and specific techniques to facilitate acquisition of a second language.  Cooperative learning is often utilized throughout this class.  This course introduces fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, usage, and spelling.  Vocabulary and Hispanic culture will also be stressed.  Cultural activities include an introduction to geography, schools, leisure activities, travel and daily life in Spanish speaking countries.  Students are expected to do homework almost every evening and also to participate orally in class, utilizing and applying the vocabulary and structure learned.  Computer activities are an integral part of this course.

SPANISH II

(Prerequisite:  a "C" average or better for semester II of Spanish I and teacher recommendation; for students new to Duchesne, a 75 percent on the placement test.)

Students improve communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish II.  This course includes additional grammar and readings with oral discussions.  Cultural and social aspects will be expanded.   Computer activities continue to be an integral part of this class.

SPANISH III

(Prerequisite:  a "B" average or better in Spanish II and recommendation.)

This course will continue to stress grammar, oral and written skills.  There is a comprehensive review of Spanish I and II during the first quarter.  Additional grammar is learned, and the study of the culture, geography, and social and political aspects of the Spanish speaking world is more in-depth.

SPANISH IV

(Prerequisite:  a "B" average or better in Spanish III and recommendation.)  

This course is a continuation of the Spanish III course and continues to stress grammar and oral and written skills.  Additional grammar is learned; students continue their study of culture and social aspects of Hispanic countries, with an emphasis in Hispanic literature A strong emphasis is placed on reading, writing and speaking in Spanish.

SPANISH V

(Prerequisite:  a "B+" average or better in Spanish IV and recommendation.)

This course is dedicated to the study of history, art and literature.  Geography, music and artists of Spain are also incorporated.  The students are expected to interact, read and discuss these aspects in Spanish.  A variety of sources and media will be utilized in this class.  Grammar and writing skills will be refined.  Students must have a total commitment to the target language for success at this advanced level.

LATIN I

(Prerequisite- 2 years of another language)This Tuesday/Wednesday Latin course will build on students’ foundation in the Romance languages. Latin I introduces basic grammar and vocabulary. Emphasis is in translating primarily from Latin to English. The stories are based on the childhood and education of the Roman poet Horace. Selections pertaining to The Iliad, The Aeneid, and other famous Romans are also translated. Proper pronunciation and basic oral conversation skills in Latin are also emphasized. Finally, students work on English derivatives and Roman history, culture, and mythology.

LATIN II

(Prerequisite Latin I) Students will continue their study of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary and engage in a more intensive investigation of Roman Culture, history, literature and mythology. They will continue to assimilate and use additional Latin expressions, maxims and abbreviations in common use today; they will also explore derivatives which will enhance their English language vocabulary and reading comprehension. Audio-visual materials, especially the laptop, will be used to enhance and embellish the students’ understanding and appreciation of the Latin language and Roman influence and culture.

Ms. Nikki McDonald

French I, II, III, and IV:

Ms. Mercedes Naranjo
Spanish III, IV, V

Ms. Michelle Goliber
Spanish I, II

Mr. Jerry Stommes

Intro to Latin, Latin I

Ms. Frederika Ver Hulst

French V