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WORLD LANGUAGES
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In addition to the required subjects, what can a student study that may enhance his/her chances for just about any career? The answer is: STUDY A WORLD LANGUAGE!
As today’s world becomes larger and more complex, the U.S. Government and American businesses and corporations are becoming more involved in almost every country in the world. A student’s employment opportunities may be greatly enhanced with language skills. Students should check with their guidance counselors and/or language teachers for details regarding how the study of world languages might help with future employment and career advancement.
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UW-Eau Claire, UW-Madison, and the entire University of Minnesota system have an entrance admissions requirement of two years of foreign language (Madison recommends four years). Students who have completed two full years of the same foreign language, with a passing grade during 8th-12th grades of school, are exempt from this requirement. 1 UW- Milwaukee, UW-Platteville, and UW-Parkside have an exit requirement of two semesters of a world language. For the UW-Wisconsin System, an incoming college freshman can earn a maximum of four semesters of retroactive credits (up to 16 credits, depending upon the university). A placement test determines in which level of foreign language the student is placed. If the student earns a B or better in that class, retroactive credits are awarded. They count towards the 120 credits needed for graduation.
If a student has been out of class for a year or more between levels of study (i.e. Level I and Level II), it will be left to the discretion of the teacher whether that student is able to re-enter the program based on an interview. It is recommended that native speakers of any given language, who have never had formal education in that language, be placed in a Level III class until evaluated by his or her teacher.
1 UW system on-line: www.wisconsin.edu
COURSES REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION FROM THIS DEPARTMENT: None
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LEVEL I
FRENCH I - No. 800; GERMAN I - No. 820
SPANISH I - No. 840; JAPANESE I - No. 860
1 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
This course is for beginning language students. The emphasis during this first year of language study is on speaking and listening. Reading and writing skills are developed on a limited basis. Culture is integrated throughout each unit of study. In this level the student will begin to develop proficiencies enabling him to talk about self, family, the city, leisure time activities, likes/dislikes, sports, food, the weather, and the geography of the countries where the language is spoken. Students gain computer experience in the target language. |
LEVEL II
FRENCH II - No. 803; GERMAN II - No. 823
SPANISH II - No. 843; JAPANESE II - No. 862
1 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Level I (C- or higher is required)
Emphasis continues to be on the development of speaking and listening skills in conjunction with reading and writing. Lessons are conducted in the target language. Students will be able to describe activities and interests in greater detail. Speaking the language is stressed, talking about topics such as family, clothing, shopping, pastimes, personal care, daily activities, school, jobs and food. Students begin to develop writing fundamentals. Students read elementary, but authentic materials. Students complete projects using technology and media. |
LEVEL III
FRENCH III - No. 806; GERMAN III - No. 826
SPANISH III - No. 846; JAPANESE III - No. 863
1 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Level II (C- or higher is required)
At this level the student continues to develop broader reading and writing skills. The emphasis remains on speaking and listening. Lessons are conducted in the target language. Better command of language structures is developed enabling the student to express different viewpoints, deal with situations of a more complicated nature, prepare paragraphs such as a resume, character sketches and letters, write in a journal, react and respond to various situations. Students complete projects using technology and media. Optional advanced work is available for French III students. |
LEVEL IV
FRENCH IV - No. 810; GERMAN IV - No. 830
SPANISH IV - No. 850; Japanese IV - No. 864
Honors Option - Seniors only, consent of instructor needed
1 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Level III (C- or higher is required)
This level of language instruction offers further opportunities to develop proficiency of all skills. Lessons are conducted in the target language. More in-depth work with the culture of the countries where the language is spoken will continue through the study of short stories, fine arts, and history. Opportunities are given to demonstrate proficiency in all four skills through dialogues, more complex situations, writings, songs, and daily use of the language. Students complete projects using technology and media. Optional advanced work is available for French IV students. |
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LEVEL V
FRENCH V - No. 816
GERMAN V - No. 836
Spanish V - No. 856
Honors option - Seniors only, consent of instructor needed
1 Credit Elective - Grade 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Level IV (C- or higher is required)
Note: French IV and V is a combined class as is German IV and V. A two-year alternating curriculum is followed for French and German so that there is no repeat of subject materials. Emphasis remains on speaking and understanding the target language using class materials for more advanced conversations. Students present skits based on cultural themes and give short speeches or demonstrations as they continue to improve and expand vocabulary and writing skills. Short stories, poetry and other literary selections are read. Culture is emphasized through lessons on art, history and literature. Videos and songs provide a wide range of cultural aspects. Journal writing and more advanced composition writing is included. Structural concepts previously studied are reviewed. Spanish V students will study the geography, history, and culture of the Spanish speaking world. Authentic literature, art , music, and film will supplement this study.
Honors students are taught in the same class period as Level IV and/or Level V students. The Honors curriculum involves additional weekly work done independently.
World Language classes use the
internet and media
for various cultural activities and research projects.
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