Program of Studies 2011-2012 - Gorham High School!

FOREIGN LANGUAGES
In choosing a foreign language, it is best to have 3 or 4 years of a single language. Some students prefer to take
2 years of 2 languages, and this also is acceptable. Two years of one language is the minimum requirement for
college preparation. There are colleges that do not require a foreign language for admission to some of their
programs, but the logical learning sequences and the memory training that a student can obtain from taking a
foreign language are difficult to duplicate in other high school courses.
610 French 1 1 Credit
The objectives for this course are to acquire four (4) basic skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Class
work varies to include repetition, dialogues, oral summaries, skits, culture study and simple conversation.
Dialogues, written tests, quizzes, homework and class participation are required.
615 French 1/2 1 Credit
French 1/2 covers the highlights of courses # 610 and # 620 in one academic year. This course is designed for
students with a background in language study such as Latin 1 and 2, Spanish 1 and 2, or by permission from the
department. The class moves at an accelerated pace. The homework load will be heavy. This course is not for
students who have taken or failed another Level 1 language class. Course offering depends on enrollment and
staffing.
620 French 2 1 Credit
French 2 continues the emphasis on the four (4) basic language skills. Additionally presented are readings of at
least one short story, supplementary workbook study of grammar, and cultural identity through the use of the text
with somewhat greater emphasis on oral improvement.
625 French 3 1 Credit
French 3 focuses on the expansion of complex grammar construction, further development of conversational
vocabulary and in-depth analyses of francophone culture. Excerpts of works by some French authors may be
analyzed and discussed.
630 French 4 1 Credit
French 4 focuses on literature, history and advanced grammar. Students will work to further develop and refine
their reading, writing, and communication skills in French. Literary works by Moliere, Maupassant, Rabelais,
Hugo, Sempe-Goscinny, and Perrault will be interpreted and analyzed. Students will frequently write responses to
the literature being studied.
640 Spanish 1 1 Credit
Objectives include participation and performance in each of the five skill areas: listening, speaking, reading,
writing and culture. Class work and homework include dialogues, verb charts and translations, oral summaries,
and skits. Evaluation is based upon your participation, effort, and technical skill. Homework is a vital part of the
course. A notebook and personal dictionary are requirements for higher success.
645 Spanish 1/2 1 Credit
Spanish 1/2 will cover the highlights of courses # 640 and # 650 in one academic year. This course is designed
for students with previous background in language study such as Latin 1 & 2, French 1 & 2, or by permission from
the department. Assignments are laid out to help the student advance beyond the “basic level” of communication.
The class will move at a rapid pace. Homework load may be heavy. This course is not for students who failed
Spanish 1, nor is it an option for students who have already received a credit for Spanish 1. Course offering
depends on enrollment and staffing.
650 Spanish 2 1 Credit
Spanish 2 furthers the development of the several communicative skills. Additional complexity in grammar content
is explored through the use of workbook study, grammatical structure, and cultural identities. Homework,
combined with in-class activities, is keyed to an emphasis on the spoken skills.
Program of Studies: 2011-2012 Page 15