MODERN LANGUAGE Course Catalog
4 semesters/ 20 credits required (same language)
Unless otherwise noted, all academic courses in this department meet both CSU and UC entrance requirements.
Modern language courses introduce students not only to the study of another language, but also to the lifestyles and cultures of that language including literature, history, art, music, religious traditions, and customs. Students are given the opportunity to not only learn how to communicate in a new language, but also create relationships with and understand people of another nation, to take action against intolerance and cultural stereotypes, and to become global citizens.
The current requirement for modern language study at Notre Dame is two years. However, both the administration and the Modern Language Department, in consultation with the director of college counseling, recommend that most students at Notre Dame complete a four-year sequence in one language. All students who finish Level II with a "B" (or a C with teacher recommendation) are encouraged to pursue the advanced levels in the language. The Modern Language Department considers Levels III and IV as essentially one course and therefore does not anticipate that grades vary significantly from Level III to IV. Students should also keep in mind that the rigor of their senior year schedule is far more important for college admissions than their senior year grades.
There is also the opportunity to double up on languages, picking up Level I of the other language as a sophomore or junior. For the student who is not qualified to go on to Level III, there is also the option of taking two years of a different language, demonstrating to the college admissions committees that the student is pursuing a rigorous schedule as a senior.
Students who are interested in American Sign Language should have a conversation with their counselor and the modern language department chairperson.
Requirements to register for American Sign Language (ASL)
| Eligibility | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Candidate for course pending counselor approval (additional fees will apply) | A learning needs evaluation stating ASL is needed as a formal learning accommodation. |
Honors & Advanced Placement Program
Eligibility for Honors and Advanced Placement Courses in Modern Language
| Course being applied for: | Grades must be maintained throughout the year or demonstrate significant improvement. |
|---|---|
|
Chinese Language and Culture Advanced Placement or French II Honors, French III Honors, French Language and Culture Advanced Placement or Spanish II Honors, Spanish III Honors, Spanish Language and Culture Advanced Placement, Spanish Literature and Culture Advanced Placement |
Entry into honors level classes is based on:
|
Note: Students must maintain the required grade in the second semester in order to maintain eligibility. All placements will be reviewed at the end of the school year by the department.
Suggested course sequence for honors students is:
Level I; Level IIH; Level III H; Language and Culture AP; Literature and Culture AP, Advanced Spanish Culture and Conversation
College Prep Courses
- American Sign Language I
- American Sign Language II
- Chinese I Competency (Mandarin I)
- Chinese II Competency (Mandarin II)
- Chinese III Competency (Mandarin III)
- French I
- French II
- French III
- Spanish I
- Spanish II
- Spanish III
- Advanced Spanish Culture and Conversation
Honors and Advanced Placement Courses
- Chinese Language & Culture AP
- French II Honors
- French III Honors
- French Language & Culture AP
- Spanish II Honors
- Spanish III Honors
- Spanish Language & Culture AP
- Spanish Literature & Culture AP
#ML1001 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I
10 credits - Grade(s) all
Enrollment based on counselor recommendation and department approval
This course is taught in an online format through Edgenuity.
Edgenuity® is a leading provider of K–12 online learning solutions, partnering with schools and districts throughout the country to provide the tools and support they need to maximize learning and improve student success.
Course description from Edgenuity - This beginning of this full-year course will introduce you to vocabulary and simple sentences, so that you can start communicating right away. Importantly, you will explore Deaf culture: social beliefs, traditions, history, values and communities influenced by deafness. The second semester will introduce you to more of this language and its grammatical structures.
#ML1002 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE II
10 credits - Grade(s) all
Prerequisite: Passing grade in ASL I
Enrollment based on counselor recommendation and department approval
This course is taught in an online format through Edgenuity.
Edgenuity® is a leading provider of K–12 online learning solutions, partnering with schools and districts throughout the country to provide the tools and support they need to maximize learning and improve student success.
Course description from Edgenuity - In this course, students will build on the skills they learned in American Sign Language 1 and explore the long and rich history of Deaf culture and language. They will expand their knowledge of the language as well as their understanding of the world in which it is frequently used. Students will grow their sign vocabulary and improve their ability to interact using facial expressions and body language. They will also learn current trends in technology within ASL as well as potential education and career opportunities.
#ML2001 CHINESE I (MANDARIN I)
10 credits - Grade(s) all
Prerequisite: none
Students use written and oral communication and present on general topics using basic information in both very familiar and everyday contexts. Students practice with memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences in texts that are spoken and written. The lessons focus on greetings, self-introductions, daily schedules, school life, and shopping. Cultural practices will be utilized to introduce traditional Chinese drinks, family, color, taboos etc. Both simplified Chinese characters and pinyin are presented together throughout the course.
#ML2002 CHINESE II (MANDARIN II)
10 credits - Grade(s) all
Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous language course
Students further develop their knowledge of key vocabulary topics and grammar concepts. Character recognition and practice are a key focus of the course, and pinyin is still presented with some characters throughout the course to aid in listening and reading comprehension. Using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences, students present information about themselves, their interests and activities, request and provide information on very familiar and everyday topics. The lessons focus on weather, direction, health, transportation, food and sports. Cultural practices are utilized to introduce Chinese traditional foods, Feng Shui, travel tips, etc.
#ML2003 CHINESE III (MANDARIN III)
10 credits - Grade(s) all
Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous language course
In this intermediate level course, students elevate their spoken and written language skills using familiar topics to focus on understanding the main idea and supporting information. They exchange information in interviews, make presentations, and express their thoughts on conversational topics. They research and share information by creating a series of sentences and asking a variety of follow-up questions. Students polish their communication skills by reading authentic materials, creating projects (fashion show, travel to China, school life introduction) and solving real world problems in the target language.
#ML2004AP CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE AP
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class OR a teacher recommendation.
This course prepares students to take the AP exam in the spring. Students continue developing their skills in listening, reading, writing and reading in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes. The class includes the exploration of different social and cultural aspects of China, using authentic multimedia and literary materials (public signs, advertisements, newspaper articles, etc.). Both historical traditions and modern changes are discussed through class discussions, group projects and individual presentations.
#ML3001 FRENCH I
10 credits - Grade(s) all
Prerequisite: none
This course is designed to give students an introduction to the French language. Grammar, vocabulary and culture are taught through the four basic communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each lesson focuses on an aspect of life in French speaking countries which high school students can appreciate – school, home, family, food, travel etc. In addition, these cultural lessons allows students to compare and contrast their customs and beliefs with those of people in French-speaking countries.
#ML3002 FRENCH II
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous language course
This course builds on the French I curriculum. Students develop further speaking and listening skills through conversation, group work, discussion of class materials and oral presentations. Their writing continues to improve through assigned paragraphs and compositions. Oral work is evaluated through classroom presentations and performances. Grammar, especially verb tenses, will be emphasized at this level.The cultural lessons concentrate on French-speaking countries outside of France, as well as everyday life.
#ML3002H FRENCH II HONORS
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class OR a teacher recommendation.
French II H has an accelerated pace allowing the students to acquire more knowledge with the expectation of a higher level of proficiency. Frequent written work of greater depth and detail is required. Students are challenged to speak freely and frequently in the target language; oral proficiency is emphasized. In addition, the students read and discuss several literary extracts including a unit on the Holocaust. This unit is a precursor to the work in French III Honors where students move away from “tourist” vocabulary and start to talk about issues that engage and inflame their spirits.
#ML3003 FRENCH III
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous language course
This course, conducted primarily in French, concentrates on elevating language skills to students' thought level. Students will move toward self-expression through various activities. Class discussion of reading materials along with debate and dramatizations will be used. Grammar will be reviewed and new, more complex structures will be introduced. Formal writing introduced in French II will continue. Students will study French culture, songs and short stories, and conduct research on various topics.
#ML3003 FRENCH III HONORS
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class OR a teacher recommendation.
This is a literature-based, honors level advanced language class where students will use their abilities as self-motivated learners to: develop a broad vocabulary, elevate grammar usage to a level of sophistication that will allow the student to express ideas clearly and concisely, refine reading skills, and speak and write with a level of sophistication that is suitable both to the content and their age. This will be accomplished through the use of film and literature based around 5 themes: friends and family, schooling, women’s rights, immigration and racism, media, and identity. The students will read novels in their original language including Petit Nicolas, Une Si Longue Lettre, Le Racisme Expliqué à Ma Fille, and Le Petit Prince. Students will develop comfort in speaking by working daily in small groups. Oral assessments will consist of recorded commentary, debates, Socratic seminars, and class discussion. Written work will include writing, discussion and reaction questions, compositions, and creative pieces. Students will also do an interview with a native speaker.
#ML3004AP FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE AP
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous language course or teacher recommendation
Using French-language literature, news articles, film and music as a framework for language study, this course focuses on the advanced listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary for upper-division college study in the French language. This class, conducted entirely in French prepares students for the Advanced Placement French Language Exam by developing critical thinking and academic skills as well as striving for a sophisticated level of expression in French, both orally and in writing. A detailed review of grammar and vocabulary will take place throughout the year, as well as an emphasis on extemporaneous discussion and composition writing, literary analysis and cultural awareness. The themes for study are: global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, and beauty and aesthetics. Summer reading is required for this course.
This class introduces the language and culture of Spanish-speaking communities to novice Spanish learners. After a year of study, students will be able to read and understand simple but authentic language, exchange information, ask for help, describe themselves and their surroundings and retell stories on a variety of familiar topics, such as: school, home, hobbies, family, food, wellbeing, travel, holidays and cultural traditions. In addition, cultural lessons will allow the students to compare and contrast their customs and beliefs with those of people in Spanish-speaking countries.
#ML4002 SPANISH II
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous language course
This course builds on the Spanish I curriculum. Students further develop their fluency, expanding on their abilities to communicate about their daily life and past events. Students build skills to participate in spontaneous spoken or written conversations on familiar topics, asking and answering a variety of questions. The cultural lessons focus on school, extracurricular activities, childhood, routines, shopping, errands in a city, news and natural disasters, as well as deepen their understanding of Day of the Dead and Christmas cultural traditions.
#ML4002H SPANISH II HONORS
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class OR a teacher recommendation.
This course builds off of skills acquired in Spanish 1 and is personalized according to student backgrounds & interests. By the end of the course, students use reading and listening skills to identify the topic and some details in authentic Spanish texts and videos. Students request and provide information in conversations on familiar topics and ask appropriate follow-up questions. Additionally, students present personal information about their lives, activities and events in a variety of tenses. Furthermore, students make connections between their culture and other cultures.
#ML4003 SPANISH III
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous language course
This course builds on the Spanish II curriculum. Students work in the presentational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal modes of communication to add to their vocabulary from previous courses and further develop their reading and writing skills. Students are exposed to an expanded vocabulary, new grammar (most notably the subjunctive), and read complex literature selections. Various cultural themes are explored, with special emphasis on pastimes, art, health/wellness, and relationships.
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class OR a teacher recommendation.
This course builds off of Spanish 2 and is extremely personalized according to student backgrounds & interests. By the end of the year, students use reading and listening skills to understand the main idea and key information in authentic Spanish texts and videos. Students exchange information in conversations on familiar topics and researched topics,to create sentences and ask a variety of follow-up questions. Students can use the target language to tell a story about their life, activities, events and other social experiences. Students make connections between their culture and other cultures. This course features a project with the Day Worker Center of Mountain View.
#ML4100AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE AP
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class OR a teacher recommendation.
Using Spanish-language literature, news articles, film and music as a framework for language study, this course focuses on the advanced listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary for upper-division college study in the Spanish language. This class, conducted entirely in Spanish, prepares the students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam by developing critical thinking and academic skills as well as striving for a sophisticated level of expression in Spanish, both orally and in writing. There is an emphasis on extemporaneous discussion and composition writing, literary analysis and cultural awareness. The themes for study are: global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, and beauty and aesthetics.
#ML4200AP SPANISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE AP
10 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class OR a teacher recommendation.
Spanish Literature and Culture AP is an advanced Spanish class that surveys Peninsular and Latin American literature from the Middle Ages to today. It is the equivalent of an upper-division college course and serves as an introduction to literary analysis and discussion of Spanish-language literature. Beyond developing reading comprehension, students will actively engage with text, understand the context in which it was written, think critically about its themes and greater message, and analyze the author’s craft. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish and students will learn the terminology and academic language to discuss content, structure, theme, character development, and figurative language. They will also write interpretive and analytical compositions and work to develop their academic writing skills in Spanish. The primary goal for the class is that students enjoy reading the classics of Spanish-language literature and develop their autonomy in reading on all levels.
#ML4004 ADVANCED SPANISH CULTURE AND CONVERSATION
10 credits - Grade(s) 11, 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in the previous class OR a teacher recommendation.
This course is intended for students who have completed Spanish III or above. It is extremely personalized according to student backgrounds & interests, and differentiated to meet the needs of students regardless of their current level of proficiency in Spanish. Students make connections between their own cultural practices and cultural practices in Spanish speaking countries to gain better perspective and understanding. By the end of the course, intermediate level students understand the main idea and some of the supporting information on familiar topics in authentic Spanish reading and listening, participate in spontaneous spoken conversations on familiar topics by creating sentences and series of sentences, and communicate information about familiar topics using sentences and series of sentences. By the end of the year, advanced level students understand more complex reading and listening across time frames, maintain conversations across various tenses and discuss familiar and unfamiliar topics, and communicate information about familiar and unfamiliar topics in paragraphs across time frames.