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Program of Studies for Foreign Languages
The Foreign Language Department offers four successive years of three languages: French, Russian, and Spanish. A grade of C- or better is recommended to continue to the next level. A grade of B- is strongly suggested to proceed to levels three and four, as they are honors courses.
For most private colleges, as well as for the attainment of any practical fluency in the language, a third and fourth year study of the same language is recommended. This demonstrates a dedication and singularity of purpose on the student's part and provides a strong sense of personal growth.
The graduating class of 2006 will be required to take two years minimally of the same language. All students are welcome to elect a foreign language at any grade level.
INTEGRATED FRENCH 1
In the beginning of this course, the listening and speaking skills are emphasized with a gradual introduction of the writing and reading techniques. All four skills are presented in context. The diverse cultures of the French-speaking world are introduced. The student must demonstrate a grade of C- or better in order to advance to level two of this course.
FRENCH I (C)
The four skill areas of language - understanding, speaking, reading, and writing - in French are presented and developed through an orally oriented course of instruction. Students who hope to enjoy success in French II should have earned a C- or better in Level I.
FRENCH II (C)
The four basic Foreign Language skills that were introduced in French I are further developed through an orally oriented course of instruction. Language patterns are taught through the habitual manipulation of basic structures and the constant recombination of old and new material. This is especially true in the area of writing. Students who hope to move on to French III should earn a B- or better.
FRENCH III (H)
French III continues to emphasize the four basic skills of language learning. The mature language student is challenged as general principles of grammar are expanded and refined. Creative oral and written expression are promoted through regular oral exams and graded compositions. Through the reading level appropriate material, vocabulary is augmented and interpretation of literature begins.
Honors French III is a special section offered to students who are selected by the MHS Foreign Language Department and have met the requirements.
FRENCH IV (H)
The student is prepared for college level courses by means of a thorough review of grammar and all verb tenses. He sees the language from a new perspective because of increased motivation. " Reading in the language" is stressed rather than reading for direct translation. Reading material in the Foreign language is selected from magazines, poems, plays, short stories and excerpts from the French classics. The reading selections lend themselves to the study of French culture and thought.
Honors French IV is a special section offered to students who are selected by the MHS foreign language department and have met the requirements.
Russian I (C)
The primary objective of the Russian I is to teach the skills of communication - understanding, speaking, reading, and writing nonliterary language comfortably. The language taught is that used by educated native speakers. The course is based on a belief in the primacy of the spoken language, on the recognition of levels of usage and on the differences between the spoken and written language. Students who hope to enjoy success in Russian II should have earned a C- or better in Level I.
Russian II (C)
Russian Level II continues to emphasize the spoken language. Structure is rigorously subordinated to habit formation. Extensive experience with the patterns of the language is provided. The reading program has as its objective "reading in the language". Frequent reintroduction of new words, controlled density of new words, the recombination of known materials and the skill of direct association encourage the student to reach for direct "in Russian" communication. Students who hope to move on to Russian III should earn a B- or better.
Russian III (H)
Russian Level III sees the change of focus moving to the development of the advanced reading skills. The main task of the student is to acquire mastery of the Russian verb system, the verbs of motion and the forms of the participles, to a degree that will free his spoken language to express more complex thought. Vocabulary becomes less general and the passive vocabulary of the students is broadened greatly.
Honors Russian III is a special section offered to students who are selected by the MHS Foreign Language Department and have met the requirements.
Russian IV (H)
Russian Level IV sees the four skill areas - understanding, speaking, reading and writing - advanced to a point limited solely by the elements of time, ability, and motivation. Selections of reading materials are broadened beyond the text to include various Russian short stories. The film "Nicholas and Alexandra" is presented as a focal point involving a crucial time in Russia. A variety of other videos that are intended to strengthen language listening skills and enhance appreciation of Russian Literature, people and culture are shown.
Honors Russian IV is a special section offered to students who are selected by the MHS Foreign Language Department and have met the requirements.
Integrated Spanish I
In the beginning of this course, the listening and speaking skills are emphasized with a gradual introduction of the writing and reading techniques. All four skills are presented in context. The diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world are introduced. The student must demonstrate a grade of C- or better in order to advance to level two of this course. The student must demonstrate a grade of C- or better in order to advance to level two of this course.
Spanish I (C)
The four skill areas of language - comprehension, speaking, reading and writing, are introduced and developed through an orally oriented course of instruction. The South American pronunciation and culture will be stressed. Students who hope to enjoy success in Spanish II should have earned a C- or better in Level I.
Spanish II (C)
Spanish Level II continues to stress the oral skills of speaking and listening. In-depth experience with the patterns of the language is provided. Frequent reintroduction of new words and controlled frequency of word use encourages transforming the passive vocabulary into an active one. In-language expression is encouraged. The skills of reading and writing are advanced, limited only by ability and time. Students who hope to move on to Spanish III should earn a B- or better.
Spanish III (H)
Spanish III continues to emphasize the four basic skills of communication and language learning. The mature language student is challenged as general principles of grammar are expanded and refined. Creative oral and written expressions are promoted through regular oral exams and graded compositions. Through the reading of level appropriate material, vocabulary is augmented and interpretation of literature begins.
Honors Spanish III is a special section offered to students who are selected by the MHS Foreign Language Department and have met the requirements.
Spanish IV (H)
Spanish IV brings all aspects of Spanish together in a course for the serious language student. Grammar, reading, writing and speaking are developed to a proficiency only limited by time, ability and motivation. A study of literature by Spanish and Latin American authors, as well as readings of contemporary articles about popular topics, from the basis for extensive oral and written presentations in the language.
Honors Spanish IV is a special section offered to students who are selected by the MHS Foreign Language Department and have met the requirements.
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Last updated 3/28/02