Gonzaga Preparatory School

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Course Descriptions

World Languages Department Course Descriptions

 
 
Graduation Requirements
 
Two years of a consecutive language are required for graduation.
 

French Course Descriptions

 
French I
 
First year courses are an introduction to the target language, its people and customs. Students will gain foundational grammar and vocabulary which will enable them to communicate effectively. This includes being able to ask and answer questions in the target language, and develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Culture, history, and geography will be introduced. Placement tests are required for students entering Prep with prior language experience.
 
**An honors section is available upon meeting placement test requirements as well as teacher recommendation.
No Prerequisites

Honors French I
Prerequisites: Placement Test & Teacher Recommendations
 
 
French II
 
Second year courses build on the language skills acquired in level I. Language becomes more complex with a shift in expectation for the students to synthesize what they know, shape their own spontaneous communication, and create products in the target language. Placement tests are required for students entering Prep with prior language experience.
Prerequisites: French II

Honors French II
Prerequisites: French II and Teacher's Recommendation
 
 
French III
 
French III builds on the language skills acquired in levels I and II. The purpose of the course is to reinforce, master, and expand skills previously acquired by the students, using correct grammatical patterns, all verb tenses, and advanced vocabulary. Computer programs, videos, films and other supplemental materials help provide a cultural context for the student.
Prerequisites: French II
 
 

Latin Course Descriptions


Latin I
 
In the first year, students learn the sounds of Latin, some basic grammar and vocabulary, and they read material which introduces them to the daily life of the Romans. Development of English vocabulary which is Latin-based is an important part of the year’s work.
No Prerequisite
 
 
Latin II
 
In the second year, students continue to increase their knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary, and they also cover such topics as Latin literature, Roman history, Greek and Roman mythology, and ancient art. Building English vocabulary continues to be an important element.
Prerequisite: Latin I
 
 
Latin III
Prerequisite: Latin II
 
 

Spanish Course Descriptions


Spanish I
 
First year courses are an introduction to the target language, its people and customs. Students will gain foundational grammar and vocabulary which will enable them to communicate effectively. This includes being able to ask and answer questions in the target language, and develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Culture, history, and geography will be introduced. Placement tests are required for students entering Prep with prior language experience.
 
**An honors section is available upon meeting placement test requirements as well as teacher recommendation.
No Prerequisites

Honors Spanish I
Prerequisites: Placement Test and Teacher's Recommendation
 
 
Spanish II
 
Second year courses build on the language skills acquired in level I. Language becomes more complex with a shift in expectation for the students to synthesize what they know, shape their own spontaneous communication, and create products in the target language. Placement tests are required for students entering Prep with prior language experience.
Prerequisites: Spanish I
 
Honors Spanish II
Prerequisites: Spanish I and Teacher's Recommendation
 
 
Spanish III
 
Spanish III builds on the language skills acquired in levels I and II. The purpose of the course is to reinforce, master, and expand skills previously acquired by the students, using correct grammatical patterns, all verb tenses, and advanced vocabulary. Computer programs, videos, films and other supplemental materials help provide a cultural context for the student.
Prerequisites: Spanish II
 
Honors Spanish III
 
This class is taught entirely in Spanish. Discussions are all carried out in Spanish and emphasis is placed on an expanded vocabulary, fluency of speech and accuracy of writing. This course also offers a concise review of Spanish grammar so students can use the language with a higher level of accuracy.
Prerequisites: Spanish II and Teacher's Recommendation
 
 
AP Spanish
 
This course is focused on preparing students for the AP Spanish Language Examination. The course covers the equivalent of a third year college course. Since the exam covers the areas of reading, speaking, writing and listening the course is structured to perfect those skills through exposure to high level, native speaker, materials.
 
The purpose of the AP Spanish Language Course is to prepare students for the end-of-year AP Spanish Language Examination. The materials used are designed to practice the four skills necessary to achieve fluency at a near-native speaker level, namely reading, writing, speaking and listening.
 
The class is conducted entirely in Spanish. In order to attain accuracy and ease of expression in the spoken language, students must communicate all thoughts and needs in Spanish both to fellow students and to the instructor at all times. This is one of the most important components of the course.
 
The textbooks and workbooks give students daily practice in comprehension of reading and accuracy in writing. Workbooks give students the opportunity to assess their grammar and vocabulary skills.
 
In addition, the internet resources listed offer a combination of practice in grammar and vocabulary, with writing and listening. For fluency and comprehension of spoken Spanish, students listen to audio cassettes and watch Spanish television programs.
 
Learning about the culture is provided through both TV programs and "Think Spanish" magazine.
Pre-requisite: Honors Spanish III & Teacher Recommendation