world language DEPARTMENT courses
French I - 0821 (1.00 year)
Prerequisite: none
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
The curriculum of this course is intended to engage and introduce students to the beginning fundamentals of the French language. Students will become familiar with different perspectives of the Francophone culture(s) through experiences with its products and practices. The course concentrates on the four aspects of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will develop a working vocabulary and basic grammatical patterns.
French II - 0822
Prerequisite: 80% in French I
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
The curriculum of this course is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in improving their ability to communicate in a world language. Additionally, students will be exposed to the cultural similarities and differences as they relate to Francophone cultures and countries. The class will focus on four aspects of communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Also, students will continue to develop a working vocabulary and deepen their understanding of grammatical patterns.
French III - 0823
Prerequisite: 80% in French II
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
The curriculum of this course is intended to focus on students' ability and application with regard to the spoken and written communication of the French language. Students will also continue to familiarize themselves with different perspectives of the Francophone culture(s) through the exploration of authentic materials. Through the continued study of thematic vocabulary and the addition of more advanced grammatical structures, students will be able to imitate appropriate gestures, intonation, and common idiomatic expressions through social interaction.
French IV - 0824
Prerequisite: 85% in French III
Grade: 10-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Weighted Grade
The curriculum of this course is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in learning to communicate in a world language at an advanced level. Additionally, students will be exposed to the cultural similarities and differences as they relate to the Francophone countries as the use of authentic materials is emphasized. Students will acquire a working knowledge of thematic vocabulary and advanced grammatical structures to enhance their ability to communicate in all four areas of proficiency of a second language and will prepare to take the STAMP (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible to earn the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in French.
French V - 0825
Prerequisite: 85% in French IV
Grade: 11-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Weighted Grade
French V is a continuation of French IV and includes an introduction to Francophone literature, film, and continued development of advanced grammatical structures. In addition students will continue to prepare to take the STAMP (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible to earn the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in French.
French IV AP – 0827; French V AP - 0828
Prerequisite: 90% in French III or IV
Grade: 10-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Weighted Grade
The curriculum of this course is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in learning to communicate in French at an advanced level, being conducted primarily in French. As well, students will be preparing to take the STAMP (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible to earn the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in French and the required AP French exam at the conclusion of the school year. Through the use of a variety of authentic materials, students will focus on four content areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will use the knowledge acquired in previous levels of study in order to communicate with each other as well as the course instructor.
Latin I - 0811
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9-11
Elective Credit: 1.00
Latin I is an introduction to the fundamentals of grammar and vocabulary, and to the history and culture of Roman Civilization. We follow the story of a Roman family while practicing reading, communicating and translating in the target language.
Latin II - 0812
Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: 80% in Latin I
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Latin II continues the study of grammar and vocabulary. Students continue with the story line from Latin I and perfect their reading, communication and translation skills. From there they will delve into real Roman authors.
Latin III - 0813
Prerequisite: 80% in Latin II
Grade: 10-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Latin III students will complete their formal grammar study. They will continue their studies with Roman Comedy, reading a play by Plautus and learning about Roman Theatre. Students will also study Roman poetry with Catullus and many facets of Roman daily life, including Roman Christianity, with Pliny the Younger. In addition students will prepare to take the STAMP (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible to earn the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Latin
Latin IV - 0814
Prerequisite: 85% in Latin III
Grade: 11-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Weighted Grade
Latin IV students will cover many great Roman authors. They will study Vergil and Caesar. They will also choose from a variety of other authors and themes according to their interests. There is a focus on analyzing the literature in its historical and cultural context. In addition students will prepare to take the STAMP (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible to earn the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Latin.
Latin IV AP – 0817
Prerequisite: 90% in Latin III
Grade: 12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Weighted Grade
In Latin IV AP, students will study two major works of Literature: Caesar’s de bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid. Students will become familiar with the history and culture of the time in which both were written and also analyze each as a literary work. Students will prepare to take the STAMP (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible to earn the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Latin and the required AP Latin test at the conclusion of the school year.
Latin V - 0815
Prerequisite: 85% in Latin IV or IV AP
Grade: 11-12
Students will continue to improve their skills by reading a variety of Roman and non-Roman authors of their choosing. They will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Roman world while studying the historical background of these works and their authors. Students will also prepare to take the STAMP (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible to earn the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Latin.
Italian I - 0841
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9-11
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Students enrolled in this course will be introduced to basic concepts of the Italian language with an emphasis on proficiency in each of the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will develop a working vocabulary, and will begin to familiarize themselves with different perspectives of the target culture through experiences with its products and practices. During this first year, basic elements of pronunciation are stressed as we work to build the foundation for language learning.
Italian II - 0842
Prerequisite: 80% in Italian I
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Students enrolled in Italian II will build upon the basic concepts of the language and culture introduced in Italian I. Emphasis will be placed upon developing each of the four language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Focus is placed upon fluency in speaking and sharpening of listening skills. Students will continue to familiarize themselves with different perspectives of the target language culture through experiences with its products and practices. Frequent, short compositions will develop writing skills.
Italian III - 0843
Prerequisite: 80% in Italian II
Grade: 10-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Students enrolled in Italian III will build upon the basic concepts of the language and culture introduced in Italian I and II. Emphasis will be placed upon developing each of the four language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Focus is placed upon fluency in speaking and refining of listening, reading, and writing skills. Advanced grammar will be introduced and implemented into class discussion and interaction. Students will continue to familiarize themselves with different perspectives of the target language culture through experiences with its products and practices. This course is conducted in Italian.
Italian IV - 0844
Prerequisite: 85% in Italian III
Grade: 11-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Students enrolled in Italian IV will engage in a comparison of American and Italian cultures in both contemporary and historical contexts. This course strives to develop students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products, practices, and perspectives through the use of a variety of authentic materials. Students will build upon use the knowledge acquired in previous levels. Conducted in Italian, we will focus on fluency in speaking and refining of listening, reading, and writing skills. Students will prepare to take the STAMP Test (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the Spring in order to be eligible for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Italian.
Italian IV AP - 0864
Prerequisite: 90% in Italian III
Grade: 11-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Weighted Grade
Students enrolled in Italian AP will engage in a comparison of American and Italian cultures in both contemporary and historical contexts. This course strives to develop students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products, practices, and perspectives through the use of a variety of authentic materials. Students will build upon use the knowledge acquired in previous levels. Conducted in Italian, we will focus on fluency in speaking and refining of listening, reading, and writing skills. Students will prepare to take the required AP exam in the Spring, as well as the STAMP Test (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the Spring.
Spanish I - 0831
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9-11
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Students enrolled in Spanish 1 will begin to acquire the skills required to become proficient in the language through the introduction of vocabulary, structures, and expressions. Students will work to progress their proficiency from a novice-low to a novice-mid level in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) as they are exposed to authentic materials. Students will be introduced to the different perspectives (why) of the target culture through experiences with its products (what) and practices (how).
Spanish II - 0832
Prerequisite: 80% in Spanish I
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Students enrolled in Spanish 2 will build upon the skills they gained in Spanish 1 through the introduction of additional vocabulary, structures, and expressions. Students will work to progress their proficiency from a novice-mid to a novice-high level in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) as they are exposed to authentic materials. Students will continue to familiarize themselves with different perspectives (why) of the target culture through experiences with its products (what) and practices (how).
Spanish III - 0833
Prerequisite: 80% in Spanish II
Grade: 10-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Students enrolled in Spanish 3 will further develop their language skills through the introduction of more advanced vocabulary, structures, and expressions. Students will work to progress their proficiency from a novice-high to an intermediate-low level in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) as they are exposed to increased authentic materials. Students will dig deeper into the different perspectives (why) of the target culture through experiences with its products (what) and practices (how).
Spanish IV - 0834
Prerequisite: 85% in Spanish III
Grade: 11-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Weighted Grade
Students enrolled in Spanish 4 will hone their skills through the introduction of higher-level vocabulary, structures, and expressions. Students will work to progress their proficiency from an intermediate-low to an intermediate-mid level and will prepare to take the STAMP Test (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. They will work to develop all 3 modes of communication: interpretative, interpersonal, and presentational. This course will help students to develop a deeper awareness and appreciation of cultural products (what), practices (how), and perspectives (why) through the use of a variety of authentic materials. Both the teacher and the students will communicate primarily in Spanish.
Spanish V AP – 0839
Prerequisite: 90% in Spanish IV
Grade: 11-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Weighted Grade
Students enrolled in Spanish 5AP will strive to to progress their proficiency from an intermediate-mid to an intermediate-high level. They will accomplish this in all 3 modes of communication: interpretative, interpersonal, and presentational. This course will help students to further refine their awareness and appreciation of cultural products (what), practices (how), and perspectives (why) through the use of a variety of authentic materials. Both the teacher and the students will communicate almost exclusively in Spanish. Students will also prepare to take the STAMP Test (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and the required AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam at the end of the school year.
0889 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Prerequisite: This class is open primarily to Freshmen, Sophomore and Juniors who have not taken Spanish III or IV at DeSales.
Graded Conventionally
Grade: 9-11
Elective Credit: 1.00
Spanish for Heritage Speakers I is designed specifically for heritage speakers of Spanish who already have some oral language proficiency (abilities to speak and listen). The purpose of this course is to develop, maintain, and enhance proficiency in Spanish by providing them the opportunity to listen, speak, read, and write in a variety of contexts and for a variety of audiences. Students will learn to distinguish between and improve the use of colloquial and formal or academic spoken Spanish. Students will explore the cultures of the Hispanic World including their own, which will enable students to gain a better understanding of the nature of their own languages to be acquired.
Chinese I – 0881
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9-11
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Chinese I is an introduction to the Mandarin Chinese Language (Putonghua) and culture with a focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills using both the Pinyin phonetic system and Simplified Chinese characters. Basic grammar and vocabulary (approximately 350 words) are taught with an emphasis on the ability to communicate simple ideas in real world situations. While linguistic aspects of Chinese language are the primary focus, introduction to the social and cultural background of the language will also form an important part of study.
Chinese II – 0882
Prerequisite: 80% in Chinese I
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
Chinese II is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in improving their ability to communicate in a world language. Additionally, students will be exposed to the cultural similarities and differences as they relate to China and Chinese culture. The class focuses on four aspects of communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will continue to develop a working vocabulary and deepen their understanding of grammatical structures.
Chinese III – 0883
Prerequisite: 80% in Chinese II
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
The curriculum of Mandarin Chinese III is intended to engage students in communication with spoken and written Chinese language. Students will also continue to familiarize themselves with different perspectives of the target language culture through experiences with its product and practices. Through the study of thematic vocabulary and more advanced grammatical structures, students will be able to imitate appropriate gestures, intonation, and common idiomatic expressions through social interaction. The course continues to build on the four aspects of communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Chinese IV – 0884
Prerequisite: 85% in Chinese III
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
The curriculum of this course is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in learning to communicate in Mandarin Chinese at an advanced level. Through the use of a variety of authentic materials, students will focus on four content areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will use the knowledge acquired in previous levels of study in order to communicate with each other as well as the course instructor. In addition students will prepare to take the STAMP Test (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Chinese.
Chinese V – 0885
Prerequisite: 85% in Chinese IV
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 1.00
Graded Conventionally
The curriculum of this course is a continuation of Chinese IV. Students will focus more on grammar and writing skills and will prepare the STAMP Test (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Chinese.
0888 - Chinese V AP (year)
Prerequisite: 90% in Chinese IV Grade: 10-12
Elective Credit: 1.0
Weighted Grade
The curriculum of this course is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in learning to communicate in Chinese at an advanced level, as well as preparing to take the STAMP Test (Standards Based Measurement of Proficiency) in the spring in order to be eligible for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Chinese and the required AP Chinese Exam at the end of the school year. Through the use of a variety of authentic materials, students will focus on four content areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Chinese cultural elements will also be addressed. Students will use the knowledge acquired in previous levels of study in order to communicate with each other as well as the course instructor. Students are expected to communicate mostly in Chinese.
Mythology - 0886
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9-12
Elective Credit: 0.50
Graded Conventionally
Greek and Roman mythology have always been a staple in the Culture curriculum of the Latin Class. The objectives envisioned for this course include the following:
▪ To learn the sources of classical mythology: epic poetry, drama, literature, and religious texts.
▪ To discover the origin of mythology: the shared background of the Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Hindus, Persians, etc.
▪ To understand the universality of myth: how aetiological myths show the origins of natural phenomena, as well as shared experiences across time and distance.
▪ To understand the history and culture that influenced mythology.
▪ To discuss the philosophy of myths: how the culture and views differed from our own, and how the myths reflect the views of morality, duty, virtue, and normality.
▪ To connect classical mythology to the later Christian medieval and modern world: how myth deeply influenced early Christianity in the Roman Empire
▪ To evaluate the appropriation of myth between cultures.
▪ To understand Jung’s archetypes.
▪ To understand the Hero’s Journey.
▪ To connect classical mythology to the modern world.