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World Languages

Content

Overview

 

Three credits of World Languages/Fine Arts/CTE are required to graduate from CMASAS. These can be a combination of any courses from World Language, Fine Arts, or CTE.

 

For students intending on applying to a public, four-year college or university it is recommended to take two credits of the same language. For students intending to apply to a highly selective college or university, it is recommended to take three to four credits in the same language.

 

CMASAS currently has two program options for world languages.  The information provided below is intended to help clarify these options.  Each option offers a slightly different approach and the languages available.

 

Immersion-Based Program

Traditional Program

Languages Offered

Description

Languages Offered

Description

  • Chinese 1-5
  • French 1-5
  • German 1-3
  • Italian 1-5
  • Japanese 1-3
  • Russian 1-3
  • Spanish 1-5
These courses are presented through Rosetta Stone. Students use images and audio to learn the language. There are no traditional lessons on grammar or verb conjugations, but rather these components of language are learned through immersion. Activities include a core lesson, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and others. Each activity follows the same format with students matching what they hear to images. Students will also use the voice recognition program to analyze their oral abilities. All Rosetta Stone courses are supplemented through our learning management system with culture projects, current events assignments, and oral assessments. 
  • Chinese 1-4
  • French 1-3
  • Hebrew 1-2
  • Latin 1-4
  • Spanish 1-4

A more traditional format to language learning that includes lessons in verb conjugations, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. All content is presented through our learning management system. Various activities include audio and a recording feature for oral and listening assessments. 

This is the only program that offers Latin.

 

 

American Sign Language I

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Get ready to jump-start your journey through Deaf culture exploring the worlds of EARth and EYEth. You’ll dive headfirst into this visual language by learning the basic building blocks of communication. You’ll master the art of effortlessly navigating conversations about family, school, celebrations, food and restaurants, entertainment, and traveling. You’ll make stops along the way, exploring the roots and traditions of Deaf culture. So, buckle up—your journey awaits!

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

American Sign Language II

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Continue your journey through the worlds of EARth and EYEth. Now it’s time to level up. Communication is our compass—whether you’re navigating directions you just received to downtown or classifiers, or you’re deciphering ASL literature—you’ll enjoy the journey. So, grab a snack, and maybe a drink too, and let’s dive in!

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
American Sign Language I

American Sign Language III

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

On the next step of your journey through the worlds of EARth and EYEth, you’ll follow three friends: a Deaf chef, a drummer, and an inspiring actress through their daily lives and friendship. Get ready to slice and dice like a chef, critique some entertainment for a vlog, reminisce on childhood memories, play some games, and do a little traveling. Along the way you will get to dive deeper into Deaf culture and even get an inside look into the lives of some famous Deaf people.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
American Sign Language II

Chinese I

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Chinese language and the richness of its diverse cultures. Sip your virtual teacup as you dive into topics like your life, family, school, house, and community. You will learn basic communication, grammar, and vocabulary skills to help build basic fluency and language proficiency. You will explore the culture and apply what you learn through written practice, listening, and speaking exercises. Are you ready for this new adventure?

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

Chinese II

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Imagine stepping into some bustling streets of China, the aroma of jasmine tea lingering in the air. Meet your guides: Zhang Ming and Chen Lili; they’ll lead you through the vibrant tapestry of daily life, home routines, weekends, health tips, childhood memories, and dreams. But wait, there’s more! Karen and Kailan join the adventure; they’ll immerse you in Chinese culture—how to apply vocabulary, navigate customs, and embrace the nuances.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Chinese I

Chinese III

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Your journey through the vibrant world of Chinese language and culture continues! Keep the momentum by exploring social circles, life events, and community vibes. Immerse yourself in different regions, appointments, and special events—picture yourself there, and don’t forget the cultural feast of music, art, literature, and the tantalizing aroma of authentic Chinese cuisine. Your curiosity will be your guide. So, grab your “backpack and tea” because your next adventure awaits!

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Chinese II

French I

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the French language and the richness of its diverse cultures. You will learn beginning grammar and vocabulary skills to help build basic fluency and language proficiency.  You will be able to engage in short conversations in French and explore the cultures of France and francophone Europe by learning about geography, foods, celebrations, and traditions from each place. Bon Voyage! Enjoy the trip!

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

French II

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

On this French journey, you will reinforce the fundamental skills and increase your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in French. Like many French explorers, you too, will set sail and visit the French territories overseas and learn about the geography, foods, homes, celebrations, and traditions from each place. All aboard! On y va!

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
French I

French III

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Are you ready to continue exploring a language with a global influence? You will gradually accumulate and expand your vocabulary and grammar knowledge and continue to expand your interpretive and communication skills in the French language. Take a global tour and follow the path of the language and its geographic distribution throughout Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and the DROM-COM.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
French II

French IV

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Honors
NCAA

Students reach a level of fluency to communicate clearly in the workplace and other settings. Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics, and they also use French to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
French III

French V

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Honors
NCAA

Students refine communication skills and make use of everything learned in French I - IV. Students use French to learn about and discuss various topics, including entertainment, culture, government, and economics. 

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
French IV

German I

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Honors
NCAA

Students learn beginning German; no prior exposure to the German language is required. Students will primarily learn to speak and understand spoken German, and they will also learn how to read and write basic German. They will gain knowledge of the German culture. 

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

German II

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Honors
NCAA

Students learn how to navigate their surroundings and build on the vocabulary and essential language structure in Level 1. They are able to talk about giving and getting directions, using transportation, telling time, dining out, enjoying basic social interactions, and much more. They will continue to explore German culture.  

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
German I

German III

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Honors
NCAA

Students connect with the world around them by building on the language fundamentals and conversational skills developed in Levels 1 and 2. They share ideas and opinions, expressing feelings, and talking about everyday life, interests, work, current events and much more.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
German II

German IV

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Honors
NCAA

Students reach a level of fluency to communicate clearly in the workplace and other settings. Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics, and they also use German to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
German III

Italian I

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Honors
NCAA

Students learn beginning Italian; no prior exposure to the Italian language is required. Students will primarily learn to speak and understand spoken Italian, and they will also learn how to read and write basic Italian. They will gain knowledge of the Italian culture.  

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

Italian II

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Honors
NCAA

Students learn how to navigate their surroundings and build on the vocabulary and essential language structure in Level 1. They are able to talk about giving and getting directions, using transportation, telling time, dining out, enjoying basic social interactions, and much more. They will continue to explore Italian culture.  

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Italian I

Italian III

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Honors
NCAA

Students connect with the world around them by building on the language fundamentals and conversational skills developed in Levels 1 and 2. They share ideas and opinions, expressing feelings, and talking about everyday life, interests, work, current events, culture and much more.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Italian II

Italian IV

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Honors
NCAA

Students reach a level of fluency to communicate clearly in the workplace and other settings. Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics, and they also use Italian to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Italian III

Japanese I

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Honors
NCAA

Students learn beginning Japanese; no prior exposure to the Japanese language is required. Students will primarily learn to speak and understand spoken Japanese, and they will also learn how to read and write basic Japanese. They will gain knowledge of the Japanese culture.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

Japanese II

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Honors
NCAA

Students learn how to navigate their surroundings and build on the vocabulary and essential language structure in Level 1. They are able to talk about giving and getting directions, using transportation, telling time, dining out, enjoying basic social interactions, culture and much more.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Japanese I

Japanese III

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Honors
NCAA

Students connect with the world around them by building on the language fundamentals and conversational skills developed in Levels 1 and 2. They share ideas and opinions, expressing feelings, and talking about everyday life, interests, work, current events and much more.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Japanese II

Latin I

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Discover the culture and rich storytelling tradition of the ancient Romans! In this course, you'll build a foundation of grammar and vocabulary skills to help increase fluency and language proficiency. You will explore the mythology, history and culture of Rome and apply what you learn through translation practice, writing, listening, and conversation exercises, while reading Roman stories that have stood the test of time.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

Latin II

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Immerse yourself in a journey through Roman history with the Latin language as your guidepost! In this course, you'll expand your grammar and vocabulary skills and step back in time into Rome's intriguing past. You will explore classical cultures and apply what you learn through translation practice as well as writing, listening, and conversation exercises. Your journey will open the door to reading authentic Latin works –the words of the ancient Romans themselves.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Latin I

Russian I

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Honors
NCAA

Students learn beginning Russian; no prior exposure to the Russian language is required. Students will primarily learn to speak and understand spoken Russian, and they will also learn how to read and write basic Russian. They will gain knowledge of the Russian culture and become aware of both Russian history and current events.  

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

Russian II

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Honors
NCAA

Students learn how to navigate their surroundings and build on the vocabulary and essential language structure in Level 1. They are able to talk about giving and getting directions, using transportation, telling time, dining out, enjoying basic social interactions. They will continue to explore Russian culture.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Russian I

Russian III

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Honors
NCAA

Students connect with the world around them by building on the language fundamentals and conversational skills developed in Level 1 and 2.  They share ideas and options, expressing feelings, and talking about everyday life, interests, work, current events culture and much more. 

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Russian II

Spanish I

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Open the door to all the possibilities of your Spanish language passport! Sip your virtual cafecito as you delve into topics like school, daily escapades, food preferences, nationalities, family, sports, music, clothing, transportation, and weather. On this journey you’ll unearth a trove of cultural gems, discovering the richness of different Spanish-speaking countries through breath-taking locations, unique celebrations, and cherished traditions.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
None

Spanish II

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Get ready to immerse yourself on a journey towards Spanish fluency! Along this language path, you’ll explore facets of your home life, daily routine, health, cherished memories, travel must-haves, and visions of career plans. You'll gain the skills to talk about your life—past, present, and future—and increase your conversational expertise.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Spanish I

Spanish III

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic culture spanning the globe. Explore the sensory delights—flavors, vistas, and melodies—woven into this dynamic language, which echoes triumphs, struggles, and jubilant celebrations. As you delve deeper, you’ll embrace global citizenship by discovering the Hispanic influence on the global world, its ancient histories, and its harmonious blend with modern life in diverse countries.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Spanish II

Spanish IV

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Honors
NCAA
Essential Elective

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic culture spanning the globe. Explore the sensory delights—flavors, vistas, and melodies—woven into this dynamic language, which echoes triumphs, struggles, and jubilant celebrations. As you delve deeper, you’ll embrace global citizenship by discovering the Hispanic influence on the global world, its ancient histories, and its harmonious blend with modern life in diverse countries.

Duration
2 Semesters
Prerequisites
Spanish III