Foreign Language Department
GERMAN
German is spoken by between 175-220 million people in the world and about 20% of Americans trace their ancestry to one of the German-speaking countries. German ancestry is reported by more than 46% of North Dakotans. Many jobs and careers require knowledge of a foreign language and many employers consider it to be a great asset. German is very useful in the business world and is especially recommended in the field of high technology, science, and music. More than 1,200 American companies have offices in the German-speaking countries. Self-motivation is necessary for a successful, enjoyable language experience.
GERMAN 1 - Elective 9–12 - 1 credit
First-year German introduces you to listening, reading, speaking, and writing in the German language. You will learn to use practical German to speak about yourself, your family, your interests, school, shopping, clothing, ordering food and drinks in a restaurant, and other useful topics. Cultural differences in these areas will be discussed. Additionally, you will learn to express yourself through conversations, skits, videos, audio exercises, songs, computer lab activities, and cooking labs. German Club is strongly encouraged to compliment the first-year German experience.
GERMAN 2 - Elective 9–12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: German 1
Second-year German reinforces and reviews beginning German language and culture before continuing to develop and enhance higher proficiency skills through a variety of activities including dialogues, skits, audio exercises, computer lab exercises, cooking labs, games, and films. You will become more aware of the contrast between your culture and the German culture. Travel, food, sports, fashion, healthy living, helping at home, and going to the doctor are some of the topics covered. German Club is strongly encouraged to compliment the second-year German experience. Summer travel opportunities are offered on a circumstantial basis.
GERMAN 3 - Elective 10–12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: German 1, 2
Emphasis of third-year German is on continued improved of oral and written proficiency skills. A great variety of reading materials, including current literary selections is used to accomplish these goals. Topics include relationships with friends, rights and obligations of young Germans, resistance in German history, environmental issues, plans for the future, and fairy tales. Journaling is expected and students are asked to participate in verbal exchanges in order to develop these proficiencies. German cooking labs are part of third-year German. German Club is strongly encouraged to compliment the third year of German. Summer travel opportunities are offered.
GERMAN 4 - Elective 11–12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: German 1, 2, 3
The goal of fourth-year German is to build confidence in the use of the language while continuing to improve proficiency. Varied topics and literary selections are used to build reading and comprehension skills. Spontaneity and ease of speech should increase. German 4 is about finding you comfort zone and pushing the boundaries of it. Journaling is expected and students are asked to participate in verbal exchanges in order to develop proficiency. German Club is strongly encouraged to compliment the fourth-year of German. Summer travel opportunities are offered.
SPANISH
Spanish study reflects the needs of modern language learners who want to successfully live in an ever changing world. Spanish is one of the fastest growing languages in North America and is considered by employers to be a great asset. The processes, inherent in learning a foreign language, aid in the development of thinking skills such as; reasoning, conceptualizing, analyzing and problem solving. It helps develop a better understanding of the nature of language in general and in English in particular. Exposure to foreign language study helps develop sensitivity toward other people and cultures. In an increasingly “smaller” world, that understanding is crucial.
SPANISH 1 - Elective 9–12 - 1 credit
This course is an introduction to the language and culture of Spanish. This introduction is through listening, reading, speaking and writing. The student will use the textbook provided along with tapes, filmstrips, videos, dialogs and cultural projects. Examples of vocabulary areas of basic communication are greetings, expressions for school, home, family, weather, numbers, and shopping and traveling. Students will be exposed to the variety of customs and traditions in the 22 countries that speak Spanish. Spanish Club is open to all Spanish students.
SPANISH 2 - Elective 9–12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 1
Spanish 2 begins by reviewing the concepts learned in Spanish 1 and continues to assist the students in developing higher proficiency skills through expanded understanding of grammatical concepts, increased oral activities, school to work writing activities and additional listening opportunities. Students increase their cultural knowledge with country studies, which include personal relationships, types of work, appropriate behavior in social and work situations and the cultural differences. Technology is incorporated into the study units to enhance the learning environment. Movies, skits, music, literature and art work help the students develop further understanding of the cultural differences and similarities. Spanish Club provides opportunities to celebrate special events and holidays in the Hispanic countries as well as provides opportunity to see Spanish exhibits when in our area. Travel opportunities to Hispanic countries are also provided in certain situations.
SPANISH 3 - Elective 10–12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 1, 2
Spanish 3 begins with a review and re-entry of the concepts learned in Spanish 1 and 2. Through study of Spanish-speaking countries, students continue to develop an understanding of the Hispanic world and its culture. With the incorporation of reading materials such as current Spanish magazines, novels and other articles the students develop an appreciation of the Spanish contributions to the arts, agriculture, architecture and the sciences. They create Spanish art projects, foods, advertisements, and etc. to enhance the learning. Emphasis is placed on growth in oral and written proficiency skills. Spanish Club is open to all Spanish students and opportunity for summer school travel is provided.
SPANISH 4 - Elective 11–12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 1, 2, 3
Spanish 4 begins with a review, re-entry and expansion of Levels 1, 2, and 3. Emphasis is placed on more abstract vocabulary associated with intellectual activity, criticism and judgment. Students build confidence in the use of the language by reading a wide variety of material from newspapers to novels. The active vocabulary presented through a wide range of conversational topics allows the student to gain oral and written proficiency skills which allow them to communicate in the modern world. Cultural awareness is continued through music, dramatic arts, literature, and preparation of foods. Spanish Club is open to all Spanish students and summer school travel opportunities are provided.