MODERN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

A minimum of 2.0 years of Modern Language study is required.
(Language offerings are dependent on sufficient student enrollment).

Honors French 7 and 8
11 12
In Honors French 7 and 8, the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are further developed and strengthened. At this level almost the entire class is conducted in French, and students are expected to use their French at all times. In conjunction with the textbook, students will also increase their knowledge and appreciation of the French culture, history, and civilization. Also, at this level, students will be introduced to French literature and authors, using the authors and their literary texts as a basis for this study.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN FRENCH 5)

AP French 1 and 2
12
The primary objective of the A.P. French class is to continue developing modern language proficiency. The class is almost exclusively conducted in French, and students are expected to use their French at all times. Through the use of the class textbook, Trésors du Temps, the students will increase their knowledge and appreciation of the French culture, literature, history, and civilization. As this is also an Advanced Placement course in French, time will be spent familiarizing the students with the various sections of the A.P. French Language Examination. The students will likewise have the opportunity to successfully prepare for the examination by developing the four abilities stressed on the A.P. Exam: Listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN HONORS FRENCH 7)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED.)

Honors German 7 and 8
10 11 12
The fourth year German course reviews previously learned concepts to strengthen them and introduces new concepts to increase the students' ability in the language. Alongside literature and culture, students study general history. The four skill areas continue to play a large role in refining language skills. The class is conducted almost entirely in German and students are expected to use the language as well. Students continue to read authentic literature texts to enhance their overall understanding of the culture and use of the language.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN GERMAN 5)

AP German 1 and 2
12
The primary objective of this course is to prepare students for the German Language AP Exam. In addition to furthering their knowledge in the areas of communication, grammar, culture, history, and literature, students will complete exercises that familiarize them with the AP exam. This course is conducted almost entirely in German, and students are expected to use German at all times.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN HONORS GERMAN 7)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED.)

Spanish 1 and 2
9 10 11
In the first year of language study, the students are introduced to the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with special emphasis placed on the aural-oral skills. This is also the year that basic grammatical structures and verb systems are taught. Also, students will become acquainted with various aspects of Hispanic culture and civilization.  Spanish 1 and 2 is really a class for the beginning language students - those with no previous language experience.  Any student who has completed a first year language course with a grade of "C" or better will be placed in a second year language course.

Spanish 3 and 4
9 10 11 
In Spanish 3 and 4, the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are further developed and strengthened. Whereas in Spanish 1 and 2, listening and speaking were emphasized, in Spanish 3 and 4, a greater emphasis is placed on reading and writing. Also presented this year are additional verb tenses as well as more extensive grammatical structures. In conjunction with the textbook, students will also become acquainted with and increase their understanding of various aspects of Hispanic culture and civilization.  Basic vocabulary, grammar, and phrases are reviewed before new structures are introduced.

Spanish 5 and 6
10 11 12
In Spanish 5 and 6, the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are further developed and strengthened. At this level, almost the entire class is conducted in Spanish, and students are expected to use their Spanish at all times. In conjunction with the textbook, students will also increase their knowledge and appreciation of Hispanic culture and civilization. Also at this level, students will be introduced to Spanish and Latin American writings and authors, using the authors' literary texts as a basis for this study.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN SPANISH 3)

Honors Spanish 7 and 8
10 11 12
In Spanish 7 and 8, proficiency in all four language skills is emphasized. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.  The selection of readings is unedited and reflects the literary works of authors from Spain, Mexico, and Central and South America. An overview of the culture of the Hispanic world is also emphasized through the study of its art and history. Students will write papers about personal reflections, research, and literary criticism. Grammar study is intended to provide an intense review of all aspects of the language.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN SPANISH 5)

Honors Spanish 9 and 10
11 12
This course is for students who wish to continue studying Spanish in order to prepare themselves for college entrance while maintaining their spoken Spanish. The course will be a bridge between Notre Dame Prep's high school Spanish and whichever university or foreign study the student may choose. Concentration will be on conversation relating to daily life and Spanish and Latin American cultures. Emphasis will also be placed on idiomatic phrases, vocabulary, syntax, and pronunciation. This course will be conducted in Spanish only.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN HONORS SPANISH 7)

AP Spanish 1 and 2
11 12
The primary objective of the A.P. Spanish class is to continue developing modern language proficiency. The class is exclusively conducted in Spanish, and students are expected to speak Spanish at all times. Through the use of the class textbooks, the students will increase their knowledge and appreciation of the Spanish culture, literature, history, and civilization. As this is also an Advanced Placement course in Spanish, time will be spent familiarizing the students with the various sections of the A.P. Spanish Language Examination. The students will likewise have the opportunity to prepare for the examination by developing the four abilities stressed on the A.P. Exam: Listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN HONORS SPANISH 7)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED and NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM.)

Mandarin Chinese 1 and 2
9 10 11 12
In the first year of language study, the students are introduced to the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with special emphasis placed on the aural-oral skills.  This is also the year that basic grammatical structures are taught.  Also, students will become acquainted with various aspects of Chinese culture and civilization.

Mandarin Chinese 3 and 4
9 10 11 12
In the second year Chinese course, students will experience a continuation of the language and culture of Chinese speaking countries.  Students will learn to use Chinese by listening, reading, speaking, and writing in order to communicate with classmates and the teacher.  Basic vocabulary, grammar, and phrases are reviewed before new structures are introduced.  Students will continue to use basic study skills needed to continue successfully learning Chinese.  In the second year, students are expected to recognize more Chinese characters in reading without Pin Yin as well as in writing.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "C" IN MANDARIN CHINESE 1)

 Mandarin Chinese 5 and 6

9 10 11 12

The course is designed to review and build upon previously learned concepts in grammar, vocabulary, communicative phrases.  Various genres of literature from the Chinese-speaking world are used to reinforce old concepts and introduce new ones.  The four skill areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) continue to play a major role in each assignment.  Students will also give one oral presentation per phase.  In conjunction with the textbooks, students will also increase their knowledge and appreciation of the Chinese culture, history, and civilization.