World Languages
World Languages Department
HR
The objective of the World Languages Department is to provide students with the opportunity to achieve near-native fluency in the target language studied. In accordance with national standards, the department complies with the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. We regularly integrate reading, writing, speaking, and listening tasks, which align with the standards for learning languages while developing critical skills in the target language at all levels. Conscious of the demands of the 21st Century, we consider worldview concepts such as diversity, globalization, language, and cultural appreciation in our approach to teaching.
Our students are required to take a three-year sequence in the same language to gain a solid foundation. We encourage scholars to go on to a fourth year of study in order to develop competencies beyond the requirement, to ensure mastery, and to meet College Board standards. Advanced Placement classes are offered in Spanish, French, and Latin.
Faculty members of the World Languages Department bring authentic cultural experiences as well as a strong command of the target language to their classes. As an energetic, invested, and experienced department, we have the highest expectations, both for our students and for ourselves as world language educators.
Graduation Requirement
3 consecutive years of the same World Language
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| 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Prep |
French I/II Latin I/II Spanish I/II
|
French II/III Latin II/III Spanish II/III |
French III/IV Latin III/IV Spanish III/IV |
French IV Latin IV Spanish IV |
| Honors (5% weight) |
Spanish I/II |
French II/III Latin II/III Spanish II/III |
French III/IV Latin III/IV Spanish III/IV |
French IV Latin IV Spanish IV Spanish Literature & Film |
| Advanced Placement (10% weight) |
French Latin Spanish |
French Latin Spanish |
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- Placement in an Honors-level class in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade is based on a student earning the required GPA in the pre-requisite course the year prior.
- Placement in an AP-level class in 11th or 12th grade requires a special application. All students enrolled in an AP class are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year.
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Department Offerings
French Curriculum
FRENCH I – COLLEGE PREP (310S) 5 Credits – Grade 9
Course Overview: D’accord 1! Is built around six instructional design, namely: context, vocabulary, media, culture, structure and synthesis. Each unit is organized into strands that present new material in clear, comprehensible and communicative ways. With a focus on personalization, authenticity, cultural immersion, and the seamless integration of text and technology, language learning comes to life in ways that are meaningful to each and every student. It begins with the student in mind, by setting the stage for communication, then engages students in active communication, introduces authenticity in pronunciation and spelling, uses media bridges on language and culture, presents culture in context, grammar as a tool not a topic, carefully scaffolded activities, targeted review and recycling, authentic media and listening for interpretive communication, perspective through geography, both reading and writing skills developed in context, and vocabulary as a reference and study tool.
FRENCH II – COLLEGE PREP (320S) 5 Credits – Grades 9, 10
Course Overview: D’accord 2! Is built around six instructional design, namely: context, vocabulary, media, culture, structure and synthesis. Each unit is organized into strands that present new material in clear, comprehensible and communicative ways. With a focus on personalization, authenticity, cultural immersion, and the seamless integration of text and technology, language learning comes to life in ways that are meaningful to each and every student. It begins with the student in mind, by setting the stage for communication, then engages students in active communication, introduces authenticity in pronunciation and spelling, uses media bridges on language and culture, presents culture in context, grammar as a tool not a topic, carefully scaffolded activities, targeted review and recycling, authentic media and listening for interpretive communication, perspective through geography, both reading and writing skills developed in context, and vocabulary as a reference and study tool.
FRENCH II – HONORS (320H) 5 Credits – Grade 10
Course Overview: D’accord 2! Is built around six instructional designs, namely: context, vocabulary, media, culture, structure, and synthesis. Each unit is organized into strands that present new material in clear, comprehensible, and communicative ways. With a focus on personalization, authenticity, cultural immersion, and the seamless integration of text and technology, language learning comes to life in ways that are meaningful to every student. It begins with the student in mind, by setting the stage for communication, then engages students in active communication, introduces authenticity in pronunciation and spelling, uses media bridges on language and culture, presents culture in context, grammar as a tool not a topic, carefully scaffolded activities, targeted review and recycling, authentic media and listening for interpretive communication, perspective through geography, both reading and writing skills developed in context, and vocabulary as a reference and study tool.
Although both French 2S and 2H classes cover the same or similar material, in addition, French 2H provides more depth and insight into the subjects at hand; more challenging content means studying takes more time, projects require more work, and tests are more challenging. In a sense, this course sets a goal for French 2H students to have a better understanding of the language and the culture to develop individual and/or group presentations, and reach a higher level of proficiency as stated by the ACTFL Proficiency Guideline. The ability to communicate effectively and efficiently using the four modes of communication by displaying an advanced vocabulary and grammatical knowledge is the most important goal in this course. This course carries a 5% weight.
FRENCH III – COLLEGE PREP (330S) 5 Credits – Grades 10, 11
Course Overview: The focus of this course is to provide students with the skills they need to create language for communication. The students continue their study of French from the introduction of new material, through reinforcement, evaluation, and review, presentations, exercises, and activities, all of which are designed to span all four language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This course delves more deeply into the nuances of the language, instills in the students an awareness of a powerful culture, makes a historical connection with the world, offers and analyzes selections from various countries, and encourages students to use their critical thinking skills to make inferences and organize their learning into a coherent big picture of today’s world. In addition, D'Accord 3! provides teachers and students with a content-rich program that focuses on reading comprehension, writing practice, and collaborative projects. The activities require critical-thinking skills in French at a high level. It is a complete course that addresses diverse topics and themes that affect the global world at this time in our collective history, such as environmental issues, political unrest, climate change, and catastrophes. Students have ample opportunity to practice their language skills using authentic and rich texts in a variety of areas that elicit critical thinking and creativity. Teachers also have guidance on using this text for AP preparation. It provides a rigorous program for students to continue to develop their French language skills and expand their knowledge of the Francophone world. The material gives students opportunities to think critically about the world's prevalent social and political issues. It guides learners toward developing the proficiency level required for the AP course and exam.
FRENCH III – HONORS (330H) 5 Credits – Grades 10, 11
Course Overview: The focus of this course is to provide students with the skills they need to create language for communication. The students continue their study of French from the introduction of new material, through reinforcement, evaluation, and review, presentations, exercises, and activities, all of which are designed to span all four language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This course delves more deeply into the nuances of the language, instills in the students an awareness of a powerful culture, makes a historical connection with the world, offers and analyzes selections from various countries, and encourages students to use their critical thinking skills to make inferences and organize their learning into a coherent big picture of today’s world. In addition, D'Accord 3! provides teachers and students with a content-rich program that focuses on reading comprehension, writing practice, and collaborative projects. The activities require critical-thinking skills in French at a high level. It is a complete course that addresses diverse topics and themes that affect the global world at this time in our collective history, such as environmental issues, political unrest, climate change, and catastrophes. Students have ample opportunity to practice their language skills using authentic and rich texts in a variety of areas that elicit critical thinking and creativity. Teachers also have guidance on using this text for AP preparation. It provides a rigorous program for students to continue to develop their French language skills and expand their knowledge of the Francophone world. The material gives students opportunities to think critically about the world's prevalent social and political issues. It guides learners toward developing the proficiency level required for the AP course and exam. This course carries a 5% weight.
FRENCH IV – COLLEGE PREP (340S) 5 Credits – Grades 11, 12
Course Overview: The French 4 book Thèmes prepares students for success in class and on the AP French Language and Culture exam. The principal objective of this course is to promote genuine communication in the French language, as well as to gain knowledge of the history and culture of the francophone world. This course is the fourth level of French offered by CBA, and as such, the mission is to reinforce the communicative skills developed in the first three levels of the language. Additionally, the course aims to deepen student’s understanding of Francophone cultures and instill cultural and linguistic competence to prepare them to be competent and compassionate global citizens. Ultimately, our goal in the class is to build a very strong foundation in the French language for everyday communication.
FRENCH IV – HONORS (340H) 5 Credits – Grades 11, 12
Course Overview: The French 4 book Thèmes prepares students for success in class and on the AP French Language and Culture exam. The principal objective of this course is to promote genuine communication in the French language, as well as to gain knowledge of the history and culture of the francophone world. This course is the fourth level of French offered by CBA, and as such, the mission is to reinforce the communicative skills developed in the first three levels of the language. Additionally, the course aims to deepen students’ understanding of Francophone cultures and instill cultural and linguistic competence to prepare them to be competent and compassionate global citizens. Ultimately, our goal in the class is to build a very strong foundation in the French language for everyday communication. This course carries a 5% weight.
AP FRENCH (350A) 5 Credits – Grades 11, 12
Course Overview: The curriculum is based on six broad instructional themes: Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, Contemporary Life, Science and Technology, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. The focus in this course is proficiency in the six modes of communication set forth in the College Board and exam description: Interpersonal Reading, Interpretive Listening, Interpersonal Writing, Interpersonal Speaking, Presentational Writing and Presentational Speaking. Through personal research and exposure to authentic materials from many different countries, the students will become aware of the great cultural diversity and richness of the Francophone-speaking world, and achieve success on the AP French Language and Culture Exam. The class involves reading books and writing essays to demonstrate students’ comprehension of them. They are also asked to engage in regular speaking and listening exercises. This course carries a 10% weight.
Latin Curriculum
LATIN I - COLLEGE PREP (213S) 5 Credits – Grade 9
Course Overview: This curriculum is based on basic Latin structures, vocabulary, and historical culture. The curriculum focuses on the acquisition of noun endings for 3 declensions and 4 verb tenses: the present, perfect, imperfect, pluperfect. These forms allow a student to read basic texts in Latin. The curriculum helps students build a strong base in the interpretive aspect of communication. The course foundation will help students prepare for future classes in Latin, especially those with original Latin.
LATIN II – COLLEGE PREP (322S) 5 Credits – Grades 9, 10
Course Overview: The curriculum is a continuation of Latin I and the Cambridge Latin Course. The more rapid addition of vocabulary and grammatical structures brings students closer to the interpretation of real Latin. The curriculum and text constantly review old concepts while presenting new grammar and vocabulary. This course gives students the ability to read rudimentary Latin texts, but continues to present modern stories. Students should be able to recognize all noun forms, verb tenses and complex structures in Latin by the end of this course.
LATIN II – HONORS (322H) 5 Credits – Grade 10
Course Overview: The curriculum is a continuation of Latin I and the Cambridge Latin Course. The more rapid addition of vocabulary and grammatical structures brings students closer to the interpretation of real Latin. The curriculum and text constantly review old concepts while presenting new grammar and vocabulary. This course gives students the ability to read rudimentary Latin texts, but continues to present modern stories. Students should be able to recognize all noun forms, verb tenses, and complex structures in Latin by the end of this course. The pace for this level of class is challenging, but an ideal way to use the Cambridge Latin Course. This course carries a 5% weight.
LATIN III – COLLEGE PREP (332S) 5 Credits – Grades 10, 11
Course Overview: The student will complete the study of basic Latin grammar as he transitions into reading authentic Latin literature. The curricula of levels I and II help students prepare for true Latin texts. Reading from Latin literature may focus on either poetry or prose, depending on the interests and capabilities of the class. The student will continue to study daily life in the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD with particular emphasis on the city of Rome and its literary life.
LATIN III – HONORS (332H) 5 Credits – Grades 10, 11
Course Overview: The student will complete the study of basic Latin grammar as he transitions into reading authentic Latin literature. The curricula of levels I and II help students prepare for true Latin texts. Reading from Latin literature may focus on either poetry or prose, depending on the interests and capabilities of the class. The student will continue to study daily life in the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD with particular emphasis on the city of Rome and its literary life. Curriculum ends with readings of Caesar’s de bello Gallico. These selections present the student with a true test of their ability to interpret Latin text. This course carries a 5% weight
LATIN IV – COLLEGE PREP (342S) OR HONORS (342H) 5 Credits – Grades 11, 12
Course Overview: The student will complete the study of basic Latin grammar as he transitions into reading authentic Latin literature. The curricula of levels I - III help students prepare for true Latin texts. Reading from Latin literature may focus on either poetry or prose, depending on the interests and capabilities of the class. The student will continue to study daily life in the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD with particular emphasis on the city of Rome and its literary life. Curriculum ends with readings of Caesar’s de bello Gallico. These selections present the student with a true test in their ability to interpret Latin text.
Students taking the course as Latin IV Honors (342 H) read the same material and engage in the same activities as AP students. Tests and quizzes are given on the same day, but are graded by a different standard and may not be as lengthy as tests for the AP class. This course carries a 5% weight.
AP LATIN (352A) 5 Credits – Grades 11, 12
Course Overview: The AP Latin course is designed to give students the experiences needed to be successful on the College Board AP Latin exam. The course’s goals are to develop the students’ abilities to translate the required passages from Caesar’s De bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid into English as literally as possible, to help them understand the context of the written passages (including the political, historical, literary, and cultural background of each author and text), and to help them understand the reasons behind the particular style of writing and the rhetorical devices employed. The course should also help students to be successful in analyzing Latin passages to understand how and why the author uses the language in a particular way and the effects he is hoping to produce. The curricula of prior levels give students tools to read Latin prose and poetry aloud and with accurate comprehension and appreciation. For the Vergil text, students will learn dactylic hexameter and how it is used to enhance the text and create an effect. This course carries a 10% weight.
Spanish Curriculum
SPANISH I – COLLEGE PREP (311S) 5 Credits – Grade 9
Course Overview: The goal of this course is to establish a solid foundation in the three types of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentation) for the upper-level Spanish curriculum, and ultimately, to be successful on the STAMP exam to be taken in Year 3.
SPANISH I – HONORS (311H) 5 Credits – Grade 9
Course Overview: The principal objective of this course is to promote genuine communication in the Spanish language, as well as to gain knowledge of the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Throughout this course, students are challenged to think critically and express themselves in Spanish through the study of various thematic units and short stories. Each unit begins with thematically organized vocabulary lessons that are used to read, watch, and discuss various texts related to this theme. Each unit includes grammar points that are practiced and perfected through discussions and compositions related to the theme of the unit. Finally, each unit concludes with a reading and discussion of a short story in Spanish. Through each lesson, we aim to deepen the students’ understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and instill cultural and linguistic competence to prepare them to be competent and compassionate global citizens. Ultimately, our goal in this class is to build a very strong foundation in the Spanish language for everyday communication. This course carries a 5% weight.
SPANISH II – COLLEGE PREP (321S) 5 Credits – Grades 9, 10
Course Overview: The Spanish 2 course of study inspires an eagerness to continue building language skills by adding to the basic standards of Spanish acquired in Spanish 1. This course adds the necessary grammar and vocabulary to continue using the target language effectively. This course will introduce literature to the learners and by doing so will begin to apply the standards of grammar learned at a more advanced level.
SPANISH II – HONORS (321H) 5 Credits – Grade 10
Course Overview: The principal objective of this course is to promote genuine communication in the Spanish language, as well as to gain knowledge of the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. This course is the second level of honors Spanish offered by CBA, and as such, the mission is to reinforce the communicative skills developed in the first level of the language. Throughout this course, students are challenged to think critically and express themselves in Spanish through the study of various thematic units and short stories. Each unit begins with thematically organized vocabulary lessons that are used to read, watch, and discuss various texts related to this theme. Each unit includes grammar points that are practiced and perfected through discussions and compositions related to the theme of the unit. Finally, each unit concludes with a reading and discussion of a short story in Spanish. Through each lesson, the aim is to deepen the students’ understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and instill cultural and linguistic competence to prepare them to be competent and compassionate global citizens. Ultimately, our goal in this class is to build a very strong foundation in the Spanish language for everyday communication. This course carries a 5% weight.
SPANISH III – COLLEGE PREP (331S) 5 Credits – Grades 10, 11
Course Overview: Goals:
• Have a better understanding of the language, culture, and practices.
• Pass the STAMP exam in order to receive the Seal of Biliteracy.
The Spanish 3 course of study seeks to build upon the foundation established in Spanish 1 and 2. Students in Spanish III are expected to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the Spanish language, culture, and practices. The course of study in this course is also intended to prepare students to pass the STAMP exam and receive the Seal of Biliteracy.
SPANISH III – HONORS (331H) 5 Credits – Grades 10, 11
Course Overview: Goals:
• Have a better understanding of the language, culture, and practices.
• Pass the STAMP exam in order to receive the Seal of Biliteracy.
The focus of this course is to provide students with the skills they need to create language for communication. The students continue their study of Spanish from the introduction of new material, through reinforcement, evaluation, and review, presentations, exercises, and activities, all of which are designed to span all four language skills. This course delves more deeply into the nuances of the language, instills in the students an awareness of a powerful culture, makes a historical connection with the world, offers and analyzes selections from various countries, and encourages students to use their critical thinking skills to make inferences and organize their learning into a coherent big picture of today’s world. This course carries a 5% weight.
SPANISH IV – COLLEGE PREP (341S) 5 Credits – Grades 11, 12
Course Overview: The principal objective of this course is to promote genuine communication in the Spanish language, as well as to gain knowledge of the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. This course is the fourth level of Spanish offered by CBA, and as such, the mission is to reinforce the communicative skills developed in the first three levels of the language. Additionally, we aim to deepen the students’ understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and instill cultural and linguistic competence to prepare them to be competent and compassionate global citizens. Ultimately, our goal in this class is to build a very strong foundation in the Spanish language for everyday communication.
SPANISH IV – HONORS (341H) 5 Credits – Grades 11, 12
Course Overview: The principal objective of this course is to promote genuine communication in the Spanish language through the discussion of literature and film, as well as to gain knowledge of the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Throughout this course, students develop the ability to think critically and express themselves in Spanish through the interpretation and discussion of literature and film. Students develop an advanced proficiency in reading and writing in the target language. Finally, students develop knowledge of significant cultural and historical events, specifically as they relate to literary and film texts studied in class.
AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 5 Credits – Grades 11, 12
Course Overview: The curriculum is based on six broad instructional themes: Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, Contemporary Life, Science and Technology, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. The focus in this course is proficiency in the six modes of communication set forth in the College Board and exam description: Interpersonal Reading, Interpretive Listening, Interpersonal Writing, Interpersonal Speaking, Presentational Writing and Presentational Speaking. Through personal research and exposure to authentic materials from many different countries, the students will become aware of the great cultural diversity and richness of the Spanish-speaking world, and achieve success on the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. This course carries a 10% weight.
SPANISH LITERATURE AND FILM - HONORS (364H) 5 Credits - Grade 12
This course is designed for those students who exhibit a high degree of Spanish proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on reading comprehension and literary analysis through the discussion of literature and film. Students will also study the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Throughout this course, students will continue to develop critical thinking skills as well as the skills to express themselves in Spanish through the interpretation and discussion of authentic Hispanic literature and film. Finally, they will develop knowledge of significant cultural and historical events, specifically as they relate to literary and film texts studied in class. This course carries a 5% weight.
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New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more foreign languages in addition to English. Students in their third year (and/or those underclassmen in a level three course) will be required to complete the appropriate proficiency exam for the language of their choosing: the STAMP Exam in Spanish or French or the ALIRA Exam in Latin. Seniors must submit an application form to receive the Seal of Biliteracy Certificate and Medal.
Seal of Biliteracy Requirements
1. Must be a Senior and must complete and submit an application
2. Have achieved the minimum scores for proficiency in English
3. Have achieved the minimum scores for proficiency in a language other than English
4. Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
The World Languages Department is proud to offer the Seal of Biliteracy to its students.