WORLD LANGUAGES

It is our mission to increase students’ awareness of our global and diverse society through the learning of world languages. By learning about other cultures and customs and comparing it to their own, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of how they fit in the global community. We strive for mastery in the four essential skills of communication - reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In alignment with national standards by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, classes are conducted in a performance-oriented learning environment at a minimum of 90% of the target language. Students are encouraged to take risks with their language use and, because of this, they build confidence in their abilities.

ILLINOIS SEAL OF BILITERACY

Community High School District 117 has elected to participate in this voluntary program by awarding “the State Seal of Biliteracy to any high school graduate who attains a high level of proficiency, sufficient for meaningful use in college and career, in a language other than English as evidenced by their attainment of a composite score of ‘intermediate high’ or its equivalent, on a standardized assessment that addresses the four domains of speaking, writing, listening and reading in the targeted foreign language.” Students who attain the Seal of Biliteracy will have it noted on their transcript and diploma. This designation is offered to seniors or students in a Capstone World Language course.

GERMAN 1

9-12, 1 year, 1 credit

German 1 is a proficiency-based course designed to allow students to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through the daily use of German. Students will explore basic functions of the language through the cultures and traditions of German-speaking countries. The main topics that students will explore in this course include personal identities, free time activities, food, family, and celebrations.

GERMAN 2

9-12, 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 1 or teacher recommendation

German 2 is a proficiency-based course designed to allow students to build upon German 1 material to further develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through the daily use of German. Students will continue to explore basic functions of the language through the cultures and traditions of German-speaking countries. Students will face more complex, and longer tasks than in German 1. The main topics that students will explore in this course include

travel, vacations, healthy lifestyles, & urban life.

GERMAN 3 HONORS

9-12 1 year, 1 credit, weighted

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 2

German 3 Honors is a proficiency-based course designed to broaden students' knowledge and communication skills. Students will continue to strengthen the four language skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension in depth through the use of authentic readings, videos, podcasts, and extended discussions in German. The main topics that students will explore in this course include consumerism, environment, technology, and history.

CAPSTONE

GERMAN 4 HONORS

9-12 1 year, 1 credit, weighted

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 3 Honors

German 4 Honors students continue extending their proficiency in the German language. They should speak German almost exclusively with classmates and the teacher. Listening selections are longer and students read a variety of materials, including short stories, poetry, and magazine articles. Students will participate in unstructured discussions and write longer essays and projects. Students in the course can take the Advanced Placement Exam with the possibility of earning college credit.

CAPSTONE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT GERMAN LANGUAGE

10-12 1 year, 1 credit, weighted

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 4 Honors or teacher recommendation

The AP German Language and Culture course emphasizes communication by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations, including vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. AP students will engage in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts in order to develop students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products, practices, and perspectives. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the instructor will conduct the course exclusively in German. Students in the course can take the Advanced Placement exam with the possibility of earning college credit.

SPANISH 1

9-12, 1 year, 1 credit

Spanish 1 is a proficiency-based course designed to allow students to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through the daily use of Spanish. Students will explore basic functions of the language through the cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries. The main topics that students will explore in this course include personal identities, free time, activities, food, family, and celebrations.

SPANISH FOR HERTIAGE SPEAKERS 1

9-12, 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1 is meant for students who understand and speak Spanish at home. This course is designed to fit the needs of its students, while enhancing their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking capabilities. Students will expand their knowledge of the Hispanic culture through authentic resources and discussions.

SPANISH 2

9-12, 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1 or teacher recommendation

Spanish 2 is a proficiency-based course designed to allow students to build upon Spanish 1 material to further develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through the daily use of Spanish. Students will continue to explore basic functions of the language through the cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries. Students will face more complex and longer tasks than in Spanish 1. The main topics that students will explore in this course include travel, vacations, consumerism, heroism, and urban life.

SPANISH 3 HONORS

9-12, 1 year, 1 credit, weighted

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 2

Spanish 3 Honors is a proficiency-based course designed to broaden students' knowledge and communication skills. Students will continue to strengthen the four language skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension in depth through the use of authentic readings, videos, podcasts, and extended discussions in Spanish. The main topics that students will explore in this course include healthy lifestyles, environment, relationships, and celebrations.

CAPSTONE

SPANISH 4 HONORS

9-12, 1 year, 1 credit, weighted

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3 Honors

Spanish 4 Honors students will continue their study of the structure and style of the language. Students will listen to and read longer selections including short stories, magazines, and newspaper articles; participate in unstructured discussions regarding literature, Hispanic culture, and thematic topics; oral projects and projects involving technology; and write longer essays.

CAPSTONE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE

10-12, 1 year, 1 credit, weighted

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 4 Honors or teacher recommendation

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course emphasizes communication by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations, including vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. AP students will engage in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts in order to develop students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products, practices, and perspectives. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the instructor will conduct the course exclusively in Spanish.