World Languages

Minimum of 2 credits of the same world language. Additionally, students must successfully complete level 3 (e.g. Spanish 3) of a language, if they enroll at Gould prior to 12th grade.

Advanced Topics in French

Prerequisite: French 4 – Year Long

This course integrates an immersive approach to language learning, emphasizing comprehensible input pedagogy, alongside an intensive grammar review. Its aim is to empower students to attain a high level of proficiency in the language, preparing them thoroughly for the SAT II French examination and laying a strong foundation for advanced French courses at the university level. Through a strong emphasis on verbal communication, the class fosters a close collaboration with students at the Lycée Marguerite de Valois in Angoulême, France. Our curricula are intertwined, facilitating weekly communication between our students and their counterparts abroad, supplemented by unit-wide video conferencing sessions. Exploring a variety of topics such as colonial history, contemporary issues binding francophone communities worldwide, and a survey of French/Francophone cinema, the course engages students through diverse resources including readings in history, culture, and literature, as well as videos, internet sources, and periodicals.
Advanced Topics in Spanish

Requires Departmental Approval – Year Long
In Advanced Topics in Spanish, students embark on an in-depth exploration of peninsular Spanish narrative, essay, poetry, and drama, guided by a comprehensible input pedagogy that prioritizes the development of conversation skills and a student-centered approach to learning. Course materials may also be drawn from throughout the hispanophone world, offering students a comprehensive understanding of Spanish literature and culture beyond the Iberian Peninsula. Alongside textual analysis, students sharpen their speaking and writing abilities through class discussions, presentations, and written expositions, ensuring a multifaceted engagement with Spanish literature and language.
French 1

We hope to foster intrinsic motivation and student ownership of their language in this introductory course which focuses on developing communication skills. Through the use of language circles and a questioning and scaffolding technique, our classrooms are dynamic places where we focus on core competencies related to listening, speaking, reading and writing about everyday topics of importance to our students. This student centered technique allows for the study of different subjects of interest including greetings, the French school system, hobbies, and family life, ordering meals and shopping for food.
French 1

Year Long
We hope to foster intrinsic motivation and student ownership of their language in this introductory course which focuses on developing communication skills. Through the use of language circles and a questioning and scaffolding technique, our classrooms are dynamic places where we focus on core competencies related to listening, speaking, reading and writing about everyday topics of importance to our students. This student centered technique allows for the study of different subjects of interest including greetings, the French school system, hobbies, and family life, ordering meals and shopping for food. We use the open source textbook Français Interactif as a reference along with its authentic and up-to-date videos and interviews with native speakers.
French 2

In French 2 we continue an exploration of topics of importance to our students such as shopping for clothing, fashion, transportation, sports, weather and French family life. Through the use of language circles and a questioning and scaffolding technique, our classrooms are dynamic places where we focus on core competencies related to listening, speaking, reading and writing. We use the open source textbook FranÃ§ais Interactif as a reference along with its authentic and up-to-date videos and interviews with native speakers. Students complete their study of French 2 by writing a novel entirely in French!
French 2

Prerequisite: French 1 – Year Long
In French 2 we continue an exploration of topics of importance to our students such as shopping for clothing, fashion, transportation, sports, weather and French family life. Through the use of language circles and a questioning and scaffolding technique, our classrooms are dynamic places where we focus on core competencies related to listening, speaking, reading and writing. We use the open source textbook Français Interactif as a reference along with its authentic and up-to-date videos and interviews with native speakers. Students complete their study of French 2 by writing a novel entirely in French!
French 3

Students continue their study of French language and francophone cultures and develop their communicative abilities by practicing the four basic skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading. Our use of language circles with a unique questioning and scaffolding technique is employed even as this course makes use of the open source online text Enhancing French Skills with authentic videos and interviews with native speakers. In addition, we reference selected chapters in the cultural reader La France au Quotidien and are in weekly communication with correspondents from the LycÃ©e Marguerite de Valois in AngoulÃªme, France. Students are also introduced to French cinema and will watch several full length feature films in class; all accompanied by a variety of video and internet activities.
French 3

Prerequisite: French 2 – Year Long
Students continue their study of French language and francophone cultures and develop their communicative abilities by practicing the four basic skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading. Our use of language circles with a unique questioning and scaffolding technique is employed even as this course makes use of the open source online text Enhancing French Skills with authentic videos and interviews with native speakers. In addition, we reference selected chapters in the cultural reader La France au Quotidien and are in weekly communication with correspondents from the Lycée Marguerite de Valois in Angoulême, France. Students are also introduced to French cinema and will watch several full length feature films in class; all accompanied by a variety of video and internet activities
French 4

This course which includes an intensive grammar review is designed to enable students to achieve a high level of proficiency in the language and to give solid preparation for the SAT II French examination as well as preparing students for upper level French courses in a university setting. Our class maintains a close working relationship with students at the LycÃ©e Marguerite de Valois in AngoulÃªme, France. Our curricula are entwined, our students communicate weekly with their overseas partners and we come together once per unit via videoconferencing. Topics of study may include colonial history and modern day concerns that link francophone peoples throughout the world, a survey of French/Francophone cinema, or even a review of AP exam topics using readings in history, culture, and literature as well as videos, internet resources, and periodicals.
French 4

Prerequisite: French 3 – Year Long
This course which includes an intensive grammar review is designed to enable students to achieve a high level of proficiency in the language and to give solid preparation for the SAT II French examination as well as preparing students for upper level French courses in a university setting. Our class maintains a close working relationship with students at the Lycée Marguerite de Valois in Angoulême, France. Our curricula are entwined, our students communicate weekly with their overseas partners and we come together once per unit via videoconferencing. Topics of study may include colonial history and modern day concerns that link francophone peoples throughout the world, a survey of French/Francophone cinema, or even a review of AP exam topics using readings in history, culture, and literature as well as videos, internet resources, and periodicals.
French 5

In conjunction with the French 4 class, includes an intensive grammar review is designed to enable students to achieve a high level of proficiency in the language and to give solid preparation for the SAT II French examination as well as preparing students for upper level French courses in a university setting. Our class maintains a close working relationship with students at the LycÃ©e Marguerite de Valois in AngoulÃªme, France. Our curricula are entwined, our students communicate weekly with their overseas partners and we come together once per unit via videoconferencing. Topics of study may include colonial history and modern day concerns that link francophone peoples throughout the world, a survey of French/Francophone cinema, or even a review of AP exam topics using readings in history, culture, and literature as well as videos, internet resources, and periodicals.
French 6
Honors Spanish 4: Literature of Latin America

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 and departmental approval
Students in Honors Spanish 4 engage in a study of Latin American narrative, essay, poetry, and drama, in conjunction with the Spanish 5 class. Readings are studied chronologically and held up against a historical background beginning in the twelfth century and continuing through the early twentieth century. In addition, students focus on speaking and writing skills through class discussion, presentation, and written exposition.
Honors Spanish 4: Literature of Spain

Students in Honors Spanish 4 engage in a study of peninsular Spanish narrative, essay, poetry, and drama, in conjunction with the Spanish 5 class. Readings are studied chronologically and held up against a historical background beginning in the twelfth century and continuing through the early twentieth century. In addition, students focus on speaking and writing skills through class discussion, presentation, and written exposition.
Japanese Language and Culture

In Japanese Language & Culture, students will learn to express themselves in various conversational situations and learn about the culture of Japan. Language and culture are inextricably intertwined. Students will also learn to read and write in romaji, hiragana, katakana, and approximately 15-20 kanji (Chinese characters). Students from countries that use Chinese characters will find it interesting to learn the Japanese use of kanji. Class instruction will be based on Japanese From Zero! Book 1, and its corresponding workbook. Students will learn Japanese language and Japanese culture.
Spanish 1

Year Long Course
In this introductory course, our primary aim is to cultivate intrinsic motivation and encourage students to take ownership of their language learning journey. Our dynamic classrooms prioritize the development of communication skills through the implementation of language circles and a scaffolding technique. Here, students engage deeply with core competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, focusing on everyday topics that hold significance to their lives. Embracing a student-centered approach, we facilitate exploration of diverse subjects, including greetings, hobbies, family life, meal ordering, and grocery shopping. By utilizing the Somos curriculum, we seamlessly integrate language acquisition with cultural immersion, providing students with the opportunity to gain profound insights into the Spanish and hispanophone worlds.
Spanish 1

Year Long Course
In this introductory course, our primary aim is to cultivate intrinsic motivation and encourage students to take ownership of their language learning journey. Our dynamic classrooms prioritize the development of communication skills through the implementation of language circles and a scaffolding technique. Here, students engage deeply with core competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, focusing on everyday topics that hold significance to their lives. Embracing a student-centered approach, we facilitate exploration of diverse subjects, including greetings, hobbies, family life, meal ordering, and grocery shopping. By utilizing the Somos curriculum, we seamlessly integrate language acquisition with cultural immersion, providing students with the opportunity to gain profound insights into the Spanish and hispanophone worlds.
Spanish 2

A continuation of Spanish 1, further advancing oral and written communication. Selections of short stories and poems by Hispanic and Spanish novelists are incorporated in the class to aid the student in reading comprehension skills. Other requirements include weekly journals, vocabulary lists, and oral presentations over a wide range of cultural topics. Breaking the Spanish Barrier Level 2 is used in addition to a variety of video and internet exercises.
Spanish 2

Prerequisite: Spanish 1 – Year Long

A continuation of Spanish 1, further advancing oral and written communication. Our primary aim is to cultivate intrinsic motivation and encourage students to take ownership of their language learning journey. Our dynamic classrooms prioritize the development of communication skills through the implementation of language circles and a scaffolding technique. Here, students engage deeply with core competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, focusing on everyday topics that hold significance to their lives. Embracing a student-centered approach, we facilitate exploration of diverse subjects, including greetings, hobbies, family life, meal ordering, and grocery shopping. By utilizing the Somos curriculum, we seamlessly integrate language acquisition with cultural immersion, providing students with the opportunity to gain profound insights into the Spanish and hispanophone worlds.
Spanish 3

The goal of Spanish 3 is to refine basic grammar and gain confidence in oral expression. Reading comprehension is emphasized through use of short stories. Weekly journal entries and vocabulary building are stressed, as well as oral presentations. Breaking the Spanish Barrier Advanced text is used in addition to a variety of video and internet exercises.
Spanish 3

Prerequisite: Spanish 2 – Year Long
Spanish 3 aims to refine basic grammar skills and boost oral expression confidence while placing a strong emphasis on reading comprehension through the use of short stories. Students engage in weekly journal entries, vocabulary expansion, and oral presentations. Embracing a student-centered approach, our dynamic classrooms prioritize communication skill development through language circles and scaffolding techniques. Core competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing are explored, focusing on everyday topics relevant to students' lives, such as greetings, hobbies, family life, meal ordering, and grocery shopping. Utilizing the Somos curriculum, we seamlessly integrate language acquisition with cultural immersion, providing students with profound insights into the Spanish and hispanophone worlds.
Spanish 4

Spanish 4 surveys a range of topics relevant to Spanish and Hispanic life and culture, allowing members of the class to focus on honing their written and spoken Spanish through discussion and composition. Students will complete a thorough grammatical review of material covered in previous courses. Topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to, Spanish and Latin American Art, History, and Geography.
Spanish 4

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 – Year Long
In Spanish 4, we delve into a comprehensive exploration of topics central to Spanish and Hispanic life and culture, fostering the development of conversation skills and a student-centered approach to learning. Through the lens of comprehensible input pedagogy, students engage deeply in discussions and written compositions, honing their proficiency in both spoken and written Spanish. This course includes a thorough grammatical review of previously covered material, ensuring a solid foundation for advanced language acquisition. Topics of exploration encompass a wide array of subjects, such as Spanish and Latin American Art, History, and Geography, providing students with a rich understanding of the cultural landscape.
Spanish 5: Literature of Latin America

Prerequisite: Honors Spanish 4 and departmental approval
Students in Spanish 5 engage in a study of Latin American narrative, essay, poetry, and drama, in conjunction with the Honors Spanish 4 class. Readings are studied chronologically, and held up against a historical background beginning in the twelfth century and continuing through the early twentieth century. In addition, students focus on speaking and writing skills through class discussion, presentation, and written exposition.
Spanish 5: Literature of Spain

Students in Spanish 5 engage in a study of peninsular Spanish narrative, essay, poetry, and drama, in conjunction with the Honors Spanish 4 class. Readings are studied chronologically, and held up against a historical background beginning in the twelfth century and continuing through the early twentieth century. In addition, students focus on speaking and writing skills through class discussion, presentation, and written exposition.

Curriculum Detail

Browse Our Curriculum

World Languages

Advanced Topics in French

Advanced Topics in Spanish

French 1

French 1

French 2

French 2

French 3

French 3

French 4

French 4

French 5

French 6

Honors Spanish 4: Literature of Latin America

Honors Spanish 4: Literature of Spain

Japanese Language and Culture

Spanish 1

Spanish 1

Spanish 2

Spanish 2

Spanish 3

Spanish 3

Spanish 4

Spanish 4

Spanish 5: Literature of Latin America

Spanish 5: Literature of Spain