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World Languages
For grades eight through twelve the World Languages Department offers Spanish, French, and Latin through the Advanced Placement level. Along with the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, the department strives to provide the student with the opportunity to communicate with native speakers, to understand and compare cultures, and to make connections with communities and other disciplines. Language clubs, field trips, speakers and extracurricular activities enhance classroom instruction.
The World Languages Department’s most valuable resource is its teachers. Enthusiastic, professional, and dedicated to our students, our faculty members are life-long learners. Each member of our faculty has earned a Master’s Degree or higher, and all attend conferences, workshops, and enrichment classes on a regular basis. Among our faculty are native speakers of French and Spanish with an excellent command of the English language, and one of our Spanish teachers lived in Spain for 15 years, giving students a taste of Castilian Spanish. Our Latin teachers have spent considerable time in countries related to classical studies. We are proud of the many students who graduate with proficiency in two languages other than English.
The World Languages Department’s most valuable resource is its teachers. Enthusiastic, professional, and dedicated to our students, our faculty members are life-long learners. Each member of our faculty has earned a Master’s Degree or higher, and all attend conferences, workshops, and enrichment classes on a regular basis. Among our faculty are native speakers of French and Spanish with an excellent command of the English language, and one of our Spanish teachers lived in Spain for 15 years, giving students a taste of Castilian Spanish. Our Latin teachers have spent considerable time in countries related to classical studies. We are proud of the many students who graduate with proficiency in two languages other than English.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FRENCH I
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course teaches students the basics of French grammar and vocabulary used for oral and written communication. The concept of Project Based Learning is also incorporated during the whole course of French 1 as a practical and productive way of using the language (culinary, craft, and verbal components). The course also introduces the students to French and Francophone cultures, while offering activities for critical thinking, creativity, and enjoyment.
FRENCH II
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course teaches the comprehension and expression of authentic French. Grammar, pronunciation, and spelling patterns are presented to help students express themselves more clearly and correctly. The concept of Project Based Learning is incorporated during the whole course of French II/II Honors as a practical and productive way of using the language (culinary, craft, writing and verbal components). The course emphasizes themes of daily life, provides a variety of readings, and uses integrated technology to teach communication and interpersonal relationships.
FRENCH III HONORS
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course further expands the knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural awareness that students acquired in the first two years of French. The concept of Project Based Learning is also incorporated during the whole course of French III Honors as a practical and productive way of using the language (culinary, craft, writing and verbal components). The course also offers a selection of French and Francophone literature and civilization. Students learn to use French in many daily-life situations with emphasis on oral communication.
FRENCH IV HONORS
Full Year - Grades 9-12
The French IV Honors language course focuses on acquiring a larger competence in communication of French as well as understanding the culture of French-speaking countries. The students have typically completed French III and are already at an intermediate level of proficiency in the target language. The class is conducted in French only and the students are required to leave the English language outside. They gain confidence in recombining learned material of the language and learn how to formulate their ideas with high proficiency on various topics related to contemporary events and issues in French cultures. Students develop advanced skills in reading and writing through the studying of news articles and literature excerpts that expose more complex features of the language. The important tool of technology in class provides documentaries, interviews, movies and songs that teach them how to use accurate vocabulary and adequate expressions while working on presenting abstract thoughts with fluency and correct pronunciation. The concept of Project Based Learning is also incorporated during the whole course of French IV Honors as a practical and productive way of using the language (culinary, craft, writing and verbal components) and the students make several presentations in front of the class throughout the year. By the end of the course, students will exhibit high-intermediate proficiency in speaking, writing, listening and reading which gives them the ability to consider taking the AP French Language and Culture class with higher skills and greater assurance.
BUSINESS FRENCH HONORS
Full Year - Grades 9-12
Business French Honors is a one-year course offered to students who completed French III with a minimum grade of a B. The course includes study of specific vocabulary, formulae, and writing strategies useful for individual career objectives in the business world. Students will acquire a foundation in contemporary business and professional French, developed through the analysis and application of business concepts and the composition of analytic essays and business documents. The concept of Project Based Learning is also incorporated during the whole course of Business French Honors as a practical and productive way of using the language (writing and verbal components). Students will be engaged to communicate by applying interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes.
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FRENCH I
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course teaches students the basics of French grammar and vocabulary used for oral and written communication. The concept of Project Based Learning is also incorporated during the whole course of French 1 as a practical and productive way of using the language (culinary, craft, and verbal components). The course also introduces the students to French and Francophone cultures, while offering activities for critical thinking, creativity, and enjoyment.
FRENCH II
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course teaches the comprehension and expression of authentic French. Grammar, pronunciation, and spelling patterns are presented to help students express themselves more clearly and correctly. The concept of Project Based Learning is incorporated during the whole course of French II/II Honors as a practical and productive way of using the language (culinary, craft, writing and verbal components). The course emphasizes themes of daily life, provides a variety of readings, and uses integrated technology to teach communication and interpersonal relationships.
FRENCH III HONORS
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course further expands the knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural awareness that students acquired in the first two years of French. The concept of Project Based Learning is also incorporated during the whole course of French III Honors as a practical and productive way of using the language (culinary, craft, writing and verbal components). The course also offers a selection of French and Francophone literature and civilization. Students learn to use French in many daily-life situations with emphasis on oral communication.
FRENCH IV HONORS
Full Year - Grades 9-12
The French IV Honors language course focuses on acquiring a larger competence in communication of French as well as understanding the culture of French-speaking countries. The students have typically completed French III and are already at an intermediate level of proficiency in the target language. The class is conducted in French only and the students are required to leave the English language outside. They gain confidence in recombining learned material of the language and learn how to formulate their ideas with high proficiency on various topics related to contemporary events and issues in French cultures. Students develop advanced skills in reading and writing through the studying of news articles and literature excerpts that expose more complex features of the language. The important tool of technology in class provides documentaries, interviews, movies and songs that teach them how to use accurate vocabulary and adequate expressions while working on presenting abstract thoughts with fluency and correct pronunciation. The concept of Project Based Learning is also incorporated during the whole course of French IV Honors as a practical and productive way of using the language (culinary, craft, writing and verbal components) and the students make several presentations in front of the class throughout the year. By the end of the course, students will exhibit high-intermediate proficiency in speaking, writing, listening and reading which gives them the ability to consider taking the AP French Language and Culture class with higher skills and greater assurance.
BUSINESS FRENCH HONORS
Full Year - Grades 9-12
Business French Honors is a one-year course offered to students who completed French III with a minimum grade of a B. The course includes study of specific vocabulary, formulae, and writing strategies useful for individual career objectives in the business world. Students will acquire a foundation in contemporary business and professional French, developed through the analysis and application of business concepts and the composition of analytic essays and business documents. The concept of Project Based Learning is also incorporated during the whole course of Business French Honors as a practical and productive way of using the language (writing and verbal components). Students will be engaged to communicate by applying interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
FRENCH LANGUAGE & CULTURE
Full Year - Grades 9-12
This is an intense course available to students who have completed three years of French and who have demonstrated strong skills at learning the language. The AP French Language course is designed to allow students to study French at the college level and prepares them for the College Board's AP French Language and Culture Exam. Students practice and are tested regularly on their ability to comprehend, speak, read, and write using advanced structures and idiomatic vocabulary. The three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational) defined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century are foundational to the AP® French Language and Culture course. When communicating, students demonstrate an understanding of the culture(s), incorporate interdisciplinary topics (connections), make linguistic and cultural comparisons and use the target language in real life settings.
Prerequisite: Departmental recommendation
LATIN II
Full Year - Grades 8-12
Students in Latin II further expand their knowledge of the language and culture of the Romans. They gain a more nuanced understanding of Latin grammar, and begin to read excerpts from authentic Latin texts by the end of the year. Students continue their study of Roman history, culture, and mythology with projects that center on heroes and monsters, Julius Caesar, and the Roman emperors.
LATIN III
Full Year - Grades 8-12
Students in Latin III, review the grammar and vocabulary learned in the lower level courses. Continuing with Unit 4 in the Cambridge series, students will learn intermediate grammar including indirect statement, the gerund and gerundive, as well as all forms of the subjunctive. The course will end with reading selections from Vergil, Horace, Ovid, Catullus, Cicero, and Livy in un-adapted Latin.
LATIN III HONORS
Full Year - Grades 8-12
In this intermediate language course students will transition from learning complex grammar to reading actual Latin authors. The fall semester will consist of a review of the grammar and vocabulary which have been learned in the lower level courses and will finish with the acquisition of some rather challenging syntax. For practice, students will translate the myth of Hercules and will explore other hero sagas using Joseph Campbell’s Journey of a Hero. In the spring semester, students will translate The First Catilinarian by Cicero in un-adapted Latin. They will also take a thorough look at the violent political atmosphere in the late Republican period of Roman history.
HONORS LATIN IV/ADVANCED PLACEMENT LATIN
Full Year - Grades 11-12
FRENCH LANGUAGE & CULTURE
Full Year - Grades 9-12
This is an intense course available to students who have completed three years of French and who have demonstrated strong skills at learning the language. The AP French Language course is designed to allow students to study French at the college level and prepares them for the College Board's AP French Language and Culture Exam. Students practice and are tested regularly on their ability to comprehend, speak, read, and write using advanced structures and idiomatic vocabulary. The three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational) defined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century are foundational to the AP® French Language and Culture course. When communicating, students demonstrate an understanding of the culture(s), incorporate interdisciplinary topics (connections), make linguistic and cultural comparisons and use the target language in real life settings.
Prerequisite: Departmental recommendation
LATIN II
Full Year - Grades 8-12
Students in Latin II further expand their knowledge of the language and culture of the Romans. They gain a more nuanced understanding of Latin grammar, and begin to read excerpts from authentic Latin texts by the end of the year. Students continue their study of Roman history, culture, and mythology with projects that center on heroes and monsters, Julius Caesar, and the Roman emperors.
LATIN III
Full Year - Grades 8-12
Students in Latin III, review the grammar and vocabulary learned in the lower level courses. Continuing with Unit 4 in the Cambridge series, students will learn intermediate grammar including indirect statement, the gerund and gerundive, as well as all forms of the subjunctive. The course will end with reading selections from Vergil, Horace, Ovid, Catullus, Cicero, and Livy in un-adapted Latin.
LATIN III HONORS
Full Year - Grades 8-12
In this intermediate language course students will transition from learning complex grammar to reading actual Latin authors. The fall semester will consist of a review of the grammar and vocabulary which have been learned in the lower level courses and will finish with the acquisition of some rather challenging syntax. For practice, students will translate the myth of Hercules and will explore other hero sagas using Joseph Campbell’s Journey of a Hero. In the spring semester, students will translate The First Catilinarian by Cicero in un-adapted Latin. They will also take a thorough look at the violent political atmosphere in the late Republican period of Roman history.
HONORS LATIN IV/ADVANCED PLACEMENT LATIN
Full Year - Grades 11-12
This revitalized Honors and AP curriculum is equivalent to an intermediate college course. Students will translate and analyze selections from two giants of literature—Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic Wars and the epic poetry of Vergil’s Aeneid. Students will gain competence in translating and discussing the Latin language in terms of grammar, syntax and literary style, and will also use their study of the language as a vehicle to learn about the history and culture of the ancient Romans. Using themes such as war and empire, leadership, human beings and their relationship to the gods, and good old-fashioned Roman values, students will connect Caesar’s prose to Virgil’s epic and both to relevant modern day events and commentaries. Enrolled students are required to take the AP Vergil exam in May.
Prerequisite: Departmental recommendation
LATIN V HONORS
In this post AP course, students will further develop an advanced proficiency in their Latin language skills by reading selections in Catullus, Ovid, and Livy. As they translate lyric and epic poetry and Silver Age Latin prose, students will learn about scansion, tone, diction, and the themes in the works of these ancient authors. Students will deepen their knowledge of grammar and syntax by practicing Latin prose composition. This course has a literature based approach that teaches students to acquire information, recognize distinctive viewpoints, and further their knowledge of other disciplines by reading and analyzing three Roman authors in depth.
Prerequisite: AP Latin Language
In this post AP course, students will further develop an advanced proficiency in their Latin language skills by reading selections in Catullus, Ovid, and Livy. As they translate lyric and epic poetry and Silver Age Latin prose, students will learn about scansion, tone, diction, and the themes in the works of these ancient authors. Students will deepen their knowledge of grammar and syntax by practicing Latin prose composition. This course has a literature based approach that teaches students to acquire information, recognize distinctive viewpoints, and further their knowledge of other disciplines by reading and analyzing three Roman authors in depth.
Prerequisite: AP Latin Language
SPANISH I
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course is designed to immediately engage students in the sights and sounds of the Spanish language and culture. Students are engaged in reading, writing, listening to and speaking Spanish daily in class and at home through structured exposure to basic grammar and vocabulary using authentic digital and print media and meaningful opportunities to use the language in the context of their own lives and interests.
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course is designed to immediately engage students in the sights and sounds of the Spanish language and culture. Students are engaged in reading, writing, listening to and speaking Spanish daily in class and at home through structured exposure to basic grammar and vocabulary using authentic digital and print media and meaningful opportunities to use the language in the context of their own lives and interests.
SPANISH II
Full Year – Grades 8-12
This course offers students the opportunity to continue developing the language skills mastered in Spanish 1. Students review and master the verb tenses and vocabulary covered in Spanish 1, and continue their exploration into grammar focusing on past and future tenses, and the imperative and subjunctive mood. Students continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with a strong emphasis on vocabulary building and developing cultural competence. The concept of Project Based Learning is incorporated throughout the year with interactive activities shared with the community such as role playing, drama, music and dancing, and field trips.
Full Year – Grades 8-12
This course offers students the opportunity to continue developing the language skills mastered in Spanish 1. Students review and master the verb tenses and vocabulary covered in Spanish 1, and continue their exploration into grammar focusing on past and future tenses, and the imperative and subjunctive mood. Students continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with a strong emphasis on vocabulary building and developing cultural competence. The concept of Project Based Learning is incorporated throughout the year with interactive activities shared with the community such as role playing, drama, music and dancing, and field trips.
SPANISH III
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course builds on the skills and content mastered in Spanish 2 through increased exposure to authentic digital and print media including film, newspaper articles, and short stories by contemporary writers. While students continue to master grammatical concepts and build vocabulary, they are exposed to increasingly complex language and encouraged to use the language in and outside of the classroom in meaningful ways in the context of their lives. The concept of Project Based Learning is incorporated throughout the year with interactive activities shared with the community such as role playing, drama, music and dancing, and field trips.
Full Year - Grades 8-12
This course builds on the skills and content mastered in Spanish 2 through increased exposure to authentic digital and print media including film, newspaper articles, and short stories by contemporary writers. While students continue to master grammatical concepts and build vocabulary, they are exposed to increasingly complex language and encouraged to use the language in and outside of the classroom in meaningful ways in the context of their lives. The concept of Project Based Learning is incorporated throughout the year with interactive activities shared with the community such as role playing, drama, music and dancing, and field trips.
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 or Departmental recommendation
SPANISH III HONORS (UC Honors weighted course)
Full Year - Grades 8-12
Spanish 3 Honors is a rigorous course geared towards students who intend to continue their studies in Spanish in order to take the AP Spanish and Culture exam. While students master vocabulary and grammatical structures in the context of the classroom through exposure to authentic digital and print media including film, newspaper articles, and short stories by contemporary writers, they are encouraged to further develop their communicative skills by engaging in the Spanish language and culture at every opportunity. This honors course continues to emphasize vocabulary building, grammatical accuracy, communicative fluency and developing cultural competence. In addition, students are guided in writing and speaking with increasingly complex structures and appropriate vocabulary. Students enrolled in the honors course must demonstrate a strong grammatical and vocabulary foundation, independence, and strong motivation to learn about the Spanish language and culture (as well as a desire to take the AP exam). The concept of Project Based Learning is incorporated throughout the year with interactive activities shared with the community such as role playing, music and dancing, and field trips. Students have the opportunity to film and produce their own comedic play.
Prerequisite: Spanish 2H or Departmental recommendation
Full Year - Grades 8-12
Spanish 3 Honors is a rigorous course geared towards students who intend to continue their studies in Spanish in order to take the AP Spanish and Culture exam. While students master vocabulary and grammatical structures in the context of the classroom through exposure to authentic digital and print media including film, newspaper articles, and short stories by contemporary writers, they are encouraged to further develop their communicative skills by engaging in the Spanish language and culture at every opportunity. This honors course continues to emphasize vocabulary building, grammatical accuracy, communicative fluency and developing cultural competence. In addition, students are guided in writing and speaking with increasingly complex structures and appropriate vocabulary. Students enrolled in the honors course must demonstrate a strong grammatical and vocabulary foundation, independence, and strong motivation to learn about the Spanish language and culture (as well as a desire to take the AP exam). The concept of Project Based Learning is incorporated throughout the year with interactive activities shared with the community such as role playing, music and dancing, and field trips. Students have the opportunity to film and produce their own comedic play.
Prerequisite: Spanish 2H or Departmental recommendation
SPANISH IV
Full Year - Grades 8-12
The primary focus of the class is to apply the skills students have acquired in previous courses. The goal is to reach a level of proficiency that will permit them to comprehend and speak Spanish efficiently in everyday situations. They will have the opportunity to develop strong conversational skills while discussing topics of current public and personal interests. Students will continue to build an extensive vocabulary and acquire an ample repertoire of idiomatic expressions. In addition, students will explore some of the different genres in Hispanic literature such as poetry, novels, and short stories.
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or Departmental recommendation
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Full Year - Grades 9-12
This is an intense course available to students who have completed three years of Spanish and who have demonstrated strong skills at learning the language and assimilating the culture. The AP Spanish Language Course is designed to allow students to study the language at the college level and prepares them for the College Board's AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. Students practice and are tested regularly on their ability to comprehend, speak, read, and write using advanced structures and idiomatic vocabulary. The three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational) defined in the Standards for Foreign Language acquisition in the 21st Century and are foundation to the AP® Spanish Language and Culture course. When communicating, students demonstrate an understanding of the culture(s), incorporate interdisciplinary topics (connections), make linguistic and cultural comparisons and use the target language in real life setting communities.
Prerequisite: Departmental recommendation
SPANISH LITERATURE HONORS (UC Honors weighted course)
Full Year - Grades 10-12
This honors class is primarily designed for those students who have taken AP Spanish Language and want to continue their Spanish studies. This honors course involves an extensive amount of reading including contemporary and classical literature, and current events. Students will also view films and will write about and discuss the themes that emerge from their reading and viewing. Students are encouraged to speak Spanish in class and to extend their learning outside of the classroom by using their communicative skills at every opportunity. Students enrolled in the honors course must demonstrate a strong grammatical and vocabulary foundation, independence, and strong motivation to learn about the Spanish language and culture.
Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language or Spanish 4
Full Year - Grades 8-12
The primary focus of the class is to apply the skills students have acquired in previous courses. The goal is to reach a level of proficiency that will permit them to comprehend and speak Spanish efficiently in everyday situations. They will have the opportunity to develop strong conversational skills while discussing topics of current public and personal interests. Students will continue to build an extensive vocabulary and acquire an ample repertoire of idiomatic expressions. In addition, students will explore some of the different genres in Hispanic literature such as poetry, novels, and short stories.
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or Departmental recommendation
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Full Year - Grades 9-12
This is an intense course available to students who have completed three years of Spanish and who have demonstrated strong skills at learning the language and assimilating the culture. The AP Spanish Language Course is designed to allow students to study the language at the college level and prepares them for the College Board's AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. Students practice and are tested regularly on their ability to comprehend, speak, read, and write using advanced structures and idiomatic vocabulary. The three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational) defined in the Standards for Foreign Language acquisition in the 21st Century and are foundation to the AP® Spanish Language and Culture course. When communicating, students demonstrate an understanding of the culture(s), incorporate interdisciplinary topics (connections), make linguistic and cultural comparisons and use the target language in real life setting communities.
Prerequisite: Departmental recommendation
SPANISH LITERATURE HONORS (UC Honors weighted course)
Full Year - Grades 10-12
This honors class is primarily designed for those students who have taken AP Spanish Language and want to continue their Spanish studies. This honors course involves an extensive amount of reading including contemporary and classical literature, and current events. Students will also view films and will write about and discuss the themes that emerge from their reading and viewing. Students are encouraged to speak Spanish in class and to extend their learning outside of the classroom by using their communicative skills at every opportunity. Students enrolled in the honors course must demonstrate a strong grammatical and vocabulary foundation, independence, and strong motivation to learn about the Spanish language and culture.
Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language or Spanish 4
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Laguna Blanca is Santa Barbara’s premier private, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in Early Kindergarten through Grade 12.