Languages Other Than English

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Description
ASL is a signed language where the modes of communication involve different skills than written and/or spoken languages.  Using age-appropriate materials, students in ASL Level I develop the ability to perform the tasks of the novice language learner.  The novice language learner, when dealing with familiar topics, should understand ASL phrases receptively and respond expressively with learned material; sign learned words, concepts, phrases, and sentences; recognize the importance of communication and how it applies to the American Deaf culture; and recognize the importance of accuracy of expression by knowing the components of ASL. Students use expressive and receptive skills for comprehension.

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Description
This course introduces students to the basic sounds and structure of the French language. Emphasis is placed on the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) needed to develop proficiency in a modern language. The culture of the world’s French-speaking people is also highlighted.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Description
This course is an introductory course to the basic sounds and structure of French language. It is designed for students who have chosen to study French with greater depth and complexity. The culture of the world’s French-speaking people is also highlighted.

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Description
This course is a continuation of French I, including further work on the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Vocabulary development and increasingly complex grammatical structures are emphasized.  The culture of the world’s French-speaking people is also highlighted.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
French I

Description
This course is a continuation of French I, including further work on the four skills listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Vocabulary development and increasingly complex grammatical structures are emphasized.  It is designed for students who have chosen to study French with greater depth and complexity. The culture of the world’s French-speaking people is also highlighted.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
French II

Description
The third year of French is a continuing study of structure, grammar, verb tenses, and vocabulary. Through literary works and other authentic materials, students acquire greater knowledge about French language and culture.

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Description
The major essential elements of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are taught.  Greater emphasis is placed on oral proficiency (listening and speaking), with less emphasis placed on reading and writing.  Cultural aspects of German-speaking countries are integrated into the teaching of these linguistic skills.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Description
This course lays the foundational strategies and skills that help prepare students for the challenge and rigor of German II Honors. The course is designed for the committed student who desires to integrate the German language into his or her personal and professional goals. The instruction will differ from German I in depth of learning. The major essential elements of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are taught. Cultural aspects of German-speaking countries are integrated into the teaching of these linguistic skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during class and at home.

Rank Points – 1
Credits – 1

Description
The essential elements that began in German I are continued.  This course is designed to increase aural-oral proficiency.  A more comprehensive view of German life is included in the conversation and reading selections as exemplified in the history, social institutions, traditions and culture.  The presentation of basic grammar is continued and a greater emphasis is placed on writing the language and the ability to read and understand.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
German I

Description
The major essential elements begun in German I are continued for further development.  The course is also designed to increase aural-oral proficiency.  A more comprehensive view of the German-speaker’s life is included in the conversations and reading selections as exemplified in the history, social institutions, traditions and culture of the German-speaking people.  Early presentations are based on material previously learned.  The presentation of basic grammar is continued in German II.  While the main emphasis is still placed on oral proficiency, more emphasis is placed on writing the language and the ability to read and understand new material.  This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
German II

Description
German III is specifically designed for the committed language student who desires to integrate the German language in his professional and personal goals.  German III is for students who have mastered the fundamentals of the language and are now ready to apply their ability in a wide variety of subject matter.  That is, students enrolled in this course will continue to improve their oral proficiency while also applying the skills of comprehension in both listening and reading activities.  Students will also utilize their knowledge of the language in conversation on selected topics as well as in writing activities.  Culture of the countries in which the language is spoken contributes to its history and development, so its study will also be continued.  The presentation of basic grammar is completed and refined in German.  This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
German III Honors

Description
German IV is specifically designed to meet the needs of the language student who wishes to fine tune his or her skills in the German language, and greatly increase their knowledge of culture and literature.  This course concentrates heavily on German literature ranging from “Sturm und Drang,” to post WWII authors.  The students will continue to practice and improve their oral proficiency as the course is primarily conducted in the target language.  Advanced grammar is completed and refined at this level.  This course concentrates on college level skills and students should be prepared to work not only in the classroom, but also after class hours

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Description
The major essential elements of reading, writing, speaking, and listening are taught.  Cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries are integrated into the teaching of these linguistic skills. Students are expected to complete assignments and practice the language outside of class time.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Description
This course lays the foundational strategies and skills that help prepare students for the challenge and rigor of Spanish II Honors. The course is designed for the committed student who desires to integrate the Spanish language into his or her personal and professional goals. The instruction will differ from Spanish I in depth of learning. The major elements of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are taught, including an integration of the cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Spanish I

Description
The major essential elements begun in Spanish I are continued.  This course is designed to increase aural-oral proficiency.  A more comprehensive view of Hispanic life is included in the conversations and reading selections as exemplified in the history, social institutions, traditions, and culture of Spanish-speaking people.  Early presentations are based on material previously learned.  The presentation of basic grammar is continued in Spanish II.  A greater emphasis is placed on writing the language and the ability to read and understand.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Prerequisite: Spanish I

Description
Spanish II Honors is specifically designed for the committed language student who desires to integrate the Spanish language in his professional and personal goals. Spanish II Honors will differ from regular Spanish II in both the pace and depth of learning. First, the students will develop the basic communication skills thoroughly, specifically, and accurately. They will perform many of the same real-life situations that the regular classes will; however, the honors students will progress through the curriculum more quickly. To do so, the students will be responsible for doing much of the necessary drill and practice outside of school so the class time can be used for more creative and interactive listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The cultural focus will be on the customs of countries where Spanish is spoken. This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Spanish II

Description
Spanish III is specifically designed for the committed language student who has successfully completed Spanish I and II. Students in Spanish III must have mastered the fundamentals of the language and are ready to apply their ability in a  wide variety of subject matter. Continued study of basic grammar and the variations are studied in depth. Students will be expected to read literature of the culture and gain oral/aural proficiency.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Spanish II

Description
Spanish III Honors is specifically designed for the committed language student who desires to integrate the Spanish language in his professional and personal goals.  Spanish III Honors is for students who have mastered the fundamentals of the language and are now ready to apply their ability in a wide variety of subject matter.  That is, students enrolled in this course will apply the skills of comprehension in both listening and reading activities.  Students will also utilize their knowledge of the language in conversation and writing activities on selected topics.  Because the cultures of the countries in which the language is spoken contribute to its history and development, their study will also be a major focal point.  The presentation of basic grammar is completed and refined in Spanish III Honors.  This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Spanish III or Spanish III Honors

Description
Spanish 4 continues to develop students’ Intermediate level proficiency with the goal of increasing their ability to use the language they have learned in Spanish 1, 2 and 3 with greater confidence and fluency. Emphasis is on using and understanding spoken Spanish in the practical situations encountered in the local community, including work contexts, and while traveling in the Spanish-speaking world. Students increase their listening and reading skills and cultural understanding by using authentic newspaper and magazine articles, websites, short stories, radio programs, video clips and songs. Study of geography, history and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world helps students understand cultural aspects and make connections with their other course work. Assessment includes spoken and written performance tasks in rehearsed and unrehearsed contexts. Skills that are developed in Spanish IV Honors will prepare students for successful participation in the College Board AP Spanish Language course.

Please note: Course Catalogs will be updated as needed to reflect new information from the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education