World Languages
Graduation Requirements: 20 Credits
Two years of the SAME language (Note: UC requires 2 years; 3 years recommended)
De La Salle High School offers world language courses in American Sign Language (ASL), French, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to view all courses offered.
*Please note: The abbreviations P, H and AP are all UC/CSU approved courses
P = UC/CSU approved; H = Honors; AP = Advanced Placement
American Sign Language
ASL 1 - P
ASL 1 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L601
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: Admission to this course will be through placement from the Guidance Dept. or the VP for Curriculum Development and Academic Services
LEVEL: 9th-11th grade
The study of American Sign Language (ASL) offers students the chance to communicate in and understand another language while familiarizing themselves with the community and culture of the Deaf. This course develops the ability to communicate accurately and effectively in expressive and receptive signing within a range of real life situations. Students are exposed to a variety of learning situations to increase their understanding of American Sign Language and Deaf culture. Audiovisual, Deaf literature, both written and visual, such as poetry and stories, as well as field trips to Deaf cultural events help students to develop their ASL skills while growing an appreciation of Deaf culture and language. This course fosters both life-long learning and high levels of language proficiency for students.
ASL 2 - P
ASL 2 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L602
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: Admission to this course will be through placement from the Guidance Dept. or the VP for Curriculum Development and Academic Services
LEVEL: 9th-11th grade
ASL 2 is a continuation of the basic aspects of American Sign Language taught in ASL 1 - its basic vocabulary, structure, syntax and grammar. Students will continue to focus on fingerspelling, numbers, facial grammar and sentence structure. Students will also further develop the conversational/cultural behaviors necessary to hold a beginning-level conversation. More challanging examples of Deaf humor will be rpesented, as well as additional cultural information to aid student development of awareness of and appreciation for the unique linguistic relationship between langage and culture among those deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals who use ASL to communicate.
ASL 3 - P
ASL 3 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L603
STATUS: UC & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: Admission to this course will be through placement from the Guidance Dept. or the VP for Curriculum Development and Academic Services
LEVEL: 9th-11th grade
ASL 3 is the third year in the American Sign Language course sequence. The course builds upon the receptive and expressive skills taught in ASL 1 & 2. This course will develop student’s abilities to demonstrate receptive proficiency of ASL conversations, incorporate classifiers into everyday conversations and allow students to exchange personal information and specific life events. It will further develop student’s abilities to perform short narratives with competence, selfgenerate short stories,convey emotions using facial expressions, compare and contrast various aspects of Def Culture adn overall increase fluency in Finger spelling as used in ASL. This course increases fluency and accuracy in finger spelling and allows for recognition and demonstration of more sophisticated grammatical features of Americal Sign Language. Furthermore, the course will give students a deeper understanding of the history, values and social norms of the Deaf Community in the United States and provides opportunities for interaction with the Deaf Community. Upon completion of this course, the students will demonstrate increasing fluency and control of vocabulary in their communication skills.
French
French 1 - P
French 1 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L101
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
Level 1 introduces the beginning student to the basic vocabulary, conversational idioms, grammatical structures, and phonetic characteristics of the language. Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills are presented through a variety of media, with emphasis on learning to communicate in an authentic environment. Level 1 will provide a general introduction to French speaking countries.
French 2 - P
French 2 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L102
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of French 1. *For entering 9th Graders: teacher recommendation required
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
Students will continue to develop the basic linguistic skills acquired in the first year. Students’ proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening will be enhanced through a variety of methods. Students will be expected to use the language for communication inside and outside of class. Students will study the regions of France and their cultures. This course will be conducted primarily in French.
French 3 - P
French 3 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L103
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: C in French 2 or department approval
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
In Level 3 students will continue to develop and strengthen linguistic skills acquired in the second year. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills will be emphasized in the context of more advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students will continue to explore the culture of France and the French-speaking world. This course will be conducted entirely in French.
French 3 (H) - P
French 3 (H) - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L162
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: A- in French 2 or department approval
LEVEL: 10th-12th grade
French 3 Honors is an advanced language course designed for students who have demonstrated interest in the language and wish to become fluent in French and prepare themselves for the AP French Language and Culture examination in their fourth year. Students will be required to speak French at all times in a variety of situations ranging from class discussion to oral presentations and debates. Students will focus on enriching vocabulary, increasing and improving speaking and listening skills, developing writing and reading abilities in a variety of authentic formats and broadening their awareness of the Francophone world. Extensive out of class work in French is expected. This class is conducted entirely in French.
French 4 - P
French 4 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L104
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: B in French 3; or approval of department chair and academic advisor
LEVEL: 10th-12th grades
French 4 is an advanced course designed to build proficiency in listening, reading, speaking and writing while expanding students’ knowledge of French culture. Students will develop their knowledge and use of vocabulary and advanced constructions. This level uses only authentic material in all four skills. Communication and grammar skills will be emphasized. Active participation in French both inside and outside of class is required. this course will be conducted completely in French.
AP French Language - P
AP French Language - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L160
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: B+ or above in French 3 or French 4 and teacher approval; B or above in French 3 Honors with teacher approval
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade
This course covers the equivalent of an intermediate college course in French. The course is for a student who has a thorough working knowledge of French language language structures and is comfortable with oral activities in French. Active oral participation and extensive out of class preparation are expected of each student. This course is conducted entirely in French with authentic material. Preparation for the AP exam in French language is provided. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination.
Italian
Italian 1 - P
Italian 1 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L301
STATUS: U.C.& NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
Italian 1 introduces the beginning student to the basic vocabulary, conversational idioms, grammatical structures and phonetic characteristics of the language. Emphasis will be on oral and written communication of a practical nature. Cultural background relevant to daily life in Italy will be presented.
Italian 2 - P
Italian 2 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L302
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Italian 1; Students with a grade of D are strongly recommended to improve this grade through summer school
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
Italian 2 will further develop the skills fostered in Italian 1, with more extensive training in vocabulary, reading and writing. Review of basic grammar and introduction of additional points, including all major verb tenses: continuation of cultural studies.
Italian 2 (H) - P
Italian 2 (H)
REGISTRATION CODE: L351
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: B+ in Italian 1 and Instructor approval
LEVEL: 9th and12th grade
In Italian 2 Honors, students will further develop the basic competency skills acquired in the first year, including vocabulary, conversational idioms, grammatical structures and phonological characteristics of the Italian language. Emphasis will be in helping the students acquire basic competence in the four language skills; the receptive (listening and reading), and the productive (speaking and writing). From the beginning, the student is encouraged to work on building the four skills by active use of the language. This honors course will be more rigorous in all four areas than the regular level 2 course. Cultural aspects of the target language will be presented. Students will be expected to engage in more elaborate direct use of the language as a means of communication. The course will be taught primarily in Italian.
Italian 3 - P
Italian 3 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L303
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: C in Italian 2 and department approval
LEVEL: 10th-12th grades
The student will pursue proficiency in basic language skills such as understanding an oral presentation given at moderate speed, comprehending some literature and non-technical prose (e.g. newspaper articles), conversing readily on subjects of personal interest, and writing several coherent paragraphs on familiar topics. There will be comprehensive grammar review, the addition of considerable cultural material, and extended readings.
Italian 3 (H) - P
Italian 3 (H)
REGISTRATION CODE: L353
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: A- in Italian and department approval
LEVEL: 11th and12th grade
Italian 3 honors incorporates material covered in Italian 3, but it is more rigorous in its demands of language usage in all four modalities. Students are expected to function in the language in a more spontaneous manner and with great accuracy. The course is taught almost entirely in Italian.
AP Italian
AP Italian
REGISTRATION CODE: L354
STATUS: UC Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: B in Italian 3 ; and department approval
LEVEL: 10th-12th grades
The Italian AP course is an advanced course in Italian language and culture. This course prepares students to develop proficiency in Italian in all communicative modes; listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will study advanced Italian grammar and all discussions will take place entirely in Italian. Preparation for the AP exam in Italian is provided. This course will be conducted entirely in Italian. Students are expected to take the AP examination in May.
Latin
Latin 1 - P
Latin 1 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L401
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
Latin 1 introduces the systems of declension and conjugation in Latin as well as basic vocabulary with emphasis on translation skills. Some attention is paid to classical allusion of culture, history and mythology.
Latin 2 - P
Latin 3 - P
Latin 3 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L403
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: C in Latin 2 and Instructor approval
LEVEL: 10th-12th grade
This course emphasizes the translation of Roman literature and biblical literature with attention to style, figures of syntax, and figures of rhetoric. Students study the works of Cicero, Virgil, and New Testament Latin.
AP Latin - P
AP Latin - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L450
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: B+ in Latin 3 or department approval
LEVEL: 10th-12th grade
The AP Latin course is an advanced reading course using Caesar’s De Bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid as texts. In addition to appropriate translation skills, students are expected to employ literary analysis in order to fully appreciate the Latin work being studied. The aims of this year-long course are: To imporve the students’ ability to read; understand and translate both prose and poetry in Latin; to expose students to poetic syntax, figures of speech, and meter; to involve students in literary analysis of Latin prose and poetry; to enhance the students’ understanding of literary and social contexts of the ancient Roman world; and to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in Latin. Students are expected to take the AP examination in May.
Spanish
- Spanish 1 - P
- Spanish 2 - P
- Spanish 2 (H)
- Spanish 3 - P
- Spanish 3 (H)
- Spanish 4 - P
- AP Spanish - P
- Spanish for Heritage Speakers I - P
- Spanish for Heritage Speakers II - P
Spanish 1 - P
Spanish 1 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L501
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: Interest in studying Spanish.
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
Spanish 1 introduces the beginning student to the basic vocabulary, conversational idioms, grammatical structures and phonetic characteristics of language. Spanish 1 will also provide the student with a general introduction to the particular language-speaking culture. The course is conducted primarily in Spanish.
Spanish 2 - P
Spanish 2 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L502
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Spanish 1. Students with a grade of D are strongly encouraged to improve this grade through summer school. Entering 9th Graders: Placement in Spanish 2 according to placement exam results
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
The student will continue to develop the basic linguistic skills acquired in the first year. His development of oral and listening proficiency will further be pursued, placing additional emphasis on reading and writing skills. The student will be encouraged to engage in more direct use of the language as a means of communication among students. The study of Spanish culture will be expanded. The course is conducted primarily in Spanish.
Spanish 2 (H)
Spanish 2 (H)
REGISTRATION CODE: L555
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: A- in Spanish 1 and teacher approval
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
Spanish 2 Honors will continue Level 1 and incorporate material taught in the regular Spanish 2 class. This is an accelerated class which begins the student’s preparation for further study into Spanish 3 Honors and Spanish 4 AP Language, and therefore, is rigorous in both oral and written expression. This class is conducted primarily in Spanish. Students will be expected to function in the target language using present, past and future tenses. Students work from a text and activity book. Through the use of these resources, students are exposed to a variety of everyday situations and contemporary life, as well as readings in authentic Spanish. Students are expected to complete weekly listening assignments.
Spanish 3 - P
Spanish 3 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L503
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS and CHS
PREREQUISITES: Completion of Span. 2 with a “C” average both semesters
LEVEL: 10th-12th grade.
This course is designed to increase the student’s skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Upon completion of the third level of the language, the student will have been exposed to the fundamental concepts and structures of Spanish. Cultural understanding will be presented through readings in the text, supplementary materials and discussions. The class is conducted largely in Spanish.
Spanish 3 (H)
Spanish 3 (H)
REGISTRATION CODE: L556
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS & CHS
PREREQUISITES: Completion of Spanish 2 (H) with a grade of “B+” or above, or grade of “A-” in Spanish 1 & 2 and teacher approval
LEVEL: 10th-12th grade
Spanish 3 Honors is an advanced language course designed for students identified in their first two years as superior Spanish students who have demonstrated interest in the language and wish to become fluent in Spanish and prepare themselves for the AP Spanish Language Examination in their fourth year. Students will be required to speak Spanish at all times and in a variety of situations ranging from class discussion to oral presentations and debates. Students will focus on enriching vocabulary, increasing and improving speaking and listening skills, developing writing and reading abilities in a variety of formats, and broadening their awareness of the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish 4 - P
Spanish 4 - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L504
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS and CHS
PREREQUISITES: Completion of Spanish 3 with a "B" average both semesters
This course covers the equivalent of an intermediate college course in Spanish.
The course is for a student who has a thorough working knowledge of intermediate Spanish language structures and who is comfortable with oral activities in Spanish. Active oral participation and extensive out-of-class preparation are expected of each student. This course will be conducted entirely in Spanish.
AP Spanish - P
AP Spanish - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L554
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS & CHS
PREREQUISITES: Completion of Spanish 3 with an A-, Spanish for Heritage Speakers 2, or Honors Spanish 3 with a grade of B or better and Department Approval
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade
This course covers the equivalent of an intermediate college course in Spanish. The course is for a student who has a thorough working knowledge of intermediate Spanish language structures and who is comfortable with oral activities in Spanish. Active oral participation and extensive out-of-class preparation are expected of each student. Preparation for the AP exam in Spanish Language is provided, and students are expected to sit for the AP examination in May. This course will be conducted entirely in Spanish.
Spanish for Heritage Speakers I - P
Spanish for Heritage Speakers I - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L550
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS and CHS
PREREQUISITES: Teacher recommendation based on interview
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade
This course is designed for students who speak Spanish as a first or second language and are considered to be bilingual. It is a comprehensive course which provides students with practice in each of the language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening with emphasis on developing skills to communicate in standard Spanish. There will be a strong emphasis in dealing with language problems typical of the heritage speaker (orthography, English interference). Students will read a novel. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Spanish for Heritage Speakers I and II do not have to be taken sequencially.
Spanish for Heritage Speakers II - P
Spanish for Heritage Speakers II - P
REGISTRATION CODE: L551
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS and CHS
PREREQUISITES: Grade of "C" or better in Heritage I and teacher approval and/or interview
LEVEL: 9th-12th grade Students will continue developing skills acquired in Spanish for Heritage Speakers I.
It is a comprehensive course which provides students with practice in each of the language arts: reading, writing , speaking and listening with emphasis on developing skills to communicate in standard Spanish. The students will improve on their Spanish through the study of history, culture and literature of Spanish speaking countries and the Latino influence in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to develop oratory skills while researching the political and social economic issues. Expository essay writing will be emphasized. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Spanish for Heritage Speakers I and II do not have to be taken sequentially.
