Foreign Languages

The Foreign Language Department recommends a foreign language course as part of the college preparatory core curriculum. Two consecutive years of the same foreign language is not required for graduation, rather encouraged for college acceptance and required for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and to be an honor graduate. It is the expectation of Springdale Schools that students who begin foreign language courses in 8th, 9th or 10th grade will continue until their senior year.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Note: Native Spanish speakers start with Spanish for Spanish Speakers.

In this course basic syntax, vocabulary, and elementary pronunciation of general Spanish are presented for development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Various techniques are used including TPR and TPR storytelling. Beginning fourth quarter, most days are taught in Spanish. Hispanic culture is introduced with special attention given to the study of Mexico and Hispanic influences in the United States.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in Spanish I

Note: Native Spanish speakers start with Spanish for Spanish Speakers.

Basic grammar and vocabulary are reviewed. Students acquire more vocabulary to increase their listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Various techniques are used including TPR, TPR storytelling, and culture projects. Beginning third quarter, most days are taught in Spanish. Hispanic culture is studied with special attention given to Spain.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in Spanish II

Note: Native Spanish speakers start with Spanish for Spanish Speakers.

This course is designed to further the fundamental skills in language use. A comprehensive grammar review is followed by opportunities for self-expression in speaking and writing. Reading skills are developed through representative texts of Spain and Latin America. Beginning second quarter, most days are taught in Spanish. Hispanic culture is studied with special attention given to Central, South America, and the Caribbean.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in Spanish III or Spanish for Spanish Speakers teacher recommendation

This course is designed for the student interested in language mastery. The project-oriented class emphasizes fluency in all four language skills through a variety of texts and materials. Hispanic culture is studied with special attention given to Central America. This course is taught primarily in Spanish.

*Note: Spanish-speaking students will only receive 1 year of Foreign Language credit for Spanish for Spanish Speakers I, II or III. Therefore, these students must advance to Spanish IV and/or AP to receive 2 years of Foreign Language credit and be eligible for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

9, 10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Placement Exam and/or Spanish teacher recommendation

This course is designed to meet the communicative needs of second generation (heritage) Spanish-speaking student. Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental literacy skills in Spanish. Students learn phonetics, grammar, spelling, and building vocabulary. This course is taught in Spanish and prepares students to advance to the next courses of Spanish for Spanish Speakers.

9, 10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Placement Exam, C in Spanish for Spanish Speakers I and/or Spanish teacher recommendation

This course is designed to meet the communicative needs of first generation (native) Spanish-speaking students and or heritage Spanish speaking students who have met the prerequisite. Emphasis is placed on improving literacy skills in Spanish. Students learn comprehension skills, literary elements, and writing and reading strategies. This course is taught in Spanish and prepares students to advance to the upper level Spanish courses.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Placement Exam, C in Spanish for Spanish Speakers II and/or Spanish teacher recommendation

This course is a continuation of the Spanish for Spanish Speakers II course. Emphasis is placed on enhancing literacy in Spanish. Students develop analytical skills through the study of various literary work. This course is taught in Spanish and provides an additional year of preparation for upper level Spanish courses.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in Spanish III, IV, or Spanish for Spanish Speakers and/or AP teacher recommendation

This course is intended for students who wish to develop proficiency and integrate their language skills beyond the classroom, using authentic materials and sources. Students who enroll should already have a basic knowledge of the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples and should have attained a reasonable proficiency using the language. This course is meant to be comparable to fifth and sixth semester college and university courses that focus on speaking and writing at an advanced level. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. This course is taught in Spanish.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisites: AP Spanish Language or AP teacher recommendation.

This course is designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of a third-year college course in Spanish and Latin American literature, and is designed to introduce students to the formal study of authentic editions of short stories, novels, poetry, dramas and essays. Students will develop all communicative Spanish skills with special emphasis on vocabulary and academic language relevant to literary analysis. A summer reading assignment will be provided upon enrollment. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. This course is taught in Spanish.

NOTE: Students may take both exams if they choose, thereby demonstrating achievement in both language and literature at the third year college level.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

The four communication skills, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, are emphasized through various techniques. Cultural aspects of the French-speaking world are included. In this course, basic syntax, vocabulary, and elementary pronunciation of the French language are presented.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in French I

Emphasis continues on the four communication skills with review of previously learned material and exposure to new concepts and vocabulary. Cultural units include the francophone countries and Paris and its monuments.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in French II

Students are exposed to literature, culture, and practical reading in the target language while continuing new grammer topics and additional vocabulary. Cultural aspects include French provinces and cities and the chateaux of France. Prepares students for future study of French after high school.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in French III

Students continue their study of French literature. Conversational skills and formal writing are emphasized. Cultural projects include research and presentations on subjects ranging from historical figures to geography. Prepares students for future study of French after high school.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

In this course basic syntax, vocabulary, and elementary pronunciation of the German language are presented for development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Culture from the German speaking countries of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria is introduced via cultural activities and reading passages, listening activities, and visual resources.

10, 11, 12 - 1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in German I

Basic grammar and vocabulary are reviewed during the first quarter. During the second quarter students acquire additional vocabulary, grammar, and culture to increase their listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

10, 11, 12-1 year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: C in German II

This course is designed to further the fundamental skills acquired in German I and II. A comprehensive grammar review is followed by opportunities for self-expression in speaking and writing. Reading skills are developed through representative texts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Updated 02/11/08