World Language Course Offerings

The placement of courses in this chart is what is typical. See the flow chart at the end of the world language section to see all of the options.

The purpose of world language study at Daniel Hand High School is the development of communication skills in another language and an awareness of the similarities and differences among and across cultures. Students are provided a variety of programs (French, Spanish, Latin, and/or Mandarin Chinese) in which they acquire proficiency in another language through listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and thinking critically. Student success depends a great deal on active participation in and out of class. The World Language Department strongly recommends three years or more of study in order to achieve proficiency in the language.

DHHS requires 1.0 credits of World Language for graduation.

Grade	Latin	French	Spanish	Mandarin Chinese	American Sign Language*
9	Latin 1	French 1 French 2	Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Spanish 3	Mandarin Chinese 1	American Sign Language 1
10	Latin 1 Latin 2	French 1 French 2 French 3	Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Spanish 3 Spanish 4 Spanish 4-Honors	Mandarin Chinese 1 Mandarin Chinese 2	American Sign Language 1 American Sign Language 2
11	Latin 1 Latin 2 Latin 3-Honors	French 1 French 2 French 3 French 4-Honors	Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Spanish 3 Spanish 4 Spanish 4-Honors Spanish 5 AP Spanish 5	Mandarin Chinese 1 Mandarin Chinese 2 Mandarin Chinese 3	American Sign Language 1 American Sign Language 2
12	Latin 1 Latin 2 Latin 3-Honors AP Latin 4	French 1 French 2 French 3 French 4-Honors AP French 5	Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Spanish 3 Spanish 4 Spanish 4-Honors Spanish 5 AP Spanish 5 Spanish Cinema & Conversation Spanish 6-Honors	Mandarin Chinese 1 Mandarin Chinese 2 Mandarin Chinese 3 Chinese 4-Honors	American Sign Language 1 American Sign Language 2

*Note: It is not anticipated that American Sign Language 3 or 4 will be offered

Overview

The Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy was established to recognize public high school graduates who have attained a level of proficiency in English and one or more languages (Public Act 17 29).

Affixed on the high school diploma and transcript, the Seal of Biliteracy provides immediate recognition of a critical 21st century language and communication skill.

The Seal of Biliteracy initiative:

encourages students to study languages;
certifies attainment of biliteracy skills;
recognizes the value of language diversity;
provides employers with a method of identifying Connecticut high school graduates with biliteracy skills;
assists universities in recognizing applicants with language skills;
equips universities in recognizing applicants with language skills;
equips students with the 21st century skills that will allow them to succeed in college and careers in a global society;
strengthens relationships and honors the multiple cultures and languages represented in Connecticut communities;
encourages students to develop communicative proficiency in multiple languages;
values the knowledge and skills of both English speakers learning world languages and English learners studying English or other world languages; and
recognizes and rewards students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge.

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy:

To attain the Seal of Biliteracy, two academic requirements must be met.

Students must complete all English Language Arts requirements for graduation.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English at a level comparable to Intermediate Mid on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines as demonstrated through one of the following methods in grade 10 or later:

Assessment Name	Minimum Score
College Board AP World Language Exam	3
STAMP Test: Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency	5
ALIRA Test: Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment	I-3

Latin

Latin 1

Latin 1

1 Credit
Course No. 431
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Students in Latin 1 will encounter for the first time the Latin language and Roman culture. By exploring the pillars of classical education (mythology, history, culture, and art), students will explore Rome through stories in Latin about the lives of Romans. Students will develop the techniques necessary to develop better vocabulary and grammar skills for both English and other world languages as well as build the foundations of the grammar and the vocabulary necessary for Latin 2. Latin 1 students will be immersed in the arts and entertainment of Ancient Rome, e.g. Pompeian art, mosaics, and gladiatorial combat. Students will be asked to answer the questions: “How does entertainment reflect the culture and values of a people? and “How will studying Latin help me read and write in English?”

Latin 2

Latin 2

1 Credit
Course No. 432
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin 1.

Students in Latin 2 will continue exploring the pillars of classical education in order to survey more of the Ancient World, including Britannia and Ancient Alexandria. As the grammar and language become more complex, students will focus on understanding and using these structures in both English and Latin. Students will be immersed in mythology, taking on the role of one of the gods of Ancient Rome, and will use their role to study the government of Ancient Rome, starting from its founding all the way to the end of the Empire and focusing on the wars of Rome. Students will be asked to answer the questions: “How does mythology shape us?” and “How do people develop their government, and how does the government develop its people?”

Latin 3 - Honors

Latin 3 - Honors

1 Credit
Course No. 433
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin 2 and teacher recommendation.

Students in Latin 3 will delve into the world of Latin literature. This course is designed to increase students’ reading fluency and to prepare them for the AP Latin 4 course. Students will study the authors’ craft through close examination of their poetry. Much of the poetry encountered this year will focus on the different kinds of love. Student will first encounter the works of Catullus and Ovid, reading some of the best poetry of the Roman people. The year will culminate in a preview of AP Latin 4, when students begin to study the great Roman epic, Vergil’s Aeneid. Students will be asked to answer the questions: “How do we hear poetry?”, “What is love?”, and “What makes a hero?”

AP Latin 4

AP Latin 4

1 DHHS Credit
Course No. 436
(Topics in Advanced Latin: CAMS 3102) 3 UCONN Credits
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin 3 – Honors and teacher recommendation.

Students in Latin 4 will follow the AP curriculum begun in Latin 3 Honors. Students will be reading, in both English and Latin, major sections of the great Roman epic, Vergil’s Aeneid, and Julius Caesar’s commentary about the Gallic Wars. The course acts as a culmination of themes, vocabulary, and grammar skills developed throughout the students’ high school career. Students in Latin 4 will be asked to answer the questions: “How do the victors shape history?”, “What makes a hero?”, and “How does style shape meaning?” Students taking this course are encouraged to take the College Board’s AP Latin Examination in May.

Language acquisition is cumulative and with that in mind, this course has recommended summer work in order to maintain language skills.

Note: Only students who are registered in the UConn/ECE program for this course and earn a passing grade will receive UConn/ECE credit.

French

French 1

French 1

1 Credit
Course No. 421
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

This course introduces students to the French language through storytelling, acting, reading, and so much more! Students learn to communicate in French by participating in lessons that incorporate grammar, vocabulary, and culture through novels, games, songs, and skits. Lessons are based on real-life situations and prepare students to do everyday activities such as ordering at a restaurant, making friends, and talking about their own likes, dislikes, and habits. During this course students will continue to develop their French skills as they speak, read, and write more confidently! Successful completion of this course will prepare students for French 2.

French 2

French 2

1 Credit
Course No. 422
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1 or grade 8 French.

Students will review information learned the previous year and incorporate it with new, more advanced concepts. Students will begin to be proficient speakers and writers of the language by the end of the year. The study of culture, grammar, and vocabulary intertwine in a variety of activities, including role-playing, age-appropriate readings, creative writing, and a video series. Students will explore the unit themes of “Who am I?”, “Let’s Cook”, and “All about Friendship.” Active student participation in French is necessary to increase all language proficiency skills.

French 3

French 3

1 Credit
Course No. 423
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 2.

This course is designed for students who want to build upon skills acquired during the first two years of language study, so as to be able to understand and use intermediate-level grammatical concepts and vocabulary. Students learn how to express themselves more confidently in the present, past, and future tenses while exploring the unit themes of “Health and Wellness”, “Francophone Influencers”, “Storytelling”, and “Refugees.” Students will build a larger bank of vocabulary and enhance their cultural competency by reading authentic articles and reading and writing, listening to and viewing varied audio and visual sources, writing responses based upon a variety of topics, and speaking in response to course-related themes and prompts. Each unit will culminate with the completion of an individual, paired, or group assessment through which students demonstrate and apply their understanding of newly acquired skills. Active student participation in French is necessary to increase all language proficiency skills.

French 4 Honors

French 4 - Honors

1 Credit
Course No. 424
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3 and teacher recommendation.

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to build upon intermediate skills acquired during third year of language study and to further enhance their cultural competency, in order to use more advanced language skills. Students engage in, and are assessed on, authentic use of the language and the understanding of francophone cultures by reading varied print materials; writing paragraph and page-length responses to prompted situations; listening to and viewing authentic audio and video sources related to everyday life, social issues, global challenges; and speaking in response to simulated scenarios or formal presentation themes. Students are expected to speak exclusively in French in this course. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared for AP French 5.

Language acquisition is cumulative and with that in mind, this course has recommended summer work in order to maintain language skills.

AP French 5

AP French 5

1 DHHS Credit
Course No. 426
(Grammer and Composition: FREN 3268) 3 UCONN Credits
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 4 - Honors and teacher recommendation.

This course is designed for students who want to build advanced skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the French language, while enhancing their cultural competency. Students engage in, and are assessed on, authentic use of the language and the understanding of francophone cultures by reading varied print materials, writing responses to prompted situations, listening to and viewing authentic audio and video sources related to everyday life and global issues, and speaking in response to simulated scenarios or formal presentation themes. Students must speak exclusively in French during the course. Students taking this course are encouraged to take the College Board’s AP French Language and Culture examination in May.

Language acquisition is cumulative and with that in mind, this course has recommended summer work in order to maintain language skills.

Note: Only students who are registered in the UConn/ECE program for this course and earn a passing grade will receive UConn/ECE credit.

Spanish

Spanish 1

Spanish 1

1 Credit
Course No. 410
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Spanish 1 is designed for new or novice students of Spanish. Students develop their listening and oral proficiency skills and further their understanding of the structure of language by expanding their repertoire of strategies to use in reading and writing Spanish. As a result of participating in this course, students will be able to demonstrate their foundation of Spanish grammar. The authentic performance based assessments at the end of each unit include speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Successful completion of this course will prepare students for Spanish 2.

Spanish 2

Spanish 2

1 Credit
Course No. 412
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1.

Students continue to build upon the basic concepts learned during the previous year. Students are expected to participate actively by speaking Spanish, by working responsibly alone and collaboratively with partners, and by carefully preparing written work. They will participate in a variety of ways including listening and speaking with the teacher, conversing with classmates in paired and group work, reading level appropriate passages, writing paragraphs, and viewing and reacting to level appropriate films in Spanish. The class provides exploration of the culture of Spanish speaking countries through the readings and films chosen by the department. In order to prepare for the rigor of Spanish 3, students will study grammar and vocabulary, in addition to developing oral and listening skills. Active student participation in Spanish is necessary to increase all language proficiency skills.

Spanish 3

Spanish 3

1 Credit
Course No. 413
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 2. For incoming freshmen, grade 8 Spanish with a minimum grade of B-.

This course is designed for students who want to build upon novice skills acquired during the first two years of language study, so as to be able to understand and use intermediate-level grammatical concepts and vocabulary. Students learn how to express themselves more confidently in the present, past, and future tenses while exploring the unit themes of “Hope for the Future”, “Protecting our Health”, “Hispanic Heroes”, and “Mysteries of the World.” Students will build a larger bank of vocabulary and enhance their cultural competency by reading authentic stories and legends, listening to and viewing varied audio and visual sources, writing responses based on a variety of topics, and speaking in response to course-related themes and prompts. Each unit will culminate with the completion of either an individual or paired assessment, through which students will demonstrate and apply their understanding of skills acquired during each unit of study. Active student participation in Spanish is necessary to increase all language proficiency skills.

Spanish 4

Spanish 4

1 Credit
Course No. 415
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3.

This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of more advanced grammatical concepts as well as vocabulary building through culturally-based units. Students will uncover gems beneath the turmoil as they travel through four Hispanic countries. Classroom discussions analyze strife within the countries, and some discussions include travel safety, economy, and stereotypes. Students will also investigate places that interest them in each country and will get a well-rounded view of the wonders that each country has to offer them as tourists. Students will continue to build upon their reading, writing, and listening comprehension abilities in the target language and develop proficiency at an intermediate speaking level. Each unit will culminate with the completion of either an individual, paired, or group assessment, such as pitching a product or business idea to a group of venture capitalists or planning a dream vacation. Active student participation in Spanish is necessary to increase all language proficiency skills.

Spanish 4 Honors

Spanish 4 - Honors

1 Credit
Course No. 414
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 with a minimum grade of A- and teacher recommendation.

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to build upon intermediate skills acquired during third year of language study and to further enhance their cultural competency, so as to be able to use more advanced language skills. Students engage in, and are assessed on, authentic use of the language and the understanding of Hispanic cultures by reading varied print materials, writing paragraph and page-length responses to prompted situations, listening to and viewing authentic audio and video sources related to everyday life and global issues, and speaking in response to simulated scenarios or formal presentation themes. Each unit will culminate with the completion of an individual, paired, or group performance based assessment through which students will demonstrate and apply their understanding of the skills and themes acquired during each unit of study. Spanish is spoken exclusively in this course.

Spanish 5

Spanish 5

1 Credit
Course No. 420
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 4 or Spanish 4 - Honors.

This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of all grammatical concepts, focusing on a challenging practice of the subjunctive mood. Students will continue to advance in their reading and listening comprehension of the target language, as well as their communication through speaking and writing. Students will tour Spain first as foodies, tasting authentic cuisine, and then continue to investigate what personally interests them as tourists as they plan a trip to another Spanish-speaking country. In the second half of the course, students will practice communicating as patients in real-life situations, and then research a career of their choosing. The course will conclude with tertulias, a communication-based unit in which students will speak about a variety of topics, which may include current events, film, daily conversation, and other issues relevant to students. Throughout the course, the students’ views on Spanish and Hispanic cultures will be broadened. Active student participation in Spanish is necessary to increase all language proficiency skills.

AP Spanish 5

AP Spanish 5

1 Credit
Course No. 419
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 4 - Honors and teacher recommendation.

This course is designed for students who want to build advanced skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the Spanish language, while enhancing their cultural competency. Students engage in, and are assessed on, authentic use of the language and the understanding of its cultures by reading varied print materials, writing responses to prompted situations, listening to and viewing authentic audio and video sources related to everyday life and global issues, and speaking in response to simulated scenarios or formal presentation themes. Students must speak exclusively in Spanish during the course. Students taking this course are encouraged to take the College Board’s AP Spanish Language and Culture examination in May. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared for the University of Connecticut ECE Spanish 6 - Honors course.

Language acquisition is cumulative and with that in mind, this course has recommended summer work in order to maintain language skills.

Spanish Cinema & Conversation

Spanish Cinema & Conversation

1 DHHS Credit
Course No. 450
(Spanish Conversation: Cultural Topics: SPAN 3179) 3 UCONN Credits
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 5 or AP Spanish 5.

During their last year of high school, language study students will participate in a conversational approach to learning language through film analysis. Students will view a series of award winning Hispanic films and have meaningful conversations about the plot, themes, and cultural experiences using relevant vocabulary. Students will explore unit themes including “Between a Rock and a Hard Place”, “In Search of a Better Life”, and “Children of War.” In addition, there will be opportunities for further investigation via readings, compositions, and performance based assessments. Students will ultimately have the opportunity to select a Hispanic film of their choice to view, analyze, and share with their classmates. Active student participation in Spanish is necessary to increase all language proficiency skills.

Note: Only students who are registered in the UConn/ECE program for this course and earn a passing grade will receive UConn/ECE credit.

Note: Due to the nature of Hispanic film, many of the films viewed in this course are rated R. Permission slips will be sent home at the start of the course.

Spanish 6 Honors

Spanish 6 - Honors

1 DHHS Credit

Course No. 451
(Intermediate Spanish Composition: SPAN 3178) 3 UCONN Credits
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Spanish 5 with a minimum grade of A and teacher recommendation or successful completion of AP Spanish 5.

This course emphasizes increased proficiency in the oral and written expression of the language. It provides a thorough review of relevant grammar and methodical practice in composition leading to command of practical idioms and vocabulary. Students will learn the necessary skills to become strong writers in Spanish by analyzing both Spanish and Latin American selections of authentic texts, including short stories, film, and contemporary articles. In the second trimester of the course, students will have the opportunity to select a work of Spanish or Latin American literature to analyze and research using scholarly sources. Spanish is spoken exclusively in this course.

Language acquisition is cumulative and with that in mind, this course has summer work in order to maintain language skills.

Note: Only students who are registered in the UConn/ECE program for this course and earn a passing grade will receive UConn/ECE credit.

Mandarin

Mandarin Chinese 1

Mandarin Chinese 1

1 Credit
Course No. 441
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

This course is an introductory Chinese language course for students who have little or no prior experience in the language. The goal is to develop students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Chinese language, as well as gain an understanding of Chinese culture. Pinyin (phonetic symbols) will be used as a supplementary tool to learn the spoken language. Additionally, students will be asked to recognize either simplified or traditional forms of characters from memory. By the end of the course, students will be able to use their language skills to talk about school life, day to day activities, celebrations, and traveling. Students will showcase their abilities through real-life scenarios such as creating a radical catalog, speaking to a customs agent, or introducing themselves to a host family for a trip to China. Computer-assisted technology and online course materials are an integral part of the instruction in this class. Students will acquire basic Chinese computing skills and be proficient with the use of Microsoft Chinese IME or other equivalent programs in order to produce typed characters in both traditional and simplified forms.

Mandarin Chinese 2

Mandarin Chinese 2

1 Credit
Course No. 442
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese 1.

Themes from Mandarin Chinese 1 will be reviewed and developed further in order to help students acquire the skills necessary to reach a novice proficiency in communicating in Chinese. The course will expand upon students’ knowledge and allow them to state preferences, discuss the school day, and make arrangements to meet. Students will continue to build their active vocabulary by incorporating new combinations of characters from their existing vocabulary. Both the character-based and Pinyin alphabets will continue to be used in this course. Students will continue to develop their character recognition using traditional and computer-based methods. Continued exposure to rich cultural and historical influences through film and literature will be a component of the class. Active participation and thorough preparation in and out of class are crucial to increasing all language skills in Chinese.

Mandarin Chinese 3

Mandarin Chinese 3

1 Credit
Course No. 445
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese 2.

Structures and themes from Mandarin Chinese 2 continue at a more rigorous pace in order to advance students to a novice proficiency in the written and spoken language. As in previous years, culture is the basis for learning activities in a Chinese class. Students will be able to describe various aspects of their daily life including weather, directions, vacation plans, and common illnesses. At the completion of each unit, students will engage in a performance-based task in the target language. Active participation and thorough preparation in and out of class are crucial to increasing all language skills in Chinese. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared for the University of Connecticut, Early College Experience Mandarin Chinese 4 Honors course.

Mandarin Chinese 4 - Honors

Mandarin Chinese 4 - Honors

1 Credit
Course No. 446
(Intermediate Chinese II: CHIN 1114) 3 UCONN Credits
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese 3 and teacher recommendation.

Students will continue to expand their ability to communicate in both written and spoken Chinese. Active participation in class will be required of students as they work to expand their proficiency through text readings, interactive activities, and writing exercises. This class is for serious students who are committed to improving their proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.

Language acquisition is cumulative and with that in mind, this course has summer work in order to maintain language skills.

Note: Only students who are registered in the UConn/ECE program for this course and earn a passing grade will receive UConn/ECE credit.

American Sign Language 1

American Sign Language 1

1 Credit
Course No. 400
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

American Sign Language (ASL), a highly visual language, is the third most studied language in America. This course is designed to introduce students to Deaf Culture, including the history of the language and various aspects of the Deaf community. In addition to Deaf Culture, students will learn the basics of ASL, including receptive and expressive communication using fingerspelling, vocabulary, numbers, words, facial expressions, gestures, sentence usage, conversational behaviors, and novice -level communication with other signers. Students will participate in an interactive classroom where voicing (speaking aloud) is limited to ensure ASL immersion. Class participation and willingness to sign in the classroom are essential for the development of beginners’ signing proficiency. Classroom activities will involve presentations (in class or on video), games, media, and novels relating to high-frequency topics such as introducing oneself, exchanging personal information, talking about where you live, talking about family, and talking about everyday activities.

American Sign Language 2

American Sign Language 2

1 Credit
Course No. 401
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Themes from ASL 1 will be reviewed and developed further in order to help students achieve novice proficiency in American Sign Language. The course will expand upon student knowledge and allow them to express more about their lives and the world around them. They will be learning about their community using descriptions of their neighborhood, education, family, and friends. Communication will become more conversational by using turn-taking skills and by the end of the course students will be able to tell brief stories (story-telling) about their lives using ASL. Study of Deaf Culture will continue, along with expanded finger-spelling, grammatical structures, and use of spatial verbs. As in ASL 1, it is important that the classroom be a “voices off” space to allow for engagement with this highly visual language. Class activities will include presentations (in class and on video), games, interpersonal conversation, and media.

First page of the PDF file: WorldLanguageFlowChart