WORLD LANGUAGE

Creating global citizens who understand and embrace the value of diversity, culture, and varied perspectives.

Communicate.
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Students will acquire the language skills to communicate thoughtfully and meaningfully in the target language on a variety of topics in preparation for a productive role in our global community.

Examine.
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Students are challenged to examine their world by fostering respect and appreciation for others’ beliefs and ideas so that they may, in turn, better understand themselves.

Engage.
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Students will be given the opportunity to utilize their language skills to engage in authentic learning experiences throughout the community that connects them to the larger world.

2022-2023 course offerings

French I                CPS/Honors                      1 Credit                      Grades 9-12

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way” - Frank Smith   

From the dazzling city of lights to the world-renowned French cuisine and art, the French language and culture has had a lasting impact on our world. How does learning about another culture expand students’ horizons? What can students learn about their own language and culture by studying the languages and cultures of the Francophone world? French I introduces students to the French language and culture and is the beginning of their journey to proficiency. Through study of the French language and culture, students will begin to discover the 5 C’s of language learning: communication, cultures, comparisons, connections, and communities. They will demonstrate their linguistic knowledge through one-to-one conversational interviews and their cultural knowledge through the “Regions of France” trivia board game.


French II                         CPS/Honors                      1 Credit                         Grades 9-12

“He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The French language and culture can be found in many aspects of life for our students in the United States.  Many of our students come from families with French or Francophone heritage and have grown up with many ties to the culture. Have you ever tried French cuisine?  Are there words in our vocabulary that come from the French language? How are American teenagers and French teenagers similar and different?

In the Level 2 French class, students will continue their study of the French language and culture through various learning experiences. For example, students will research French regions and the food famous in each part of l’Hexagone to create an authentic “Food Truck” experience for the school community.  Continuing with visions of proficiency, students will demonstrate their progress in oral interviews and make real-life connections and comparisons using their language skills.  Students will walk away from this class with a deeper appreciation for the French and Francophone culture and the ability to communicate in French about their own lives and experiences.


French III                             CPS/Honors                 1 Credit                      Grades 9-12

“A different language is a different vision of life.”  Federico Fellini

From the rich history of French royalty to the legendary range of regional cuisines, French culture and language surround us in many aspects of American life.  Taking the foundational skills learned in their first two years, Level 3 students will apply and refine their communication skills by speaking and writing in a wide range of authentic contexts.  From corresponding with native speakers in France to inspiring the district’s youngest learners through French Story Time, students will find that their linguistic knowledge and cultural understandings are applicable in a wide range of settings.  

In the Level 3 French course, students will discover authentic French material for children, experiencing childhood as if they had grown up in a French-speaking country. Through both explicit cultural instruction and opportunities to interact with native French speakers, students are challenged to consider different cultural perspectives outside of their hometown.


French IV                                            CPS/Honors                   1 Credit         Grades 9-12

“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” - Rita Mae Brown

From the classic French cafés to the sun-drenched beaches of Martinique, the allure of French language and culture has always intrigued and inspired people around the world. How does immersing yourself in another language truly open the door to new cultures? How will utilizing the “whole language” help you engage in meaningful learning opportunities that you are personally invested in?

In Level 4 French classes, students will utilize authentic resources to explore and discuss various aspects of French civilization, such as the French Revolution, the World’s Fair of 1889, and the Francophone culture across the globe.  Students will employ French in real-world contexts and in spontaneous, non-rehearsed conversations through their pen pal correspondence with students in France, truly connecting them to the world outside of their community.


Spanish I                                                                 CPS/Honors            1 Credit            Grades 9-12

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way” - Frank Smith   

From the bustling markets of Barcelona to the world-famous paella of Valencia, the Spanish language and culture has had a lasting impact on our world. How does learning about another culture expand students’ horizons? What can students learn about their own language and culture by studying the languages and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world? Spanish I introduces students to the Spanish language and culture and is the beginning of their journey to proficiency. Through study of the Spanish/Hispanic/Latino language and culture, students will begin to discover the 5 C’s of language learning: communication, cultures, comparisons, connections, and communities. They will demonstrate their linguistic knowledge through one-to-one conversational interviews and their cultural knowledge through their creation of a “Tour of Latin America” trivia board game.


Spanish II                                                                CPS/Honors             1 Credit               Grades 9-12

“He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The Spanish language and culture can be found in many aspects of life for our students in the United States.  Many of our students come from families of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latin American decent and have grown up with many ties to the culture. Have you ever tried cuisine from Latin America or Spain?  Are there words in our vocabulary that come from the Spanish language? How are Latino teenagers and American teenagers similar and different?

In the Level 2 Spanish class, students will continue their study of the Spanish language and culture through various learning experiences. For example, students will research a Spanish-speaking country and its culinary delights to create an authentic “Food Truck” experience for the school community.  Continuing with visions of proficiency, students will demonstrate their progress in oral interviews and make real-life connections and comparisons using their language skills. Students will walk away from this class with a deeper appreciation for the Spanish/Hispanic/Latino culture while further developing the ability to communicate in Spanish about their own lives and experiences.


Spanish III                                      CPS/Honors                      1 Credit                          Grades 9-12 


“A different language is a different vision of life.” - Federico Fellini
From the rich history of indigenous cultures to the legendary range of savory Latin American cuisines, Spanish culture and language surround us in many aspects of daily life.  Taking the foundational skills learned in their first two years, Level 3 students will apply and refine their communication skills by speaking and writing in a wide range of authentic contexts.  From utilizing technology to practice their tongue-twisting “trabalenguas” to exploring the culinary tradition of Spanish tapas at a local restaurant, students will find that their linguistic knowledge and cultural understandings are applicable in a wide range of settings.  
In Level 3 Spanish courses, students will discover interdisciplinary connections between Spanish language and other fields (such as history, art and literature).  Through both explicit cultural instruction and opportunities to interact with native speakers, Spanish students are challenged to consider different cultural perspectives about a variety of topics. 


Spanish IV                                            CPS/Honors                      1 Credit                        Grades 9-12 


“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” - Rita Mae Brown
From the salsa song blaring on the radio to the delicious Latin cuisine we all enjoy, Spanish language and culture surrounds us and enriches the American experience every day.   How does immersing yourself in another language truly open the door to new cultures? How will utilizing the “whole language” help you engage in meaningful learning opportunities that you are personally invested in?

In Level 4 Spanish classes, students will utilize authentic resources to explore and discuss various aspects of Spanish influence on topics such as international cuisine, cultural identity, and urban legends.  Students will employ Spanish in real-world situations and in spontaneous, non-rehearsed contexts such as our “Latino Market Treasure Hunt” in order to connect them to the world beyond school. 


Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition (Immersion)          Honors             1 Credit          Grade 9-12

To have another language is to possess a second soul.” - Charlemagne
Do you truly love speaking Spanish?  Are you looking to take your Spanish-speaking skills to the next level?  This challenging course is intended for skilled language learners of the Spanish Immersion program who wish to improve their oral communication and pronunciation skills and to expand their knowledge of Spanish grammar, usage, and composition.  Students will engage in a comprehensive review of all advanced grammar concepts and theme-oriented vocabulary integrated with various authentic resources and classic literary selections.

Students will enjoy a classroom atmosphere in which the target language is utilized at all times to converse, to discuss literary selections, to communicate their opinions, and to give oral presentations.  Biliterate leaders of tomorrow will find their voice as they refine their conversational skills and Spanish accent through the use of various media tools and presentations. Aspiring writers will further develop their linguistic skills with personal essays, journal entries, personal reflections, and research papers.  Student discussion will focus on expanding awareness of Hispanic culture and influence with an examination of Latino history and current events.  This course is held entirely in Spanish.  


Hispanic Civilization, Culture, and Literature (Immersion)                 Honors            1 Credit      Grades 9-12

“Change your language and you change your thoughts.” - Karl Albrecht
Are you confident in your advanced Spanish language skills, but feel like you need to know more about the culture of the Spanish-speaking world? Then this is the class for you! We will start by figuring out exactly what “culture” is, examining our own personal cultures and using that as a point of comparison, as we explore the immense diversity that exists in el mundo hispanohablante. Then, we will investigate the Roman and Arabic influence in Spain’s history, taking a virtual tour of the famous Alhambra, debating the legality/morality of bullfighting, and planning a “vacation” to one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities. After studying the Spanish Civil War and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco using the film “La lengua de las Mariposas”, we will cross the ocean to the “New World”, questioning our perspectives on Columbus Day and learning about el sincretismo cultural that comes to life in the beautiful celebrations of the Day of the Dead in Latin America. Additionally,  we will use the movie “También la lluvia” and the song “Latinoamérica” by Calle 13 to guide our discussions about the beauty of the geography and culture as well as the political, environmental, social, and economic struggles that exist in Latin American countries today.  This course is held entirely in Spanish.


Advanced Placement Spanish Language              AP                   1 Credit              Grades 11-12

“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” - Flora Lewis

​Are you interested in taking your Spanish abilities to the next level?  Do you love a challenge? Would you like to stand out in your college application?

Advanced Spanish Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. The emphasis of the course is about bringing students to an educated citizenry.

Students who elect this course will work towards becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience, and occasion. Students will become more knowledgeable of generic conventions and understand how the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. This course instructs students how to discern what the question is asking, how to take a stand, how to develop a point of view, how to construct engaging introductions and move past formulaic responses, and how to quote and paraphrase appropriately.  Course study examines a scope of writers: autobiographers and diarists, biographers and history writers, critics, essayists and fiction writers, journalists, political writers, and science and nature writers. This course is held entirely in Spanish.


Advanced Conversational Spanish            Honors            1 Credit               Grades 9-12

"Language shapes the way we think and determines what we can think about." - Benjamin Lee Whorf

How can you speak Spanish in a more conversational, everyday way?  Want to learn how to speak in real world Spanish conversations and sound like a pro?  Want to learn some realistic Spanish conversation starters and phrases you can use in a real discussion?  Let’s break the ice and start talking!
This course combines content-based language instruction with an interactive task-based approach, providing a welcoming environment where language learners can develop their Spanish speaking-skills and take risks in a non-judgmental setting.  Through speaking and listening exercises, students will quickly learn the phrases and vocabulary needed to communicate with native Spanish speakers.  Individual and group presentations will provide students with practice in making formal presentations in Spanish, a skill that is necessary for many professional settings such as international affairs, business, and teaching.  Utilizing short films and authentic resources, classroom and small group discussions will provide practice in a more informal style of speech that is encountered in travel and social situations. Conversation topics will include varied genres from around the Hispanic world which provide students with both cultural perspectives on general topics that will help to stimulate discussions.  Students will employ Spanish in real-world situations and share their knowledge and skills with younger students in the district with their “Spanish Mini-Lessons.” This course is held entirely in Spanish.


Italian I                                                     CPS/Honors           1 Credit            Grades 9-12

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way” - Frank Smith   
Italy is much more than pizza and espresso: from the fascinating fashion capital of Milano to the Renaissance masterpieces born in Firenze, the Italian language and culture has had (and continues to have) a lasting impact on our world. How does learning about another culture expand students’ horizons? What can students learn about their own language and culture by studying the language and culture of Italy? Italian I introduces students to the Italian language and culture and marks the beginning of their journey to proficiency. Through study of the Italian language and culture, students will begin to discover the 5 C’s of language learning: communication, cultures, comparisons, connections, and communities. They will demonstrate their linguistic knowledge through one-to-one conversational interviews and their cultural knowledge through projects, such as their “Tour of an Italian region” trivia board game.


Italian II                                                    CPS/Honors           1 Credit            Grades 9-12

“He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The Italian language and culture can be found in many aspects of life for our students in the United States.  Many of our students come from families with Italian heritage and have grown up with many ties to the culture. Have you ever tried true Italian cuisine?  Are there words in our vocabulary that have roots in the Italian language? How are American teenagers and Italian teenagers similar and different?
In Level 2 Italian classes, students will continue their learning of the Italian language and culture through different learning opportunities and projects.  Students in this course will expand their knowledge of uses of the language and their understanding of life in Italy. For example, students will research Italian regions and the food famous in each part of Italy to create an authentic “Food Truck” experience for their classmates.  Continuing with our proficiency based vision, students will show their progress in oral interviews and make real-life connections and comparisons using their language skills. Students will walk away from this class with a deeper appreciation for the Italian culture and the ability to communicate in Italian about their own lives and experiences.

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Italian III                                                    CPS/Honors           1 Credit            Grades 9-12

“A different language is a different vision of life.”  Federico Fellini
From the rich history of the Roman empire to the legendary range of regional cuisines, Italian culture and language surround us in many aspects of American life.  Taking the foundational skills learned in their first two years, Level 3 students will apply and refine their communication skills by speaking and writing in a wide range of authentic contexts.  From utilizing Skype to chat with native speakers to taking an Italian language tour of Boston’s Eataly, students will find that their linguistic knowledge and cultural understandings are applicable in a wide range of settings.  

In Level 3 Italian courses, students will discover interdisciplinary connections between Italian and other fields (such as history, art and music).  Through both explicit cultural instruction and opportunities to interact with native Italians, students are challenged to consider different cultural perspectives about a variety of topics.


Italian IV                                                  CPS/Honors           1 Credit            Grades 9-12

“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” - Rita Mae Brown
From the delicious Italian restaurants of the North End to the stunning drama of Italian cinema, Italian language and culture surrounds us and enriches the American experience every day.   How does immersing yourself in another language truly open the door to new cultures? How will utilizing the “whole language” help you engage in meaningful learning opportunities that you are personally invested in?

In Level 4 Italian classes, students will utilize authentic resources to explore and discuss various aspects of Italian influence on topics such as immigration, the Mafia, and the Renaissance.  Students will employ Italian in real-world situations and in spontaneous, non-rehearsed contexts such as our “Eataly Market Visit” in order to connect them to the world beyond school.  

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**Students can enroll in any of the courses below regardless of the language study.  For example, a student studying French could enroll in the Spanish Culture, Cinema, and Cuisine course.


Italian Culture, Cinema, & Cuisines                              CPS/Honors           0.5 Credits            Grades 9-12

This course will specifically focus on Italy’s culture (as a country and as individual regions) by exploring film, gastronomy, literature and music.


Spanish Culture, Cinema, & Cuisines                             CPS/Honors           0.5 Credits            Grades 9-12

This course will specifically focus on Spain’s culture (as a country and as individual regions) by exploring film, gastronomy, literature and music.

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