St. Francis High School - Academics

French 1 (P)

Course ID: 410

This First year communicative-based course introduces the beginning student to the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn the geography, customs, and culture of the language studied through reading, dialogues, and other communicative activities. There is a strong emphasis on pronunciation, parts of speech, and basic sentence structure. The student gains mastery of the grammar structure necessary to carry out basic communicative tasks. A contextual setting is provided to enhance understanding and to allow for successful communication. Vocabulary building is stressed while oral and listening comprehension is developed. Reading comprehension is elicited through reading of short stories and passages that integrate the culture and every day life of native speakers. The student's writing progresses from simple but clear sentences to meaningful dialogues and then to basic paragraphs about the individual student and her immediate world. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: Proficiency in English grammar

Level: 9-12

Credit: 10

French 2 (P)

Course ID: 411

The second year of language study maintains a communicative-based approach. This course offers a strong emphasis on grammatical structures and is designed to further the student's abilities to speak and understand the target language in a situational context. The student advances in her ability to interpret and produce the written language while acquiring an understanding of the culture and environment of native speakers. This course aims to develop a Novice High Level of language proficiency (in accordance with ACTFL - American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages) in all areas of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: C+ in French 1 (P)

Level: 9-12

Credit: 10

French 3 (P)

Course ID: 412

The third year courses aim to increase the student's ability to communicate in the target language through expanding her vocabulary and her mastery of advanced grammar structures. Written and oral assignments based on contemporary and classic literary pieces advance the usage of all tenses and permit extensive review of grammar concepts. The student learns more about the cultures and environment of the native speaking world through class discussions, foreign videos, reading, and researching authentic contemporary publications. Students at this level should be prepared to be in a "total immersion" environment. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: B or better in French 2 (P)

Level: 10-12

Credit: 10

Hon French 3 (HP)

Course ID: 413

This course is an accelerated, in-depth third level language program of study intended for the motivated language student. It is the recommended class for students who plan to enroll in French IV AP. The course aims to increase the student's ability to communicate in the language through extensive vocabulary building and mastery of advanced grammar structures. Grammar concepts are reviewed in the context of contemporary and classic literary pieces and written and oral assignments advance the usage of all tenses. The student learns more about the native-speaking world in class discussions, foreign films' evaluation, and by reading and researching contemporary publications. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: A in French 2 (P)

Level: 10-12

Credit: 10

French 4 (P)

Course ID: 414

French IV is an advanced level course designed for the motivated student who wishes to complete four years of a foreign language. This courses aims to develop an Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid level of language proficiency (in accordance with ACTFL - American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages) in all areas of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students read and study various literary genre. Discussions of literary pieces and foreign films as well as conversations about current events promote facility in speaking. There is a strong emphasis in writing. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: B in French 3 (P)

Level: 11-12

Credit: 10

AP French 4 (AP)

Course ID: 415

This course, conducted in the language, includes a thorough grammar review as well as the study of literary works and films. French IV AP is an advanced level course designed to challenge the highly motivated student in the study of the language and in aspects of its literature, its films, and its culture. This course is intended for the student who wishes to continue studying the language at the university level, these courses aim to develop a Medium to High Intermediate Level of proficiency (in accordance with ACTFL - American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages) in all areas of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Competence in speaking is promoted by discussions about the literary pieces read and the films viewed. Strong emphasis is placed on narrative, analytical, and persuasive writing. This course prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Examination. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP French exam at the end of the year. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: A grade of B+ in Honors French 3 or grade of A in Regular French 3 and teacher recommendation

Level: 11-12

Credit: 10

AP French Literature (AP)

Course ID: 416

This course is designed to introduce students who have advanced language skills to the formal study of a representative body of literary texts in French. This course is not intended as a survey of French literature, but rather an introduction to a selection of French and Francophone texts of different genres and eras, as designated by the College Board. The AP French Literature course has the following objectives:

To enable students to read and understand prose and verse of moderate difficulty and mature content, as well as to formulate, elaborate and express a critical opinion or judgment in good oral and written French;
To expand students' ability to read and analyze critically, as well as to discuss French literary works with insightfulness.

Classes include close reading and extensive discussion of texts with particular attention to character and theme, structure and style, and to how these elements are related to overall interpretation. Class discussion, essay writing, literary analysis and weekly BLOGS in French are important components of this course. AP French Literature students are required to take the College Board's AP French Literature exam.

Prerequisite: Completion of AP French 4

Level: 12

Credit: 10

Italian 1 (P)

Course ID: 431

This is a first year communicative-based course that introduces the beginning student to the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn the geography, customs, and culture of the language studied through reading, dialogues, and other communicative activities. There is a strong emphasis on pronunciation, parts of speech, and basic sentence structure. The student gains mastery of the grammar structure necessary to carry out basic communicative tasks. A contextual setting is provided to enhance understanding and to allow for successful communication. Vocabulary building is stressed while oral and listening comprehension is developed. Reading comprehension is elicited through reading of short stories and passages that integrate the culture and every day life of native speakers. The student's writing progresses from simple but clear sentences to meaningful dialogues and then to basic paragraphs about the individual student and her immediate world. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: Proficiency in English grammar

Level: 9-12

Credit: 10

Italian 2 (P)

Course ID: 432

The second year of language study maintains a communicative-based approach. This course offers a strong emphasis on grammatical structures and is designed to further the student's abilities to speak and understand the target language in a situational context. The student advances in her ability to interpret and produce the written language while acquiring an understanding of the culture and environment of native speakers. These courses aim to develop a Novice High Level of language proficiency (in accordance with ACTFL - American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages) in all areas of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: C+ or better in Italian 1 (P)

Level: 9-12

Credit: 10

Italian 3 (P)

Course ID: 433

Prerequisite: B in Italian 2 (P)

Level: 10-12

Credit: 10

Hon Italian 4 (HP)

Course ID: 434

This total immersion course is an intense review of Italian. This course is an advanced level course designed to challenge the highly motivated student in the study of the Italian language and aspects of its literature and culture. It is designed especially for the student who wishes to continue the study of Italian at the university level. This course aims to develop a medium to high range of competency in all areas of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Conversations and discussions promote facility in speaking. Students read, study, and discuss various literary genres from the Middle Ages/renaissance era through the post WWII period. Strong emphasis is placed on writing at a more intensive level (than level three.) The textbook is used for an in-depth grammatical review and to ensure grammatical accuracy. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: B in Italian 3 (P)

Level: 11-12

Credit: 10

Spanish 1 (P)

Course ID: 451

This first year languages communicative-based course introduces the beginning student to the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn the geography, customs, and culture of the language studied through reading, dialogues, and other communicative activities. There is a strong emphasis on pronunciation, parts of speech, and basic sentence structure. The student gains mastery of the grammar structure necessary to carry out basic communicative tasks. A contextual setting is provided to enhance understanding and to allow for successful communication. Vocabulary building is stressed while oral and listening comprehension is developed. Reading comprehension is elicited through reading of short stories and passages that integrate the culture and every day life of native speakers. The student's writing progresses from simple but clear sentences to meaningful dialogues and then to basic paragraphs about the individual student and her immediate world. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: Proficiency in English grammar

Level: 9-12

Credit: 10

Spanish 2 (P)

Course ID: 452

The second year of language study maintains a communicative-based approach. This course offers a strong emphasis on grammatical structures and is designed to further the student's abilities to speak and understand the target language in a situational context. The student advances in her ability to interpret and produce the written language while acquiring an understanding of the culture and environment of native speakers. These courses aim to develop a Novice High Level of language proficiency (in accordance with ACTFL - American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages) in all areas of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: C+ in Spanish 1 (P)

Level: 9-12

Credit: 10

Spanish 3 (P)

Course ID: 453

Prerequisite: B in Spanish 2 (P)

Level: 10-12

Credit: 10

Hon Spanish 3 (HP)

Course ID: 454

This course is an accelerated, in-depth third level language program of study intended for the motivated language student. It is the recommended course for any student who plans to enroll in Spanish IV AP. The course aims to increase the student's ability to communicate in the language through extensive vocabulary building and mastery of advanced grammar structures. Grammar concepts are reviewed in the context of contemporary and classic literary pieces. Written and oral assignments advance the usage of all tenses. The student learns more about the native-speaking world in class discussions, foreign films' evaluation and by reading and researching contemporary publications. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: A in Spanish 2 (P)

Level: 10-12

Credit: 10

Spanish 4 (P)

Course ID: 455

Spanish IV is an advanced level courses designed for the motivated student who wishes to complete four years of a foreign language. This courses aims to develop an Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid level of language proficiency (in accordance with ACTFL - American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages) in all areas of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students read and study various literary genre. Discussions of literary pieces and foreign films as well as conversations about current events promote facility in speaking. There is a strong emphasis in writing. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: B in Spanish 3 (P)

Level: 10-12

Credit: 10

AP Spanish 4 (AP)

Course ID: 456

This course, conducted in the language, includes a thorough grammar review as well as the study of literary works and films. Spanish IV AP is an advanced level course designed to challenge the highly motivated student in the study of the language and in aspects of its literature, its films, and its culture. Intended for the student who wishes to continue studying the language at the university level, this course aims to develop a Medium to High Intermediate Level of proficiency (in accordance with ACTFL - American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages) in all areas of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Competence in speaking is promoted by discussions about the literary pieces read and the films viewed. Strong emphasis is placed on narrative, analytical, and persuasive writing. Students enrolled in the course are required to take the AP Exam in the spring. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: A grade of B+ in Honors 3 or grade of A in Spanish 3

Level: 11-12

Credit: 10

AP Spanish Lit (AP)

Course ID: 457

The AP Spanish Literature course is comparable to a third-year college Introduction to Hispanic Literature course. Students will learn to develop a high degree of competence in language skills and in the interpretation of literature. Students are required to read, analyze and discuss in writing a wide variety of representative works from three major genres: narrative, poetry, and drama, using the appropriate terminology and applying the different tools of literacy criticism. Students will do a close reading of all fifty-three required readings in preparation for the AP Spanish Literature Exam. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Spanish Literature exam at the end of the year. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: Completion of AP Spanish 4 with a grade of B or higher; completion of Spanish 4 with a grade of A or higher, and teacher recommendation.

Level: 10-12

Credit: 10

Latin 1 (P)

Course ID: 441

The course endeavors to develop a coherent and clear understanding of the overall structure of the Latin language and incorporates elements of Latin grammar, vocabulary building and mastery of basic translation skills. it includes elements of early Roman civilization, culture, and history. Through the study of English derivatives and a thorough comparison of English and Latin grammatical concepts, the student strengthens her knowledge of English grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. The student learns noun declensions and verb conjugations and becomes skilled at translating and analyzing sentences that incorporate all parts of speech. This course is also appropriate for the student who wishes to improve her English language skills. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: Proficiency in English grammar

Level: 9-12

Credit: 10

Latin 2 (P)

Course ID: 442

The Latin 2 course completes the coverage of Latin grammar; syntax and vocabulary initiated in Latin I and introduces the student to Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic Wars. A comprehensive study of Latin grammar includes the subjunctive, sequence of tenses, deponent and irregular verbs, participles and case usage as well as a more intensive study of English derivatives. This course includes additional advanced translations and a greater in-depth study of Roman civilization and mythology focusing on the characteristics of first century B.C. and the Rome of Julius Caesar. Literary works studied include the work of Roman poets Virgil and Ovid and their use of dactylic hexameter poetic style. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: C in Latin 1 (P)

Level: 9-12

Credit: 10

Latin 3 (P): Cicero

Course ID: 443

The Latin III program includes an in-depth study of Latin syntax through comparing and contrasting advanced Latin and English grammatical constructions and mastery of complex English to Latin and Latin to English translations. The course content has a strong emphasis on Cicero's style, his Orations, and the influence of Roman Governmental structures on governmental institutions in the United States of America. The student reads and discusses Cicero's Philosophies and Letters, learns Cicero's thirty-two (32) oratory styles, and creates her own sentences applying the studied oratory styles. Other early Roman authors studied are: Ennis, Plautus, Terence, Cato The Elder, Lucretius, and Catullus. The course also includes translation and discussion of Aesop's work and review of works by later Latin authors. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: B in Latin 2 (P)

Level: 10-12

Credit: 10

Latin 4 (P): Virgil

Course ID: 444

The Latin IV program is designed to promote the student's proficiency in advanced translation skills and her mastery of more complex Latin syntax. The student learns poetry styles, history, and mythology through the concentrated reading and translation of Virgil's Aeneid Book 1 thru VI and the reading in English of Books VV thru XII. The student discusses the Aeneid's literary style and the use of epic influence in the dactylic hexameter poem. Through the study of the Aeneid, the student delves into the story of the Trojan people, examines their defeat at the hands of the Greeks, and understands the historical implications of their voyage to Italy and their founding of Rome. UC/CSU approved

Prerequisite: B in Latin 3 (P): Cicero

Level: 11-12

Credit: 10