World Languages

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: None
Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help non-native learners develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and computer-based writing and to prepare them for further study of the Mandarin language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and grammar structures through the functions of language. Students will also learn the basic principles behind Chinese characters. Authentic materials and cultural information are interwoven throughout the course to provide a framework for language proficiency and an appreciation of Mandarin-speaking cultures.

Text: Integrated Chinese

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 1 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

In this course for non-native learners, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. Students will develop and expand their understanding of how the language functions while continuing to make the Mandarin language relevant to their daily lives. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities are related to everyday needs and experiences. The continued emphasis of this course is on authentic communication and cultural awareness.
 
Text: Integrated Chinese

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 2 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills for nonnative learners of Mandarin through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities relate to topics which reflect students’ daily lives. The materials and activities emphasize authentic situations and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in Mandarin, thus giving them the opportunity to become more confident communicators in the target language.
 
Text: Integrated Chinese

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 3 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

This course continues to develop language skills for non-native learners in Mandarin through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily lives. The materials and activities emphasize authentic situations and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students continue to develop their ability to confidently communicate their own needs and interests in Mandarin. Supplementary materials help to further develop a continued cultural awareness of the Mandarin-speaking world.
 
Text: Integrated Chinese

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 4 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course for non-native learners provides students with opportunities to enhance language development across three modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Students will increase their awareness of contemporary and historical Chinese culture through the study of authentic materials including public announcements, advertisements, articles, contemporary literature, and film. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Chinese Language & Culture exam near the end of the school year. Students who wish to continue their Mandarin studies after completing this course will be placed into the appropriate Heritage Mandarin class based upon their language proficiency.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials in accordance with AP curriculum guidelines

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

This course is targeted at native or near-native Mandarin speakers who are developing their reading and writing abilities. Emphasis is placed on developing a solid grasp of common, high-frequency characters used in one’s daily life. Students will also learn how to communicate effectively in Mandarin through handwritten characters. Speaking activities will challenge students to expand their vocabulary to encompass more abstract topics, build more complex arguments, and develop a solid understanding of proper grammar.

Text: 當代中文課程  (A Course in Contemporary Chinese)

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Heritage Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

This course is targeted at native or near-native Mandarin speakers to further develop their reading and character-writing proficiency. Students will be expected to compose longer, more in-depth, and well-argued compositions, as well as begin to read and discuss original written Chinese language texts. Students will further develop their ability to utilize technology as a means for authentic communication. Speaking activities will target more formal rhetorical speech elements, such as presentations and topic-based panel discussions.

Text: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese)

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Heritage Mandarin 3 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course further prepares students to communicate using Mandarin in more formal language settings. Spoken activities emphasize presentations, oral reports, and debates. Students will develop further confidence and ability in written forms. Students will engage in creative writing activities, as well as conduct research and write reports in Mandarin. In this class, students transition from using prepared textbook materials to more real-life content and abridged articles. Students will build on their fluency in Mandarin to communicate through a variety of means and discourse models.

Texts: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese); teacher-selected readings and authentic materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Honors Heritage Mandarin 4 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

In this course, activities are based upon authentic materials and situations that require thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Emphasis is placed on comprehending more complex authentic oral and written communication and responding appropriately and intelligently both orally and in writing. Students are encouraged to express not only their own needs and interests but also their opinions on a variety of contemporary and cultural issues. Supplementary materials further develop and integrate the students’ language skills as well as foster an awareness and appreciation of the Mandarin-speaking world.

Texts: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese); teacher-selected readings and authentic materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Honors Heritage Mandarin 5 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Mandarin, both orally and in written form through the use of authentic language materials. Students will study how to handle and process information, write their own texts, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and enter intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Additionally, students will continue to develop an awareness and appreciation of Mandarin-speaking cultures. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Chinese B exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisites: IBSL Chinese B + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course further develops students’ confidence and skills to communicate effectively in Mandarin, both orally and in written form through the use of authentic language materials. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire new vocabulary and build the necessary skills for in-depth reading of a variety of texts. Additionally, students will continue to develop an awareness and appreciation of the cultures and history related to the language studied.

*The offering of this course for 2022-2023 is dependent upon student interest and enrollment.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively both orally and in written form. Students study a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles) to explore themes such as traditional Chinese values and their impact on modern life, environmental issues, communication, and technology. An emphasis is placed on acquisition of vocabulary and practice of sentence patterns as students work to refine their composition skills. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class discussions and presentations.

Texts may include: 賴小禾《動物狂想曲》; 鄭宗弦《媽祖回娘家》; 王淑芬《親愛的綠》; 陳榕笙《孤狗少年》; additional teacher-selectedmaterials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 1 + teacher recommendation 
Homework: Heavy

This course explores modern-day themes through the study of a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles). Continued emphasis is placed upon effective communication both orally and in written form. Vocabulary acquisition remains of primary importance as does the development of polished writing skills in a variety of styles. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class discussions and presentations.

Texts may include: 張友漁《目擊證人》; 鄭丞鈞《我的麗莎阿姨》; 陳幸蕙編《我只想回到自己的家》; 侯文詠《侯文詠極短篇》; additional teacher-selected materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course enables students to develop their language skills by exploring contemporary issues through the study of a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles). Students will continue to refine their ability to write in a more sophisticated manner through essays and research projects. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class presentations and discussions.

Texts may include: 林良《會走路的人》; 汪莫《寫給喧囂的37個安靜練習》; 劉臺痕《閻王不要的小子》; 李家同選集; 蘇兒真《法律的背後,是愛的戀習曲》; additional teacher-selected materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 3 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication through the use of authentic materials. Students will work on comprehending and participating in formal and informal conversations as well as expressing their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the new vocabulary and skills necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of texts and refine their ability to write in a more sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Chinese B exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

In this course, students will practice critical reading, thinking, and written analysis in Mandarin. Various texts, including novels and Chinese poems, will be analyzed. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when interpreting these texts and will articulate ideas with sophistication. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

Texts may include: 亞榮隆‧撒可努《山豬．飛鼠．撒可努》; 鍾肇政《白翎鷥之歌》; 龍應台《孩子你慢慢來》; 陳幸蕙主編《49個夕陽》; additional teacher-selected materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 1 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

Building on the literary analysis work established the previous year, this course further strengthens students’ abilities to read critically and discuss literature through various interpretive lenses. There are rigorous expectations for in-depth written analysis and critical interpretations of various genres of literature. Moreover, oral presentations and class discussions require students to express nuanced ideas when speaking. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

Texts may include: 三毛《撒哈拉歲月》;《守候盼望》; 聖修伯里《小王子》; 吳濁流《先生媽》; 洪醒夫《黑面慶仔》; additional teacher-selected materials

Duration: 2 years
Credit: 1 per year
Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)
Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course is a concentrated two-year program focused on the study of Chinese language and literature. Students will further their command of written and spoken Mandarin by writing literary analysis essays and participating in oral activities including presentations, class discussions, dramatizations, and debates. Students will engage in the study of topics that relate to language in cultural context. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Chinese A exam near the end of the second year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

Duration: 2 years
Credit: 1 per year
Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)
Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course is a concentrated two-year program focused on the study of Chinese language and literature. Students will further their command of written and spoken Mandarin through the study of a wide range of genres and rigorous literary analysis. Requirements of the course include both oral and written critiques, comparative commentaries, essays, and creative writing assignments. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Chinese A exam near the end of the second year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

Duration: 1 or 2 years
Credit: 1 per year
Grades: 11–12
Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

These courses will continue to strengthen students’ abilities to read critically and discuss literature through various interpretive lenses. Students will develop the language skills necessary to become highly proficient readers and writers of Mandarin. Students will engage in the study of well-known literary works. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: None
Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to prepare them for further study of the Spanish language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. Authentic materials and cultural information are interwoven throughout the course to provide a framework for proficiency in the language and an appreciation of the cultures of the countries where Spanish is spoken.

Text: VISTAS Introducción a la lengua española

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Gradex: 9-12
Prerequisitex: Spanish 1 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. The students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded while continuing to make the Spanish language relevant to their daily lives. Emphasis is placed upon continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Spanish for comprehension.

Text: VISTAS Introducción a la lengua española

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Spanish 2 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills in Spanish through a communicative approach. Materials and activities emphasize authentic situations of daily life and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language, thus giving them the opportunity to become more confident in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Spanish 2 + teacher recommendation.
Homework: Heavy

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills in Spanish through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect daily life. Oral comprehension and proficiency will be stressed, and students will be expected to demonstrate greater independent initiative when completing practice activities. Homework expectations and standards for sophisticated and accurate language usage are significantly higher in Honors Spanish 3.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 (or Honors Spanish 3) + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

This course continues to develop Spanish language skills through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily life. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language, thus enabling them to become more confident language learners. Supplementary materials help to further develop the students’ reading and writing skills as well as a continued cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 3 (or Spanish 3) + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course will stress proficiency in all language skills with a strong emphasis on grammar. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily life. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language. Supplementary materials help to further develop the students’ reading and writing skills as well as a continued cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world. Homework expectations and standards for sophisticated and accurate language usage are significantly higher in Honors Spanish 4.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Spanish 4 (or Honors Spanish 4) + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Spanish, both orally and in written form. Students will practice and be assessed on their ability to handle and process information, write their own text, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and participate in intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Authentic materials will be used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are expected to demonstrate indepth cultural awareness and appreciation of the Spanish-speaking world.

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher-selected readings and materials

Duration: 1 or 2 years
Credit: 1 per year
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Spanish 4 / Honors Spanish 5 (or Honors Spanish 4) + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Spanish, both orally and in written form. Students will practice and be assessed on their ability to handle and process information, write their own text, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and participate in intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Authentic materials will be used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Spanish B exam near the end of their one-year or two-year course (junior or senior year).

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher selected-readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

Duration: 2 years
Credit: 1 per year
Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)
Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 4 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication. Authentic materials are used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations, and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the vocabulary and structures necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of authentic texts and refine their ability to write in a sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Spanish B exam at the end of their two-year course (senior year).

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher selected-readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 4 (or Honors Spanish 5) + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication. Authentic materials are used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations, and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the vocabulary and structures necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of texts and refine their ability to write in a sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Spanish Language and Culture exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: TEMAS Spanish Language and Culture; AP SPANISH Language and Culture Exam Preparation

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisites: AP Spanish Language & Culture + teacher recommendation 
Homework: Heavy

This intensive course is designed for students with advanced language proficiency and interest in Spanish. Students will practice critical reading, thinking, and written analysis in Spanish through the study of various types of texts including novels, short stories, poetry, and essays based on the AP Spanish curriculum reading list. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when analyzing and interpreting these texts and will articulate ideas with sophistication. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: ABRIENDO PUERTAS; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with AP curriculum guidelines

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: None
Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to prepare them for further study of the Japanese language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. Students learn the Japanese sound system. The HIRAGANA and KATAKANA writing notations are introduced from the outset. The 72 basic characters of KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.

Texts: Genki 1; additional teacher-selected materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Japanese 1 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. The students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded while continuing to make the Japanese language relevant to their daily lives. Emphasis is placed upon continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Japanese for comprehension. An additional 73 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.

Text: Genki 1; additional teacher-selected materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Japanese 2 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Moderate

In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced. Students learn to express their opinions and exchange information in a more sophisticated manner and make the Japanese language relevant to their daily lives. Students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded thus providing the opportunity to become more confident in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The stress is on continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Japanese for comprehension. An additional 79 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.

Text: Genki 2; additional teacher-selected materials

Duration: 1 year
Credit: 1
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: Japanese 3 + teacher recommendation
Homework: Heavy

This course continues to develop language skills in Japanese through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to a broad range of topics. The activities are based upon authentic materials and situations that require thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Emphasis is placed on comprehending more complex authentic oral and written communication and responding appropriately and intelligently both orally and in writing. An additional 93 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the according external AP Japanese Language and Culture exam or IBSL Japanese B exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: Genki 2; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with AP / IB curriculum guidelines