World Languages
Department Philosophy
Seton’s language courses prepare students to speak, read, listen, and write in various languages. It includes a review of verbs and grammatical structures as well as an introduction to extensive vocabulary. Two years of study in a single world language are required.
Course Offerings
Spanish 1 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9-12
Spanish 1 is an introductory course in the Spanish language and culture. Students develop the ability to speak, read, listen and write based upon vocabulary presented. This course develops competence in speaking, listening, reading and writing using highly predictable situations. Students are introduced to the geography and culture of Spanish speaking countries.
Spanish 2 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 and teacher recommendation
Spanish 2 is a course which further develops communicative proficiency in Spanish. This course emphasizes accuracy in communication and increases the knowledge of the culture of Spanish speaking countries. Students are encouraged to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing at an intermediate level. The geography of Spanish speaking countries is heightened through film and literature.
Spanish III (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10-11
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and teacher recommendation
Spanish 3 prepares students to speak, listen, read and write in the three major time frames (Present, past and future.) Students develop the ability to negotiate various topics in Spanish. This course prepares student to develop paragraph length discourse in present, past, and future tense to use hypothetical discourse, and to negotiate using a wide variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students are also introduced to modern Spanish literature. In addition, students will be presented to the art, dance, music, literature and film of Spanish speaking countries.
AP Spanish Language (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Spanish III and teacher recommendation
AP Spanish Language is an advanced course which focuses on oral proficiency, reading comprehension, listening skills, writing competence and preparation for university requirements. Students may choose to prepare for the Spanish Language Advanced Placement Exam. Proficiency is increased through reading short stories, discussing contemporary issues and reading literary works. Students complete a comprehensive review of Spanish grammar. Students develop the ability to express themselves in situations where the context is not predictable. This course covers Spanish and Latin American history and culture.
AP Spanish Literature (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language and teacher recommendation
AP Spanish Literature is an advanced course which offers a historic survey of the literature of Spanish-speaking cultures. Students study major movements and authors of this literature. Students learn to discuss the four genres - drama, essay, fiction and poetry with appropriate terminology in preparation for the AP Spanish Literature Exam. Students will analyze and write about important Spanish and Latin American authors and their works.
American Sign Language/ASL 1 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9-12
American Sign Language 1 is an introductory course in ASL language and culture. Students develop the ability to speak and interpret based upon the signs presented. This course develops competence in speaking and interpreting using highly predictable situations. Students are introduced to the culture of the Deaf community along with basic ASL grammatical and linguistic structures.
American Sign Language/ASL 2 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10-12
American Sign Language 2 further develops proficiency. The student will improve fluency in finger spelling, signing skills, expressive skills, and broaden knowledge of the Deaf experience. Students will explore the role of sign language interpreters. Students should be prepared to spend the majority of the classroom time in silence and receive instruction primarily through a visual/gestural mode.
Faculty
