World Languages 2013-2014

Hazzard Bagg, Department Head

The World Language Department  offers courses ranging from introductory to Advanced Placement in French, Spanish, and Latin as well as a full Arabic program with regular courses in levels I - IV.  The department is committed to meeting the National Standards for Foreign Language Teaching developed by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Modern language courses are conducted in the language of study in order to develop proficiency in the four skills of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and to emphasize oral and written communication through collaborative exercises and multimedia activities, including weekly usage of the language laboratory. In addition, the cultures of Francophone, Hispanic, Roman, and Arabic countries are integrated into the curriculum of each course.

Honors courses are available after the second year (French and Spanish) for those students who have advanced ability, skills, and motivation in the foreign language. Admission to the Honors level is based on department approval (demonstrated excellence in coursework) and/or in a proficiency exam. Honors students' placement is reviewed yearly.

Note: All new students to Lincoln must take a placement test and have an oral interview (in Arabic, French, or Spanish) prior to enrollment in any course.

Department Requirements
Successful completion of three years in one language.

Course Listings

Course Descriptions

Arabic Course Descriptions

Arabic I

This course is an overview of Arabic geography and culture with a special emphasis on the sounds and scripts of the alphabet.  In addition, basic grammar and vocabulary are consistently interwoven with the major cultural themes. Individual and collaborative activities and projects are designed to provide ample opportunity for the students to develop and use the language creatively and personally. Evaluation of student performance is based on participation in the classroom and on frequent oral and written testing throughout the year. 

Arabic II, Intermediate Arabic

This course focuses on Middle Eastern culture and geography and different dialects, which will expand the students' awareness and understanding of Arabic-speaking countries around the world.  The students continue to work on building strong oral and aural skills, as well as expanding their reading and writing skills. More advanced grammar and vocabulary is introduced through multi-media textbooks, newspapers, and online resources. Evaluations are based on weekly quizzes and tests.

Arabic III

This course focuses on the culture and geography of North Africa and its different dialects, as the students continue expanding vocabulary, grammatical structures, and skill development in listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Students will solidify their knowledge of the basic rules of Arabic grammar, expand vocabulary in terms of complexity, and increase the acquisition of words for active use in a wide variety of topics and settings. Evaluations are based on weekly quizzes and tests and students are expected to write long compositions and give oral presentations. 

prerequisite: Arabic II

Arabic IV

This course focuses on news and current events occurring in Arabic countries through a variety of authentic media sources. This course develops a more precise and coherent use of the Modern Standard Arabic language through an integration of the four skills of speaking, reading, writing and listening with grammar and vocabulary to enhance the student's ability to engage in meaningful communication. The course includes a variety of authentic readings from real-life cultural topics.   Tests, projects, and presentations will be the basis for assessing the students’ performance.  

French Course Descriptions

French I

The first year of study introduces the student to basic grammar and everyday vocabulary, which is consistently interwoven with major cultural themes. Individual and collaborative activities and projects are designed to provide ample opportunity for the student to develop and use the language creatively and personally. Evaluation of student performance is based on participation in the classroom and on frequent oral and written testing throughout the year.

French II

As a sequel of French I, this course helps students to further develop their proficiency in listening and speaking through the creation of original dialogues, and to improve their reading and writing skills with the introduction of more advanced grammar and vocabulary. In addition, students study poems and short stories by famous Francophone authors in order to foster a greater cultural awareness and understanding of French-speaking countries around the world.

French III, Topics in Francophone Life and Culture

This course is a transition course designed both to complete the study of the major grammatical structures and to introduce the student to Francophone life and culture through exposure to authentic print and media sources. The four language skills are strengthened through the presentation of reports, by reading authentic material such as poetry and short stories, by writing compositions, and by finding and analyzing computer-accessed materials. Evaluation of student performance is based on participation in the classroom and on frequent oral and written testing throughout each quarter.

French III Honors, Topics in French Language and Literature

The primary objective of this transition course is to complete the study of all the major grammatical structures, with an emphasis on a thorough understanding of the forms and functions of verb tenses and moods. This course seeks to integrate the development of the four skills of language with reports and readings. In addition to grammar review and the introduction of new grammar, each unit includes a selection of various primary source materials such as news articles, short stories, and material from the web. The culminating point of this course is the in-depth reading and study of a novel or play. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to carry on a discussion in French and express themselves clearly in writing.

French IV Honors, Cultural Perspectives of France

This AP-preparatory course is an exploration of the civilization and literature of France from Roman times to the present. It examines the economics and cultural attributes of the major French regions and researches in depth the history and contemporary significance of the city of Paris through its monuments and civic institutions. Other units include the study of French poetry from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, the history of the French Chanson, and a critique of a major French film. The final trimester is usually devoted to the study of a well-known French literary work that serves to elucidate and enhance the student's awareness of historical, cultural, and social issues. Throughout the year, the four language skills are fully integrated with grammar and vocabulary to enhance the student's ability to synthesize and analyze content material. The student is expected to write and present reports and opinions on topics related to the current unit of study. Original dialogues, videos, music, and computer-accessed materials enhance the core curriculum.

French IV/V, Exploration of the Francophone World

This course is an in-depth exploration of the Francophone world from a cultural perspective. Key topics of the past and present are covered: geography, history, economy, everyday life, media, music, art, and topical trends. Each unit is project-based: the student is required to research and report/present particular aspects of a related topic. Discussions, interviews of native speakers, original readings, films, music, and computer-accessed materials enhance the curriculum. Throughout the year, the four language skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary in context, are reviewed and reinforced. The student is expected to write and present reports and opinions on topics related to the current unit of study.  

French VI, "L'exception culturelle":  the shaping of a culture in world literatures and communities through the French language

This course is dedicated to the study of a selection of classical and contemporary works by French-speaking authors in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. The student will explore the historical and cultural background of these works as well as the present ramifications and implications in the communities they depict. Students will have the opportunity to discuss contemporary issues facing people in these communities by putting the literary works in perspective and making them come to life, thus achieving a cultural literacy combined with a solid background in Francophone literature. Throughout the year, the four language skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary, are reviewed and reinforced and technology is interwoven into all units through sources, activities and/or projects. The student is expected to write and present reports and opinions on topics related to the current unit of study.

prerequisite: successful completion of French IV Honors, French V, or AP French, the recommendation of the department based on demonstrated skills and motivation, and/or successful performance on a proficiency exam

Advanced Placement French, A Survey of Francophone Literature and Culture

This course is dedicated to the study of Francophone Literature and Culture. The student researches major historical events such as the French Revolution, colonialism and the independence movements, and examines concurrently the cultural by-products representative of each period such as films, literature, and music. The student refines the four language skills by listening to lectures in French, reading essays, poetry, and short stories of well-known French-speaking authors, and presenting oral and written reports on historical, cultural, and social issues. This course also conducts an intense review of the most complex grammar structures. The student takes the Advanced Placement Exam in May at the end of the course.

Spanish Course Descriptions

Spanish I

The first year of study introduces the student to basic grammar and everyday vocabulary, which is consistently interwoven with major cultural themes. Individual and collaborative activities and projects are designed to provide ample opportunity for the student to develop and use the language creatively and personally. Evaluation of student performance is based on participation in the classroom and on frequent skills testing (listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing) throughout the year.

Spanish II

As a sequel to Spanish I, this course continues to work on building strong oral and listening skills, as well as expanding the student's reading and writing skills through a wide variety of activities such as compositions, dialogues, and debates. Resources include a multi-media textbook, short stories, and magazine articles, which introduce the student to important grammatical concepts and structures, while expanding her awareness of Hispanic culture.

Spanish III, Topics in Hispanic Language and Culture

This course completes the study of the major grammatical concepts and structures, and introduces the student to literature selections and cultural readings. The four language skills are strengthened through the presentation of oral reports and skits, by reading authentic material such as poetry and short stories, and by writing compositions. Evaluation of student performance is based on participation in the classroom and on frequent oral and written testing throughout each quarter.

Spanish III Honors, A Comparative Look at the Spanish-Speaking World

This is a bridge course designed to complete the study of the major grammatical concepts and structures in an integrative way, thus providing the student with ample practice to apply the concepts in concurrent, multiple skill areas. Higher-order thinking skills of analysis and synthesis are also introduced, thus preparing the student for Spanish IV Honors and a more sophisticated level of communication and interpretation. In addition, the student explores a variety of cultural themes and samples of literature from Spain, Latin America, and amongst Hispanics in the U.S., and also reads a full-length novel.  By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to carry on a discussion in Spanish, to express themselves clearly in composition and to read between the lines.

Spanish IV Honors, Cultural Perspectives of Spain and its relation to Latin America

This AP-preparatory course is an exploration of the issues that have shaped and continue to shape the Spanish-speaking world throughout history, with an emphasis on Spain and its influence and connections to Latin American culture and philosophy. To achieve further understanding of the connections between Spanish and Latin American culture and literature, the class reads authentic selections of historical significance as well as a full-length novel. Throughout the year, the four language skills are fully integrated with grammar and vocabulary to enhance the student's ability to synthesize and analyze content material in written and oral form, through extensive practice of oral presentations and coherent essays.  Original readings, films, music, and computer-accessed materials enhance the core curriculum and provide ample opportunities for the students to sharpen language skills in accordance with the rigorous academic demands of College Board Standards.

Spanish IV/V, Exploration of  Latin America and Hispanics in the USA

This two-year course is an exploration of Hispanic language, culture, and literature with a rotating curriculum. Key topics of the past and present are presented:  Geography, history, economy, everyday life, media, music, art, topical trends, and traditional customs. Each unit is project-based and the student is required to research and report/present particular aspects of a related topic. Original readings, films, music, and computer-accessed materials enhance the core curriculum.  Throughout the year, the four language skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary, are reviewed and reinforced.

Advanced Placement Spanish, A Exploration of the Hispanic Experience

This course is devoted to the exploration of the issues that have shaped and continue to shape the Spanish-speaking world throughout history, with an emphasis in the Latin American experience. Throughout the year, the students explore, summarize, analyze, interpret, discuss, and synthesize the political, economical, and social realities of the Spanish-speaking world through authentic media such as films, literature, and music. As they acquire a deeper understanding of the culture, the students gain mastery of the language through an integrative review of grammar concepts while sharpening the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), to attain an advanced level of communication in three modes: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Advanced reading comprehension of literary and informative texts, as well as the ability to synthesize information based on various oral and written sources into coherent essays and oral presentations, are formal skills that are emphasized in this course. The informal skills of creating email and voice messages, as well as initiating and responding to impromptu conversations are also practiced in preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam, which is given in May.

Latin Course Descriptions

Latin I
This course introduces students to the elements of the Latin language. Students in this course learn all six tenses of the verb and all five Latin noun declensions. They also learn hundreds of Latin words and how these words are often the ancestors of words that we use today. In addition to learning to read Latin students will learn about the origins of the Romans in the early iron age and the role Roman culture has played and continues to play in shaping the modern world.

Latin II

This course introduces students to the more complex patterns and constructions found in Latin. Examples of such points of advanced grammar are verbs in the passive voice, participial phrases, accusative-infinitive statement, and some uses of the verb in the subjunctive mood. In addition to grammar students will build their vocabulary and study patterns of word formation in Latin. As part of this course students will also study Roman political culture and Rome’s transition from republic to empire in the 1^st c. bce.

Latin III

This course is intended to develop the student’s ability to read Latin with facility and confidence. Students use genuine Latin texts as primary historical documents through which they gain access to significant events in Roman history. The majority of the work in this course will be translation from Latin to English, but the course includes a schedule of regular vocabulary assignments as well as written grammar exercises. Students study specialized vocabulary, peculiar grammar, and the historical context for each of the passages presented in the course. Readings include selections from Cicero, Caesar, Eutropius, Petronius, and Pliny.

Latin IV/V

The Latin IV-V course provides an opportunity for students to develop their translation and textual interpretation skills at the advanced level. In this course students read prose selections from Cicero and Pliny, and they read a selection of the poems of Ovid. Together these texts offer a view of Roman attitudes toward the power of literature and its role in Roman society.

Advanced Placement Latin:  Caesar & Vergil

The Advanced Placement Latin course offers students the opportunity to study extensive portions of both Julius Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War and the greatest of the Latin epic poems, The Aeneid of Vergil. Although Caesar's text describes historical events while The Aeneid is concerned with Rome's mythological origins, both of these monuments of Latin literature show us how the Romans viewed thier own remarkable rise to dominance.