LANGUAGE STUDY

Ms. Donna Geppi, Chair

LaSalle offers language study to its students because it has long been considered a plus for university admissions, a resumé polisher and a prerequisite for success in a global economy. But language study is more than that. According to a recent article in Newsweek, " the brain's real super food may be learning new languages… a growing body of research now offers a further rationale: the regular, high-level use of more than one language may actually improve early brain development…. According to several different studies command of two or more languages bolsters the ability to focus in the face of distraction, decide between competing alternatives and disregard irrelevant information. These essential skills are grouped together, known in brain terms as 'executive function'." NOTE: In order to graduate from high school in New York State, students must complete at least one (1) year of language study. Most 4-year colleges expect to see two (2) or more units of language study on a transcript. In order to receive an "Advanced Regents Diploma" students must pass the language equivalent of the Regents Comprehensive given at the end of level 3 of study.

Language Study: LaSalle selected Spanish because after English ( Chinese is a case unto itself) Spanish is the most spoken language inside and outside the United States. Language study begins in the sixth grade.

561 - Spanish 6

Duration: full year

Presentation of essential language concepts leading to the students' familiarity and ease in addressing the study of Spanish. Students will become familiar with the cultural aspects of various Spanish-speaking countries. English is used for explanation of language formation so students can understand the rationale for the language structures. The students learn and practice a variety of phrases and concepts both orally and orthographically.

573 - Spanish 7

Duration: full year

Students begin the actual study of the first level of the Spanish language. Students will learn basic communication structures concentrating on the present tense of the most frequently used expressions in the language as well as review and addition of essential vocabulary for comprehension. Students will initiate practice of the four skills needed for eventual fluency; reading, writing, comprehension and speaking,

585 - Spanish 8

Duration: full year
Credit: 1 unit
Weight = 1.00

Students experience the review and extension of the essential language structure to include the past tense as well as continued practice of the present tense and an increase in workable structures and vocabulary. Students will resume their practice with the four skills required for fluency,

521 - Spanish 2 Fundamental

Duration: full year
Credit: 1 unit
Weight = 1.00

Review the learned structures and extend their knowledge into the remaining structures which compose the basic constructs required for the comprehension and use of the language. Vocabulary will also be augmented. Students will resume their practice with the four skills required for fluency,

522 - Spanish 2 Enhanced

Duration: full year
Credit: 1 unit
Weight = 1.00

Students conclude their second level with continual review, practice and amplification of their knowledge of vital language structures needed to insure their continued progress and with the target of ultimate fluency in Spanish.

ACCELERATION IN LANGUAGE STUDY

Prerequisite: Placement test Reading and Language Arts scores at 90th percentile or above, English and History in the 90's
Duration: full year
Credit: 1 unit
Weight = 1.08

Students who show high ability in language arts may be invited to begin language study in the 7th or 8th grade, thereby accelerating their study. This is a full year high school course which provides a high school credit for language study. The purpose of acceleration is not so the student will be done with it sooner, but rather to enable the student to continue on to the advanced levels of language study or to make room in the student's schedule so he can take another language.

571 - Spanish 1A

Spanish 1A is the first year of a two-year in-depth study of level 1 Spanish. Students must have exhibited a strong foundation in grammar and syntax Students will learn and improve their elementary language skills of listening, comprehension, writing and speaking.

511 (581) - Spanish 1 Spanish 1B

Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: department-developed exam

All of the language skills are developed in the first level of language study with major emphasis on listening and elementary speaking skills through the mastery of basic vocabulary used in conversational situations. Grammar is used to support the objective of functional proficiency - being able to understand and use the language in ordinary daily situations such as shopping, asking and giving directions, describing one's likes and dislikes and describing events in the present, past and future. NOTE: Middle school Level 1 students must pass the NYS Proficiency exam in June in order to earn 1 credit toward high school graduation.

521 - Spanish 2 Accelerated

Prerequisite: a grade of 75+ in Spanish 1
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.08 Grade level: 9/
Final examination: department-developed exam

This course continues the development of all language skills (grammar, vocabulary, listening, pronunciation and conversation) which were begun in Spanish 1 with attention focused on listening and speaking skills. The students' knowledge of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary to communicate in specific daily living experiences is extended. The civilization and culture of the Spanish speaking world are further explored at this level to develop an appreciation for or to broaden one's perspective of another's way of life.

531 - SPANISH 3/ All levels

Prerequisite: a grade of 75+ in Level 2
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.08 Grade level: 10 Weight 1.00 Grade level: 11

This course is a continuation of the work of the second level with emphasis on grammar, vocabulary, conversation and self-expression, both oral and written. Oral work includes situations in which the student must have enough vocabulary and grammar at his disposal to deal with a situation in which he has been artificially placed. Students need to take and pass a Regents Comprehensive Equivalent Exam to receive credit.

545 - LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE & CONVERSATION (SPANISH 4)

Prerequisite: Consistent grade of 85+ in the previous levels and teacher recommendation
Credit: 1 Weight: 1.08 Grade level: 11, 12
Final examination: Portfolio

Intensive reading, writing and discussion are used to maintain and enhance students' skills in the Spanish language. This is accomplished through a survey of the works of critically acknowledged Hispanic authors. A variety of genres are explored and through these means students gain an acquaintance with the social, cultural, historical, religious, and artistic aspects of Latin America. Students in each of these courses may also enroll in the University in the High School Program which is a college level program operating under the auspices of SUNY Albany.

546 - SPANISH LITERATURE & CONVERSATION (SPANISH 5)

Prerequisite: Consistent grade of 85+ in the previous levels and teacher recommendation
Credit: 1 Weight: 1.08 Grade level: 12
Final examination: portfolio

Intensive reading, writing and discussion skills are the means by which this survey of the literature and culture of European Spain is explored in the target language from the Middle Ages to the present. Social, economic, religious, philosophical and artistic developments are studied through the literary works of major Spanish authors. Emphasis is placed on the classic works of Spain. The course provides the students with a synthesis of different disciplines and key concepts in Western Civilization. Students may participate in the University in the High School Program.