Pioneer High

The World Languages Department focuses on developing the highest levels of foreign language proficiency for the students so that they gain both the power and the pleasure of communicating effectively in languages other than English. Acquiring a second language sharpens students’ intellectual skills, increases their marketability and earning power, and broadens their cultural understanding. The students will also learn skills that help them to succeed academically in other subjects. They will become aware of the interconnectedness of all people and be motivated to learn more about history, geography, art, and music of the people whose language they are learning. All courses are focused around the five components of the National Standards for Foreign Language Education (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities). World Language classes will enable students to further develop as literate and effective communicators. California’s importance in the global economy continues to grow, and so does the importance of the state’s students becoming proficient in at least one language other than English. Every student deserves to be able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the department. 

 

 

 

French 1

SE210Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e)

This introductory French class will cover the basics of everyday language. Students will engage in reading, writing, listening and speaking activities. They will develop basic reading and writing skills on an assortment of vocabulary, including: school, family, food, clothing, and much more. Students will create conversations and dialogues appropriate to level 1. Students successfully completing French 1 will be able to understand basic conversation in French and have the foundation to continue to French 2.

 

French 2

SE220Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in French 1.

French 2 is a continuing language course in which students will build on basic core vocabulary and grammatical structures. The students will build on basic core vocabulary and grammatical structures. The students will improve communication and reading skills learned in French 1. The students will also become more advanced in the use of the target language. Students will create skits and oral presentations along with using more difficult grammatical structures. Students successfully completing this course will have the foundation for French 3.

 

French 3

SE230Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in French 2.

This continuing French class builds on French 2. The students will engage in reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities using more specialized vocabulary. The students will also write dialogues and essays appropriate to level 3. This course will encourage students to broaden their understanding of the language and the culture, which will give them the necessary foundations for French Language AP.

 

 

French Language AP

SE290Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in French 3. Note: Honors/AP application required.

AP French Language is an advanced language course in which students will develop language fluency through the use and study of materials intended for native speakers. Students will speak French in various contexts using ample complex vocabulary. Students will write with reasonable fluency and accuracy in paragraph and essay formats. Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to take the AP examination in the spring. Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in French 2. This continuing French class builds on French 2. The students will engage in reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities using more specialized vocabulary. The students will also write dialogues and essays appropriate to level 3. This course will encourage students to broaden their understanding of the language and the culture, which will give them the necessary foundations for French Language AP.

 

 

 

Spanish 1

SE110Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

This introductory Spanish class will cover the basics of everyday language. Students will engage in reading, writing, listening and speaking activities. They will develop basic reading and writing skills on an assortment of vocabulary, including: school, family, food, clothing, greetings, days of the week, months of the year, time, weather, location, direction, and colors. Students will create conversations and dialogues appropriate to level 1. Students successfully completing Spanish 1 will be able to understand basic conversation in Spanish and have the foundation to continue to Spanish 2. 

 

Spanish 2

SE120Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

 

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in Spanish 1. Students may be recommended for Spanish 2 by their previous teacher. Spanish 2 is a continuing language course in which students will build on basic core vocabulary and grammatical structures, improve communication, and reading skills learned in Spanish 1. Students will become more sophisticated in the use of the target language. Students will write short paragraphs using a variety of tenses. Students will create skits and oral presentations. The students will also use more difficult grammar structures. The goal is to gain student’s interest in the culture of the target language and provide practical communication skills while preparing them for Spanish 3.

 

 

Spanish 3

SE131Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e)

Prerequisite: Students should have attained a grade of “C” or better in both semesters of Spanish 2. This course is designed to enhance students’ oral and written performance in Spanish. The course is taught in Spanish for maximum exposure to the target language while the textbook contains explanations in English. The students will move from the comfort of previously learned and practiced material to the more challenging stage where they become independent readers, writers, listeners, and speakers of Spanish, adapting and expanding language skills to fit their personal and academic needs.

 

 

Spanish 4

SE141Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed Spanish 3 with a “C” or better. Spanish 4 further develops the academic skills of non-native and native speakers of Spanish. The course offers an effective review of all lower level grammatical points and also introduces advanced grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. The students will participate in oral discussions and produce written assignments about real and contemporary issues that provide the foundation for advanced language development. The students will study music, art, short stories and poetry that will provide cultural insight and awareness. The course prepares students for Spanish Language AP.

 

Spanish for Spanish Speakers

 SE111Y 1 Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

 

Prerequisite: Students need to speak and comprehend Spanish in order to enroll. This course is designed to introduce the Spanish speaking student to basic grammar, vocabulary, and practice in reading and writing. Students will read pieces on legends, customs, and traditions of Spain and Latin America. Students will explore career opportunities for bilingual people. Students must speak, read, and write Spanish with some fluency. Students successfully completing this course will be prepared for Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2, which will lead them to AP Spanish Language or Literature. 

 

Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2

SE121 Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

 

Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1. The emphasis of this course is to continue developing the academic reading and writing skills of native speakers of Spanish from the level 1 course for native speakers. The students must speak, read and write Spanish fluently. The students will study grammar in detail. The students will also read and study the history and culture of different Latin American countries and authors. The students will write essays and complete research projects along with oral presentations. This course will prepare and encourage the students to take AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature

 

Spanish Language AP

SE190Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

 

Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 or Spanish 3 with a grade of “B” or better, plus teacher recommendation. Note: Honors/AP application required. AP Spanish Language is designed to expose students to college level language skills and prepare them for the AP exam in the spring. The course is designed to provide the students with the content of a University level Spanish course at the High School level. The students will focus on the mastery of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish as well as analyzing literary works in order to develop higher-level critical thinking skills. The students will refine their ability to write.

 

Spanish Literature AP

SE191Y Year (10 credits) UC/CSU (e) 

 

Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 or Spanish 3 with a grade of “B” or better, plus teacher recommendation. Note: Honors/AP application required. AP Spanish Literature is designed to expose students to college level literature skills and prepare them for the AP exam in the spring. Students will read authentic editions of short stories, novels, poems, and plays from the medieval age to the contemporary era both as a class and independently. This course will enable students to learn and practice the skills and language of literary analysis through extensive timed writing, class discussions, and presentations. The students will also study vocabulary in the context of literature. This course will help students to understand the nature of Latin America and Spanish literature in an artistic, universal, and in its historical sense.