World Language

Completion of two consecutive years of a World Language is required for all Cathedral students. These two consecutive years of a World Language must be completed at Cathedral High School. Incoming students who have studied one or more years of a World Language at the junior high or elementary level are strongly encouraged to take the proficiency test prior to beginning their study of the respective world language. A student may test out of one, two, or three years of the language.

🍀Although all World Languages taught at Cathedral High School are taught as acquisition courses, there are many different ways to learn a World Language. Our department is dedicated to differentiating our teaching approaches in order to accommodate a greater variety of learning styles and student motivation. In doing so, students are able to accomplish excellence due to best practices in teaching, which have been adapted to the needs of our times. Cathedral’s World Language department strives to transform students into citizens who embrace diversity and are engaged in the global society as its future leaders. 

🍀If a student fails the first semester in any language, he/she will be dropped from the course at the end of the semester and required to repeat the language the following year or select another language. The department highly recommends that a student obtaining a D or lower at the end of the second semester in a first-year class audit the class the next year.

🍀If a student receives a grade of C- or below at the end of the second semester of the second year in any language, he/she is strongly encouraged to NOT continue in the advanced levels of that specific language. He/she should consider taking the first year of a different language.

🍀Expectations of the World Language Department for students:

  1. Students are expected to practice vocabulary, conjugation of verbs, and other grammar concepts to learn correct spelling and the correct use of accent marks in the target language. Daily study of vocabulary and grammar concepts is also expected.
  2. Students must use the target language as much as possible in and out of the classroom. Oral participation in class activities is expected on a daily basis. The percentages for the amount of language used in each level of language are: first year 50-70%, second year 60-80%, third year 80-90%, and fourth/fifth year 90-100%.
  3. Students must be patient and diligent in their study. Daily oral and written work is required if one is serious about learning a language well. One cannot cram for a foreign language test or quiz. Daily memorization is needed for long term results.
  4. Students are expected to develop a respect for the diverse culture of the target language.
  5. Students are expected to not use online translators for complete sentences, paragraphs, essays, and/or research papers in the target language.

American Sign Language I (Academic)

C265AF/C265AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

None.

Course Description:

This course introduces students to American Sign Language (ASL) and the Deaf community. The course focuses on frequently used signs through a functional-notional approach and discusses cultural features of the Deaf community. Emphasis is placed on development of receptive and expressive language skills. Through this course, students are given the opportunity to develop visual acuity; follow brief verbal instructions; understand short statements, questions, and dialogues; develop short descriptions with guidance; and begin to understand the current GLOSSING system used to write ASL. Students also learn to recognize the difference between the pathological and psychological definitions of deafness, recognize the widespread use of ASL throughout the United States, and develop an understanding of the relationship between languages and cultures as a whole.


American Sign Language II (Academic)

C2652AF/2652AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite: 

American Sign Language I and recommendation from teacher.

Course Description:

This course continues the focus on frequently used signs through a functional-notional approach and the discussion of the cultural features of the Deaf community. Emphasis is placed on further development of receptive and expressive communication skills in American Sign Language (ASL). Through this course, students are given the opportunity to watch and understand short stories, dialogues, and poetry in ASL; continue to develop visual discrimination skills; begin to understand various dialects of ASL by interacting with ASL users within the Deaf community; begin to use classifiers appropriately; continue the mastery of the current GLOSSING system used in texts to write ASL; and begin to write and GLOSS their own simple dialogues and translations. Students will also learn to examine some of the political issues associated with the Deaf community and will further develop an understanding of the relationship between languages and cultures as a whole.


American Sign Language III (Honors)

xxxxxx/xxxxxx 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite: 

American Sign Language II and exit interview with recommendation from teacher.

Course Description: 

This course provides instruction in vocabulary building and mastery of grammar through rigorous receptive and expressive language activities. American Sign Language (ASL) skills development with application in complex grammatical structures is continued. American Deaf Culture topics will be discussed. ASL is a visual language so attendance is crucial. The class will be taught mainly voice-off. Students will have minimal if any use of their voice to encourage full immersion. 


French I (College Prep) (Academic)

C211CF/C211CS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

C211AF/C211AS

Prerequisite:

None.

Course Description:

This introductory French course is an introduction to the French language and culture. Students will learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Students will learn about the different cultures and peoples of the French speaking world as they prepare to enter our global society. College Prep and Academic level will provide many enrichment opportunities for students in order to help them succeed at that level. Course level is dependent upon English and/or Math level.


French II (College Prep) (Academic) (Honors)

C212CF/C212CS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

C212AF/C212AS

C212XF/C212XS

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of French I or equivalent or permission of teacher.

Course Description:

This course is a continuation of the study of the French language and the French speaking world. The course continues to help the student develop the necessary language skills for proficiency in a second language. Academic and Honors level will provide many enrichment opportunities for students in order to help them succeed at that level. Course level is dependent upon English and/or Math level.


French III (Dual Credit) (Honors)

C213XF/C213XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Academic or Honors French II or equivalent or permission of teacher. 

Course Description:

This course continues to strengthen the listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills developed during the first two years of studying French. Linguistic skills are reinforced through grammar review, guided and creative compositions, and oral exercises in which students express their feelings and opinions. By the end of the course year, students will be able to increase fluency in expression and interpretation of the French language within a cultural context. Students are introduced to a variety of literary selections, such as poetry, short stories, and magazines to strengthen reading skills. This course is offered as Dual Credit through Ivy Tech as French 101 for 4 transferable college credits and French 102 for 4 transferable college credits.

Note: This course may be taken either as an Honors course for Honors credit or Dual Credit through Ivy Tech as French 101 and French 102.  Four (4) college credits per semester will be earned upon successful completion of the course and college admissions eligibility. 

*Course Fee* – determined by Ivy Tech.


French IV (Dual Credit) (Honors)

C214XF/C214XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of French III or equivalent or permission of teacher. 

Course Description:

This advanced course of study in French emphasizes intensive practice in conversational language and increased literary analysis of plays, novels, poetry, and films. Students refine their written work as well as their listening comprehension. A continued cultural study, particularly of history, geography, and civilization, is an integral part of this course. Extensive grammar review is included in preparation for college placement exams. This course is offered as Dual Credit through Ivy Tech as French 201 for 3 transferable college credits and French 202 for 3 transferable college credits.

Note: This course may be taken either as an Honors course for Honors credit or as a Dual Credit course through Ivy Tech as French 201 and French 202. In order to earn the three  (3) transferable college credits per semester, successful completion of French 101 and 102 must have been earned. 

*Course Fee* – determined by Ivy Tech.


AP French V (Advanced Placement) (Honors)

C215XF/C215XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Completion of French IV with a B or higher, equivalent course, or recommendation of teacher. 

Course Description:

This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement French exam. The objectives of the course are for students to develop a strong command of vocabulary and structure, an ability to understand the spoken language in various conversational situations, an ability to read newspaper and magazine articles, contemporary fiction, non-technical writings without the use of a dictionary, and the ability to express ideas orally and in writing. This course seeks to develop language skills that are useful and that can be applied to various activities and disciplines. Training in organizing and writing compositions is emphasized. Students are required to take the AP exam in the spring.

*Course Fee*


German I (Academic)

C221AF/C221AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

None.

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the German language and culture. Students learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. An emphasis is placed on listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills through various individual, paired, and group activities. Students will learn to appreciate the different cultures and the value of language learning in an increasingly global society.


German II (Academic)

C222AF/C222AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of German I with a second semester grade of C or higher or permission of teacher.

Course Description:

This course continues in the development of listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students review and expand their knowledge of German grammar and vocabulary. Students become increasingly aware of the international community.


German III (Honors)

C223XF/C223XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of German II or equivalent or permission of teacher. 

Course Description:

This course continues to strengthen the listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills developed during the first two years of German study. Linguistic skills are reinforced through grammar review, guided and creative writing, and oral exercises in which students express feelings and opinions. Students are introduced to a variety of literary selections to strengthen reading ability, and aural skills are strengthened through the use of current and historical audio and video selections.


German IV (Honors)

C224XF/C224XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of German III or equivalent or permission of teacher. German IV is intended for students who have two to five years of experience in the study of German. 

Course Description:

This advanced course of study in German emphasizes intensive practice in conversational language and increased literary analysis. Students refine their written work as well as their listening comprehension. A continued cultural study, particularly of history, geography, and current civilization, is an integral part of this course. Extensive grammar review is included in preparation for college placement exams.


AP German V (Advanced Placement) (Honors)

C225XF/C225XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Completion of German IV with a B or higher, equivalent course, or recommendation of teacher. 

Course Description:

This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement German exam. The objectives of the course are for students to develop a strong command of vocabulary and structure, an ability to understand the spoken language in various conversational situations, an ability to read newspaper and magazine articles, contemporary fiction, non-technical writings without the use of a dictionary, and the ability to express ideas orally and in writing. This course seeks to develop language skills that are useful and that can be applied to various activities and disciplines. Training in organizing and writing compositions is emphasized. Students are required to take the AP exam in the spring.

*Course Fee*


Spanish I (Academic)

C241AF/C241AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

None.

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the Spanish language and the culture. Students learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. An emphasis is placed on listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills through various individual, paired, and group activities. Students will learn to appreciate the different cultures and the value of language learning in an increasingly global society.


Spanish II (Academic)

C242AF/C242AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Academic Spanish I or equivalent. 

Course Description:

This course continues in the development of listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students review and expand their knowledge of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Students become increasingly aware of cultural diversity.


Spanish II (Honors)

C242XF/C242XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Spanish I Academic or equivalent and recommendation of teacher.

Course Description:

This course continues in the development of listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students review and expand their knowledge of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Students become increasingly aware of cultural diversity. This course is specifically designed for students who intend to proceed to Spanish III (Honors/Dual Credit).


Spanish III (Academic)

C243AF/C243AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Spanish II Academic or permission of the student’s previous  teacher.

Course Description:

This course continues to strengthen listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills developed during the first two years of studying Spanish. Linguistic skills are reinforced through grammar review, guided and creative compositions, and oral exercises in which students express their feelings and opinions. Students are introduced to a variety of literary selections, such as poetry, short stories, and magazines to strengthen reading skills. Spanish III Academic is not a dual-credit course, and students who take this course will not be adequately prepared to take Spanish IV.


Spanish III (Dual Credit) (Honors)

C243XF/C243XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits 

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Spanish II Honors with a B or higher or equivalent or permission of teacher. 

Course Description:

This course continues to strengthen the listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills developed during the first two years of studying Spanish. Linguistic skills are reinforced through grammar review, guided and creative compositions, and oral exercises in which students express their feelings and opinions. Students are introduced to a variety of literary selections, such as poetry, short stories, and magazines to strengthen reading skills. Offered as Dual Credit through Ivy Tech as Spanish 101 for 4 transferable college credits and as Spanish 102 for 4 transferable college credits.

Note: This course is offered as Dual Credit through Ivy Tech as Spanish 101 and Spanish 102.  Four (4) college credits per semester will be earned upon completion of the course and college admissions eligibility.

*Course Fee* – determined by Ivy Tech.


Spanish IV (Dual Credit) (Honors)

C244XF/C244XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Spanish III Dual Credit/Honors or permission of teacher. 

Course Description:

This advanced course of study in Spanish emphasizes intensive practice in conversational language and increased literary analysis of plays, novels, poetry, and films. Students refine their written work as well as their listening comprehension. A continued cultural study, particularly of the history, geography, and civilization of Spain is an integral part of this course. Extensive grammar review is included in preparation for college placement exams. Offered as Dual Credit through Ivy Tech for Spanish 201 for 3 transferable college credits and Spanish 202 for 3 transferable credits.

Note: This course is offered as Dual Credit through Ivy Tech as Spanish 201 and Spanish 202. Three (3) college credits per semester will be earned upon successful completion of the course and college admissions eligibility. It is the 2nd year of the Dual College Credit sequence.

*Course Fee* – determined by Ivy Tech.


AP Spanish V, Language and Culture (Advanced Placement) (Honors)

C245XF/C245XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Completion of Spanish IV Honors/Dual Credit with a B or higher or recommendation of  the teacher. 

Course Description:

The objectives of the course are for students to develop a strong command of vocabulary and structure, an ability to understand the spoken language in various conversational situations, an ability to read newspaper and magazine articles, contemporary fiction, non-technical writings without the use of a dictionary, and the ability to express ideas orally and in writing. This course seeks to develop language skills that are useful and that can be applied to various activities and disciplines. Training in organizing and writing compositions is emphasized. Students are required to take the AP exam in the spring.

*Course Fee*


AP Spanish VI, Literature and Culture (Advanced Placement) (Honors)

C249XF/C249XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Completion of Spanish V AP Language and Culture with a B or higher, equivalent course, or recommendation of teacher. 

Course Description:

The objectives of the course are for the students to be able to understand a lecture in Spanish on a literary topic. Furthermore, the student will be able to assess and analyze passages predominantly of prose, poetry, and drama. The texts include a list of 38 authors/texts. Emphasis is placed on reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. Students are required to read ALL 38 pieces of literature (as indicated by the College Board). The literature is from the middle ages up to and including the 21st century. Students are required to take the AP exam in the spring.

*Course Fee*


Heritage Spanish Introduction   

Spanish heritage learners are those students who communicate in Spanish on a regular basis in their home with family, in their community, or have lived in a Spanish speaking country for an extended period of time and wish to further develop their Spanish language proficiency/competence at an academic level. This program is designed to meet the particular needs of heritage learners. In the program, students study and analyze oral and written Spanish in an academic setting. They improve their strategic Spanish speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, build sophisticated and advanced vocabulary (including terminology to discuss language),  and evaluate dialectical, social, and contextual variations. Placement in Heritage Spanish courses require approval of the instructor. 


Heritage Spanish I (Academic)

C256AF/C256AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Open to those who have shown they are native or heritage speakers. Placement Test, including interview and teacher approval, required.

Course Description:

Although students may have varied entry levels of proficiency at the onset of the course and may or may not feel confident in their abilities, they will make large gains in both their language abilities as well as their confidence during this first level due to their increased background knowledge. The general objectives of this course are to expand students’ oral and written registers in Spanish, improve their reading and presentation skills, and build vocabulary while exploring issues related to identity, heritage, community, and culture. Students will learn norms of formal written Spanish and develop formal writing skills in both creative and expository writing. They will explore authentic literature and poetry at different lexile levels and current events articles from various Hispanic and Latino cultures. Through reading, they will become aware of the literary devices used in writing as well as different variants of Spanish used in different settings. In addition, they will work to understand linguistic choice in order to become more confident in their use of language for different settings and audiences.


Heritage Spanish II (Dual Credit) (Honors)

C257XF/C257S 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Heritage Spanish I or permission of teacher required. 

Course Description:

Heritage Spanish II has been designed to help heritage speakers continue with their formal study of Spanish. Students will review and recycle the most challenging grammar topics, spelling, and accent work, study register, and expand their vocabulary in order to continue building confidence and skill in writing Spanish for academic and creative purposes. Writing in Spanish will include three additional types of text: descriptive, comparative/contrast, and narrative. Students will also work to strengthen their interpretive and analytical skills as well as include a greater variety of literary formats and styles in order to enhance reading strategies and skills. Some topics covered in this course include immigration, education, employment role models and heroes, and world challenges. In addition, students will continue their exploration of cultural identity and heritage via topics about their own history and cultural traditions as well as those of others. The goal is to validate the linguistic and cultural experiences and influences of their bilingual and bicultural upbringing while also building their academic skills in Spanish.  Students will become more  confident in their use of Spanish for different settings and, as a result, be better prepared for college.

Note: This course is offered as Dual Credit through Ivy Tech as Spanish 101 and Spanish 102. Four (4) college credits per semester will be earned upon successful completion of the course and college admissions eligibility. 

*Course Fee* – determined by Ivy Tech.


Latin I (Academic)

C231AF/C231AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

None.

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the language and culture in Roman life. An emphasis is placed on the basic language skills of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Students will read in both Latin and English about mythology and classical Roman culture. Latin derivatives will be studied to increase English verbal skills. Various projects will be completed on aspects of Roman culture during the year. Students are eligible to join the National Junior Classical League.


Latin II (Academic)

C232AF/C232AS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Latin I with a second semester grade of C or higher or permission of teacher.

Course Description:

This course continues the study of grammar including participles, infinitives, and the subjunctive mood. An emphasis is placed on the grammatical structures and vocabulary needed to read selections from various Latin authors in the original language. Classical Roman history and culture are studied through the translations. Various projects are completed on aspects of Roman culture during the year. Students are eligible to join the National Junior Classical League.


Latin III (Honors)

C233XF/C233XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Latin II or equivalent or permission of teacher.

Course Description:

This course builds on the “Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata” and “Pugio Bruti” curriculum of Classical Latin and introduces students to their first classical authors in prose and poetry. Students will explore ancient Roman history and culture from the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire as evident in the literature. Students will study the rhetorical devices and colloquial Latin conventions in the prose and poetic devices, including scansion and recitation, from multiple Latin authors. All of this will prepare students to move on to Latin IV and Dual Credit options if they choose. Students are eligible to join the National Junior Classical League.

*Course Fee*


Latin IV (Dual Credit) (Honors)

C234XF/C234XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Latin III or equivalent or permission of teacher.

Course Description:

The Course will follow a curriculum of Classical Latin during the Late Republic and Early Imperial Time Period. Students will read Julius Caesar’s memoirs from the Gallic Wars and Vergil’s Aeneid. Students will read Vergil’s Aeneid in both translation and Latin. Poetry and writing from various other Classical Roman writers will be studied. Scansion of the poetry is learned and recited. Poetic devices and figures of speech are taught. Students are eligible to join the National Junior Classical League. 

Note: This course is offered as Dual Credit through Butler University as Latin 203 for 3 credits.

*Course fee* – determined by Butler University.


Latin V (Dual Credit) (Honors)

C236XF/C236XS 2 Semesters 2 Credits

Prerequisite:

Successful completion of Latin IV or equivalent or permission of teacher. 

Course Description:

This course will prepare the students for the study of Latin at the post-secondary level. Students will increase their proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Students enrolled in Latin V will have additional opportunities to earn college credit.