Foreign Language Department Course Descriptions
In an increasingly interactive world, the value of foreign language acquisition and cultural awareness is inarguable. The philosophy of the Plattsburgh City Schools FL Department is, broadly-stated, twofold: enable students to function in the foreign language(s) on their own (listening, speaking, reading, writing), and expand students’ awareness of the many varied cultures of our world. These goals are best accomplished through field trips, FL immersion activities, besides in-class instruction.
Proficiency in a Foreign Language and cultural understanding and sensitivity are essential in today’s international business and political environment. It is the responsibility of our school to help prepare our students for this environment.
It is our desire to encourage cultural tolerance, Foreign Language mastery, and a lifelong interest in and joy of learning of all that the study of Foreign Languages and Cultures has to offer.
Course No. 300
French I
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
No Prerequisites
French I is an introductory course designed to develop in students the knowledge, understanding and skills involved in learning French. It is the first year of a five year French Language sequence. Although it is usually offered at the ninth grade level, the course is open to all grade levels. The course covers the development of the four skills in foreign language learning: listening, reading, speaking and writing with an emphasis on oral skills. Audiovisual materials supplement the basic text and provide cultural insights and information.
Culminating Activity: Final Exam
Course No. 301
French II
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: French I
French II is an intermediate course which continues practice in the language skills acquired in the first level and emphasizes these special objectives: oral competence, development of reading skills, the continuation of a formal study of grammar, progressive skill in writing, and the nurturing of cultural awareness. This course is usually taken at the ninth grade level but is open to any grade level. No student may enroll in French II without passing French I except with permission of the instructor.
Culminating Activity: Final Exam
Course No. 302
French III
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: French I & II
French III is an advanced course designed to continue the development of the student’s skills in French. It culminates with a Regents’ exam. The goals for this level include writing of simple compositions and letters, reading a variety of texts and speaking in everyday situations. This course is usually taken in the tenth grade by the majority of students but is open to any grade level.
Culminating Activity: Regents Exam
Course No. 303
French IV
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: French I, II, And III, A Passing Grade On The Regents’ Exam
This is an advanced course designed to continue the development of the student’s skills in French. It may include trips to French-speaking areas (Montreal or Quebec City). This course continues to build fluency in speaking and writing. Cultural projects involve the four skills.
Culminating Activity: Final Exam
Course No. 312
French V
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: French I-IV
French V is an advanced class for students who have successfully completed four years of high school French. The class is conducted in French and prepares students for intermediate levels of college French. Students may work on cultural projects, read works of literature, or watch feature films. Advanced grammar is introduced as it relates to the instructional materials. Students are graded on communicative skills in speaking and writing. Topics of study include materials from Canadian French culture.
Culminating Activity: Final Exam
Course No. 310
German Conversation and Culture
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: None
This is a one-year course open to any student in grades 9-12. It is offered to prepare students for our exchange program with a school in Rastede, Germany. Students can expect to learn basic expressions organized around topic such as home, school, leisure activities, clothing, calendar, weather, shopping, etc. Conversational skills are practiced regularly as well as beginning grammar and reading comprehension. Students who enroll in German should also expect to study history, geography, and culture to better prepare them for their stay in Germany. All students planning to participate in the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) exchange must enroll and successfully complete this course. Students not planning to travel with the group are welcome to take this class.
Culminating Activity: Final Exam
Course No. 304
Spanish I
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: None
Spanish I is an introductory course designed to develop the knowledge and understanding of the basic skills involved in writing, speaking, and understanding of the Spanish language. This course covers the development of the fundamental skills involved in the learning of the language, commensurate with specific level I objectives and aims. Although it is usually offered at the ninth grade level, the course is open to students of any grade level.
Culminating Activity: Final Exam
Course No. 305
Spanish II
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Spanish I And/Or A Passing Grade On NY State Proficiency Exam (9/2001)
This is an intermediate course which continues practice in the language skills acquired in the first level and emphasizes these special objectives: oral competence, development of reading skills, the continuation of a formal study of grammar, progressive skill in writing, and the nurturing of cultural awareness. No student may enroll in Spanish II without having passed Spanish I or without the permission of the instructor.
Culminating Activity: Final Exam
Course No. 306
Spanish III
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Spanish II & I
Spanish III is an advanced course designed to continue the development of the student’s skills in Spanish and it culminates with a Regents’ exam. The goals for this level include writing of simple compositions and letters, reading a variety of texts, and speaking in everyday situations.
Culminating Activity: Regents Exam
Course No.307
Spanish IV
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Spanish I, II, And III, Passing Grade On The Regents’ Exam
Spanish IV is an advanced course designed to continue the student’s skills in Spanish and broaden their cross-cultural experience. It includes reading selected excerpts of Spanish and Latin American literature, the study of Latin American history, and continues to build fluency in speaking and writing. Several projects and essays require students to use Spanish as they examine cultural differences.
Culminating Activity: Project and Final Exam
Course No. 313
Spanish V
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisites: Spanish I-IV
Spanish V is an advanced class for students who have successfully completed four years of high school Spanish. The class is conducted in Spanish and prepares students for intermediate levels of college Spanish. Students may work on cultural projects, read works of literature, or watch feature films. Advanced grammar is introduced as it relates to the instructional materials. Students are graded on communicative skills in writing and speaking. Topics of study include materials from Hispanic Cultures.
Culminating Activity: Final Exam
Course No. 315
Farsi
Full Year
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
Open To All Students
This course is designed to provide to the students the skills necessary to learn Farsi at the high school level. It aims to help students read and understand simple sentences and to write simple responses to oral or written questions.
Listening and speaking which support the reading skills are also very important in this course. Students can recognize and comprehend simple spoken statements or questions. They can articulate simple Persian phrases and convey meaning in controlled situations.
Above all the students will have an understanding of Iranian and Middle Eastern culture on completion of this course.
Culminating Activity: Project and Final Exam