Languages Other Than English

Latin I is the first course of a recommended three-year sequence which focuses on the development of the student’s ability to read Latin with comprehension. Vocabulary and grammar are studied in the context of reading passages into which cultural information has also been carefully integrated. Students learn how to pronounce Latin correctly in order to read passages or to answer simple questions about passages. Word derivations and Latin word elements are also studied to expand the student’s English vocabulary. At the end of Level I, students of classical languages should reach a Novice High to Intermediate Low proficiency level in reading, a Novice Low to Novice Mid proficiency level in listening, a Novice Low to Novice Mid proficiency level in speaking, and a Novice Mid proficiency level in writing.

This is a college level course that allows students to hone their skills in reading, translating, and analyzing Latin texts, as well as to demonstrate historical and cultural understanding, make connections with other disciplines, and compare Latin usage with that of English. The course uses the literatures of Vergil and Caesar as a base and teaches students to read with critical, historical, and literary sensitivity. After completing this course, students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Latin exam given by the College Board. At the end of this course students should reach an Advanced Low to Advanced Mid proficiency level in reading, a Novice High proficiency level in listening, a Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level in speaking, and a Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level in writing.

After a comprehensive review, the emphasis of Latin II is the continuation of the development of reading and comprehension skills. The learning of new vocabulary and more grammatical structures is emphasized as reading progresses to longer and more complicated passages. Oral Latin is a skill used to help students understand reading selections. Cultural and world studies continue to be an integral part of the course.

At the end of Level II, students of classical languages should reach an Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid proficiency level in reading, a Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level in listening, a Novice Mid proficiency level in speaking, and a Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level in writing.

Latin III continues to emphasize the development of reading and comprehension skills as the students read more passages of adapted and authentic Latin. Reading passages will include selections in poetry and prose from authors such as Martial, Ovid, Pliny the Younger, Cicero, Catullus, Vergil, Petronius and Tacitus. Advanced grammatical forms, vocabulary, figures of speech and culture are integrated into the instruction. At the end of Level III, students of classical languages should reach an Intermediate High to Advanced Low proficiency level in reading, a Novice High proficiency level in listening, a Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level in speaking, and a Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level in writing.

This course will fulfill the first year of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 2 Language B (Second Language).The classical languages standard level (SL) course can be taken in Latin. The course provides students with the opportunity to study a historically significant language that is also embedded in many modern languages. The DP classical languages course provides an opportunity for students to explore the languages, literatures and cultures of ancient Rome. The study of classical languages gives important insights into the cultures that produced them, and leads to a greater understanding of contemporary languages, literature and cultures. Fundamentally, the study of classical languages trains the mind, developing skills of critical thought, memory and close analysis, as well as an appreciation of the beauty and power of language. It is a fundamental principle that the texts be studied in their original language. Linguistic skills lie at the heart of the course, since it is through a deep understanding of the workings of a language that true intellectual contact can be made with the peoples of the past. Students learn to translate and study different genres of classical texts, examining the ideas in these works and their artistry within their historical, political and cultural contexts. Teachers explicitly teach thinking and research skills such as comprehension, text analysis, transfer, and use of primary sources. Students must continue with IB Latin IV in the senior year.

This course is a continuation of IB Latin SL (Year One) and will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 2 Language B (Second Language). It will focus on the skills and content of IB Latin SL (Year One) with an increased emphasis on higher level language production.

French I is the first course of a recommended three-year sequence designed to develop fundamental language across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. The study of beginning level vocabulary, phonetics and grammar is included. The culture and civilization of the French speaking world is integrated into all aspects of the course. Level I students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Novice Mid to Novice High. Students at the Novice High proficiency level express meaning in simple, predictable contexts through the use of learned and recombined phrases and short sentences. They are best able to understand sentence-length information within highly contextualized situations and sources. Novice High students may generally be understood by sympathetic listeners and readers accustomed to dealing with language learners. Novice High students are consistently successful when performing Novice-level tasks. Novice High students show evidence of Intermediate Low proficiency but lack consistency.

The second year of French is a continuation of the development of the three modes of communication. New vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are learned along with important cultural topics. Level II students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Novice High to Intermediate Low. Students at the Intermediate Low proficiency level express meaning in straightforward and personal contexts by easily combining and recombining what they know, what they read, and what they hear in short statements and a mixture of sentences and strings of sentences. Intermediate Low students are able to understand some information from connected statements in oral or written sources. Intermediate Low students are generally understood by sympathetic listeners and readers accustomed to dealing with language learners. Intermediate Low students are mostly successful when performing Intermediate-level tasks.

The second year of French is a continuation of the development of the three modes of communication. New vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are learned along with important cultural topics. Advanced French Level II students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate Low. Advanced French II will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

The emphasis of French III is the strengthening of the three modes of communication. The Advanced French III student will read and discuss a variety of cultural and literary selections. A more sophisticated use of French will be fostered through writing and conversational opportunities. Advanced Level III students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid. Students at the Intermediate Mid proficiency level express meaning in a variety of contexts by creating with the language, easily combining and recombining what they know, what they read, and what they hear in a mixture of sentences and connected discourse. Advanced French III will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

The Advanced Placement French Language course is the equivalent of a third-year college course in advanced French composition and conversation. It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar and composition. The course will emphasize the use of French for active communication and has the following objectives: 1) the ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken French; 2) the acquisition of vocabulary and a grasp of language structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of newspaper and magazine articles as well as modern literature in French; 3) the ability to compose expository passages; and 4) the ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. This course prepares students for the French Language Advanced Placement Exam as well as other college/university placement exams. Students in Advanced Placement French Language and Culture should reach the Intermediate High or Advanced Mid level by the end of the course.

The IB DP language ab initio course is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. This process encourages the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding an awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity. The language ab initio course develops students’ linguistic abilities through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills by providing them opportunities to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations. Language ab initio is available at standard level only.

This course will be a continuation of the studies in IB Ab Initio French I SL.

This course will fulfill the first year of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 2 Language B (Second Language). This course will provide students with the skills needed to create language for communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The cultures of French-speaking countries are integrated throughout the course, resulting in the student making connections and obtaining a global perspective.

This course is a continuation of IB French Year one SL and will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 2 Language B (Second Language). It will focus on the skills and content of IB French Year one with an increased emphasis on higher level language production, both oral and written.

The study of world languages is an essential part of education. In the 21st century language classroom, students gain an understanding of two basic aspects of human existence: the nature of communication and the complexity of culture. Students become aware of multiple perspectives and means of expression, which lead to an appreciation of difference and diversity. In this course, students will be exposed to French culture from the 20th century through the Middle Ages. The student is expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions as well as oral presentations on a regular basis and carefully examine his or her papers and presentations for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of the French language.

German I is the first course of a recommended three-year sequence designed to develop fundamental language across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. The study of beginning level vocabulary, phonetics and grammar is included. The culture and civilization of the German speaking world is integrated into all aspects of the course. Level I students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Novice Mid to Novice High. Students at the Novice High proficiency level express meaning in simple, predictable contexts through the use of learned and recombined phrases and short sentences. They are best able to understand sentence-length information within highly contextualized situations and sources. Novice High students may generally be understood by sympathetic listeners and readers accustomed to dealing with language learners. Novice High students are consistently successful when performing Novice-level tasks. Novice High students show evidence of Intermediate Low proficiency but lack consistency.

The second year of German is a continuation of the development of the three modes of communication. New vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are learned along with important cultural topics. Level II students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Novice High to Intermediate Mid. Students at the Intermediate Mid proficiency level express meaning in straightforward and personal contexts by easily combining and recombining what they know, what they read, and what they hear in short statements and a mixture of sentences and strings of sentences. Intermediate Mid students are able to understand some information from connected statements in oral or written sources. Intermediate Mid students are generally understood by sympathetic listeners and readers accustomed to dealing with language learners. Intermediate Mid students are consistently successful when performing Intermediate-level tasks.

The second year of German is a continuation of the development of the three modes of communication. New vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are learned along with important cultural topics. Advanced German Level II students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid. Advanced German II will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

The emphasis of German III is the strengthening of the three modes of communication. The Advanced German III student will read and discuss a variety of cultural and literary selections. A more sophisticated use of German will be fostered through writing and conversational opportunities. Advanced Level III students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate High. Students at the Intermediate High proficiency level express meaning in a variety of contexts by creating with the language, easily combining and recombining what they know, what they read, and what they hear in a mixture of sentences and connected discourse. Advanced German III will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

The AP German Language and Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying the Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational modes of communication in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP German Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in German. After completing this course, students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement German Language and Culture exam given by the College Board. Students in Advanced Placement German Language and Culture should reach the Intermediate High to Advanced Mid proficiency level by the end of the course.

The IB DP language ab initio course is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. This process encourages the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding an awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity. The language ab initio course develops students’ linguistic abilities through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills by providing them opportunities to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations. Language ab initio is available at standard level only.

This course will be a continuation of the studies in IB Ab Initio I German SL. Students must continue with IB Ab Initio II in the senior year.

This course will fulfill the first year of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 2 Language B (Second Language). This course will provide students with the skills needed to create language for communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The cultures of German-speaking countries are integrated throughout the course, resulting in the student making connections and obtaining a global perspective.

This course is a continuation of IB German year one SL and will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 2 Language B (Second Language). It will focus on the skills and content of IB German III with an increased emphasis on higher level language production, both oral and written.

Spanish I is the first course of a recommended three-year sequence designed to develop fundamental language across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. The study of beginning level vocabulary, phonetics and grammar is included. The culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world is integrated into all aspects of the course. Level I students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Novice Mid to Novice High. Students at the Novice High proficiency level express meaning in simple, predictable contexts through the use of learned and recombined phrases and short sentences. They are best able to understand sentence-length information within highly contextualized situations and sources. Novice High students may generally be understood by sympathetic listeners and readers accustomed to dealing with language learners. Novice High students are consistently successful when performing Novice-level tasks. Novice High students show evidence of Intermediate Low proficiency but lack consistency.

The second year of Spanish is a continuation of the development of the three modes of communication. New vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are learned along with important cultural topics. Level II students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Novice High to Intermediate Low. Students at the Intermediate Low proficiency level express meaning in straightforward and personal contexts by easily combining and recombining what they know, what they read, and what they hear in short statements and a mixture of sentences and strings of sentences. Intermediate Low students are able to understand some information from connected statements in oral or written sources. Intermediate Low students are generally understood by sympathetic listeners and readers accustomed to dealing with language learners. Intermediate Low students are mostly successful when performing Intermediate-level tasks.

The second year of Spanish is a continuation of the development of the three modes of communication. New vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are learned along with important cultural topics. Advanced Spanish Level II students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate Low. Advanced Spanish II will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and/or Dual Credit courses.

The emphasis of Spanish III is the strengthening of the three modes of communication. The Spanish III student will read and discuss a variety of cultural and literary selections. Level III students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid. Students at the Intermediate Mid proficiency level express meaning in a variety of contexts by creating with the language, easily combining and recombining what they know, what they read, and what they hear in a mixture of sentences and connected discourse. Intermediate Mid students are able to understand information from connected statements in oral or written sources. Intermediate Mid students are generally understood by listeners and readers unaccustomed to dealing with language learners. Intermediate Mid students are mostly successful when performing Intermediate-level tasks.

The emphasis of Spanish III is the strengthening of the three modes of communication. The Advanced Spanish III student will read and discuss a variety of cultural and literary selections. A more sophisticated use of Spanish will be fostered through writing and conversational opportunities. Advanced Level III students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid. Students at the Intermediate Mid proficiency level express meaning in a variety of contexts by creating with the language, easily combining and recombining what they know, what they read, and what they hear in a mixture of sentences and connected discourse. Advanced Spanish III will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and/or Dual Credit Courses.

The emphasis of Spanish IV is communication. This course is geared for students who want to continue to increase their proficiency in Spanish. Building on what they have learned in Spanish I-III, Spanish IV students will demonstrate their proficiency in Spanish working in the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. The Spanish IV student will read and discuss a variety of cultural and literary selections. Level IV students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid to Intermediate High. To facilitate the study of Spanish language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish.

The Advanced Placement Spanish Language course is the equivalent of a third-year college course in advanced Spanish composition and conversation. It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar and composition. The course will emphasize the use of Spanish for active communication and has the following objectives: 1) the ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish; 2) the acquisition of vocabulary and a grasp of language structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of newspaper and magazine articles as well as modern literature in Spanish; 3) the ability to compose expository passages; and 4) the ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. This course prepares students for the Spanish Language Advanced Placement Exam as well as other college/university placement exams. Students in Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture should reach the Intermediate High or Advanced Mid level by the end of the course.

The Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture course is conducted in Spanish. It uses a thematic approach to introduce students to representative texts (short stories, novels, poetry, and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and United States Hispanic literature. Students continue to develop proficiencies across the full range of the modes of communication (interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive), honing their critical reading and analytical writing skills. Literature is examined within the context of its time and place, as students reflect on the many voices and cultures present in the required readings. The course also includes a strong focus on cultural connections and comparisons, including exploration of various media (e.g., art, film, articles, and literary criticism). After completing this course, students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture exam given by the College Board. Students in Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture should reach the Advanced Mid proficiency level by the end of the course.

This course will support students in learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. This course will allow students to think critically about the world around them, apply what they have learned across disciplines and provide the opportunity for students to improve their proficiency in spoken and written Spanish. Students will be provided with ample opportunities to engage in conversations, present information to an audience, and interpret culturally authentic materials in Spanish. Students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions as well as oral presentations on a regular basis.

The IB DP language ab initio course is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. This process encourages the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding an awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity. The language ab initio course develops students’ linguistic abilities through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills by providing them opportunities to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations. Language ab initio is available at standard level only.

This course will be a continuation of the studies in IB Ab Initio Spanish I SL. Students must continue with IB Ab Initio II in the senior year.

This course will fulfill the first year of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 2 Language B (Second Language). This course will enable the student to understand and use the language appropriately, with an emphasis on language, cultural interaction and communication through the student’s writing, speaking, listening and reading. Students will develop an awareness of the languages and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, resulting in the student making connections and obtaining a global perspective. Students not testing their junior year must continue with IB Spanish IV in the senior year.

This course will be a continuation of the studies in IB Spanish Year One SL. The emphasis will be on oral and written communications.

The emphasis of this course will be to reach a higher level on oral and written communications.

American Sign Language I is an introduction to the language and to American deaf culture. The main emphasis is on communication, both receptive and expressive. Students will recognize the interrelationships of languages and develop a cultural appreciation of the Deaf world. The course is conducted primarily in ASL (voice off). Students should achieve the following proficiency levels: 1) Interpersonal receptive: Novice Mid; 2) Interpersonal expressive: Novice Mid; 3) Interpretive receptive: Novice High; and 4) Presentational expressive: Novice High.

American Sign Language II allows students to continue to develop receptive and expressive skills and also allows them to expand their vocabulary and repertoire of grammatical structures. Alongside this additional language development, students continue to explore deaf culture. The course is conducted almost entirely in ASL (voice off) Students should achieve the following proficiency levels: 1) Interpersonal receptive: Novice Mid; 2) Interpersonal expressive: Intermediate Low; 3) Interpretive receptive: Intermediate Low; and 4) Presentational expressive: Intermediate Mid.

American Sign Language III is a course where students continue to build their receptive and expressive skills by adding additional grammatical features such as location classifiers, quantifiers, and spatial agreement. The course is taught entirely in ASL (voice off). Students should achieve the following proficiency levels: 1) Interpersonal receptive: Intermediate Mid; 2) Interpersonal expressive: Advanced Low; 3) Interpretive receptive: Intermediate Low; and 4) Presentational expressive: Advanced Low.

American Sign Language IV allows students to study ASL poetry and literature as well as Deaf history, culture, and community. This course is entirely in ASL (voice off.) Students further their sign fluency through involvement with the Deaf community. Students also explore professions which utilize ASL skills, along with laws and rights related to Americans with disabilities. Students should achieve the following proficiency levels: 1) Interpersonal receptive: Intermediate High; 2) Interpersonal expressive: Advanced High; 3) Interpretive receptive: Intermediate High; and 4) Presentational expressive: Advanced High.

Chinese I is the first course of a recommended four-year sequence designed to develop fundamental language across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. Students will build a basic foundation of reading, listening, speaking, and writing in modern standard Mandarin Chinese. Students will be able to communicate within a variety of everyday contexts. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the Chinese culture through written dialogues and reading passages. Students will acquire a Novice Low to Novice Mid proficiency level.

Chinese II is designed to develop fundamental language across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. Students will continue their introduction to Chinese with fundamental building blocks in reading, listening, speaking, and writing in modern standard Mandarin Chinese. Students will be able to communicate within a variety of everyday contexts. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the Chinese culture through written dialogues and reading passages. Students will acquire a Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level.

Advanced Chinese II is designed to develop fundamental language across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. Students will continue their introduction to Chinese with fundamental building blocks in reading, listening, speaking, and writing in modern standard Mandarin Chinese. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the Chinese culture through written dialogues and reading passages. Students will acquire a Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level. Advanced Chinese II will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

The emphasis of Advanced Chinese III is the strengthening of the three modes of communication. The Advanced Chinese III student will read and discuss a variety of cultural and literary selections. A more sophisticated use of Chinese will be fostered through writing and conversational opportunities. Advanced Level III students are expected to reach a proficiency level of Intermediate Low in Reading and Writing, and Intermediate Mid in Listening and Speaking. Advanced Chinese III students will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

The Advanced Chinese IV course will expand on the student’s intermediate proficiency skills and language development with cultural references. Students will cultivate and demonstrate proficiency in reading through texts, fiction, and nonfiction, listening competence through formal and informal conversational exchanges, and writing proficiency through the use of descriptive, expository, and persuasive approach. At the end of Advanced Chinese IV, students should reach a proficiency level of Intermediate-Mid to Intermediate-High in Reading and Writing and Intermediate-High proficiency in listening and speaking. Advanced Chinese IV students will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the language level but will emphasize advanced application of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be challenged with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. This course will be conducted primarily in Chinese.