The World Language Department offers three years in French, German and Spanish. All courses use the National Standards of Foreign Language Education: communication, communities, comparisons, connections, and cultures. Outstanding students in each language are placed in an honors third-year section which affords them the opportunity to qualify for six credits at the University of Scranton. Many alumni are either continuing their study of modern language in college, studying abroad, traveling, earning their living by these skills, or using these gifts to work as “men and women for others.”
German I
The student is required to master the fundamentals and some of the refinement of the grammar in the German language. This is done on the basis of frequent oral and written exercises and tests. There is an emphasis on German history, geography, and culture.
German II
The course is designed to complete the study of basic German grammar begun in the first year. There is a complete and detailed review of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Slides, filmstrips, tapes, outside reading, magazines, and other audio-visual aides are used. German history, geography, and culture continue to be an essential part of the course.
German III
There are two essential aspects of this curriculum. The first is the constant effort to enhance the student’s grasp of the structure and vocabulary of the German language. The second is to provide the student with a general overview of German literature and culture. This course is conducted completely in German, and there is an emphasis on oral communication and practical application.
Honors German III
The honors level III course is open to select students who demonstrate high motivation and proficiency. The course covers all material from level III in an accelerated manner supplemented with a variety of enrichment activities conducted in the foreign language. The course challenges and prepares students for college level language courses.
French I
The French I student will master some of the fundamentals of French grammar and pronunciation, as well as some of the fine points. There is an introduction to the geography and culture of France. Frequent testing, both oral and written, coupled with basic readings and dictations, serve as a means to evaluate progress.
French II
Students in this course will continue and complete the study of basic French grammar begun in the first year. Increased emphasis is placed on pronunciation and grammar. Students will experience the French culture through the use of readings from French literature and journals, and the viewing and discussion of films.
French III
This course is a systematic completion of the grammatical structures with an increased emphasis on communication skills. Samples of French literature representative of the different literary periods are presented. These serve as the bases for discussion and composition. French journals and films are used to introduce the French culture and geography. The class is taught almost exclusively in the target language.
Honors French III
The honors level III course is open to select students who demonstrate high motivation and proficiency. The course covers all material from level III in an accelerated manner supplemented with a variety of enrichment activities conducted in the foreign language. The course challenges and prepares students for college level language courses.
Spanish I
Elementary vocabulary and grammar build a strong foundation for listening, speaking, writing and reading skills in this course. Pronunciation, paired-group activities and short conversations help the student develop strong verbal skills. Sentences, dialogues, compositions, and translations form the basis for writing and reading. History, geography, culture, and current events of the Spanish Americas and, in particular, Spain, are included in the curriculum.
Spanish II
Spanish II is designed to review, build upon, and continue with proficiency begun in Spanish I. Students practice, refine, and improve the four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. These goals are achieved using practical, communicative, participatory activities which follow the guidelines of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Our language lab helps students to improve listening comprehension and pronunciation and to experience the various accents of the Spanish-speaking world. The rich culture of the Americas and Spain is enjoyed via readings, slides, videos, music, and guest speakers. All instruction and assessments are in compliance with world-readiness standards for language learning.
Spanish III
This third-year course proceeds with the study of Spanish with emphasis on oral communication and practical application. It includes a detailed and extensive review and refinement of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Further exposure to the rich culture of Latin America and Spain is explored through readings, articles, and basic literature in the text. This course is conducted completely in Spanish.
Honors Spanish III
The honors level III course is open to select students who demonstrate high motivation and proficiency. The course covers all material from level III in an accelerated manner supplemented with a variety of enrichment activities conducted in the foreign language. The course challenges and prepares students for college level language courses.
The honors level III course is open to select students who demonstrate high motivation and proficiency. The course covers all material from level III in an accelerated manner supplemented with a variety of enrichment activities conducted in the foreign language. The course challenges and prepares students for college level language courses.
AP Spanish Language and Culture
This course follows the guidelines of the College Board AP Spanish Language and Culture course and provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their proficiency, in the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational) defined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. The course develops language and cultural proficiency at the Intermediate to Advanced level.
