Dr. Ron Thompson - Department Chair
E-Mail:  ront@wcs.edu

All first year courses are standard level. The second year and upper level courses are standard, honors, and AP and require the recommendation of the language instructor.

Students who enroll in the honors courses must have the approval of the instructor and should have a B in English class and a B in their previous language class. Students enrolled in the AP courses are expected to take the AP exam in May. Language courses are interactive and require daily student participation.

The department strongly recommends three to four years of language study in high school. A particular distinction of the language department is the addition of a pre-AP Spanish 3 Honors course.

Latin I

Grade Level: 8-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: None

This course is an introduction to the language that forms the basis for many modern languages. It includes vocabulary and syntax studies as well as the study of the culture and civilization of Rome. Students should be enrolled in honors English classes with a  B average.

Latin II

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Latin 1

Students will build on their knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary as they continue to follow the Cornelius family in Rome. In addition to learning more about Roman culture at the height of the Roman Empire, students will also become more familiar with first century B.C. Roman politics, including the exploits of Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Latin II Honors

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Latin I

This fast -paced course will prepare students to begin translating Latin at the university level. Successful completion of this course will require students to complete short composition assignments and outside projects on Roman history and culture. Upon finishing Honors Latin II, students will be ready for the Advanced Placement course.
A minimum of a B average in Latin I and the recommendation of the instructor are required.

Latin III/IV AP Vergil (offered in even-numbered years)

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Latin II Honors

Students’ mastery of Latin I and Latin II culminates in the reading and analysis of authentic Latin passages. This course includes readings from Vergil’s Aeneid, as well as further instruction in grammar, literary devices, and meter. Students are required to read a translation of the Aeneid prior to beginning this course. A minimum of a B in Latin II and the recommendation of the instructor are required. 

Latin III/IV AP Latin Literature (offered in odd-numbered years)

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Latin II Honors

Students’ mastery of Latin I and Latin II culminates in the reading and analysis of authentic Latin passages. This course includes readings from the poet Catallus, as well as further instruction in grammar, literary devices, and meter. A minimum of a B in Latin II and the recommendation of the instructor are required.

German I

Grade level: 8-12

Credit: 1 full year

Recommended prerequisite: None

This course is an introduction to the German language and the culture of German-speaking countries.  Students learn the basic vocabulary encountered in everyday interactions in a German-speaking country.  Topics include greetings and introductions, hobbies, family members, school, food, shopping, and entertainment.  The four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are emphasized, and students are encouraged to speak German daily in class.  An e-mail pen pal exchange with our partner class allows students to interact with German peers.

German II

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 1 full year

Prerequisite: German I 

In German II, students continue to develop the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.  There is additional emphasis on more complex aspects of German grammar.  A major focus of the course is travel: transportation, youth hostels and hotels, and planning a vacation in Europe.  Other topics include animals; restaurants; holidays and festivals; health; fairy tales; and the mini-novel “He almost dies.”

German II Honors

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 1 full year

Prerequisite: German I

In German II Honors, students continue to develop and refine the four basic language skills with an increasing emphasis on authentic readings and active language use (writing and speaking).  German grammar topics will be covered at an accelerated pace.  Units include travel (transportation, youth hostels, planning a vacation); animals; restaurants; holidays and festivals; health; fairy tales, and the mini-novel “He almost dies.” Students enrolling in this course should have an A or B average in German I and the recommendation of the instructor.

German III Honors

Grade level: 10-12

Credit: 1 full year

Prerequisite: German II

German III Honors students undertake a colorful thematic-based curriculum designed to deepen their cultural knowledge, broaden their vocabulary base, strengthen their reading and listening skills, and increase their writing fluency.  Unit topics include the generation gap; detective stories; immigration; the environment; Mozart; art and literature of the Romantic period; and “The White Rose” resistance movement.  Students learn the subjunctive and continue to consolidate and practice previously learned grammar topics in a communicative context. Highlights of the class include informal writing journals, the audio drama “Keine Panik,” peer-led current events updates, and films by German directors.  Class is conducted in German.  Students enrolling should have an A or B in German II and the permission of the instructor.  

German IV/V: AP German Language

Grade level: 11-12

Credit: 1 full year

Prerequisite: German III Honors

This intensive course aims to prepare students for success on all components of the German Language AP exam.  Students work toward mastery of complex grammatical structures and idiomatic language use.  Exam preparation activities include weekly essay writing, extemporaneous speaking practice, listening comprehension activities and extensive reading.  All reading selections are authentic and span a wide variety of genres and topics: current newspaper and magazine articles, short stories, novellas, and literary excerpts.  Class activities and interactions are conducted exclusively in German. Students should have an A or B in German II and the recommendation of the instructor. 

French I

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: None

This course emphasizes the basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as learning essential grammar and expressions needed to communicate. Cultural topics covered include greetings, high school life, home and family, health, and leisure time. Tapes and videos are used to enhance instruction.

French II

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: French I

The four basic skills are again emphasized. Communication, shopping, traveling, food, etiquette, career opportunities, are some topics addressed. Dialogue presentations and daily oral practice are expected.

French II Honors

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: French I

This student should be interested in pursuing French III/IV and plan accordingly by having a firm foundation in vocabulary and grammar. There is more conversation, complex grammar, reading, and writing. This course is faster paced than the standard one. Student participation is a requirement. A minimum of a B in French I and the recommendation of the instructor are required.

French III Honors

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: French II

All communication except for the grammar explanations are in French. The more complicated structures of the language are stressed. Literary excerpts expand the students’ reading comprehension skills. A minimum of a B in French II and the  recommendation of the instructor are required. 

French IV Honors

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite:  French III  

Students are expected to participate in the target language at all times. In addition to reading excerpts from the history and literature of the target language, students study cultural concepts and themes. These include historic as well as current events, visual art, music, and literary genres. Compositions range from discussion of the assigned readings to creative writing assignments. Oral presentations in French are required.

Spanish I

Grade Level: 8-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: None

This course emphasizes essential grammar and expressions needed to communicate. Students also explore similarities and differences between our culture and Hispanic traditions. Classroom activities provide students optimum opportunities to speak, write, and understand the language through reading and listening. This class is interactive and requires daily participation.

Spanish II

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Spanish I

Students continue to develop proficiency in all four basic skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. By using more complex sentences with past tenses and other grammatical structures, students learn to function in real-life situations. Extensive vocabulary, short reading assignments, writing themes, listening exercises, and conversational situations are included.

Spanish II Honors

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Spanish I

This course encompasses all the goals of the standard course but the student will advance at an accelerated pace. Cultural and literary selections, more conversational activities, and lengthier writing assignments complement these objectives. Class activities are conducted in Spanish and the students are expected to participate. A minimum of a B in Spanish I and the recommendation of the teacher are required.

Spanish III

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Spanish 2

This course is a comprehensive survey of grammar including a thorough study of the subjunctive. Literary selections from different genres expand the students’ reading comprehension. Significant artists are also studied to enhance students’ knowledge of the culture. Writing assignments, more conversation, and listening to tapes/cd’s are utilized to enhance classroom instruction.

Spanish III Honors   

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Spanish 2

Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language skills with an emphasis on the consistent and sustained use of the language. Class activities are conducted in Spanish and students are required to participate. Literary selections from all genres and the study of famous artists are included. A minimum of a B average and the recommendation of the teacher are required. 

Spanish 3 pre-AP Honors

Grade Level: 10

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Spanish 2 Honors

This course is designed for the student who plans to take AP Spanish. Therefore, the course is restricted to current freshmen or outstanding sophomores who could advance to the AP level their senior year. The four language skills are intensely practiced. 

Spanish IV Honors

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Spanish 3

This course emphasizes complex grammatical and syntactical structures, classical and modern literature, culture, history, and authentic reading selections from all genres. All classroom activities are conducted in Spanish. Voice recordings and listening exercises complement these objectives. Class participation is a requirement. Compositions range from analyses of literary selections to creative assignments.

Spanish AP Grammar

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Spanish 4

Spanish Grammar AP is the only AP course, according to the College Board, to be “comparable to advanced level (fifth and sixth semester or the equivalent college/university Spanish language courses.” Multiple texts are utilized and students are expected to take the AP exam in May. Oral summaries and writing assignments are required. The student is expected to work at times independently to pursue the goal of reaching proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The College Board has changed the structure and content of the exam to reflect the ability of a native speaker.

Spanish AP Literature

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1 Full Year

Prerequisite: Spanish 4

The student will analyze texts from all genres in South American and Peninsular literature. Principal authors include Matute, Unamuno, Lorca, Dario, Cortazar, Cervantes, Borges, and Garcia Marquez. Short stories, poetry, short novels, and essays are included. Weekly writing assignments and listening to tapes are required. The student is expected to take the AP exam in May.

*Williamson County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age.