World Languages

Teaching Staff

Fox Beyer
Kristin Cianciosi
Kristen Grahsler
Rebecca Hansen
Susan Holleran, Department Coordinator
Christine Pettus
Dawn VanNosdall

In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever that we have an understanding of other cultures and an ability to speak other languages. The fundamental purpose of world language instruction is to enable students to communicate in a foreign language and to understand and appreciate other cultures. The World Languages curriculum at any level concentrates on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, in addition to culture. Five years of French and Spanish, and three years of Italian are offered.

Course Offerings

Conversational Spanish (5 credits)
Beginning in the Fall of 2001, all New Jersey high schools are required to study two years of world language. This course emphasizes the development of basic communication skills in the language, along with an understanding of the cultural aspects of Spanish. Students enter the District having taken limited amounts of the language, therefore, the course will be flexible in order to accommodate and engage all students. Strategies will include student-centered instruction, cooperative learning and computer applications. Units will be organized by themes, situations, and scenarios.

Conversational Spanish II (5 credits)
This course is the extension of Conversational Spanish I. Once students in Conversational Spanish I reach the expected level of language competency. Conversational Spanish II builds on those acquired communication skills and also increases individual student development to recognize, respect and celebrate the similarities and differences between their culture and other cultures. Like Conversational Spanish I, the teaching approaches as well as assessment are non-traditional, and nongrammar-based. At the completion of this course, students will be able to realize successful performance in language, as outlined in the New Jersey World Curriculum Framework.

French, Italian, or Spanish II (5 credits)
The emphasis at this level is on basic oral and listening proficiency, especially in the initial stages. Through progression, the student will begin to incorporate both reading and writing skills while progressively building oral proficiency. Basic grammatical concepts and introductory vocabulary are presented and practiced. Students can recognize similarities and differences between their own and the target language culture. Students acquire an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.

French, Italian, or Spanish II (5 credits)
The emphasis at this level is placed on building upon the grammatical structures, concepts and mastery of intermediate vocabulary usage. The major grammatical concepts studied at this level are simple and composed past tenses. Students will gradually expand their knowledge about the target cultures. Students will identify geographical features, historical landmarks, and major sites of the areas where the target language is spoken and their influence on that culture.

French, Italian, or Spanish II (5 credits)
At this level, continued emphasis is placed upon the four basic skills: oral, listening, reading and writing. The student will be exposed and introduced to some of the major historical, geographical, and cultural events of the countries that use the target language. Students can identify outstanding achievements of the people of the target cultures and their contributions to world civilization. Every opportunity shall be afforded to the student to express views, comments, and perceptions in the target language.

French or Spanish IV Honors (5 credits)
The fourth level will provide the student with the opportunity to achieve greater comprehension of the spoken language; greater accuracy and fluency of oral expression; greater facility in reading through contact with literary works of greater and wider scope; and abundant practice in writing through compositions and reports. Students will focus on the global view of the countries that use the target language and its culture and interaction with the rest of the world. This knowledge is attained through literary readings, geographical studies; historical perspectives, and articles focusing on civilization and current events.

Advanced Placement French or Spanish V (5 credits)
Emphasis in this course is designed to direct the student toward a deeper understanding of the culture, literature, art, music and history of the foreign countries at a more advanced level. Analysis of literary works, newspapers, magazines, tapes, and videotapes is extensively employed. Special focus on in-depth study of written and oral expressions are presented and practices. The Advanced Placement French or Spanish V will prepare the students to take the A.P. French or Spanish Examination.