Spanish I is an introductory level course and requires no previous knowledge of Spanish. Fundamental grammatical concepts are introduced throughout the course.  Emphasis is on acquiring high frequency vocabulary that will enable the student to begin to communicate at a basic level of competency with success. The four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking are introduced and developed throughout the year. The goal is to develop the student’s ability to use the target language in real life situations on a proficiency scale of novice low to novice high. Students will also be exposed to the Spanish-speaking world through cultural units and readings.

Prerequisite:  none

Methodology:   The target language is introduced to the students to assist them in developing the skills necessary for successful language learning.  Students will develop language competency through reinforcement, repetition, use of oral/aural skills and writing where and when appropriate.  Emphasis will be on skills acquisition and development of proficiency at an elementary level.  Both individual and group work will be used.  The use of the Internet will enhance the teaching/learning environment.

Homework:  20+ minutes daily

Evaluation:  Quizzes, chapter tests, oral and written presentations. An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Spanish I Accelerated is an introductory level course for students who have had one full year of Spanish in middle school.  Students will be required to take a placement test in the spring.  The results of this test will determine placement in either Spanish I Accelerated or Spanish II.  This course will proceed at a faster pace and students will be expected to improve skills already acquired through previous study beyond the elementary level.

Prerequisite:  one full year of Spanish in middle school and Placement Test in early May. Placement test will not be given at any other time.  Students who fail to take the test will be placed in Spanish I.

Methodology:  Emphasis will be on greater development and use of the skills necessary for language acquisition:  speaking, listening/comprehension, reading and writing with the goal of attaining novice high proficiency.  Group work, independent study, role-playing and use of target language will be emphasized.

Homework:  20 to 30 minutes daily.

Evaluation:  quizzes, chapter tests, written and oral presentations.  An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

French I is an introductory level course and requires no previous knowledge of French. Fundamental grammatical concepts are introduced throughout the course.  Emphasis is on acquiring high frequency vocabulary that will enable the student to begin to communicate at a basic level of competency with success. The four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking are introduced and developed throughout the year. The goal is to develop the student’s ability to use the target language in real life situations on a proficiency scale of novice low to novice high. Students will also be exposed to the French-speaking world through cultural units and readings.  Students who have a full year of French from middle school will be required to take a placement test in the spring. Placement test will not be given at any other time.  Students who fail to take the test will be placed in French I.

Prerequisite:  none  

Methodology:  The target language is introduced to the students to assist them in developing the skills necessary for successful language learning.  Students will develop language competency through reinforcement, repetition, use of oral/aural skills and writing where and when appropriate. Emphasis will be on skills acquisition and development of proficiency at an elementary level.  Both individual and group work will be used.  The use of the Internet will enhance the teaching/learning environment.

Homework:  20 to 30 minutes daily

Evaluation:  Quizzes, chapter tests, oral and written presentations.   An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Portuguese I is an introductory level course and requires no previous knowledge of Portuguese.  Fundamental grammatical concepts are introduced and throughout the course.  Emphasis is on acquiring high frequency vocabulary that will enable the student to begin to communicate at a basic level of competency with success.

The four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking are introduced and developed throughout the year.  The goal is to develop the student’s ability to use the target language in real life situations on a proficiency scale of novice low to novice high.  Students will be exposed to the Portuguese-speaking world through cultural units and readings.  

Prerequisite:  none

Methodology:  The target language is introduced to the students to assist them in developing the skills necessary for successful language learning.  Students will develop language competency through reinforcement, repetition, use of oral/aural skills and writing where and when appropriate.  Emphasis will be on skills acquisition and development of proficiency at an elementary level.  Both individual and group work will be used. The use of the Internet will enhance the teaching/learning environment.  

Homework:  20+ minutes daily. 

Evaluation:  Quizzes, chapter tests, oral and written presentations.  An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Latin I covers the forms, vocabulary and syntax of the language in a comprehensive, cumulative manner.  The influence of Latin on others languages, especially English, is emphasized. Through translation of readings, students also learn about the development of the culture and civilization of Rome and its influence on Western civilization. Students who have a full year of Latin from middle school will be required to take a placement test in the spring.

Prerequisite:  none

Methodology:  grammar-translation method including the study of prefixes, suffixes and roots.  The works of twenty different authors will serve as a base to introduce and reinforce Latin vocabulary and grammatical concepts.  A cultural component will also introduce the student to Roman society and its influence on Western civilization. 

Homework: 30 minutes daily 

Evaluation:   Quizzes and chapter tests including vocabulary units.  Students will also be expected to translate the primary source authors and demonstrate understanding of the grammatical concepts presented.

LEVEL 3

Spanish III   this third level course presents a rapid and comprehensive review of material studied in Spanish II.  At this level, the primary focus is extensive use of all four language skills in a number of varied settings with the goal of achieving proficiency at a intermediate-mid to high level.  Cultural and literary knowledge is further developed through readings within the text as well as from primary information sources.  

Prerequisite:  successful completion of Spanish II CP

Methodology:  cooperative learning activities and as well as various other student-centered activities that allow the students to expand their learning experiences.  Original cultural readings and authentic pieces from contemporary Spanish magazines, newspapers and literature are read and discussed in the target language.  Students are encouraged at this level to compare and contrast what they learn about Spanish culture with their own, thereby learning to think critically and progress towards a more mature vision of the world.  

Homework:  a minimum of 30 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests emphasizing listening/comprehension, speaking and writing.   Individual and or group projects in which students are encouraged to gather information from a number of different sources including the internet will be assigned.  An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Spanish III H an advanced level course that provides a solid foundation for future study.  Class will move at a much faster pace with less emphasis on review and more emphasis on refining learned language skills. The goal and focus is to expand the student’s learning experiences at all levels of language study.  A dynamic teaching learning environment is enhanced by the almost exclusive use of the target language in the classroom setting where students will learn to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics at an intermediate mid to high level of proficiency.  

Prerequisite:  B+ or better in Spanish II H as well as teacher/department approval.

Methodology:  topics and activities that offer a wide range of options aimed at getting students to practice and use the Spanish they have learned and are learning in diverse ways, individually and with their classmates, in the classroom and for homework.  At this level, students will work together, being responsible for their own learning in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.  Critical thinking activities will encourage students to make inferences and organize their learning into a coherent “big picture” of today’s world.

Homework:  30 – 45 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests emphasizing listening/comprehension, speaking and writing skills.  Individual/group projects and presentations in which knowledge acquired will be applied.  An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

French III   this third level course presents a rapid and comprehensive review of material studied in French II.  At this level, the primary focus is extensive use of all four language skills in a number of varied settings with the goal of achieving proficiency at a intermediate-mid to high level.  Cultural and literary knowledge is further developed through readings within the text as well as from primary information sources.  

Prerequisite:  successful completion of French II

Methodology:  cooperative learning activities and as well as various other student-centered activities that allow the students to expand their learning experiences.  Original cultural readings and authentic pieces from contemporary French magazines, newspapers and literature are read and discussed in the target language.  Students are encouraged at this level to compare and contrast what they learn about French culture with their own, thereby learning to think critically and progress towards a more mature vision of the world.  

Homework:  a minimum of 30 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests emphasizing listening/comprehension, speaking and writing.   Individual and or group projects in which students are encouraged to gather information from a number of different sources including the internet will be assigned.  An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

French III H an advanced level course that provides a solid foundation for future study.  Class will move at a much faster pace with less emphasis on review and more emphasis on refining learned language skills. The goal and focus is to expand the student’s learning experiences at all levels of language study.  A dynamic teaching learning environment is enhanced by the almost exclusive use of the target language in the classroom setting where students will learn to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics at an intermediate mid to high level of proficiency.  

Prerequisite:  B+ in French II H as well as teacher/department approval.

Methodology:  topics and activities that offer a wide range of options aimed at getting students to practice and use the French they have learned and are learning in diverse ways, individually and with their classmates, in the classroom and for homework.  At this level, students will work together, being responsible for their own learning in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.  Critical thinking activities will encourage students to make inferences and organize their learning into a coherent “big picture” of today’s world.

Homework:  30 – 45 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests emphasizing listening/comprehension, speaking and writing skills.  Individual/group projects and presentations in which knowledge acquired will be applied.   An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Portuguese III   this third level course presents a rapid and comprehensive review of material studied in Portuguese II.  At this level, the primary focus is extensive use of all four language skills in a number of varied settings with the goal of achieving proficiency at a intermediate-mid to high level.  Cultural and literary knowledge is further developed through readings within the text as well as from primary information sources.  

Prerequisite:  successful completion of Portuguese II

Methodology:  cooperative learning activities and as well as various other student-centered activities that allow the students to expand their learning experiences.  Original cultural readings and authentic pieces from contemporary Portuguese magazines, newspapers and literature are read and discussed in the target language.  Students are encouraged at this level to compare and contrast what they learn about Portuguese culture with their own, thereby learning to think critically and progress towards a more mature vision of the world.  

Homework:  a minimum of 30 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests emphasizing listening/comprehension, speaking and writing.   Individual and or group projects in which students are encouraged to gather information from a number of different sources including the internet will be assigned.  An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Portuguese III H an advanced level course that provides a solid foundation for future study.  Class will move at a much faster pace with less emphasis on review and more emphasis on refining learned language skills. The goal and focus is to expand the student’s learning experiences at all levels of language study.  A dynamic teaching learning environment is enhanced by the almost exclusive use of the target language in the classroom setting where students will learn to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics at an intermediate mid to high level of proficiency.  

Prerequisite:  B+ in Portuguese II H as well as teacher/department approval.

Methodology:  topics and activities that offer a wide range of options aimed at getting students to practice and use the Portuguese they have learned and are learning in diverse ways, individually and with their classmates, in the classroom and for homework.  At this level, students will work together, being responsible for their own learning in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.  Critical thinking activities will encourage students to make inferences and organize their learning into a coherent “big picture” of today’s world.

Homework:  a minimum of 30 – 45 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests emphasizing listening/comprehension, speaking and writing skills.  Individual/group projects and presentations in which knowledge acquired will be applied. An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Latin III H this course focuses primarily on authors of the late Republic.  Students learn the historical, cultural, political and personal contexts of the authors.  This course aims to provide the students with a thorough understanding of the period.  The different biases of the authors are compared and contrasted.  General grammar is reviewed and the introduction of vocabulary continues.

Prerequisite:  successful completion of Latin II H with at least an B+ average

Latin III   This course focuses on three areas to study. Auctores uses basic translations from a variety of authors to highlight different time periods and different types of Literature. A vocabulary component focuses on Latin roots of English words. Roman history is studied from a video series.

Methodology:  grammar translation; discussion of various works studied.

Homework:  a minimum of 30 - 40 minutes for Latin III H, 30 minutes daily for Latin III

Evaluation:  quizzes and tests; outlines from Roman historical works

LEVELS 4 & 5 

Latin IV H is a thorough study of the foremost Roman epic, Virgil’s Aeneid.  Students learn about the political circumstances under which Virgil composed the poem.  This course concentrates on close, methodical reading and translation of the text of the Aeneid, while at the same time, providing the context of the historical, mythological and literary background necessary to fully understand the poem.  

Prerequisite:  B+ or better in Latin III H as well as teacher/department approval

Methodology:  grammar translation and discussion of the work(s) read and studied

Homework:  a minimum of 30-45  minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and tests,  outlines of books of the Aeneid

Latin V H a largely independent study class.  It focuses on the Augustan poets and their themes, meters and place in history.  LATIN V WILL NOT BE OFFERED 2007-2008

Prerequisite:  B+ or better in Latin IV H as well as teacher/department approval

Methodology:  grammar translation and discussion of work(s) read and studied

Homework:  a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and tests, 

Spanish IV H is an advanced course for the serious student who wishes to continue his/her study of the language.  Refinement of all skills acquired with an emphasis on speaking, using and manipulating the language in a number of varied settings.  Class is conducted in Spanish and students are expected to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations.  Students will be expected to resolve problem situations, support opinions and hypothesize at an advanced level of proficiency.

Prerequisite:  B+ or better in Spanish III H as well as teacher/department approval

Methodology:  active use of target language for all communication and activities.  Cooperative and independent learning activities; cultural and literary readings and discussions of original works; discussions will focus on developing the student’s awareness of Spanish culture, history and geography and comparing and contrasting them to his/her own culture and experiences.  

Homework:  a minimum of 45 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests as well as individual and group projects/presentations. An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

French IV H is an advanced course for the serious student who wishes to continue his/her study of the language.  Refinement of all skills acquired with an emphasis on speaking, using and manipulating the language in a number of varied settings.  Class is conducted in French and students are expected to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations.  Students will be expected to resolve problem situations, support opinions and hypothesize at an advanced level of proficiency.

Prerequisite:  B+ or better in French III H as well as teacher/department approval

Methodology:  active use of target language for all communication and activities.  Cooperative and independent learning activities; cultural and literary readings and discussions of original works; discussions will focus on developing the student’s awareness of French culture, history and geography and comparing and contrasting them to his/her own culture and experiences.  

Homework:  a minimum of 45 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests as well as individual and group projects/presentations.  An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Portuguese IV H is an advanced course for the serious student who wishes to continue his/her study of the language.  Refinement of all skills acquired with an emphasis on speaking, using and manipulating the language in a number of varied settings.  Class is conducted in Portuguese and students are expected to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations.  Students will be expected to resolve problem situations, support opinions and hypothesize at an advanced level of proficiency.

Prerequisite:  B+ or better in Portuguese III H as well as teacher/department approval

Methodology:  active use of target language for all communication and activities.  Cooperative and independent learning activities; cultural and literary readings and discussions of original works; discussions will focus on developing the student’s awareness of French culture, history and geography and comparing and contrasting them to his/her own culture and experiences.  

Homework:  a minimum of 45 minutes daily

Evaluation:  quizzes and chapter tests as well as individual and group projects/presentations. An alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Advanced Placement Spanish/French these courses prepare students to take the AP Spanish/French Exam in the spring.  The College Board prepares the course content and syllabus.  Instruction is focused on mastering the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through a number of different learning activities. Students enrolled in either of the courses are required to the AP Language Exam for their respective language in May.  These exams are accepted for college credit by most colleges and universities.  

Prerequisites:  B+ or better in Spanish or French IV H as well as teacher/department approval.  

Methodology:  course activities and interaction stress the correct use and continued development of the target language for active communication and mastery of the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.  An extensive grammar review as well as an abundance and variety of original reading selections will be included.  Speaking skills will be further enhanced by discussing, explaining and criticizing selected cultural and literary works.  Oral presentations, listening comprehension exercises, class discussions, essays and papers in Spanish and French presented and/or written on a regular basis.  Spanish and French cultures will be explored through a variety of media.  

Homework:  a minimum of 60 minutes daily.

Evaluation:  quizzes, tests, oral presentations, writing samples as well as an alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.

Spanish Practicum is offered to students who have completed their 3 year language requirement and want to strengthen their basic target language skills as well as pursue language teaching as a career.  Course objectives are achieved through yearlong program of teaching the target language at an introductory level to elementary school students at St. Mary’s School in Taunton.  The course has a theoretical and practical component.

Prerequisite:  successful completion of Spanish III (H or CP) as well as teacher/department approval.  

Methodology:  classroom instruction and activities in the target language, lesson planning, and preparation of support materials and actual teaching of the language to elementary school students.  Students work independently as well as with other students and the respective language teacher.  At the end of each teaching session, students critique and evaluate the lesson.

Homework:   varies with the amount each student needs to plan and prepare effectively.

Evaluation:  assessment by teacher of classroom instruction, quality of lesson plans, support materials and self-evaluation.  Alternative Assessment using technology and Portfolios take place of formal sit-down examinations and will be part of the final grade.

U. S. Hispanic Literature and Culture introduces students to the history and culture of Latinos in the United States through the study of selected literature written by U.S. Latino authors. In addition, a variety of films, music and art are used. Using a variety of media including authentic literature, videos, Spanish TV, Internet, Power Point, Microsoft Word, music and art students will learn about Hispanic culture and will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge  both in and out of class

Prerequisite: C+ in Spanish III CP

Methodology: Students will read and discuss authentic literature, including novels, plays and poetry, written by Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban authors who live in the United States. They will study the history and cultures of Hispanics in the United States. A variety of media will be used, including authentic literature, videos, Spanish TV, Internet, Power Point, Microsoft Word, music and art. Learning is student-centered and includes group projects, role playing, lip syncs, dance and drama presentations.

Homework: 30- 45 minutes daily.

Evaluation:  quizzes, tests, oral presentations, writing samples as well as an alternative long term assessment using technology will be required and will be part of the final grade.