World Language
The World Languages curriculum has been developed to educate students to be linguistically and culturally equipped to communicate in a pluralistic American society and abroad. The study of a foreign language contributes to the development of students’ intellectual skills and increases their understanding of the nature of language.
Rosary offers four year programs in Spanish, French and American Sign Language which:
- emphasize listening and speaking skills and the ability to communicate in everyday situations
- develop students’ organizational and critical thinking skills through reading and writing in another language
- advance an appreciation and understanding of other cultures and customs
Courses Offered
Spanish
This course introduces elementary grammar principles and basic vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on the development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This course also presents an introduction to the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. UC Approved
Prerequisite: Placement based on HSPT scores.
Honors Spanish 1 introduces the student to the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures at an accelerated pace. The emphasis is on language production, i.e. speaking and writing, and on language reception, i.e. listening and reading. UC Approved
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish I or Spanish Placement Test for Incoming Freshman
This course is a continuation of the study of basic grammar principles and vocabulary. Increased emphasis is placed on the development of communicative competence in both the spoken and written language and continued study of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. UC Approved
Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Spanish I or A in Spanish I or Spanish Placement Test for Incoming Freshman
Honors Spanish II is a fast-paced two-semester course, which reinforces and strengthens students’ ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish. The student will review grammar previously studied, master new concepts in Spanish, and enhance her knowledge of the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. The emphasis on improvement of oral skills will be considerable, and the student will be required to speak in Spanish on a variety of topics and in several situations ranging from question and answer, oral presentations, and full conversations. Students will be able to write extended paragraphs as well as shorter essays and other various forms of writing demonstrating the vocabulary and verb tenses introduced and practiced in this course. UC Approved
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in both semesters of Spanish II
Spanish III is a review of all basic grammar principles and an introduction to more sophisticated structures. This course continues the development of oral and written communication skills and a thematic approach to the Spanish and Latin American cultures is included. UC Approved
Prerequisite: B or better in both semesters of Honors Spanish II, or A in both semesters of Spanish II
Honors Spanish III is a rigorous academic course which continues the study of advanced Spanish grammar while developing increased student mastery of the spoken language. This class emphasizes reading, discussion, and critical analysis of Spanish literary works. Students write original compositions in Spanish. The history and civilization of Latin America form the basis of cultural study. UC Approved
Prerequisite: B or higher in first semester and 3rd quarter of Spanish III
This course is a review of all basic principles and an introduction to more advanced grammar structures. There is an emphasis on listening and speaking skills and the ability to communicate in everyday situations. Students will continue to increase their vocabulary and develop an awareness of various aspects of Hispanic culture. The reading selections, which are representative pieces of Spanish literature, are the basis of original compositions and provide further topics for discussions. UC Approved
Prerequisite: B or better in both semesters of Honors Spanish III, or an A in both semesters of Spanish III
This course is a rigorous review of all basic principles and an introduction to more advanced grammar structures. There is an emphasis on listening and speaking skills and the ability to communicate in everyday situations. Students will continue to increase their vocabulary and develop an awareness of various aspects of Hispanic culture. The reading selections, which are representative pieces of Spanish literature, are the basis of original compositions and provide further topics for discussions. UC Approved
Prerequisite: A in Spanish III or IV or B in Honors Spanish III or IV in both semesters
AP Spanish Language is an advanced Spanish course with emphasis on composition as well as vocabulary building and linguistic accuracy. Students improve their proficiency through a variety of means, including exclusive use of Spanish in the classroom, listening comprehension activities, and grammar review. The history and culture of Spain as well as Hispanic literature provide the basis for discussion and original compositions. Students are required to take the AP Spanish Language exam in May. The College Board charges a fee for this exam. UC Approved
French
This course introduces elementary grammar principles and basic vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on the development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This course presents an introduction of the culture of French-speaking communities. UC Approved
Prerequisite: C or better in French I in both semesters
This course is a continuation of the study of grammar principles and vocabulary. Increased emphasis is placed on the development of communicative competence in both the spoken and written language with a continued study of the culture of French-speaking communities. UC Approved
Prerequisite: C or better in French II in both semesters
Honors French III is a rigorous academic course which continues the study of advanced French grammar while developing increased student mastery of the spoken language. This class emphasizes reading, discussion, and critical analysis of French literary works. Students will write original compositions. A thematic approach in French culture is included. UC Approved
Prerequisite: B or better in French II in both semesters
Honors French III is a rigorous academic course which continues the study of advanced French grammar while developing increased student mastery of the spoken language. This class emphasizes reading, discussion, and critical analysis of French literary works. Students will write original compositions. A thematic approach in French culture is included. UC Approved
Prerequisite: A minimum of a B in Honors French III in both semesters
Honors French IV is an advanced French course with emphasis on composition as well as vocabulary building and linguistic accuracy. Students improve their proficiency through a variety of means, including exclusive use of French in the classroom, listening comprehension activities, and grammar review. Cultural and literary readings provide the basis for discussion and original compositions. UC Approved
Prerequisite: A minimum of a B in Honors French III in both semesters
AP French Language is an advanced French course with emphasis on composition as well as vocabulary building and linguistic accuracy. Students improve their proficiency through a variety of means, including exclusive use of French in the classroom, listening comprehension activities, and grammar review. Cultural and literary readings provide the basis for discussion and original compositions. The College Board charges a fee for this exam. UC Approved
American Sign Language
This course introduces elementary grammar principles and basic vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on receptive and expressive skills. This course also presents an introduction of Deaf culture and history. UC Approved
Prerequisite: C or better in ASL I
This course expands on the concepts learned in American Sign Language I. Students continue to learn communication skills, the structure/grammar of ASL, Deaf Culture, and history. In addition to homework and projects. UC Approved
Prerequisite: C or better in ASL II.
This course expands on the concepts learned in American Sign Language Levels I and II. Students continue to learn communication skills, the structure/grammar of ASL, Deaf Culture and history. UC Approved
Prerequisite: C in ASL III and teacher recommendation
This course expands on the concepts learned in American Sign Language Levels I, II and III. Students continue to learn communication skills, the structure/grammar of ASL, Deaf Culture, and history, and investigate controversial issues in the Deaf community. UC Approved