World Languages and Literatures

This beginning course is typically completed at the middle school level, and can be available at SHS based on student interest. This course introduces students to basic pronunciation, words, and expressions via listening, speaking, reading, and writing within context. Vocabulary and grammar coverage are structured simply and clearly to offer structured progression for students. New York State Standards provide Performance Indicators that measure the students’ level of mastery in listening, speaking, reading and writing at Checkpoint A.

Level 2 emphasizes accurate communication within authentic cultural contexts. Grammar functions as a tool to support active expression rather than an end in itself. Students engage in frequent opportunities for self-expression, extended conversational exchanges, reading for pleasure, critical thinking, and the development of global cultural awareness. Instruction aligns with New York State Standards for Checkpoint B, with performance indicators measuring proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 and a minimum score of 65 percent on the department exam.

In Level 3, students will enter the final phase of preparation for a Checkpoint B examination. More extensive use of the target language is encouraged through more complex communicative activities. Speaking and writing activities bring students from simple language to more complex and creative language. Student performance is evaluated against New York State standards. New York State Standards provide performance indicators that measure students’ level of mastery in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in this third level of study. Students take a Checkpoint B examination in June. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Level 2 course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Level 2 course of study of language.

IB French and Spanish are offered at both the HL and SL Levels. All IB Language courses are designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills in one of these three languages, as well as to promote an understanding of other cultures through the study of language. Language B courses are designed for students who already have experience in the target language. According to the IB organization, all Language B courses will:

· develop students’ intercultural understanding

· enable students to understand and use the language they have studied in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes

· encourage, through the study of texts and through social interaction, an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures

· develop students’ awareness of the role of language in relation to other areas of knowledge (within the IB)

· develop students’ awareness of the relationship between the languages and cultures with which they are familiar

· provide students with a basis for further study, work, and leisure through the use of an additional language

· provide the opportunity of enjoyment, creativity, and intellectual stimulation through knowledge of an additional language.

HL Students will experience a minimum of 240 hours of instruction over two years, and SL students will experience a minimum of 150 hours over two years. In addition, HL students will read two works of literature in the target language. Each of these courses satisfies the first part of an IB Diploma Candidate’s first year of Group Two course selection, or they may be taken as certificate courses.

These courses are the continuation of Language B Year One courses at the HL or SL level. They satisfy the second part of an IB Diploma Candidate’s second year of Group Two course selection, or they may be taken as certificate courses. IB Language B Year One is a prerequisite.

Students who sit for HL French will also be prepared to sit for the AP French Language and Culture Exam (formal student registration required), should.

According to the IB organization, all Language B courses will:

· develop students’ intercultural understanding

· enable students to understand and use the language they have studied in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes

· encourage, through the study of texts and through social interaction, an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures

· develop students’ awareness of the role of language in relation to other areas of knowledge (within the IB)

· develop students’ awareness of the relationship between the languages and cultures with which they are familiar

· provide students with a basis for further study, work, and leisure through the use of an additional language

· provide the opportunity of enjoyment, creativity, and intellectual stimulation through knowledge of an additional language.

HL Students will experience a minimum of 240 hours of instruction over two years, and SL students will experience a minimum of 150 hours over two years. In addition, HL students will read two works of literature in the target language. Each of these courses satisfies the first part of an IB Diploma Candidate’s first year of Group Two course selection, or they may be taken as certificate courses.

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is a year-long, college-level program of study that is designed for students who wish to develop advanced proficiency in Spanish and gain a deeper understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasizing real-world communication, the course builds students’ interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational skills through authentic materials such as news articles, literature, podcasts, films, and interviews. Students explore six core themes while expanding their command of complex grammar, advanced vocabulary, and culturally appropriate expression. Regular practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking prepares students to communicate confidently and accurately in diverse contexts. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam, which may qualify them for college credit or placement. All students enrolled in Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture must take the Advanced Placement Language Examination administered in May. Recommendation: Mastery (85% or better) in College Level Course and teacher recommendation. A summer assignment is required.

College Level Italian will provide students with the academic challenges of college-level curriculum of the Italian language and culture. Proficiency in the four language skills (speaking, writing, reading, and comprehension) is developed through extensive grammar review, literary readings, and cultural exposure. Students enrolled in College Level Italian have a unique opportunity to earn three college credits through SUNY Westchester Community College. These credits may form the basis of a permanent postsecondary academic record that can be transferred to many colleges and universities throughout the country and applied to the credit requirement of an undergraduate degree. Students are not required to apply for credit and must earn a minimum final average of 75 to earn credit. Recommendation: Mastery in Level 3 (85% or better), a grade of 85% or better on the Checkpoint B Exam. A summer assignment is required.

Advanced Italian is the equivalent of a college course in advanced Italian composition and conversation. The course objectives are to help students comprehend formal and informal language subtleties at an advanced level and to provide emphasis on oral presentation and written composition. Students enrolled in Advanced College Italian have a unique opportunity to earn three additional college credits through SUNY Westchester Community College that can be transferred to many colleges and universities throughout the country and applied to the credit requirements of an undergraduate degree. Students will also have the opportunity to take the AP Italian Language and Culture Exam, should they choose. Recommendation: Mastery (85% or better) in College Level Italian. A summer assignment is required.

The College Level course will provide students with the academic challenges of college-level curriculum of Spanish language and culture. Proficiency in the four language skills (speaking, writing, reading, and comprehension) is developed through extensive grammar review, literary readings, and cultural exposure. Students enrolled in College Level Spanish have a unique opportunity to earn three or four college credits through the State University of New York at Albany (depending on the offerings from University at Albany). These credits may form the basis of a permanent post-secondary academic record that can be transferred to many colleges and universities throughout the country and applied to the credit requirements of an undergraduate degree. Students are not required to apply for credit and must earn a minimum final average of 73 to earn credit. Recommendation: Mastery in Level 3 (85% or better), a grade of 85% or better on the Checkpoint B Exam. A summer assignment is required.

This course is the first-year course designed for students who have had 0 to very little exposure to the Spanish language. This pathway provides students who have not taken a language to achieve the IB Diploma. This course is taken in Junior year.

This course is the second-year course designed for students who have had 0 to very little exposure to the Spanish language. This pathway provides students who have not taken a language to achieve the IB Diploma. This course is taken in Senior year.