Melanie Barker
Teacher - French, ELD
PetalumaHigh School
J431PU YEAR (9-12) Prerequisite: None
This is an introductory course in Spanish, during which students will learn to speak, read and understand a fundamental level of basic Spanish. From being able to list and inquire about likes/dislikes, seasons, weather, time, food, order meals in Spanish to being able to describe themselves, their surroundings and what their family is like. Students will be watching short videos in authentic Spanish, learning about Spanish-speaking cultures such as geography, cuisine, music and how those values differ from one culture to another. Students will learn to speak conversationally in small groups, sing along to music, as well as read and write short paragraphs in novice Spanish. Students begin to use the language as a vehicle for communication. The class experience will be a communicative language environment, that largely consists of listening to and reading in Spanish, and working to develop proficiency in speaking and writing in the target language. This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J432PU YEAR (9-12) Prerequisite: C or better in Spanish 1 or teacher recommendation
In this class students will build on grammar and vocabulary skills introduced in Spanish 1. Students continue to further develop and improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on comprehension of Spanish, as well as, reading and writing practice in the target language using a variety of activities incorporating familiar vocabulary and structures.
Supplemental materials are introduced to enhance language use.
Aspects of contemporary Spanish culture are introduced through the use of media, games, adapted readings, and other supplemental materials. In addition to written/oral tests and quizzes, students are assessed using a variety of formats: oral dialogues, presentations, written compositions and other means. This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J433PU YEAR (9-12) Prerequisite: C or better in Spanish 2 or teacher recommendation or placement test
This course is an exploration of language and culture, using the language as the vehicle for learning and communication. During class, students will continue to develop their communicative competence through culture, authentic readings, class discussions, and daily shared writing. The language is presented through literature, history, culture, and film. Students explore and compare the products, practices and perspectives of the Spanish speaking world with one’s own culture. As students prepare for AP level tasks, they are also progressing toward earning the California State Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma.
This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J434AU YEAR (11-12) Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Spanish 3 or teacher recommendation
The AP Spanish Language and Culture course emphasizes communication by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. This course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communicative competence. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish as required by the College Board. The course content is driven by the six AP Themes: Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, World Challenges, and Contemporary Life. Students interpret authentic works, write Spanish journals entries, formal emails, and argumentative essays. Although the class is geared toward the AP exam in May, the activities go well beyond the practice test exercises. Certain literary works presented in Spanish Literature V AP are also introduced.
The California State Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to students upon passing the AP Exam
This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J447AU YEAR (11-12) Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Spanish 4 or teacher recommendation
The most advanced year of the Spanish courses is designed to parallel the skill development of a third-year college Spanish course in advanced grammar, conversation, and literature. This class will experience Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U. S. Hispanic literature from the College Board reading list as well as expanding on Hispanic culture presented in AP Spanish Language and Culture. The class will be preparing for the AP Spanish Literature and Culture Exam throughout the year. The class is presented in the target language and the expectation of the teacher, students, and materials is the exclusive use of Spanish. Students are given a variation of opportunities throughout the year to speak, listen, read (interpret authentic works), and write in Spanish (art comparisons, literature comparisons, and literary analysis). This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J444PU YEAR (9-12) Prerequisite: The student should have Spanish as a first language or have regular contact with Spanish language at home
This course is designed to maintain, increase, and enhance native language academic skills. Through the study and analysis of literature, students will develop their critical thinking skills. The students will be exposed to complex grammatical concepts and structures. Students will be expected to demonstrate formal written language as developed within the framework of this class. This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the subject area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J445PU YEAR (10-12) Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Spanish for Native Speakers I or approval of instructor.
This is a literature-based course designed to refine the formal and written language of native speakers. Through the study and analysis of various literary works, students will continue to develop their critical thinking skills. The indicative and subjunctive moods will be extensively covered. This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J446AU YEAR (10-12) Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Spanish For Heritage Speakers II or teacher recommendation.
The AP Spanish Language and Culture course emphasizes communication by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. This course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communicative competence. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught exclusively in Spanish as required by the College Board. The course content is driven by the six AP Themes: Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, World Challenges, and Contemporary Life. Students interpret authentic works, write Spanish journals entries, formal emails, and argumentative essays. Although the class is geared toward the AP exam in May, the activities go well beyond the practice test exercises. Certain literary works presented in Spanish Literature V AP are also introduced.
The California State Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to students upon passing the AP Exam
This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J410PU YEAR (9-12) Prerequisite: None
This is an introductory course in French, during which students will learn to speak, read and understand a fundamental level of basic French. From being able to list and inquire about likes/dislikes, seasons, weather, time, food, order meals in French to being able to describe themselves, their surroundings and what their family is like, it is truly a rewarding year. Students will be watching short videos in authentic French, learning about Francophone (French-speaking) cultures such as geography, cuisine, music and how those values differ from one culture to another. Students will learn to speak conversationally in small groups, sing along to music, as well as read and write short paragraphs in novice French. Students begin to use the language as a vehicle for communication. Their class experience will be a communicative language environment, that largely consists of listening to and reading in French, and working to develop proficiency in speaking and writing in the target language. This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J411PU YEAR (9-12) Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in French 1 or teacher recommendation
In this class students will build on grammar and vocabulary skills introduced in French 1. Students continue to further develop and improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the target language using a variety of activities, incorporating familiar vocabulary and structures. Aspects of contemporary French and other Francophone cultures are introduced through the use of media, songs, games, adapted readings and other supplemental materials. Students are assessed using a variety of formats including oral conversations, presentations, culture projects, written assessments, short compositions and other means. This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J412PU YEAR (9-12) Prerequisite: Grade of a C or better in French 2 or teacher recommendation
This course is an exploration of language and culture, using French as the vehicle for learning and communication. During class, students will continue to develop their communicative competence through culture, authentic readings, class discussions, and daily writing. The language is presented through literature, authentic audio, history, culture, and film. In this third year, students use a variety of tenses to interpret the language and express themselves. Students explore and compare the products, practices and perspectives of the French speaking world with one’s own culture. As students prepare for AP level tasks, they are also progressing toward earning the California State Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma.
This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
J448AU YEAR (10-12) Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in French 3 or teacher recommendation
The AP French Language and Culture course emphasizes communication by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. This course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communicative competence. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in French as required by the College Board. The course content is driven by the six AP Themes: Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, World Challenges, and Contemporary Life. Students interpret authentic works, write journal entries, formal emails, and argumentative essays in French. Although the class is geared toward the AP exam in May, the activities go well beyond the practice test exercises including songs, activities, projects and films.
The California State Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to students upon passing the AP Exam. This course meets the World Language / Visual Performing Arts requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “e” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
