World Languages
World Language courses can only be enrolled in during the fall semester. It is recommended that students take French 1, Italian 1, or Spanish 1 in ninth grade.
French 1 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
A beginning course in the study of grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. The development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills is emphasized. An introduction to the respective country’s history and culture is included.
French 2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: Previous language course or teacher recommendation
A continuing course in the study of grammar, conversation, dialogue, vocabulary building, elementary readings, and culture. Interpretive, interpersonal and presentational assignments and projects require an increasing intensity of focus and practice as the student progresses toward intermediate levels of proficiency.
French 3 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: “C” or better in previous language course with teacher recommendation
Level three is an intermediate course in conversation, reading, writing, grammar, and culture. Skills will be acquired and practiced in the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes, as students progress through increasingly advanced levels of proficiency.
French 4 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: “B” or better in previous language course with teacher recommendation
An advanced course emphasizing literature, writing, grammar, and conversation.
Italian 1 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course (SSFHS only)
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: “C” in English
A beginning course in the study of grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. The development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills is emphasized. An introduction to the respective country’s history and culture is included.
Italian 2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course (SSFHS only)
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: “C” or better in previous language course or teacher recommendation
A continuing course in the study of grammar, conversation, dialogue, vocabulary building, elementary readings, and culture. Interpretive, interpersonal and presentational assignments and projects require an increasing intensity of focus and practice as the student progresses toward intermediate levels of proficiency.
Italian 3 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course (SSFHS only)
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: “C” or better in previous language course with teacher recommendation
Level three is an intermediate course in conversation, reading, writing, grammar, and culture. Skills will be acquired and practiced in the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes, as students progress through increasingly advanced levels of proficiency.
AP Italian (Grades 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course (SSFHS only)
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: “B” or better in Italian 3
AP Italian is an advanced course taught in Italian which addresses six themes: global challenges, science and technology, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, families and communities, and contemporary life. Students will read newspaper articles, literary excerpts and a variety of other authentic print materials. Students will develop writing skills through interacting with these materials as well as a variety of media such as songs, film clips, news broadcasts and more. Each area of study will also be addressed through conversation and presentations on cultural topics.
Spanish 1 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
A beginning course in the study of grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. The development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills is emphasized. An introduction to the respective country’s history and culture is included.
Spanish 2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: Previous language course or teacher recommendation
A continuing course in the study of grammar, conversation, dialogue, vocabulary building, elementary readings, and culture. Interpretive, interpersonal and presentational assignments and projects require an increasing intensity of focus and practice as the student progresses toward intermediate levels of proficiency.
Spanish 3 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: “C” or better in previous language course with teacher recommendation
Level three is an intermediate course in conversation, reading, writing, grammar, and culture. Skills will be acquired and practiced in the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes, as students progress through increasingly advanced levels of proficiency.
AP Spanish (Grades 11 and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: "B" or better in Spanish 3
This course is designed for students who have built a strong foundation in all four skills of second language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The curriculum is offered to those who have an interest in continuing the study and/or use of the language beyond the high school preparation courses and are prepared for a rigorous and challenging course of study. It includes a survey of literature from various Latin American and Spanish authors and poets, cultural topics, and current events around the world. Interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational assignments and projects integrate critical thinking; require analysis and synthesis of articles and broadcasts as well as reflection on personal experiences. The course is designed to correlate with the six themes outlined and required by the College Board. This class includes a comprehensive review of previously acquired proficiency in grammar in intensive preparation for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam.
Spanish for Native Speakers 1 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: Students must be fluent in speaking and listening in Spanish, placement test, and teacher approval
This course is designed for students who have grown up speaking Spanish in the home. The focus is to improve the reading, writing and presentational skills while introducing the student to literature and a wide variety of vocabulary. This course will allow students to reactivate the Spanish they have learned previously and develop it further, to learn more about their language and cultural heritage, to acquire Spanish academic language skills, to enhance career opportunities, and to fulfill the world language college admission requirement.
Spanish for Native Speakers 2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
Year Course
Fulfills “E” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements
Prerequisite: Spanish for Native Speakers 1 or teacher recommendation
This course is designed to supplement and reinforce the first level of Spanish for Native Speakers, in addition to preparing students for the AP Spanish Language course. The three language aims of reading, writing and speaking are interrelated and intensified. The study of grammar, vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and culture are emphasized through reading a variety of poetry, articles, and short stories by Latino authors, as well as writing assignments including essays and creative writing.