Modern Language Department Curriculum
American Sign Language (ASL)
ASL I
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
This course is the study of basic American Sign Language. Lessons consist of practicing interpretative, interpersonal, and presentational communication using novice level ASL. Students will be introduced to finger spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and simple sentences. Students will be introduced to Deaf culture: the social beliefs, values, history, traditions and communities influenced by deafness.
Our intention is to have this course taught in person at Presentation. However, we may determine that we have to pivot to an online course offering if a part-time staff member is not available.
ASL II
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: Passing grade in each semester of ASL I or qualifying score on ASL proficiency exam
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
This course reviews and complements grammar, vocabulary and cultural knowledge with the content introduced and practiced in ASL I. Lessons consist of practicing interpretative, interpersonal, and presentational communication using novice level ASL Students will practice more advanced language and sentence structures.
Our intention is to have this course taught in person at Presentation. However, we may determine that we have to pivot to an online course offering if a part-time staff member is not available.
Spanish
- Spanish I
- Spanish II
- Honors Spanish II
- Spanish III
- Honors Spanish III
- Spanish IV: Conversation & Popular Culture
- AP Spanish: Language & Culture
- AP Spanish: Literature & Culture
Spanish I
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
This course is the study of basic Spanish. Lessons consist of practicing the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar is learned both inductively and deductively. Many aspects of Spanish culture are emphasized and interculturality is highlighted by making comparison from our own communities to those around the Spanish-speaking world. Authentic materials enhance the objectives.
Spanish II
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite:
Passing grade in each semester of Spanish I.
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
Spanish II reviews and complements grammar, vocabulary and cultural knowledge with the content introduced and practiced in Spanish I or in previous Spanish courses. The skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking continue to be the focus of the course. We leverage communicative practice for oral and written proficiency and employ comprehensible input strategies so that learners can continue to acquire new vocabulary and grammar in context. The study of culture is continued and authentic materials enhance these objectives.
Honors Spanish II
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite:
B+ in each semester of Spanish I
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
This course follows the same curriculum as Spanish II but expands the content through additional vocabulary and more challenging readings. The skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking continue to be the focus of the course. We leverage communicative practice for oral and written proficiency and employ comprehensible input strategies so that learners can continue to acquire new vocabulary and grammar in context. The study of culture is continued and authentic materials enhance these objectives.
This course moves at a faster pace than Spanish II. Students who thrive in this course love learning Spanish. They are avid readers with excellent writing and study skills. They hold themselves to high standards and strive to use accurate grammar and pronunciation. They are comfortable speaking in front of a class or in small groups.
Spanish III
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite:
Passing grade in each semester of Spanish II or Honors Spanish II
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
This course puts into active practice the listening, speaking, writing and reading skills learned in the first two years of study. Although there is some review, students are expected to remember what they learned in Level II. Literary and cultural selections represent the Spanish-speaking world. The spoken language is emphasized through conversation.The class is conducted in Spanish. The use of authentic materials enhances the objectives.
Honors Spanish III
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+ in each semester of Spanish II or B- in each semester of Honors Spanish II
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
This course follows the same curriculum as Spanish III but expands the content through additional vocabulary and more challenging readings and listening activities. This course puts into active practice the listening, speaking, writing and reading skills learned in the first two years of study. Although there is some review, students are expected to remember what they learned in Level II. Literary and cultural selections represent the Spanish-speaking world. The spoken language is emphasized through conversation. The class is conducted in Spanish. Authentic materials enhance the objectives.
This course is a precursor to AP Spanish Language and Culture. Students who thrive in this course love learning Spanish. They are avid readers with excellent writing and study skills. They hold themselves to high standards and strive to use accurate grammar and pronunciation. They are comfortable speaking in front of a class or in small groups.
Spanish IV: Conversation & Popular Culture
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite:
Passing grade in each semester of Spanish III or Honors Spanish III
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
In this year-long, textbook-free course, students will put into practice all of the skills they learned in prior years. Students will explore four Spanish speaking regions by reading historical fiction novels, watching movies, and enjoying delicacies from each region. They will use authentic articles and interviews to explore significant historical events and examine their lasting cultural and social impacts. Through interactive activities students will be immersed in music and traditions from around the globe. An emphasis on conversation will allow students’ Spanish to blossom as they articulate their thoughts, opinions and emotions en español.
AP Spanish: Language & Culture
Grades: 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+ in each semester of Spanish III or Spanish IV, or B- in each semester of Honors Spanish III
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
Students will continue developing the ability to communicate in Spanish. They will enhance their understanding of oral and written language produced in a variety of settings by native speakers. Materials will include literary excerpts of narratives, essays, and poetry as well as videos and audios, cartoons, songs and instructional texts such as recipes. Students will produce oral and written language in the form of letters, emails, essays, summaries, and critiques applying grammar and composition strategies. They will also produce audio recordings, videos and speeches and participate in discussions and conversations about different topics related to politics, social justice, current and historical events and familiar topics. Many forms of feedback will be used in the class to assure participants improve their spoken, written, auditory and reading skills. At the end of the class students will be able to take the AP Language and Culture test. The class is conducted completely in Spanish.
AP Spanish: Literature & Culture
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite:
B- in each semester of AP Spanish Language
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
This course is designed to provide a learning experience equivalent to that of a third year college course in literature written in Spanish. The course introduces students to the formal study of a representative body of literary texts from Spain, Latin America, and the U.S. The course will provide students with ongoing and varied opportunities to further develop their proficiencies across the full range of language skills, with special attention to critical reading and analytical writing, and to encourage them to reflect on the many voices and cultures included in a rich and diverse body of literature written in Spanish.
French
- French I
- French II
- Honors French II
- French III
- Honors French III
- French IV
- AP French: Language & Culture
- French V
- Honors French V
- French IV/V: Professional French
- L'art de Narration (The Art of Storytelling)
French I
French I
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
This course is the study of basic French. Lessons consist of practicing the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar is learned both inductively and deductively. Many aspects of Francophone cultures are emphasized and interculturality highlighted by making comparisons from our own communities to those around the French-speaking world. Authentic materials enhance the objectives.
French II
French II
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: Passing grade in each semester of French I
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
French II reviews and complements grammar, vocabulary and cultural knowledge with the content introduced and practiced in French I or in previous French courses. The skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking continue to be the focus of the course. We leverage communicative practice for oral and written proficiency and employ comprehensible input strategies so that learners can continue to acquire new vocabulary and grammar in context. The study of culture is continued and authentic materials enhance these objectives.
Honors French II
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+ in each semester of French I
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
This course follows the same curriculum as French II but expands the content through additional vocabulary and more challenging readings and listening activities. The skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking continue to be the focus of the course. We leverage communicative practice for oral and written proficiency and employ comprehensible input strategies so that learners can continue to acquire new vocabulary and grammar in context. The study of culture is continued and authentic materials enhance these objectives.
This course moves at a slightly faster pace than French II. Students who thrive in this course are true francophiles. They are avid readers with excellent writing and study skills. They hold themselves to high standards and strive to use accurate grammar and pronunciation. They demonstrate a love for learning languages and are comfortable speaking in front of a class or in small groups.
French III
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite:
Passing grade in each semester of French II or Honors French II
College Prep: UC/CSU“e” Language Other than English
This course puts into active practice the listening, speaking, writing and reading skills learned in the first two years of study. Although there is some review, students are expected to remember what they learned in Level II. Literary and cultural selections represent the French-speaking world. The spoken language is emphasized through conversation. The class is conducted in French. Authentic materials enhance the objectives.
Honors French III
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+in each semester of French II or B- in each semester of Honors French II
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
This course follows the same curriculum as French III but expands the content through additional vocabulary and more challenging readings. This course puts into active practice the listening, speaking, writing and reading skills learned in the first two years of study. Although there is some review, students are expected to remember what they learned in Level 3. Literary and cultural selections represent the French-speaking world. The spoken language is emphasized through conversation. The class is conducted in French. Authentic materials enhance the objectives.
This course moves at a faster pace than French III and is a precursor to AP French Language and Culture. Students who thrive in this course are true francophiles. They are avid readers with excellent writing and study skills. They hold themselves to high standards and strive to use accurate grammar and pronunciation. They demonstrate a love for learning languages and are comfortable speaking in front of a class or in small groups.
French IV
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: Passing grade in each semester of French III or Honors French III
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
The course will focus on the study of culture, customs and history of France and the French-speaking world. Students learn about the influence of French and Francophone culture throughout the world. Students study how various cultures have expressed themselves through the visual, literary, musical, textile, architectural, performing and culinary arts. There is no textbook for this course. Authentic documents from a variety of sources will be used. Grammar and vocabulary will be taught in context. Students will continue to perfect their communication skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. The course is conducted entirely in French as a seminar course in which students are expected to engage in class conversation.
AP French: Language & Culture
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+ in each semester of French III or B- in each semester of Honors French III or French IV
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
Students will continue developing the ability to communicate in French. They will enhance their understanding of oral and written language produced in a variety of settings by native speakers. Materials will include literary excerpts of narratives, essays, and poetry as well as videos and audios, cartoons, songs and instructional texts such as recipes. Students will produce oral and written language in the form of letters, emails, essays, summaries, and critiques applying grammar and composition strategies. They will also produce audio recordings, videos and speeches and participate in discussions and conversations about different topics related to politics, social justice, current and historical events and familiar topics. Many forms of feedback will be used in the class to assure participants improve their spoken, written, auditory and reading skills. At the end of the class students will be able to take the AP Language and Culture test. The class is conducted completely in French.
French V
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: Passing grade in each semester of French IV or AP French Language and Culture
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
The course will focus on the study of culture, customs and history of France and the French-speaking world.
Students learn about the influence of French and Francophone culture throughout the world. Students study how various cultures have expressed themselves through the visual, literary, musical, textile, architectural, performing and culinary arts. There is no textbook for this course. Authentic documents from a variety of sources will be used. Grammar and vocabulary will be taught in context. Students will continue to perfect their communication skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. The course is conducted entirely in French as a seminar course in which students are expected to engage in class conversation.
Honors French V
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+ in each semester of French IV or B- in each semester of AP French
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
This course is a further study of the French language and French culture. The study of literature is emphasized. Grammar and composition skills are continued. Materials will include literary excerpts of narratives, essays, and poetry as well as videos and audios, cartoons, songs and instructional texts such as recipes. Students will produce oral and written language in the form of letters, emails, essays, summaries, and critiques applying grammar and composition strategies. They will also produce audio recordings, videos and speeches and participate in discussions and conversations about different topics related to politics, social justice, current and historical events and familiar topics. Many forms of feedback will be used in the class to assure participants improve their spoken, written, auditory and reading skills. The class is conducted in French. Extensive readings and audio-visual materials enhance further learning.
French IV/V: Professional French
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5 for 1 semester or 10 credits for both semesters.
Prerequisite: B+ in each semester of French III or 3 Honors or B- in each semester of French 4 or AP French Language and Culture
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
Business French is developing considerably in all university programs because it meets the specific expectations of the working world. Moreover, it has been proven that knowing how to speak different languages in the working world, favors integration, negotiation, communication, and collaboration between economic partners. With this class, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the business world by exploring the corporate culture and the possibility of developing essential skills needed for university and your future professional career. This class will be based on real-life situations and will allow you to present yourself as a DFP (professional French diploma) recognized in many companies or immigration destinations like Canada. You must complete both semesters of this course to use it as fulfillment of the Seal of Biliteracy requirements.
Fall Semester
- In the first module, you will learn how to present yourself professionally through a resume, a cover email, and an interview in French format but also how to spotlight your skills.
- In the second module, you will learn how to present a company with its sector or industry and its history. You will also be able to present your pitch and you will interpret graphs and other data models. You will be able to organize a speech and improve your presentational speaking skills.
Spring Semester
- In the third module, you will learn about daily communication in a professional environment, such as asking for information and also learn how to negotiate in oral and written form. You also will learn the art of negotiating the French way. You will argue to be convincing.
- In a fourth module, you will learn how to organize and attend a project meeting, speak up in a meeting, process, present results, politely interrupt and resume speech during a meeting.
L'art de Narration (The Art of Storytelling)
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5 for 1 semester
Prerequisite: B- in each semester of French 2 or 2 Honors or higher
College Prep: UC/CSU “e” Language Other than English
In this course, we will study the art of storytelling throughout the French-speaking world. We will start the semester by studying the orality of stories and the importance of passing stories from one generation to the next. We will study various formats of stories, short stories, personal narrative, graphic novels, folktales, and short novels. At the end of each unit students will present their original narrative work to the class in writing and in a presentation. The class will be conducted entirely in French and will expand on skills learned in previous French classes. Grammar and vocabulary will be taught in context.
This semester-long course is intended for students who wish to continue to deepen their French proficiency skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, but want more flexibility in their course schedule. Prior to enrolling in this course, students need to have completed the language requirements for graduation and admission to their intended university or college. This course is not included in the pathways to the Seal of Biliteracy nor will it fulfill a third year of the “e” Language Other than English A-G requirement for UC/CSU.