Prerequisite: None

Grade: 9-10-11-12 (Requirement for Academic Honors Diploma)

Credit: Two semesters, two (2) credits

Description: Level I foreign language courses provide instruction enabling students to discuss the many reasons for learning languages and to develop an understanding of the people who speak them.  Students are able to apply effective strategies for language learning and show a willingness to experience various aspects of the cultures.  Within this context, the course provides students with opportunities to:

• respond to and give oral directions and commands to make routine requests in the classroom and in public places;

• understand and use appropriate forms of address in courtesy expressions and be able to tell about daily routines and events;

• ask and answer simple questions and participate in brief guided conversations related to their needs and interests;

• read isolated words and phrases in a situational context, such as menus, signs, and schedules;

• comprehend brief written directions and information;

• read short narrative texts on simple topics; and

• write familiar words and phrases in appropriate contexts and respond in writing to various stimuli.

Additionally, students learn:

• about nonverbal communication, such as gestures and body language;

• about awareness of current events in the cultures;

• the major holidays and geographical features of the countries being studied;

• greeting and leave taking behaviors in a variety of social situations;

• the appropriate way to respond to introductions and use courtesy behaviors; and

• appropriate etiquette in a variety of social settings.