philosophy of the foreign language department - Lemont High School
philosophy of the foreign language department - Lemont High School
philosophy of the foreign language department - Lemont High School
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Foreign Language<br />
PHILOSOPHY OF THE<br />
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT<br />
The <strong>Lemont</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Foreign Language Department believes that students should develop <strong>the</strong> following<br />
characteristics:<br />
• Pr<strong>of</strong>iciency in writing and speaking skills<br />
• Increasing ability in reading and listening skills<br />
• Recognition and use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> structure and style <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>language</strong><br />
• Understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> culture and civilization<br />
Courses <strong>of</strong>fered within <strong>the</strong> Foreign Language curriculum help students develop competence in oral and written<br />
<strong>language</strong> skills and learn to utilize higher order thinking skills, specifically syn<strong>the</strong>sis, analysis, interpretation and<br />
problem solving. Additionally, students acquire improved listening skills, recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> structure and style <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>language</strong>, and knowledge <strong>of</strong> different cultures and civilizations. All courses <strong>of</strong>fered by <strong>the</strong> Foreign Language<br />
Department are appropriate for college-bound students.<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong>ir abilities and course level, students shall:<br />
• Recall grammatical conventions, conjugate verbs and work toward word accuracy<br />
• Read, understand and translate written passages<br />
• Communicate through conversation and respond to oral interrogation<br />
• Communicate through written responses to prompts<br />
• Demonstrate understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> culture and civilization<br />
Grading Standards: Student grades are determined by <strong>the</strong>ir performance on homework and examinations, as well<br />
as communicative pr<strong>of</strong>iciency. Students enrolled in third- or fourth-year courses are given honors credit; those<br />
students enrolled in <strong>the</strong> highest level <strong>of</strong> a <strong>language</strong> may have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to earn college credit.<br />
CORE COURSES - FOREIGN LANGUAGE<br />
French I<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0<br />
Prerequisite: None<br />
Description: This introductory course provides a background in French vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and<br />
culture. Students learn vocabulary covering useful daily <strong>language</strong>. Writing, reading, listening and speaking skills are<br />
developed through work with both regular and irregular verbs. Verb conjugation and French syntax are introduced,<br />
as is correct pronunciation. An emphasis is placed on <strong>the</strong> geography <strong>of</strong> France and its overseas holdings, as well as<br />
<strong>the</strong> cultural differences between France and <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
<strong>Lemont</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Program <strong>of</strong> Studies<br />
35
Foreign Language<br />
French II<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> C or better in French I or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course based<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> French I final exam<br />
Description: This course builds upon <strong>the</strong> knowledge <strong>of</strong> French I and uses a similar classroom format. After a review<br />
<strong>of</strong> material from French I, students study more sophisticated grammar and syntax and are introduced to vocabulary<br />
that is applicable to upper-level study and overseas travel, with a goal <strong>of</strong> obtaining functional reading ability by <strong>the</strong><br />
end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> course. Verbs that were previously learned are reviewed and used to form new tenses. The focus <strong>of</strong> cultural<br />
study is daily French life. Students complete more oral presentations and begin to demonstrate fluency in writing.<br />
French III Honors<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0 - Honors credit<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> B or better in French II or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course based<br />
upon <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> French II final exam<br />
Description: This advanced-level course provides students with most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> remaining grammar base needed<br />
for college-level study. Student mastery <strong>of</strong> material presented in French I and II is required in order for <strong>the</strong> class<br />
to perform at a high level. The course is grammar-intensive and readies students for advanced study. Linguistic<br />
structures enable students to produce increasingly sophisticated writing and speech. Reading selections and<br />
compositions help students exercise <strong>the</strong>se skills.<br />
French IV Honors<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0 - Honors credit<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> B or better in French III or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course based<br />
upon <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> French III Honors final exam<br />
Description: The culmination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> French curriculum, <strong>the</strong> focus <strong>of</strong> this course is French history, civilization and<br />
literature. Literary selections from prehistory to <strong>the</strong> Enlightenment are used as tools for instruction. These selections,<br />
as well as a review <strong>of</strong> grammar, are presented in an all-French text. Students participate in oral drills, games and<br />
activities to develop an ease with <strong>the</strong> spoken <strong>language</strong>; <strong>the</strong>y are also expected to demonstrate a sophisticated level <strong>of</strong><br />
writing.<br />
German I<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0<br />
Prerequisite: None<br />
Description: This introductory course provides a background in German vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation<br />
and culture. Students acquire working vocabulary while learning fundamental grammar structures and verb tenses.<br />
Students begin working toward pr<strong>of</strong>iciency in speaking, writing and comprehension, and develop grammar and<br />
vocabulary skills needed for fur<strong>the</strong>r study. German culture and history are also explored. Technology is highly<br />
integrated into <strong>the</strong> course, including <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Internet.<br />
36 <strong>Lemont</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Program <strong>of</strong> Studies
Foreign Language<br />
German II<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> C or better in German I or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course based<br />
upon <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> German I final exam<br />
Description: A continuation <strong>of</strong> German I, this course fur<strong>the</strong>rs vocabulary and grammar knowledge necessary for an<br />
understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>language</strong>. Included among <strong>the</strong> major grammar topics are <strong>the</strong> conversational past, reflexives,<br />
dative case and interrogatives. Students learn a wide range <strong>of</strong> vocabulary. Various media are used in instruction,<br />
including print, video and audio. Technology is highly integrated into <strong>the</strong> course, including <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Internet.<br />
German III Honors<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0 - Honors credit<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> C or better in German II or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course<br />
based upon <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> German II final exam<br />
Description: This advanced-level course refines and expands upon <strong>the</strong> vocabulary and grammar learned in German<br />
I and II. The course is grammar-intensive and readies students for advanced study. Included among <strong>the</strong> major<br />
grammar topics <strong>of</strong> study are verb tenses, prepositions, use <strong>of</strong> adjectives and infinitive clauses. Students expand<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir vocabulary and grammar skills to communicate in a more sophisticated manner. Various media are used in<br />
instruction, including print, video and audio. Technology is highly integrated into <strong>the</strong> course, including <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Internet.<br />
German IV Honors<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0 - Honors credit<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> C or better in German III or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course<br />
based upon <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> German III Honors final exam<br />
Description: The culmination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> German curriculum, this advanced-level course completes <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> major<br />
verb tenses and cases. Grammar topics include <strong>the</strong> genitive case, gerunds and relative clauses, as well as verb tenses<br />
and moods. Students expand <strong>the</strong>ir vocabulary to discuss opinions, emotions and future goals, so that <strong>the</strong>ir writing<br />
becomes more complex. Additionally, au<strong>the</strong>ntic literature, history and business <strong>language</strong> are explored at this level.<br />
Various materials are used in instruction, including video and audio. The course is taught primarily in <strong>the</strong> target<br />
<strong>language</strong>.<br />
Spanish I<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0<br />
Prerequisite: Recommended for students who are placed in Algebra I or more advanced Ma<strong>the</strong>matics classes<br />
Description: This introductory course provides a background in Spanish vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and<br />
culture. Specific attention is given to phonics and <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> speaking and listening skills through <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong><br />
audio and visual materials related to classroom and daily living situations. Construction and organization <strong>of</strong> written<br />
and spoken sentences is introduced. Students devote time to <strong>the</strong> memorization <strong>of</strong> vocabulary and verb conjugation<br />
to facilitate <strong>language</strong> development.<br />
<strong>Lemont</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Program <strong>of</strong> Studies<br />
37
Foreign Language<br />
Spanish II<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> C or better in Spanish I or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course based<br />
upon <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> Spanish I final exam<br />
Description: This course is a continuation <strong>of</strong> Spanish I, with an extensive study <strong>of</strong> increased grammar and<br />
vocabulary. A greater emphasis is placed on reading comprehension, pronunciation, speaking and writing skills.<br />
Students increase <strong>the</strong>ir communicative abilities by learning and applying advanced grammatical structures. Students<br />
are expected to increasingly express <strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong> <strong>language</strong> through class participation.<br />
Spanish III Honors<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0 - Honors credit<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> B or better in Spanish II or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course based<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> Spanish II final exam<br />
Description: This advanced-level course reviews and expands <strong>the</strong> concepts and skills studied in Spanish I and II, and<br />
emphasizes reading, writing, speaking and listening with more fluency and sophistication. This course is grammar<br />
intensive and readies students for advanced study. Linguistic structures assist students in demonstrating sophisticated<br />
writing and speaking skills. Reading selections and compositions help students exercise <strong>the</strong>se skills.<br />
Spanish III Honors Accelerated<br />
Grades Course Open To: 10-11-12 Credit: 1.0 - Honors credit<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> A in Spanish II or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course by earning an<br />
A on <strong>the</strong> Spanish II final exam and with consent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Division Chair<br />
Description: This course is designed for highly advanced students, as it reviews and expands <strong>the</strong> concepts and skills<br />
introduced in Spanish II. In a culturally enriched environment, students fur<strong>the</strong>r develop speaking, listening, reading<br />
and writing skills through a variety <strong>of</strong> learning techniques. Language skills are acquired on a more sophisticated level,<br />
incorporating higher order thinking skills. An emphasis is placed on student participation in class, and students<br />
memorize vocabulary and grammar concepts to facilitate appropriate usage. Students must be independent learners<br />
with excellent study skills and habits in order to maintain high academic standards throughout this fast-paced class.<br />
Students must display excellent time management skills in order to meet <strong>the</strong> demands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> curriculum. Mastery<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> material presented requires daily study and practice outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom setting. The course is especially<br />
useful for students who plan to attend major universities or who will be seeking advanced college placement. Note:<br />
Students are expected to take <strong>the</strong> entrance exams and oral interviews for Spanish IV Honors Accelerated, a course<br />
for which <strong>the</strong>y may earn college credit.<br />
Spanish IV Honors<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0 - Honors credit<br />
Prerequisite: Grade <strong>of</strong> B or better in Spanish III or teacher consent; students may also be placed into <strong>the</strong> course<br />
based on <strong>the</strong>ir performance on <strong>the</strong> Spanish III final exam<br />
Description: This advanced-level course is a culmination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spanish curriculum, and concentrates on reading,<br />
speaking, listening and writing in order to help students develop a level <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>iciency. The course provides a review<br />
and extended application <strong>of</strong> <strong>language</strong> principals learned at previous levels, while also enhancing <strong>the</strong> students’<br />
vocabulary and grammar base to allow for advanced placement at <strong>the</strong> university level. Students gain knowledge<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> Spain, Mexico and Spanish-speaking countries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caribbean through readings, lectures, class<br />
discussions and films. An emphasis is placed on practical application <strong>of</strong> grammatical structures in oral conversation,<br />
reading and written compositions.<br />
38 <strong>Lemont</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Program <strong>of</strong> Studies
Foreign Language<br />
Spanish IV Honors Accelerated<br />
Grades Course Open To: 11-12 Credit: 1.0 - Honors credit<br />
Prerequisite: Successful completion <strong>of</strong> Spanish III Honors Accelerated, or Grade <strong>of</strong> A in Spanish III Honors, and<br />
placement tests administered by Joliet Junior College<br />
Description: This is a college-level course that <strong>the</strong> school <strong>of</strong>fers through a dual-enrollment agreement with Joliet<br />
Junior College. Students receive four college credits per semester. In addition to providing a thorough review <strong>of</strong><br />
Spanish grammar and structure, an emphasis is placed on increasing students’ ability to communicate. Students<br />
become increasingly pr<strong>of</strong>icient at expressing <strong>the</strong>ir thoughts, feelings and opinions on a variety <strong>of</strong> matters. The<br />
students’ knowledge <strong>of</strong> Hispanic history, cultures and traditions is enhanced through reading and o<strong>the</strong>r types <strong>of</strong><br />
media. The course is conducted entirely in <strong>the</strong> target <strong>language</strong>, with a focus on developing students’ audio-lingual<br />
skills. Mastery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> required skills requires daily study and practice outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom setting. The course<br />
is especially useful for students who plan to attend major universities or who will be seeking advanced college<br />
placement. Transferable credit from Joliet Junior College is given upon successful completion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> course.<br />
Spanish for Native Speakers<br />
Grades Course Open To: 9-10-11-12 Credit: 1.0<br />
Prerequisite: Spanish spoken and understood in <strong>the</strong> student’s home; performance on placement exams and teacher<br />
recommendation<br />
Description: This course is designed for students whose heritage <strong>language</strong> is Spanish, and addresses <strong>the</strong> skills<br />
and challenges <strong>the</strong>y face when reading, writing, speaking and reading in <strong>the</strong>ir first <strong>language</strong>. Emphasizing oral<br />
comprehension, communication, vocabulary and grammatical structure within a literary context, <strong>the</strong> course<br />
develops <strong>the</strong>se skills with a focus on problematic areas for heritage speakers. Additionally, students learn about<br />
Spanish-speaking cultures from around <strong>the</strong> world. Students are encouraged to participate in class, and devote time<br />
to memorizing vocabulary and grammar. Mastery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> required skills requires daily study and practice outside <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> classroom setting. The course is especially useful for students who plan to attend major universities or who will<br />
be seeking advanced college placement. The course is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish, and prepares students<br />
for both Spanish IV Accelerated, and <strong>the</strong> entrance exams and oral interviews associated with enrolling in that dualenrollment<br />
course <strong>of</strong>fered by Joliet Junior College.<br />
<strong>Lemont</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Program <strong>of</strong> Studies<br />
39