American Sign Language I (ASL) 380000

Grades 9-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:None

Students learn basic ASL vocabulary and acquire knowledge of the manual alphabet.They also study the history of American Sign Language and the Deaf culture. Expressive and receptive language skills are practiced within the context of meaningful and experiential activities related to home,school, and community environments.

American Sign Language II 382000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:American Sign Language I

Building on the rudiments learned in ASL I,students expand their vocabulary and increase their proficiency in expressive and receptive conversational skills using more complex grammatical structures. Students continue their study of Deaf heritage and culture and are encouraged to interact with Deaf people.

American Sign Language III 383000

Grades 11-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:American Sign Language II

Through spiraling of concepts,structures,and functions acquired in ASL II,students improve their skills in functional contexts. Students analyze authentic ASL literature such as storytelling, folklore, poetry, and drama.The study of the evolution of ASL and the maintenance of interpersonal relations with the Deaf community are an integral part of ASL III.

French I 340000

Grades 7-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:None

Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment in French at the beginner-novice level by producing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Listening and reading facilitate the ability to communicate orally and in writing.

French II 342000

Grades 8-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: French I

Students continue to develop proficiency in French at the intermediate-novice level in all four language skills: listening, speaking,reading, and writing. Listening and reading facilitate the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Students learn to function in real-life situations using more complex sentences and language structures.They also read material on familiar topics and produce short writing samples.

French III 343000

Grades 9-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: French II

Students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in French at an advanced-novice level integrating all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the ability to interact orally and in writing. Students communicate using more complex language structures on a variety of topics, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts.At this level,students comprehend authentic materials to which they listen and read and are able to identify significant details when the topics are familiar.

French IV

Honors,weighted 0.5 344000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: French III

Students develop more sophisticated communication skills in French at an intermediate-low level integrating all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the abilities to interact orally and in writing.Authentic language sources are emphasized at this level. Students communicate using more complex language structures and express abstract ideas with reasonable fluency. Students are able to create and listen with understanding to reports and presentations.They are also able to describe, summarize and discuss selected AP global themes and topics.

French V

Honors,weighted 0.5 345000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: French IV

Honors Students in French V study AP global themes and topics using more sophisticated communication at an intermediate-mid level in all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the abilities to interact, persuade, compare, and contrast orally and in writing. Students study literary works as well as current and historical events representing the various geographical regions of the world where French is spoken.

French

Advanced Placement,weighted 1.0 345100

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: French V

Honors AP French is holistically designed to offer students a proficiency-based,rigorous college-level experience.This culminating course in French increases student potential in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes in the six global course themes:Global Challenges; Personal and Public Identities; Contemporary Life; Science and Technology; Beauty and Aesthetics; and Families and Communities. Students build greater fluency in their language skills by developing comprehension and comprehensibility, a rich vocabulary, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. Students are expected to communicate entirely in French as they compare and contrast French cultures with their personal communities and connect their studies with other disciplines in their high school curricula. Students have the opportunity to take the AP French Exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.

German I 370000

Grades 7-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:None

Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment in German at the beginner-novice level by producing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Listening and reading facilitate the ability to communicate orally and in writing.

German II 372000

Grades 8-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:German I

Students continue to develop proficiency in German at the intermediate-novice level in all four language skills: listening, speaking,reading, and writing. Listening and reading facilitate the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Students learn to function in real-life situations using more complex sentences and language structures.They also read material on familiar topics and produce short writing samples.

German III 373000

Grades 9-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:German II

Students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in German at an advanced-novice level, integrating all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the ability to interact orally and in writing. Students communicate using more complex language structures on a variety of topics, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts.At this level students comprehend authentic materials to which they listen and read and are able to identify significant details when the topics are familiar.

German IV

Honors,weighted 0.5 374000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:German III

Students develop more sophisticated communication skills in German at an intermediate-low level, integrating all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the abilities to interact orally and in writing. Authentic language sources are used at this level. Students communicate using more complex language structures and express abstract ideas with reasonable fluency. Students are able to create and listen with understanding to reports and presentations in German.They are also able to describe, summarize, and discuss selected AP global themes and topics.

German V

Honors,weighted 0.5 375000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:German IV

Honors Students study selected AP global themes and topics using more sophisticated communication in German at an intermediate-mid level in all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the abilities to interact,persuade, compare, and contrast both orally and in writing. Students study literary works as well as current and historical events representing the various geographical regions of the world where German is spoken.

German

Advanced Placement,weighted 1.0 375100

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:German V

Honors AP German is holistically designed to offer students a proficiency-based,rigorous college-level experience.This culminating course in German increases student potential in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes in the six global course themes:Global Challenges; Personal and Public Identities; Contemporary Life; Science and Technology; Beauty and Aesthetics; and Families and Communities. Students build greater fluency in their language skills by developing comprehension and comprehensibility, a rich vocabulary, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. Students are expected to communicate entirely in German as they compare and contrast target language cultures with their personal communities and connect their studies with other disciplines in their high school curricula. Students have the opportunity to take the AP German Exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.

Latin I 350000

Grades 7-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: none

This course explores basic Latin grammar and vocabulary and develops the skills necessary to read elementary Latin texts.The linguistic nature of the course is supplemented by a general overview of Greco-Roman civilization, including history, daily life, and mythology. English derivatives are emphasized to show the influence of Latin upon the English language and to contribute to the growth of each student’s personal vocabulary.

Latin II 352000

Grades 8-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Latin I

Students review material from Latin I, learn intermediate grammar and vocabulary, and continue to develop skills necessary to read Latin texts.They expand their understanding of Greco-Roman civilization and English derivatives.

Latin III 353000

Grades 9-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Latin II

Students learn advanced grammatical concepts and vocabulary.They read stories of increasing length and complexity that pertain to the expansion of the Roman Empire.The study of Greco-Roman culture and English derivatives continues. Latin IV—Honors,weighted 0.5 354000 Grades 10-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Latin III This course introduces students to the reading and interpretation of authentic Latin literature. Students learn the basics of Latin poetry including scansion and literary devices. Emphasis is placed upon Roman culture, Roman history, English derivatives, and Latin grammar relevant to the literary text.

Latin V

Honors,weighted 0.5 355000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Latin IV

Honors Latin V pairs a review of Latin grammar and vocabulary with the reading of authentic passages from various Roman authors in preparation for the AP Latin course. It provides students with the skills necessary to translate the authentic text,read aloud Latin verse in meter, analyze stylistic technique, and interpret the author’s intent through word choice,syntax, and mythological and historical allusions.An exploration of the pertinent history and mythology is also incorporated into this class. Students continue to broaden vocabulary through the study of English derivatives.

Latin

Advanced Placement,weighted 1.0 359100

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Latin V—Honors

This course follows the AP Latin syllabus for Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic War. Students read and translate as literally as possible all required passages and read selected portions of the Aeneid and Gallic War in English.The course examines the historical,social, cultural, and political context of the works and provides frequent practice in reading Latin at sight. Students are also given frequent opportunities to practice written analysis and critical interpretation, including appropriate references to the use of stylistic and metrical techniques by Vergil and Caesar. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Latin Exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.

Mandarin Chinese I 321000

Grades 9-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:None

Students are introduced to the Chinese language and culture in this course.The basic objectives are to help each student attain an acceptable degree of proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking,reading, and writing, and to present the language within the context of the contemporary Chinese culture.Chinese characters are introduced systematically as they are related to the listening/speaking activities conducted.

Mandarin Chinese II 331000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese I

Students continue to build proficiency in the Chinese language and expand their understanding of culture in this course.The basic objectives are to help each student continue to develop an acceptable degree of proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking,reading, and writing, and to thematically present the language within the context of the contemporary Chinese culture. Chinese characters are reviewed and expanded systematically as they are related to the listening/speaking activities conducted.

Mandarin Chinese III 334000

Grades 11-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese II

Students increase proficiency in the basics of Chinese in this course.The objectives of this course are to review and amplify structures previously taught and introduce more advanced vocabulary and structures through the four skills of listening, speaking,reading, and writing and to present the language within the context of the contemporary Chinese culture.Chinese characters are reviewed and more characters introduced systematically as they relate to the listening/speaking activities conducted throughout the course.

Spanish for Fluent Speakers I 367000

Grades 7-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Placement Test

Spanish for Fluent Speakers I is designed to meet the needs of students whose primary language is Spanish and who have minimal or no formal instruction in the language.While developing their current competencies in formal speaking and listening,students focus on the acquisition of comparable competencies in reading and writing. Upon successful completion of the course,students may continue in the Spanish for Fluent Speakers sequence.

Spanish for Fluent Speakers II 367300

Grades 7-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish for Fluent Speakers I/Placement Test

Spanish for Fluent Speakers II is designed to increase proficiency in reading and writing of students whose primary language is Spanish. Major grammar points are reviewed and finer points of grammar are studied, placing emphasis on style and structural accuracy.Comprehension and communication skills are refined through the reading and discussion of selections written by classic and modern authors in a variety of genres. Upon successful completion of the course,students may continue in the Spanish for Fluent Speakers sequence.

Spanish for Fluent Speakers III

Honors,weighted 0.5 367500

Grades 9-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish for Fluent Speakers II/Placement Test

Spanish for Fluent Speakers III is designed to further refine fluent speakers’ literacy and proficiency skills. Students read from a variety of genres representing numerous Spanish-speaking countries. Students discuss current themes and events including world views, global challenges, and students as citizens of a global society. This course prepares students to enroll in AP Spanish. Upon successful completion of the course, the student may continue in the traditional Spanish sequence in Spanish V-Honors or AP Spanish.

Spanish for Fluent Speakers IV

Honors weighted 0.5

Grades 9-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish for Fluent Speakers III / Placement Test

Spanish for Fluent Speakers III is designed to further refine fluent speakers’ literacy and proficiency skills. Students read from a variety of genres representing numerous Spanish-speaking countries. Students discuss current themes and events including world views, global challenges, and students as citizens of a global society. This course prepares students to enroll in AP Spanish. Upon successful completion of the course, the student may continue in the traditional Spanish sequence in Spanish V-Honors or AP Spanish.

Spanish I 360000

Grades 7-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite:None

Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment in Spanish at the beginner-novice level by producing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Listening and reading facilitate the ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Spanish II 362000

Grades 8-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish I

Students continue to develop proficiency in Spanish at the intermediate-novice level in all four language skills: listening, speaking,reading, and writing. Listening and reading facilitate the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Students learn to function in real-life situations using more complex sentences and language structures.They also read material on familiar topics and produce short writing samples.

Spanish III 363000

Grades 9-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish II

Students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in Spanish at an advanced-novice level integrating all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the ability to interact orally and in writing. Students communicate using more complex language structures on a variety of topics, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts.At this level,students comprehend authentic materials to which they listen and read and are able to identify significant details when the topics are familiar.

Spanish IV

Honors,weighted 0.5 364000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish III

Students develop more sophisticated communication skills in Spanish at an intermediate-low level integrating all four language skills: listening,speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the abilities to interact orally and in writing.Authentic language sources are emphasized at this level. Students communicate using more complex language structures and express abstract ideas with reasonable fluency. Students are able to create and listen with understanding to reports and presentations.They are also able to describe, summarize and discuss selected AP global themes and topics.

Spanish V

Honors,weighted 0.5 365000

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish IV—Honors or Spanish for Fluent Speakers III

Honors Students in Spanish V study selected AP global themes and topics using more sophisticated communication at an intermediate-mid level in all four language skills: listening, speaking,reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the abilities to interact, persuade, compare, and contrast orally and in writing. Students also study literary works as well as current and historical events representing the various geographical regions of the world where Spanish is spoken.

Spanish

Advanced Placement,weighted 1.0 365100

Grades 10-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish V—Honors or Spanish for Fluent Speakers III

Honors AP Spanish is holistically designed to offer students a proficiency-based,rigorous college-level experience.This culminating course in Spanish increases student potential in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes in the six global course themes:Global Challenges; Personal and Public Identities; Contemporary Life; Science and Technology; Beauty and Aesthetics; and Families and Communities. Students build greater fluency in their language skills by developing comprehension and comprehensibility, a rich vocabulary, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. Students are expected to communicate entirely in Spanish as they compare and contrast target language cultures with their personal communities and connect their studies with other disciplines in their high school curricula. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Spanish Exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.

Teacher	Email
John Mora (Department Chair)	Email Mr. Mora
Laurence Bertholet	Email M. Bertholet
Maria Castillo	Email Maria Castillo
Alma Diaz	Email Ms Diaz
Arianna Di Puorto	Email Dr. Di Puorto
Sheila Hall Price	Email Ms. Hall Price
Radhika Lothe	Email Dr. Lothe
Luzmilla Tinajero	Email Ms. Tinajero

Potomac Falls High School

World Languages & Cultures

Faculty

Course Descriptions

Foreign Language National Honor Society

Spanish Club

Seal of Biliteracy