*Weighted Courses
To become proficient and fluent in speaking, writing, and
reading skills of modern language, it is recommended that
students consider a continuous sequence of language study
during secondary school. At the present time, there are job
and career opportunities for people who are bilingual or multi-lingual
and who have another major in business, medicine, marketing,
government, science, social work, international sales, banking,
law, advertising, engineering, communications, accounting,
secretarial work, bi-lingual education and translation, and
library science. Students are encouraged to begin or continue
the study of a second or third language during high school.
It is strongly recommended that any student beginning a foreign
language have a “C” or better in English. Any
student with a grade lower than a “C” in English
is encouraged to enroll in the “Intro to Languages”
course.
Continuation in any semester in a French, German, or Spanish
course requires a passing grade in the preceding semester.
Any student seeking advanced placement and/or credit for a
course because of extensive travel or coursework outside the
high school classroom should obtain the form “Request
for Foreign Language Placement and/or Proficiency Credit”
from the Foreign Language Office. Advanced language students
are given the opportunity to prepare for the French, German,
or Spanish AP exam by doing additional preparation outside
the class with their instructor.
Course Descriptions
INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGES
One semester, one credit
This semester course in intended for students wanting to learn
about languages, cultures where the language is spoken, and
the interplay of developing the skills necessary for language
acquisition. Each of the six languages, French, Spanish, German,
Italian, Japanese and Latin, will address the production of
written and spoken basics while examining cultural diversity.
Students interested in exploring these aspects of language
and cultures are encouraged to enroll. NOTE: This course does
not fulfill any sequential language credit in French, German,
or Spanish.
FRENCH 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in English 9, College
Prep English 9, AP Prep English 9 or Sophomore standing. Beginning
French. Students are introduced to the French language and
culture. Students begin to express themselves in the target
language by learning pronunciation, vocabulary, basic grammar
and conversational skills. Emphasis is on vocabulary building
and cross-cultural understanding.
FRENCH 3-4
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: French 1-2
Students will review basic material covered in French 1-2
and concentrate on the acquisition of vocabulary and grammatical
concepts with an emphasis on improving skills in listening
comprehension. Language lab activities provide considerable
practice in listening and speaking.
*FRENCH 5-6
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: French 3-4
Students will further develop their listening, speaking, writing,
and reading skills in French. Language lab activities provide
considerable practice in listening and speaking. Grammar and
vocabulary are presented and reviewed within units based on
contemporary themes. Much of the class is conducted in French.
*FRENCH 7-8
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: *French 5-6
The emphasis will be on consolidating grammar, reading authentic
materials, listening comprehension, and self-expression both
in speaking and writing. The majority of the class is taught
in French.
*FRENCH 9-10
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: *French 7-8
Class activities develop conversational and listening skills
that include class discussions, presentations of reports in
the language and work with authentic materials. Most of the
class is conducted in French. Students are expected to work
responsibly on their own, be self-motivated, and self-disciplined.
The course equally emphasizes the development of more sophisticated
and complex speaking, listening, reading, and composition
skills.
GERMAN 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in English 9, College
Prep English 9, AP Prep English 9 or Sophomore standing. Beginning
German. This course provides an introduction to the German
language and culture. Emphasis is on the development of listening
and speaking skills; vocabulary building; and acquisition
of basic grammar, reading, and writing skills. Computer and
language lab activities provide additional listening and speaking
practice.
GERMAN 3-4
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: German 1-2
Review of the basics covered in German 1-2. There is a continued
emphasis on development of listening and speaking skills;
vocabulary building; and acquisition of basic grammar, reading,
and writing skills; cultural understanding. Computer and language
lab activities provide additional listening and speaking practice,
as well as review.
*GERMAN 5-6
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: German 3-4
The course provides emphasis on development of listening,
speaking, reading, and composition skills and introduction
of more advanced grammatical structure. It also provides expansion
of vocabulary and cultural understanding. Much of the class
is conducted in German. Computer and language lab activities
provide additional listening and speaking practice, as well
as review.
*GERMAN 7-8
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: *German 5-6
Emphasis is placed on the continued development of listening,
speaking, reading, and composition skills; and of cultural
understanding. Advanced grammatical structures and extensive
expansion of vocabulary are continued. Students will view
German language videos. Language lab activities provide additional
listening and speaking practice. Much of the class is conducted
in German.
*GERMAN 9-10
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: *German 7-8
Continued development of speaking and listening skills is
achieved through such activities as class discussion, oral
reports, and viewing and listening to authentic materials.
Both consolidation of grammatical concepts and composition
skills and cultural understanding through reading of authentic
materials and viewing contemporary films are course goals.
Most on the class is conducted in German. Students are expected
to be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
SPANISH 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in English 9, College
Prep English 9, AP Prep English 9 or Sophomore standing. Beginning
Spanish. An oral-aural approach is used to orient students
to the study of Spanish. In addition to listening and conversational
skills, reading comprehension and writing are stressed. Students
learn vocabulary, idioms and grammar, and also study culturally
related topics.
SPANISH 3-4
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 1-2
This course consists of a continuation of goals and objectives
as stated for Spanish 1-2. There is more emphasis on listening
and speaking skills.
SPANISH 5-6
One year, two credits
Recommended Prerequisite: C/D in Spanish 3-4
Spanish 5-6 is a course designed for students who desire an
extensive grammar review before entering Spanish 7-8 the following
year. Non-weighted Spanish 5-6 covers the same grammar and
vocabulary as the weighted 5-6 course. Class work is paced
to allow students to acquire a strong skill level in reading,
writing, listening comprehension, grammar, and speaking.
*SPANISH 5-6
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 3-4
Recommended Prerequisite: B or higher in Spanish 3-4
Students in this level will review all grammar learned in
the beginning courses as well as concentrate on in-depth vocabulary
acquisition. Students will work on developing more advanced
skills in reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking.
Emphasis will be placed on creative expression in the language.
A broader understanding of the cultures of Hispanic people
will be acquired. Much of the course will be taught in Spanish.
SPANISH 7-8
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 5-6 or *Spanish 5-6
This course provides an extensive review of basic grammar
and vocabulary. Introduction of new vocabulary and grammatical
concepts is at a pace that allows students to master them.
Class activities are designed to develop reading, writing,
speaking, and listening skills. There is some study of Spanish
literature and Hispanic cultures. Students who completed Spanish
5-6 or those recommended by Spanish instructors should take
this course.
*SPANISH 7-8
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 5-6 or *Spanish 5-6
This fourth year course provides review of basic grammar and
introduction of complex grammar and introduction of complex
grammatical structures. There is intensive vocabulary review
and acquisition. Emphasis is on creative expression of ideas
in written and spoken Spanish. Included in the study of Spanish
literature are: short stories by contemporary Spanish American
authors, and excerpts of Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Hispanic
cultures are explored through newspapers, literature, music,
videotapes, and class discussion. Class is conducted primarily
in Spanish.
*SPANISH 9-10
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 7-8 or *Spanish 7-8
This is a conversational approach to reviewing and developing
language skills. The emphasis is on creative expression in
written and oral Spanish. Hispanic cultures are explored through
magazines, videotapes, music, class discussion, and research
projects. Class is conducted entirely in Spanish.
RUSSIAN 1-2
One year, two credits
Course is taught at University High School. Students must
have transportation to University High School. Further information
is available through Urbana High School counselors.
RUSSIAN 3-4
One year, two credits
Individual arrangements will have to be made through Urbana
High School counselors and University High School.
LATIN 1-2
One year, two credits
Course is taught at University High School. Students must
provide their own transportation to University High School.
Further information is available through the Urbana High School
counselors.
LATIN 3-4
One year, two credits
Individual arrangements will have to be made through Urbana
High School counselors and University High School.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Three courses are offered. Prospective students are tested
and placed in the appropriate class level. All classes concentrate
on developing the four language skills of speaking, listening,
reading and writing. The classes will prepare students for
the regular program by presenting the curriculum topics needed
in an adjusted format.
ENGLISH 5-6-M
One year, two credits
This course introduces world literature as literary terms
and concepts are covered. Grammar study and a variety of
writing skills are also emphasized. Discussion, writing
of essays and outside reading are required.
ENGLISH 7-8-M
One year, two credits
Students at this level will continue to learn about English
grammar, sentence structures, oral expression and writing
skills. They will be challenged with reading and discussion
at a deeper level. They will use a variety of resources,
including the Internet, in researching for written and oral
activities.
ENGLISH 9-10-M
One year, two credits
Students at this level will continue to fine-tune their
understanding of grammar, sentence structures, oral understanding
of grammar, oral expression and writing skills. They will
be challenged with reading and discussion at a deeper level.
They will use a variety of resources, including the Internet,
in researching for written and oral activities. A research
paper is required as they learn and practice research skills.
*Weighted Courses
Page Updated 8-23-05
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