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Modern Language

The Modern Language Department at Carondelet prepares students to communicate authentically in French, Spanish, and American Sign Language. In their Modern Language class, students are immersed in a variety of communicative and culturally responsive activities designed to develop their listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Italian and Latin are also available at De La Salle High School. 

Beyond the two years of language required for graduation, students are encouraged to continue their study for the third year (levels 3 and 3 honors) and the fourth year (level 4 and Advanced Placement - not available for ASL) and obtain the Seal of Biliteracy.

Outside the classroom, language students can participate in clubs such as the ASL club, the Spanish Honor Society, and the French Honor Society and engage in service projects such as Cartas con Amor (Letters with Heart).

Graduation Requirements: 20 Credits

Grade Offerings: Modern Language Courses move from Level 1 to AP classes. Most 9th grade students will take a level 1 course offering from French, Spanish, American Sign Language, Italian, or Latin. Students may be placed in level 2 or level 3 courses based upon teacher recommendations and a placement test. French and Spanish are offered on the Carondelet campus, Italian and Latin are offered on the De La Salle campus. Typically, 9th and 10th graders do not take courses on the De La Salle campus. Please plan your choices accordingly.

View all Modern Language courses, including AP and Honors classes, and courses offered at DLS.

Courses

  • American Sign Language 1

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    None

    The study of American Sign Language (ASL) offers students the chance to communicate in and understand another language while familiarizing themselves with the community and culture of the Deaf. This course develops the ability to communicate accurately and effectively within a range of real life situations. Students are exposed to a variety of learning situations to increase their understanding of American Sign Language and Deaf culture. Audiovisual, Deaf literature, both written and visual, such as poetry and stories, as well as Deaf history help students to develop their ASL skills while growing an appreciation of Deaf culture. This course fosters both life-long learning and moderate levels of language proficiency for students.

  • American Sign Language 2

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of ASL 1 with a C or better

    This course is a continuation of basic aspects of American Sign Language (ASL) taught in ASL 1 - its introductory vocabulary, structure, and syntax. Students will continue to focus on fingerspelling, numbers, everyday vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Students will also further develop the conversational/cultural behaviors necessary to hold an intermediate level conversation. Spontaneous interpersonal communication is expected to encourage a higher level of fluency. More challenging linguistic features will be introduced along with examples of Deaf humor and additional cultural information to aid student development, awareness and appreciation for the unique language they are learning.

  • American Sign Language 3

    Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    Successful completion of ASL 2 with a grade of a C or higher

    This course is based on an intermediate level curriculum utilizing interactive Project Based Learning. ASL 3 includes storytelling, usage of classifiers and movement, as well as offering introductions to ASL professions by beginning voice-to-sign and sign-to-voice interpreting. It is an opportunity to explore the usage of a vast vocabulary base that has been established during ASL 1 and ASL 2 by adjusting one’s register for the setting and preparing longer presentations and interactions. Simple sentence structure becomes complex with the use of advanced grammar skills and the concept of continuity. Cultural topics about the struggles within the Deaf community allow students to explore goal-oriented social justice approaches in their own lives and communities.

  • AP French Language

    Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of French 3 with an A- in both semesters, Honors French 3 with a B+ in both semesters. 

    AP French Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in French. Students cultivate their understanding of French language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.

  • AP Italian

    Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    A “B” in Italian 3 Honors and instructor approval

    The Italian AP course is an advanced course in Italian language and culture. This course prepares students to develop proficiency in Italian in all communicative modes; listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will study advanced Italian grammar and all discussions will take place entirely in Italian. This course will be conducted entirely in Italian. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination.

  • AP Latin

    Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    A “B+” in Latin 3 and instructor approval.

    The Latin AP course is an advanced reading course using Caesar’s De Bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid as texts. In addition to appropriate translation skills, students are expected to employ literary analysis in order to fully appreciate the Latin work being studied. The aims of this year-long course are: to improve the students’ to read, understand, and translate both prose and Latin poetry; to expose students to poetic syntax, figures of speech, and meter; to involve students in literary analysis of Latin prose and poetry; to enhance the students’ understanding of the literary and social contexts of the ancient Roman world; and to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in Latin. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination.

  • AP Spanish Language

    Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet/De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of Spanish 3 with an “A-” both semesters or Honors Spanish 3 with a grade of B+ or better both semesters and instructor approval.

    Course Overview: AP Spanish Language and Culture is an advanced course designed for students who seek to enhance their proficiency in Spanish while exploring the rich cultural contexts of Spanish-speaking countries. This course emphasizes the development of interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills across a variety of themes, including contemporary social issues, science and technology, and global challenges.

    Language Proficiency: Students will engage in extensive reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities aimed at improving their proficiency at an advanced level.
    Cultural Exploration: The course includes an in-depth study of the cultures of Spanish-speaking communities through literature, film, art, and music, fostering a global perspective and cultural appreciation.
    Exam Preparation: As part of the AP curriculum, students will prepare for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam, which assesses their linguistic skills and cultural understanding.

  • AP Spanish Literature and Culture

    Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    B- or higher in AP Spanish; a 4 or 5 on the AP Spanish exam for those students who did not take AP Spanish but who have taken the AP Spanish exam

    The AP Spanish Literature and Culture course uses a thematic approach to introduce students to representative texts (short stories, novels, poetry, plays, and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U. S. Hispanic literature. Students develop proficiencies across the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational) in the range of Intermediate High to Advanced Mid of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. Through careful examination of the required readings and other texts, students work to hone their critical reading and analytical writing skills. Literature is explored within the contexts of its time and place, and students gain insights on the many voices, historical periods, and cultures represented in the required readings and other texts. The course also includes a strong focus on cultural, artistic, and linguistic connections and comparisons, which is supported by the exploration of various media (art, music, film, articles, and literary criticism).

  • French 1

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    None

    The course is designed to develop all four communicative skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through a comprehensible input-based curriculum that immerses students in rich, meaningful French. Using stories, authentic texts, audio and video materials, and vivid cultural representations of products, practices, and perspectives, students strengthen both their linguistic and cultural proficiency.

    Most assessments consist of short quizzes that measure progress in listening, reading, and, over time, writing and speaking. By the end of the year, students will be able to express themselves confidently in French, producing extended, detailed writing with ease.

  • French 2

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of French 1 with a C- or better. Open to incoming freshmen who sit for and pass a placement test.

     

    This course is designed to continue the work of building language proficiency that began in French 1. Students will further develop their communicative skills and learn new, more advanced vocabulary including academic vocabulary that will help them develop paragraphs with topic sentences, and essays with introductions and conclusions. Through stories, real-world authentic texts, audio-video, and vibrant cultural images of products, practices, and perspectives, students build their language and cultural proficiency.

  • French 3/French 3 (H)

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of French 2 with a C or better

     

    The course is designed to build on all 4 communicative skills acquired during level 2: reading, listening, writing, and speaking using a comprehensible input-based curriculum that takes students from novice-high to intermediate. Stories, real-world authentic texts, audio-video, and vibrant cultural images of products, practices, and perspectives pique students’ curiosity and teach them to notice cultural similarities and differences, draw conclusions, and make inferences about the evidence they see. With increased proficiency, students learn to ask questions and wonder about what life is like in other parts of the French-speaking world. Each unit culminates with an Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) which uses authentic print and audio texts combined with real-world tasks in presentational and interpersonal speaking and writing to successfully take students on a virtual journey throughout the French-speaking world.

    Note: Every student has the opportunity to challenge themselves by completing additional tasks and expanded assessments in each unit in order to attain honors credit.

  • French 4/French 4 (H)

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of French 3 with a B or better

    French 4/French 4 Honors is an advanced language course designed to build proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking while expanding students’ knowledge of French-speaking cultures by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations. Students explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges. This course is taught primarily in French.

    Note: Every student has the opportunity to challenge themselves by completing additional tasks and expanded assessments in each unit to attain honors credit.

  • Italian 2

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Successful completion of Italian 1

    The Italian 2 course continues the development of skills introduced in Italian 1, with increased emphasis on reading and writing. The course reviews foundational grammar and expands to include all major verb tenses, while deepening students’ understanding of Italian culture through authentic texts and media.

  • Italian 2 (H)

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of Italian 1 with a B+ and department approval

    In Italian 2 Honors, students will further develop the basic competency skills acquired in the first year, including vocabulary, conversational idioms, grammatical structures, and phonological characteristics of the Italian language. The emphasis will be on helping the students acquire basic competence in the four language skills; the receptive (listening and reading), and the productive (speaking and writing). From the beginning, the student is encouraged to work on building the four skills by active use of the language. This honors course will be more rigorous in all four areas than the regular level 2 course. Cultural aspects of the target language will be presented. Students will be expected to engage in more elaborate direct use of the language as a means of communication. The course will be taught primarily in Italian.

    Note: Course receives honors credit on the Carondelet Transcript but is not recognized as a UC-CSU honors course.

  • Italian 3

    Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of Italian 2 with a C and department approval

    The student will pursue proficiency in basic language skills such as understanding an oral presentation given at moderate speed, comprehending some literature and non-technical prose (e.g., newspaper articles), conversing readily on subjects of personal interest, and writing several coherent paragraphs on familiar topics. There will be comprehensive grammar review, the addition of considerable cultural material, and extended readings.

  • Italian 3 (H)

    Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of Italian 2 with an A- and department approval

    This course incorporates material covered in Italian 3, but it is more rigorous in its demands of language usage in all four modalities. Students will use a text, a grammar workbook, a listening lab workbook, and a reader. Students are expected to function in the language in a more spontaneous manner and with great accuracy. The course is taught primarily in Italian.

  • Latin 1

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    None

    Latin 1 introduces the systems of declension and conjugation in Latin as well as basic vocabulary with emphasis on translation skills. Some attention is paid to classical allusion of culture, history, and mythology

  • Latin 2

    Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Successful completion of Latin 1

    Latin 2 involves the coverage of complex grammar and syntax with increased attention to vocabulary and translation. Specific attention is paid to Caesar’s Gallic Wars during the latter part of the course.

  • Latin 3

    Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of Latin 2 with a C and department approval

    This course emphasizes translation of Roman and Biblical literature with attention paid to style, figures of syntax, and figures of rhetoric. Students study the works of Cicero, Virgil, and New Testament Latin.

  • Spanish 1

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    None

    Spanish 1 is an introductory language course designed for students with little to no prior knowledge of Spanish. This engaging class aims to build a strong foundation in the Spanish language through a focus on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and basic speaking skills. This course will also foster an appreciation for the richness and diversity of Spanish-speaking communities around the world through music, art, traditions, and cuisine.

  • Spanish 2

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of Spanish 1 with a C- or better. Open to incoming freshmen who sit for and pass a placement test.

     

    Students will continue to develop the basic linguistic skills acquired in the first year. Students’ proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening will be enhanced through a variety of methods using the interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive modes of communication. Students will be expected to use the language for communication inside and outside of class. The study of Spanish speaking cultures will be expanded. This course is conducted primarily in Spanish.

  • Spanish 3/Spanish 3 (H)

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet/De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of Spanish 2 with a C 

    This course is designed to increase students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students entering Spanish 3 should be able to hold simple conversations, ask and answer basic questions, and write short paragraphs. Upon completion of the third level of language, students will have been exposed to the fundamental concepts and structures of Spanish. Cultural understanding will be presented through readings, supplementary materials, and discussions/conversations. This class is conducted primarily in Spanish. Honors credit is given to students who fulfill the honors criteria outlined by teachers at the beginning of each unit. To earn honors for the semester, students must complete all of the honors work in that given semester.

  • Spanish 4/Spanish 4 (H)

    Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: Carondelet/De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Completion of Spanish 3 with a B

    At this level, this course is considered an elective. To take Spanish 4 / Spanish 4 (H), it is assumed that the student has a demonstrated record of success in previous years of language study and has the motivation to master the language in its oral and written complexities. This course is the next step toward building fluency in communication and comprehension. The course is structured around consolidating grammar and language skills through literature. Active participation in Spanish will be required of each student, as well as weekly reading, writing, and speaking assignments. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

    Note: Every student has the opportunity to challenge themselves by completing additional tasks and expanded assessments in each unit in order to attain honors credit.

  • Spanish for Heritage Speakers III

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    Teacher recommendation based on interview

    This course is designed for students who speak Spanish as a first or second language and are considered to be bilingual. It is a comprehensive course that provides students with practice in each of the language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening with emphasis on developing skills to communicate in standard Spanish. There will be a strong emphasis in dealing with language problems typical of the heritage speaker (orthography, English interference). Students will read a novel. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish.

    Note: Spanish for Heritage Speakers III and IV do not have to be taken sequentially.

  • Spanish for Heritage Speakers IV

    Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
    Credits: 10
    Campus: De La Salle
    Prerequisites: 

    A “C” or better in Heritage III and teacher approval and/or interview

    Students will continue developing skills acquired in Spanish for Heritage Speakers I. It is a comprehensive course that provides students with practice in each of the language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening with emphasis on developing skills to communicate in standard Spanish. The students will improve their Spanish through the study of the history, culture, and literature of Spanish-speaking countries and the Latino influence in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to develop oratory skills while researching political and social economic issues. Expository essay writing will be emphasized. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish.

    Note: Spanish for Heritage Speakers III and IV do not have to be taken sequentially.

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