World Language Courses

The World Language Program’s primary goal is to help students develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing the target language. Every effort is made to present the subject material in “real life” situations. Students also develop an appreciation of the diverse cultures for the countries whose languages they are learning. Various methods are used for assessment.

World language instruction is currently offered sequentially in the following languages; French, Italian, Latin,  Mandarin (Chinese Language) and Spanish.  Central students must successfully complete a minimum of two years of the same language while at Central and are encouraged to continue through a 3rd or 4th year.  In order to elect upper levels of language, one must maintain an average of a C or better in the previous year of study. All languages offer “honors” sections that require the recommendation of previous language teachers and finishing among the top scores on the placement exam. The department chairperson will finalize those rosters.

A required general placement test will be given to all entering students with previous experience in any of the five languages and may be assigned to Level 1B, Level 2, or higher.  The test will be based on the instructional systems and courses of study used at Central.

World Language 1

In level 1 classes, students learn to listen, speak, read and write the target language. They engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions. They interpret written and spoken language and write on a variety of topics. Students gain an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied.

World Language 2

In level 2 classes, students continue to improve their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the world language. Level 2 assumes that the student has mastered all the skills and knowledge of level 1. Throughout the 2nd year of a language, students increase their vocabulary, learn advanced grammar, and develop the ability to respond in various ways to literary works on an appropriate reading level, and write in the target language with increasing accuracy. They continue to develop their knowledge and appreciation of the specific culture by studying the traditions and customs of the people.

 

World Language 3

In level 3, students become increasingly more able to communicate a variety of messages for more extended periods of time, and with greater accuracy. They are able to comprehend the language more readily when spoken to by a native speaker. Students continue to learn the vocabulary and more advanced grammatical structures necessary to express themselves clearly. They read various literary passages, articles pertaining to world issues, and other forms of written texts. They become more comfortable with reading unfamiliar material. They are expected to write with greater accuracy on a variety of topics. Students gain a more complete understanding of the culture.

 

World Language 4

This course is a continuation of level III emphasizing proficiency in speaking and writing at a more advanced level, while continuing skill development in listening and reading. It includes the study of syntax, vocabulary, idioms, style, grammatical structures, and culture. Grammar and themed vocabulary pertaining to cultural topics will enable the student to prepare and present reports, conversations, and projects of greater length and more advanced quality than in the previous course.

 

Advanced Placement

These courses are college level for the high achieving, highly motivated language learner who has the prerequisite knowledge and coursework. It is designed to sharpen listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, culminating in the May examination. Students are expected to understand and manipulate complex tenses, grammatical concepts and vocabulary. Students will discuss social and cultural issues, the arts, politics and should be able to sustain conversation at length. In addition to the rigorous course load, students will be expected to do much independent reading/work in order to be an active participant in the class.   The Department Chair’s permission, the present teacher’s recommendation, and high marks are necessary to be admitted.  Examinations may be required.

 

WORLD LANGUAGE IB

These honors level courses are designed to prepare the highly motivated language learner for their internal and external assessments in their senior year to enable them to freely communicate in the target language in any given situation.

We offer Spanish, French, Italian, Latin*, and Mandarin (Chinese Language) IB classes.

Level 3 IB – (junior year)

Students will deeply delve into grammar and are expected to master complex tenses and concepts. Students will utilize and be assessed in the four domains of the language. They will familiarize themselves with the IB rubrics and gain comfort in speaking and writing in context.

Level 4 IB – (senior year)

Emphasis will be placed on higher ordered thinking and will be treated as a bilingual class where topics such as literature, history, culture and current events will be studied in the target language by using authentic materials and realia. Students are expected to perfect their prior language skills at home (with guided help from the instructor), assuming that they have basically mastered the level 3 material.

February of senior year, the students will record their Internal Assessment (oral) to be sent to the determined country to be graded. Later, in May, the students will complete the written portion of IB assessment.

* As Latin is a written language, there is not an oral component of the Internal Assessment. However, they will be required to analyze and translate predetermined works.

 

IB Social and Cultural Anthropology SL 

(10-12th grade elective) The IB Diploma Program’s social and cultural anthropology course offers an opportunity for students to explore and understand humankind in all its diversity through the comparative study of culture and human societies. In studying this course students will come to appreciate how anthropology as a discipline contributes to an understanding of contemporary issues, such as war and conflict, the environment, poverty, injustice, inequality and human and cultural rights. The study of social and cultural anthropology offers critical insight into the continuities as well as dynamics of social change and the development of societies, and challenges cultural assumptions.