Curriculum Guide

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US Languages & Cultural Studies

  • Advanced Chinese

    ADVANCED CHINESE US4347
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 10-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese III US4331 and consent of department.

    This course enhances language skills with a specific focus on collaborative projects and the presentational, interpersonal, and interpretive modes. Students actively participate in speaking and writing independently with an emphasis on collaborative projects. The curriculum extends to include the exploration of more complex grammar and sentence structures and includes writing and performing in various scenarios. There is a focus on speaking projects, skits, and performances. Listening and reading skills improve through the use of authentic materials including feature films and documentaries that support cultural and historical understanding. Students explore diverse Chinese-speaking cultures in relation to their own experiences. Evaluation is based on language competency assessed through quizzes, tests, presentations, and projects in addition to homework, class participation, and effort.

  • Advanced French

    ADVANCED FRENCH US4080
    (1 year/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Completion of a prior advanced French course or consent of department.

    Le français avancé: This course is designed for students who have completed the first three years of our French program. We will engage in an analysis of short stories, literary excerpts, and media resources representing a diverse selection of Francophone voices. Students will write film critiques and complete a combination of AP-level comprehension exercises along with a grammar review. Popular music and current events will regularly be discussed to build listening comprehension and awareness of socio-historical trends in a Francophone context. Students will explore a host of culturally relevant topics, read a complete novel in French and receive daily conversational prompts to help refine their speaking skills and prepare them for undergraduate coursework. Assessments will include written exercises, short papers, cultural projects, and individual presentations. 

  • Advanced Latin: Latin Literature

    ADVANCED LATIN: LATIN LITERATURE US4125
    (1 Year /1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Latin III US4103 and consent of department.

    This full year course covers an array of literary works each semester. Authors and works are selected based on students’ level of ability and interests. Typically, works from Cicero, Livy, Ovid, and Virgil are read with units supporting each genre or subject, including non-classical and neo-Latin.

  • Advanced Spanish: Latin American Lit & History

    ADVANCED SPANISH: LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE & HISTORY US4256
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement and completion of Advanced Topics in Spanish US4251.

    This course introduces students to Latin American literature, film and visual art in its geographic and socio-historical context, from the chronicles of the Conquest to representations of contemporary life in Latin America’s megalopolises. Students will read poetry, testimonials, short stories, novels and plays by major Latin American authors and will consider Latin American and Latino cultural production in light of armed conflict, migration, gender roles, class struggle, popular culture and social upheaval. Students will strengthen their language skills through discussion, close readings of the texts, analytic essays, presentations, creative writing and performance.  

  • Advanced Topics in Spanish

    ADVANCED TOPICS IN SPANISH US4251
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement and completion of Spanish III US4231 or Spanish in Context.

    Advanced Topics in Spanish focuses on the analysis of narratives, short stories, podcasts, film and poetry from the Hispanic World.  This course requires a high level of engagement with intellectually challenging material and an interest in developing advanced-level language skills.  In the first semester, students will explore and deepen their knowledge of a wide range of cultural themes about the Spanish-speaking world. In the second semester students examine key topics related to the history of Spain. The course places emphasis on developing advanced proficiency in the four basic skills: speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing. Students develop their writing through analytical and creative compositions, and they hone their oral expression through in-depth discussions of the topics and texts.  

  • French I

    FRENCH I US4011
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12

    French I introduces and builds upon the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course will accommodate students who may have had prior world language experience in a language other than French and will begin with learning the code of the language - the sound/symbol connection - i.e., the link between pronunciation and writing (or spelling). This course is also appropriate for new Parker students who have never studied a world language in Middle School. Fundamental grammar concepts and authentic cultural information are introduced. Auditory comprehension and oral proficiency are enhanced by the use of online textbook resources and supplemental audio-visual exercises. Individual presentations and special projects provide additional opportunities for students to expand their knowledge of the contemporary French–speaking world. Evaluation will be based on: class participation, homework, written assessments, conversational exercises, and cultural presentations.

  • French II

    FRENCH II US4021
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Completion of French I US4011 and consent of department.

    After a review of fundamental grammar introduced in French I, new grammatical concepts and vocabulary are presented in the second year. Students will refine their pronunciation and work on their comprehension of more linguistically difficult material via online resources including writing, reading, listening and speaking activities along with frequent studies of Francophone media, music and films. Students will distinguish between the different past tenses, the imparfait and the passé composé, and will learn other tenses such as the future and the conditional. Conversational fluency is enhanced through compelling classroom materials and discussions of pertinent cultural topics. Students will be asked to deliver cultural presentations and real-life simulations in French to the class. Evaluation will be based on: active class involvement, homework, written assessments, cultural projects and simulations to lead them to a novice high level. 

  • French III

    FRENCH III US4031
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Completion of French II US4021 and consent of department.

    French III focuses on advanced vocabulary and grammar concepts introduced or reviewed around particular themes including art, cuisine, la francophonie, and social events. A review of tenses and important grammatical structures learned previously is combined with an introduction to the subjunctive, the pluperfect, and the past conditional along with culturally significant idiomatic expressions used in everyday French. Students will acquire grammar, vocabulary, and culture through award-winning films, engaging articles, and real-life simulations. This course promotes active conversation as well as reflective writing. Students deliver presentations and write reflections in French. Active, daily classroom involvement and special cultural projects are an integral part of the student's overall evaluation to reach an intermediate level.

  • Fundamentals of Spanish

    FUNDAMENTALS OF SPANISH US4265
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement and/or through a placement test.

    This course is designed for students who have had one or more years of prior Spanish instruction but are not yet ready for the academic challenges of Spanish II. Fundamentals of Spanish builds on prior knowledge of pronunciation and the basic structure of the language, reinforcing the connection between accurate pronunciation and the written code. This course develops the student’s ability to carry on simple conversations through directed questions on contemporary topics. The textbook, workbook, and internet-based resources include grammar, conversational and listening exercises. Cultural materials are supplemented by instructor and student projects. Audio-visual aids and interactive activities stimulate conversation and interest in the Spanish language. Students are expected to devote appropriate time to homework preparation and general review daily. Students are evaluated in the four skills in the language, reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as the completion of in-class activities and homework. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared for Spanish II.

  • Introduction to Spanish

    INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH US4272
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12

    This course is designed for students who have never had prior experience with the Spanish language. Introduction to Spanish will teach you the basic structure of the language, and develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.  Students will practice carrying on simple conversations on familiar topics related to daily life. In addition to the textbook, workbook, and companion website, students will be exposed to a broad range of cultural materials and audio-visual aids.  Engagement in the daily class activities and careful preparation of the homework are key to developing the language skills that are appropriate for this level. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be placed in Fundamentals of Spanish or Spanish II.

  • Latin I

    LATIN I US4100
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12

    Latin I introduces students to the fundamentals of Latin with the goal of reading authentic texts as early as possible. Points of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary are introduced through a hybrid approach that combines elements of comprehensible input with more traditional grammar-translation instruction. This course utilizes the textbook Suburani, but time is also given to the study of authentic Latin when applicable, Latin inscriptions, Latin mottos, and English derivatives from Latin and Greek roots. Our story begins in the year 64 CE and follows the lives of a diverse cast of characters from the gritty Suburba neighborhood in Rome and their travels throughout the Roman Empire. Latin I is divided into 12 units with time equally given to translating Latin stories into English, developing Latin-English vocabulary, learning and practicing Latin grammar, and learning about the history, culture, and mythology of ancient Rome. Evaluation is based on language competency assessed through assessments, presentations, and projects in addition to homework and in-class practice.

  • Latin II

    LATIN II US4102
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Latin I US4100 and consent of department.

    Students in Latin II complete the basic study of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, including the subjunctive mood, participles, and irregular verbs. Students will spend time translating Latin to English and vice-versa. Course readings focus primarily on late-antique, medieval, and neo-Latin texts, but all aspects of Latin literature are considered. In addition to a continued exploration of Roman history, culture, and mythology, students will also learn about medieval culture and the Latin manuscript tradition.  

  • Latin III

    LATIN III US4103
    (1 Year /1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Latin II US4102 and consent of department.

    Students in Latin III explore the literary works of Caesar, Catullus, Cicero, Virgil, Horace, Ovid, and Erasmus, while simultaneously reviewing key aspects of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and idiom. Students in Latin III also spend time learning about the historical and cultural backgrounds of each author, with particular attention given to the Late Republic and Principate. Latin prose composition will supplement student readings.

  • Mandarin Chinese I

    MANDARIN CHINESE I US4311
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12

    Mandarin I emphasizes the development of students' communication skills in the Chinese language, covering Pinyin, radicals, character writing, typing, basic sentence structure, and topics related to daily life. Performance-based activities enhance speaking and writing skills while listening and reading skills are cultivated through authentic materials. Students explore Chinese-speaking cultures, draw comparisons to their own experiences, and appreciate diversity through music, food, cooking, customs, holidays, and movies. Evaluation is based on language competency assessed through quizzes, tests, presentations, and projects in addition to homework, class participation, and effort.

  • Mandarin Chinese II

    MANDARIN CHINESE II US4321
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 10-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese I US4311 and consent of department.

    In Mandarin II students continue to refine their communication skills, including character writing, typing, sentence structures, and topics related to daily life. Performance-based activities progressively enhance speaking and writing skills fostering increased independence. Listening and reading skills are developed through authentic materials, enabling students to interpret basic information and recognize key details in familiar contexts. Students explore Chinese-speaking cultures, draw comparisons to their own experiences, and appreciate diversity through music, food, cooking, customs, holidays, and movies.  Evaluation is based on language competency assessed through quizzes, tests, presentations, and projects in addition to homework, class participation, and effort.

  • Mandarin Chinese III

    MANDARIN CHINESE III US4331
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 10-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese II US4321 and consent of department.

    In Mandarin III students maintain their focus on communication skills, incorporating grammar and ongoing development of reading and writing skills. Performance-based activities enable independent speaking and writing in familiar situations. Listening and reading skills see further improvement, emphasizing literal comprehension and an increasing emphasis on inferential understanding. Students explore Chinese-speaking cultures in new contexts, drawing comparisons to their own experiences. The appreciation for diversity is enriched through engagement with music, food, cooking, customs, holidays, and movies. Evaluation is based on language competency through quizzes, tests, presentations, and projects, in addition to homework, class participation, and effort.

     

  • Spanish II

    SPANISH II US4221
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement, and/or through a placement test, successful completion of Introduction to Spanish US4281 or Fundamentals of Spanish US4265.

    This course presents new grammar concepts with an emphasis on all language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students develop their speaking skills through individual presentations, class discussions, and original student-created dialogues.  Students explore cultural topics from the Hispanic world through materials supplemented by the instructors and through various projects.  Students will develop the ability to respond to authentic audiovisual materials in the target language, give oral presentations, speak in spontaneous and structured activities, and read short articles.  Students will demonstrate their writing skills in Spanish through daily activities, homework, short compositions and assessments.

  • Spanish III

    SPANISH III US4231
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
    PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement and completion of Spanish II US4221.

    This course provides a thorough grammar review and completes the study of basic Spanish grammar with the study of the subjunctive. Students will continue to develop their oral, aural, reading and writing skills.  At this level, students will write compositions with multiple paragraphs.  Periodicals, short stories, music, poetry, film and the arts are used as points of departure for discussion. Active daily classroom participation is an integral part of the student’s overall evaluation. 

  • Spanish in Context

    SPANISH IN CONTEXT US4240
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement and completion of Spanish III.

    In this course students continue their study of intermediate-level Spanish, building on the structures and vocabulary that they learned in Spanish III. Emphasis is placed on conversation and discussion skills sparked by various audiovisual materials. Students will describe, react to and interpret tv shows, movies, documentaries, and podcasts from the Hispanic world, among other materials. Students will gain confidence in their ability to express ideas, navigate conversations in the target language, and engage with everyday cultural themes. The study of grammatical structures and vocabulary will be anchored in a textbook for Spanish learners.

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