All of our students have the opportunity to gain access to other cultures through the study of foreign languages. Students begin their language study in grade seven and may continue through grade 12. They can learn, with equal facility, any of the languages offered: French, German, Latin, and Spanish.
When selecting their first language, students should consider these influences: their own cultural heritage, the languages spoken in or near their town, their personal foreign contact at home and abroad, their religious and social affiliations, their travel opportunities, their interests in history, art, and music, and their career plans.
The following information may also help students decide which language(s) to study.
FRENCH
TRAVEL
French is the second most studied language in the world, after English. French is spoken in France, Luxembourg and parts of Belgium, Switzerland and Canada. It is also an important language in North Africa and East Asia. French is also spoken in the Caribbean Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Communication with these people in French on a personal level changes many a misconception into a new perception.
CAREER
The knowledge of French is very useful in international careers in trade, law, business, and diplomacy. French is, for example, the external language of negotiation for African nations and is one of the official languages at the United Nations.
EXPANDING YOUR ENGLISH
The study of French enhances the understanding of “laissez-faire,” “coup d’ état,” “RSVP (répondez s’il vous plaît),” and many other French expressions commonly used in the English language.
GERMAN
TRAVEL
Since 17% of the American population is of German descent (the country’s largest self-reported ancestral group), many may find it interesting to explore one’s roots in the German-speaking countries of Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany. There they may meet some of the 180 million people in the world who speak German.
CAREER
Students who plan to pursue careers in medicine, technology, science or industry will find the language useful. German is the second most used language for scholarly publications. More than 1,100 companies from Germany have subsidiaries in the US and more than 750 American companies do business in Germany. Industries like T-Mobile, Adidas, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Bayer influence the world economy.
EXPANDING YOUR ENGLISH
German and English evolved from the same parent language. Kindergarten, Gesundheit, Sauerkraut and Schadenfreude are just a few of the German expressions that are now a familiar part of the English language.
SPANISH
The United States is home to the fifth largest Hispanic population worldwide. There are many opportunities to communicate in Spanish around the US and even in Central New York. There are more Spanish speakers in New York City than in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In Los Angeles, 38% of residents are Spanish speaking. By 2050, it is projected that Hispanics will make up at least 30% of the US population.
CAREER
In 2022, there were an estimated 5 million businesses owned by Spanish speakers in the US. International and domestic companies need bilingual personnel to communicate, negotiate, market, and promote their products. There is also a great need for Spanish speakers in the service professions (doctors, nurses, police, etc.) because of the extensive number of Spanish speakers in the US.
EXPANDING YOUR ENGLISH
Because of the ever present Hispanic influence in the United States, many Spanish words have crossed over into our everyday English vocabulary.
LATIN
Latin is very much alive today. At F-M, we study the language and culture of the ancient Romans and their empire in the following ways:
- Language: Students study Latin vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and precise translation to correct English.
- Etymology: Students study the Latin origins of English words. Over half of English vocabulary comes from Latin.
- History: Students study the 2500 years of Roman influence in Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States.
- Mythology and religion: Students study Greco-Roman myths and religious and philosophical practices.
- Literature: Advanced Latin students translate and interpret the great works of Latin literature: Caesar’s Gallic Wars, Orations of Cicero, Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Vergil’s Aeneid.
CAREER
Study in Latin is helpful for a variety of careers. Study skills, critical thinking, reading skills, and improved vocabulary are fine preparation for careers in law, medicine, science, education and many other fields.
All students must earn a minimum of one unit of credit in a World Language to graduate.
No matter which language the student selects, he/she practices its unique ways of socializing, getting and giving information, expressing feelings and persuading. The student does this through listening, speaking, reading, and writing about many topics: personal identification, home, family, work, community, meals, health, education, leisure, shopping, travel, government, mythology, etc. Each year the student studies these topics in more depth and is required to demonstrate increased competence in the basic elements of the language.
The Board of Regents has established three checkpoints that tell what the student needs to be able to do and how well the student must do it in order to successfully complete a given level.
- Checkpoint A refers to the first two units of study completed at some time in grades K-9.
- Checkpoint B refers to a three-unit sequence for an Advanced Regents Diploma.
- Students must pass a locally developed examination aligned to the Checkpoint B learning standards.
- Checkpoint C is for a five-unit sequence.
The student can move through these checkpoints at various rates. This depends on the specific language as well as the age, abilities, motivation, and interests of the student. All courses within a language are sequential. The student must pass a course or demonstrate proficiency before proceeding to the next level. The additional requirements listed in this catalog for each course are there to help the student select the most appropriate course level. Students should discuss these possibilities with their teacher and counselor. Teachers will make recommendations for the honor level courses. Students may elect to take more then one world language.
Index
0300 LATIN 1 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 8-12, Checkpoint A
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This course is designed for the above average student with strong linguistic skills, reading comprehension, and written expression. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires highly motivated and self-directed students. The primary goal is developing precise reading skills through which the student is also introduced to Roman daily life, history, mythology, and influence on our civilization. The study of English etymology begins to reveal the impact of Latin on the English language. Final Exam – local.
0305 LATIN 2 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Latin 1
This course is a continuation of Latin I. The student refines reading skills through the understanding of higher level grammatical constructions. Through the spiraling of culture topics the student appreciates Roman contributions to Western civilization. The student translates short passages from authentic sources. Final Exam – local.
0310 LATIN 3 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint B
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Latin 2H
At this level, a student concludes the introduction to Latin grammar and translates authentic passages of Latin Literature from Caesar, Cicero, and other prose authors. Latin Literature is the vehicle through which the student acquires knowledge of Roman history and other cultural topics. Checkpoint B Final Exam – local.
0315 LATIN 4 Pre-AP
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Latin 3H
This pre-AP course is designed to prepare a student for the Level V AP Latin course. The student studies prose and poetry from such authors as Pliny, Ovid, and Cicero. A student demonstrates knowledge and appreciation of Latin Literature via critical essays in English. Final Exam – local.
0316 LATIN 5 AP
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint C
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Latin 4 Pre-AP
The content of Latin V AP is Julius Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Gallico, Vergil’s Aeneid, and extensive sight reading of a variety of Latin prose authors and poets. Students will translate and interpret portions of Books I, IV, V, and VI of the Commentarii and Books I, II, IV, and VI of the Aeneid. The course will focus on translation, comprehension, interpretation, and criticism of unadapted Latin texts.
This course is part of a national program sponsored by the College Board, which has been recognized by many colleges and universities. It offers the students the opportunity to gain college World Language credit, advanced standing, or both based on the student’s performance on the AP exam in May.
0320 FRENCH 1 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 9-12, Checkpoint A
This course is designed for students who are above average in academic ability beginning their study of French. They have strong linguistic skills and will be expected to develop oral proficiency, written expression and reading and listening comprehension in French. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be motivated and self-directed. Final exam – local.
0324 FRENCH 1
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint A
This course is designed for students who have not yet successfully completed Checkpoint A study in a language. Students will work on communication skills to express themselves in familiar context. Students will develop the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening. Checkpoint A exam.
0327 FRENCH 2
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing grade in French 1
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed French 1. Students in this course continue their intensive practice of French with a focus on the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Final exam – local.
0325 FRENCH 2 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Demonstrates mastery of French 1 concepts; teacher recommendation
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed French 1. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be highly motivated and self-directed. The course is developed to strengthen language skills and to emphasize more reading and writing skills in French. Final exam – local.
0332 FRENCH 3
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint B
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in French 2
This course is for students who have been successful in French 2. Students are expected to use French and refine their reading, writing, and listening skills. There is a focus on new material and also extensive review and study in preparation for the Checkpoint B Exam. Final exam – local.
0330 FRENCH 3 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint B
Prerequisite: Demonstrates mastery of French 2H concepts; teacher recommendation
This course is designed for above-average students who have successfully completed French 2 H. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be highly motivated and self-directed. Students are expected to use French during the class in interaction with the teacher. In addition to preparing for the Checkpoint B exam, students will focus on mastering increasingly complex structures and acquiring more sophisticated vocabulary. Final exam – local.
0336 FRENCH 4
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in French 3
This course is for students who wish to strengthen and advance their French proficiency and work toward fluency. Students will participate in class discussions of films, write compositions of a substantial length, advance their grammatical knowledge, and complete cultural projects. There will be a strong focus on achieving oral proficiency through conversations, debates, and active class participation. Instruction is predominantly in French. The course curriculum is aligned with SUNY Oswego’s French 201. Students may pay a reduced tuition and upon successful completion of the course are granted three college credits which may be transferred to other colleges. Final exam – local.
0335 FRENCH 4 Pre-AP
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in French 3H
This course is designed to prepare students for AP French 5 language course. Students focus on mastering complex verb tenses, sentence structures, and idiomatic vocabulary. These grammatical concepts are assessed frequently and these skills are used to express complex ideas in both oral and written form. The curriculum includes: taking part in presentations, group research projects, analysis of movies and short stories in French. Instruction is exclusively in French. The course curriculum is aligned with SUNY Oswego’s French 201. Students pay a reduced tuition, and upon successful completion of the course, are granted three college credits. Final exam – local.
0338 FRENCH 5 AP
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint C
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in French 4
This course is part of a national program sponsored by the College Board, which has been recognized by many colleges and universities. It offers the students the opportunity to gain college World Language credit, advanced standing, or both based on the student’s performance on the AP exam in May. The course content is based on the College Board’s themes: daily life, family and community, global challenges, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, and personal and public identities. Materials may consist of recordings, films, newspapers, magazines and texts. The objectives of the course include the following:
- The ability to comprehend the formal and informal spoken language.
- The acquisition of vocabulary and a grasp of a structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of newspapers, magazine articles, as well as of modern literature.
- The ability to compose expository passages.
- The ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency.
0340 SPANISH 1 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 9-12, Checkpoint A
This course is designed for students who are above average in academic ability beginning their study of Spanish. They have strong linguistic skills and will be expected to develop higher levels of oral proficiency, written expression and reading and listening comprehension. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be motivated and self-directed. Final exam – local.
0344 SPANISH 1
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint A
This course is designed for students who have not yet successfully completed Checkpoint A study in a language. Students will work on communication skills to express themselves in familiar context. Students will develop the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening. Checkpoint A exam.
0347 SPANISH 2
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Spanish 1
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Spanish 1. Students in this course continue their intensive practice of Spanish with a focus on the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Final exam – local.
0345 SPANISH 2 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Demonstrates mastery of Spanish 1 concepts; teacher recommendation
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Spanish 1. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be highly motivated and self-directed. The course is developed to strengthen the language skills and to emphasize more reading and written skills in Spanish. Final exam – local.
0352 SPANISH 3
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint B
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Spanish 2
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Spanish 2. Students are expected to use Spanish and refine their reading, writing, and listening skills. There is a focus on new material, exposure to cultural and historical events pertaining to the Spanish speaking world and also extensive review and study preparation for the Checkpoint B Exam. Final exam – local.
0350 SPANISH 3 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint B
Prerequisite: Demonstrates mastery of Spanish 2H concepts; teacher recommendation
It is a course designed for the above average students who have successfully completed 2H. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be highly motivated and self-directed. Students are expected to use Spanish during the class in interaction with the teacher. In addition to preparing for the Checkpoint B exam, students will focus on mastering increasingly complex structures and acquiring more sophisticated vocabulary. Final exam – local.
0354 SPANISH 4
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Spanish 3
Spanish 4 will strengthen and advance language proficiency, expose students to world events and promote awareness and appreciation for language and cultures other than their own. Through the study of authentic readings, films, current events, debates, and class projects students will make language and cultural connections to prepare them to be better global citizens and Spanish speakers. Students will be asked to identify how world-wide events impact other societies as well as their very own communities. Instruction will be predominantly in Spanish.
0355 SPANISH 4 Pre-AP
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Spanish 3H
This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Spanish 5 language course. Students focus on mastering complex verb tenses, sentence structure, and idiomatic vocabulary. These grammatical concepts are assessed frequently and these skills are used to express complex ideas in both oral and written form. The curriculum includes the following: taking part in presentations, group research projects, analysis of movies and short stories in Spanish. Instruction is exclusively in Spanish. Final Exam- local. The course curriculum is aligned with SUNY Oswego’s Spanish 201. Students may pay a reduced tuition, and upon successful completion of the course, are granted three college credits, which may be transferred to other colleges.
0357 SPANISH 5
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Spanish 4
Spanish 5 will provide students with additional opportunities to continue reinforcing and advancing their language proficiency. The class uses films, music, literary pieces and current events from Spain and Latin America to provide a basis for instruction. Thematic units are infused with pertinent vocabulary and grammar topics. Students will be exposed to world events and cultures to strengthen their global awareness and cultural connections. Students will be expected to formulate their opinions and express their ideas in Spanish. Instruction will be predominantly in Spanish.
0356 SPANISH 5 AP
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint C, Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Spanish 4
This course is part of a national program sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board which has been recognized by many prestigious colleges and universities. It offers the students the opportunity to gain up to six hours of college World Language credit, advanced standing, or both based on the student’s performance on the AP exam in May. The course content may include the arts, history, current events, literature, culture, sports and intensive grammar review. Materials may consist of recordings, films, newspapers, magazines and texts. The objectives of the course include the following:
- The ability to comprehend the formal and informal spoken language.
- To facilitate the reading of newspapers, magazine articles, as well as of modern literature.
- The ability to compose expository passages.
- The ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency.
0360 GERMAN 1 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 9-12, Checkpoint A
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This course is designed for students who are above average in academic ability beginning their study of German. They have strong linguistic skills and will be expected to develop higher levels of oral proficiency, written expression and, reading and listening comprehension. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be motivated and self-directed. Final exam – local.
0365 GERMAN 2 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in German 1H
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the German 1 course. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be highly motivated and self-directed. The course is developed to strengthen the language skills and to emphasize more reading and written skills in German. Final exam – local.
0370 GERMAN 3 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint B
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in German 2H
It is a course designed for students who have successfully completed 2H. This course is taught at an accelerated pace and requires students to be highly motivated and self-directed. Students are expected to use German in class and while interacting with the teacher. In addition to preparing for the Checkpoint B exam, students will focus on mastering increasingly complex structures and acquiring more sophisticated vocabulary. Final exam – local.
0375 GERMAN 4 Pre-AP
40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in German 3H
This course is designed to prepare students for the AP German 5 language course. Students focus on mastering complex verb tenses, sentence structures, and idiomatic vocabulary. These grammatical concepts are assessed frequently and these skills are used to express complex ideas in both oral and written form. The curriculum includes: taking part in oral presentations, group research projects, analysis of movies, fairy tales and short stories in German. Instruction is exclusively in German. The course curriculum is aligned with SUNY Oswego’s German 201. Students pay a reduced tuition and, upon successful completion of the course, are granted three college credits, which may be transferred to other colleges.. Final exam – local.
0377 GERMAN 5 AP
40 Weeks, 1 credit, Checkpoint C
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in German 4 Pre AP
This course is part of a national program sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board which has been recognized by many colleges and universities. It offers the students the opportunity to gain college World Language credit, advanced standing, or both credit and standing at the college of their choice. The amount of credit and the opportunity for exemption are based on the student’s performance on the AP exam in May.
The course content is based on the College Boards themes: daily life, family and community, global challenges, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, and personal and public identities. Materials may consist of recordings, films, newspapers, magazines and texts. The objectives of the course include the following:
- The ability to comprehend the formal and informal spoken language.
- The acquisition of vocabulary and a grasp of a structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of newspapers, magazine articles, as well as of modern literature.
- The ability to compose expository passages.
- The ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency.