World Languages
Port Angeles School District Curriculum
Port Angeles High School Course Descriptions
The study of a world language at the high school level can be both a rewarding and demanding endeavor. Knowledge of another language and culture is invaluable in understanding one's own language, culture, history and society. The ability to speak and understand another language opens up many career opportunities in international business, communications, education, foreign service, law, medicine, labor relations, professional translation, and fashion and travel, to name a few.
Students should begin the study of a world language with a commitment to continue that study for at least two years, preferably three or four. One year's study of another language is of little lasting value; only after three years can students expect to be able to use the second language with any real success.
Students who are planning to attend a particular college or university should find out the specific requirements for entrance, since many of them have both entrance and exit world language requirements.
FRENCH
French is a beautiful language spoken not only in France, but also in Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, many countries in Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and of course Canada. French is also spoken in some areas of the United States, primarily New England and Louisiana. French culture places great emphasis on the arts as a way to understand and enjoy life. French artists, writers, and scientists have contributed much to our modern world. Learning about these contributions can help us understand the roots of our society. Knowledge of French can be an advantage in the job market. It can also enlarge your perspective and increase your knowledge of the world and its inhabitants.
French 1, Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 2 semesters
French 1 emphasizes the speech patterns, basic grammar, and vocabulary of the French language. This course also includes some study of the culture of France.
French 2, Grades 10, 11, 12; 2 semesters
French 2 continues the aural-oral method, using the same materials and series of French 1. This second-year course puts additional emphasis on reading and writing the language as well as continuing to develop oral skills and study the culture of French-speaking countries.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in French 1
French 3, Grades 11, 12; 2 semesters
French 3 is designed to continue developing reading, speaking, writing, and listening.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in French 2
French 4, Grade 11, 12; 2 semesters
French 4 focuses emphasis on increasing proficiency in expression and comprehension.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in French 3
JAPANESE
Because of substantial U.S. trade with Japan and Japanese involvement with U.S. business and industry, Japanese is becoming a practical language to know, one which may prove valuable in a future career. This is especially true in this area of port cities on the Pacific Rim. Japanese is a very challenging language to learn since it is so different from English.
Japanese 1, Grades 9, 10, 11; 2 semesters
This first year emphasizes vocabulary, grammar, and conversation in Japanese. Writing of Japanese characters (hiragana and katakana) will be introduced. Some study of Japanese culture will be included.
Japanese 2, Grades 10, 11, 12; 2 semesters
Japanese 2 expands knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and culture. Reading and writing of Japanese characters (hiragana and katakana) will continue, and some Chinese characters (kanji) will be introduced. Speaking and understanding the language will be emphasized in order to increase students' ability to use the language.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in Japanese 1
Japanese 3, Grades 11, 12; 2 semesters
This course serves as an intensive study of the Japanese language and culture. Practical communication skills such as listening and speaking will be emphasized with the other two skills of reading and writing (review of katakana, hiragana as well as the previously learned Kanji characters). Special emphasis will be placed on reading and discussing current and classic Japanese literature and cinema.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in Japanese 2
SPANISH
Spanish is one of the major languages of the world. It is spoken throughout all of Latin America (except Brazil and French Guiana) as well as Spain. As the United States becomes more and more involved with the Spanish-speaking world, it is important that we understand the language of our neighbors to the south and in Europe.
American business and service organizations are not likely to hire employees on the basis of language skills alone, but many recognize the importance of knowing another language. The engineer whose knowledge of Spanish comes in handy quite often may find that in five years his language skills are as valuable to his company as his technical skills. Knowing Spanish will enable a better understanding of many of the problems and possible solutions to problems in our relationships with our Latin American neighbors.
Spanish 1, Grades 10, 11, 12; 2 semesters
Enables students to carry on a short Spanish conversation within the limits of the material studied. This first-year course uses the aural-oral method, stresses speech patterns, and covers basic grammar and vocabulary. This course also includes some study of the customs and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. 2 semesters 1 credit
Spanish 2, Grades 10, 11, 12; 2 semesters
Spanish 2 continues the aural-oral method, using the same materials and series. This second-year course puts additional emphasis on reading and writing the language as well as continuing the study of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in Spanish 1
Spanish 3, Grades 11, 12; 2 semesters
This course is designed to improve students' performance in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. The working language of the class will be predominantly Spanish; the class will emphasize conversation, oral and written composition, and the reading of stories. The major purpose of this class is to enable students to gain greater proficiency in the use of the language.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in Spanish 2
Spanish 4; Grade 12; 2 semesters
The main objective of this course is to give students greater fluency in the spoken language and greater proficiency in reading and writing. During this time, a student may work on the Advanced Placement program in Spanish, which is a college-level course in Spanish literature. Students enrolled in this course may decide the type of study they will pursue. The native Spanish-speaking exchange students generally work with this group.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in Spanish 3
HERITAGE LANGUAGE PROGRAM
Klallam Language and Culture 1 is called a Heritage Language instead of a Foreign Language. Klallam is a Coast Salish dialect. Most of the Heritage Languages in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Montana are Salish languages. Taking this language provides the opportunity to learn about the American Indian language, history, and culture here on the Olympic Peninsula.
Klallam Language 1, Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 2 semesters
Students will learn the Klallam alphabet; vocabulary, and basic everyday useful phrases. The culture and history of the Klallam and neighboring tribes is introduced. Unit topics include: Potlatch, vision quest, salmon ceremony, and canoe journey. During the first semester emphasis will be on listening and speaking Klallam. By the end of the second semester students will be reading and writing in Klallam.
Klallam Language 2, Grades 10, 11, 12; 2 semesters
Second-year Klallam Language will focus on mastering Klallam grammar; beginning to speak conversational Klallam, dialogs, speeches, and short stories in Klallam.
Prerequisite: Grade of D+ or better in Klallam 1
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