World Languages Department

Department Description

We are extremely proud to announce that Hunterdon Central's World Languages program has been designated a Model Program by the New Jersey Department of Education's World Languages Model Programs Initiative.

The World Languages Department believes in the importance of developing linguistic and cultural understandings in the study of language, which will help students to become active participants in the global society of the twenty-first century.

Students are provided with the opportunity to select from the languages offered (Chinese, French, German, Latin and Spanish) to develop skills in all aspects of communication in the language selected. Instruction will promote active participation and the acquisition of communicative skills, as well as the exploration of cultural aspects of the products, practices, and perspectives of the people who speak the language.

World Language instruction is intended to provide experiences that attempt to foster respect and understanding of world cultures.

Department Curriculum

Click here to access the curriculum documents.

Graduation Requirement

At least 10 credits of the same language or student demonstration of proficiency are required to graduate from HCRHS.
(All students are encouraged to fulfill the two year World Languages requirement. Any student can meet the world language requirement through student demonstration of proficiency to be determined by the World Languages Supervisor. District may do language proficiency testing, interviews and/or other assessments for documentation. Any student may appeal to the building principal for exemption from the two year requirement. Students whose appeal is approved will be held to the NJDOE one year world language requirement. Individual students with disabilities who have irresolvable scheduling conflicts would need to fulfill the one year world language requirement. LEP students who demonstrate proficiency in their native language, or another language, would be exempt. LEP students who take an additional English or English as a Second Language [ESL] class may use that second English class to fulfill the requirement. )

Seal of Biliteracy

Hunterdon Central will once again be offering students the opportunity to participate in the Seal of Biliteracy program. This program recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated proficiency in English and one or more World Languages.

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award made by a state department of education or local district to recognize a student who has attained proficiency in English and one or more other world languages by high school graduation. The recognition of attaining biliteracy becomes part of the high school transcript and diploma for these students.

The Seal serves to certify attainment of biliteracy for students, employers, and universities. It is a statement of accomplishment that helps to signal evidence of a student’s readiness for career and college, and for engagement as a global citizen.

All students are eligible to attain the Seal of Biliteracy based on evidence of achieving the designated level of language proficiency in English plus one or more other languages during their high school years. We will be offering assessment opportunities to all Juniors and Seniors who are enrolled in a World Language or ELL class, so that they may qualify for this special honor. Juniors and Seniors who are NOT enrolled in a World Language class, but wish to demonstrate proficiency in another language, may also participate in the program. Details for the 2022-2023 school year will be posted when they are available.

Program of Studies-World Language

Please note: Prerequisite requirements are listed in the course descriptions. Please read these carefully to ensure that all prerequisite courses have been taken before selecting a course.

At Hunterdon Central, we encourage all students to pursue the study of the language of their choice and we honor the linguistic knowledge of all students and families. We offer five programs open to students at all levels: Chinese, French, German, Latin, and Spanish. We are proud to be a leading district in the number of NJ Seal of Biliteracy recipients, and especially proud that these students have pursued their world language studies in their home languages, as well as following the honors/AP or College Prep pathways. More information is provided below.

Human resource managers and admissions officers of institutions of higher level learning consider the level of a student’s overall academic program, as well as the grades earned, for career opportunities or college acceptance. Our goal is that all students will acquire intermediate-mid proficiency and be eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation, and/or will acquire the proficiency level needed for success on the Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam.

Click on the link to view a video of Dr. Arredondo describing courses in the World Languages Department:

World Languages Course Options

Ninth Grade Student Options:

Students coming to Hunterdon Central as ninth graders will have three decisions to make regarding their selection of world language courses.

What language should I study at Hunterdon Central?
What pathway will allow me to be successful at learning and advancing in that language?
If I’m continuing in the language I studied in middle school, what level/course should I select?

What language do I want to study at Hunterdon Central?

The short answer is: the one that best fits my interests and goals. There are five languages offered at Hunterdon Central and each language offers a full range of courses to enable students to be successful on the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy and/or AP assessments. It is also helpful to think about possible future career choices and consider what language will be most useful. In an increasingly global workforce, competition for jobs is no longer limited to candidates from a particular geographic area. Professionals in all fields are frequently involved in multi-national collaborations, and the competencies developed through language study enhance job readiness.

Whichever language you choose, we encourage you to follow the sequence through all four years of high school. That way, you will develop the highest proficiency possible, as well as build your resume of experiences for application to college or university and for your future career.

Students may elect to study more than one world language in the same academic year if their schedule permits.

What pathway will allow me to be successful at learning and advancing in that language?

The Honors/AP pathway leads to the CollegeBoard Advanced Placement course in the language. The College Prep pathway also offers students the opportunity to study world language in each of their four years at Hunterdon Central. Both pathways are designed to allow entry to students at all grade levels,

as well as support students in obtaining the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation from high school. Students are encouraged to continue their studies of world language throughout their four years at HCRHS, regardless of whether they remain on one pathway or change pathways.

Students who require additional classroom support in learning a world language may pursue studies in STAIRS (Spanish to Apply in Real-life Situations). Students whose home language is Spanish are encouraged to pursue advanced Spanish study in the Heritage Spanish program, in level 1 or honors level 2, according to placement assessment. Candidates for the Heritage Spanish program, as well as heritage speakers of Chinese, French and German, are to contact the world language supervisor for an initial placement assessment.

If I’m continuing in the language I studied in middle school, what level/course should I select?

Students who have successfully completed Level 1 in middle school are encouraged to continue with Level 2 at the high school, in either the Honors or College Prep pathways. Your grades, test scores and teacher recommendation are the best sources for helping you determine which placement is more suitable.

World Languages Course Descriptions

Level 1 Courses

#210 — LATIN 1 — 5 CREDITS

The objective of this course is to develop a foundation in Latin. Students will acquire a basic vocabulary and understanding of Latin through reading and writing simple passages, as well as comprehending and speaking simple Latin. Students will also study the role of Latin in English. Through the use of available technology, resources and classroom activities, students will gain an appreciation of everyday life in ancient Rome and Rome's legacy in the modern world.

#211 — FRENCH 1 — 5 CREDITS
#212 — SPANISH 1 — 5 CREDITS
#213 — GERMAN 1 — 5 CREDITS
#215 — CHINESE 1 — 5 CREDITS

In this introductory level, students begin to develop the three domains of language, interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, focusing on communicative language use and through authentic activities. Thematic units include personal identity, families and communities, lifestyles and vacations.

College Prep

#220 — LATIN 2 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: #210, Latin 1

This course builds on the foundations of Latin 1. Students engage in analytical and interpretive reading, translation, and the contextualization of Latin within Roman and Western history. Latin 2 introduces students to the transformation of Rome from a Republic into an Empire. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to make connections between Roman culture, its legacy and their own experiences as Americans.

#221 — FRENCH 2 — 5 CREDITS
#222 — SPANISH 2 — 5 CREDITS
#223 — GERMAN 2 — 5 CREDITS
#225 — CHINESE 2 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: Level 1 of the language. Any student who has successfully completed Level 1 of a language in 8th grade is eligible to take Level 2 as a 9th grader.

In this second year students continue to develop the three domains of language, interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, focusing on communicative language use and through authentic activities. Thematic units include contemporary life, consumerism, travel and stories and narratives.

Honors

#2120 — HONORS LATIN 2 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: #210, Latin 1 and teacher recommendation

This course builds on the foundations of Latin 1, for those students who want to continue in Latin within the Honors sequence. Students engage in advanced analytical and interpretive reading, translation, and the contextualization of Latin within Roman and Western history. While Latin 1 introduces students to the broad perspective of Roman history, Latin 2 introduces students to a narrower span of Roman history, which pertains to the transformation of Rome from a Republic into an Empire. Throughout the course students are encouraged to make connections between Roman culture, its legacy, and their own experiences as Americans.

#2121 — HONORS FRENCH 2 — 5 CREDITS
#2122 — HONORS SPANISH 2 — 5 CREDITS
#2123 — HONORS GERMAN 2 — 5 CREDITS
#2125 — HONORS CHINESE 2 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: Level 1 of the language and teacher recommendation.

**Please note: Honors German 2 is offered as a double block course in semester 1, to be taken in the second year of study. Honors German 3 is offered as a double block course in semester 2. Students completing both Honors German 2 and 3 in their second year will be eligible to take Honors German 4 in their third year of study.

In Honors 2, students continue to develop the three domains of language, interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, focusing on communicative language use and through authentic activities. Thematic units include contemporary life, consumerism, travel and stories and narratives. At the honors level, students practice expanded thematic vocabulary and complex structures.

Level 3 Courses

College Prep
Honors

College Prep

#230 — LATIN 3 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: #220 or #2120; Latin 2

Latin 3 builds upon the foundations of vocabulary, grammar and culture established in Latin 2. Students focus on building the interpretive and analytic reading skills needed to handle more complex sentence structures. Students continue reading texts which better prepare them for understanding the Crisis of the Republic from the time of the Gracchi brothers up through to the assassination of Julius Caesar. Throughout the course, students will continue to make cultural and linguistic connections between the patrimony of Latin and contemporary experiences.

#231 — FRENCH 3 — 5 CREDITS
#232 — SPANISH 3 — 5 CREDITS
#233 — GERMAN 3 — 5 CREDITS
#235 — CHINESE 3 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: Level 2 of the language

Focusing on communicative language and through authentic activities. At this level, students learn skills and strategies to produce expanded oral and written language, and to interpret complex text. Thematic units include summer, relationships, solidarity and the environment.

Honors

#2130 — HONORS LATIN 3 — 5 CREDITS**
Prerequisite: #220 or #2120, Latin 2 and teacher recommendation

This course builds on the foundations of Latin 2, for those students who want to continue in Latin within the Honors sequence. Honors Latin 3 builds upon the foundations of vocabulary, grammar and culture established in Honors Latin 2. Students read and interpret texts preparatory to AP Latin, especially the Crisis of the Republic from the time of the Gracchi brothers up through to the assassination of Julius Caesar. Throughout the course, students will continue to make cultural and linguistic connections between the patrimony of Latin and contemporary experiences.

#2131 — HONORS FRENCH 3 — 5 CREDITS
#2132 — HONORS SPANISH 3 — 5 CREDITS
#2133 — HONORS GERMAN 3 — 5 CREDITS **
#2135 — HONORS CHINESE 3 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: Level 2 of the language and teacher recommendation

**Please note: Honors German 3 is offered as a double block course in semester 2, to be taken in the second year of study. Honors German 2 is offered as a double block course in semester 1. Students completing both Honors German 2 and 3 in their second year will be eligible to take AP German in their third year of study.

In Honors level 3, students continue to develop target language skills in the three domains, interpersonal, interpretive and presentational focusing on communicative language and through authentic activities. At this level, students learn skills and strategies to produce expanded oral and written language, and interpret complex text. Thematic units include summer, relationships, solidarity and the environment. At the honors level, students practice expanded thematic vocabulary and complex structures.

Level 4 Courses

College Prep
Honors

College Prep

#240 — LATIN 4 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: #230 or #2130; Latin 3

Latin 4 continues the shift into upper level Latin developed in Latin 3. Its primary intent is to build depth in the understanding of more advanced grammatical constructions, such as those found in the Aeneid of Virgil and in the Commentaries of Julius Caesar. As background to this literature, students will investigate the social, political and cultural aspects of both the Age of Augustus and the subsequent Pax Romana. Students will exit the course with an enduring understanding of the links between Ancient Rome and themselves as modern Americans.

#241 — FRENCH 4 — 5 CREDITS
#242 — SPANISH 4 — 5 CREDITS
#243 — GERMAN 4 — 5 CREDITS
#245 — CHINESE 4 — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: Level 3 of the language

In level 4, students continue to develop target language skills in the three domains, interpersonal, interpretive and presentational focusing on communicative language and through authentic activities. At this level, students engage in more complex language skills needed for Advanced Placement or Honors 5 levels of study. Thematic units include contemporary families, social institutions, careers and health and well-being.

Honors

#2141 — HONORS FRENCH 4 — 5 CREDITS
#2142 — HONORS SPANISH 4 — 5 CREDITS
#2143 — HONORS GERMAN 4 — 5 CREDITS
#2145 — HONORS CHINESE 4 — 5 CREDITS

Prerequisite: Level 3 of the language and teacher recommendation

In Honors level 4, students continue to develop target language skills in the three domains, interpersonal, interpretive and presentational focusing on communicative language and through authentic activities. At this level, students engage in more complex language skills needed for Advanced Placement or Honors 5 levels. Thematic units include contemporary families, social institutions, careers and health and well-being. At the honors level, students engage in the study of expanded thematic vocabulary, the practice of complex structures, the interpretation of current and authentic text, as well as the foundations of composition.

Level 5 Courses

#2151 — FRENCH HONORS 5 — 5 CREDITS
#2152 — SPANISH HONORS 5 — 5 CREDITS
#2153 — GERMAN HONORS 5 — 5 CREDITS* (Eligible for participation in Project Acceleration)

Prerequisite: Level 4 of the language

Students earn honors credit in Level 5 courses based on the advanced level of study. Level 5 builds on the material learned in Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. The primary goal is to expand on the development of proficiencies in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational domains and to practice and use language in meaningful, realistic situations and interactions. Thematic units include societal issues, science and technology, aesthetics and language and cultural identity.

Advanced Placement Courses

#270 — ADVANCED PLACEMENT LATIN LITERATURE & CULTURE — 5 CREDITS
Prerequisite: #230 or #2130, Latin 3 and teacher recommendation

This course is open to those students who have successfully completed Latin 3. In the Advanced Placement Course, students engage in advanced study of the Commentaries of Julius Caesar and the Aeneid of Virgil, through analytical and interpretive readings. AP Latin is designed to provide advanced high school students with a rich and comprehensive Latin course, approximately equivalent to an upper-intermediate college or university Latin course. Students who successfully complete the course are able to read, understand, translate and analyze Latin poetry and prose of the Augustan Age. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

#275 — ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE — 5 CREDITS*
#271 — ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE & CULTURE — 5 CREDITS*
#272 — ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE — 5 CREDITS
#273 — ADVANCED PLACEMENT GERMAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE — 5 CREDITS*
Prerequisite: Level 4 of the language and teacher recommendation

These Advanced Placement Courses are intense studies through conversation, listening, comprehension, reading, writing and grammar analysis. They are designed to provide high school students with the opportunity to perform successfully on the Advanced Placement language and culture exams, enabling them to earn college credit. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

*Students of Advanced Placement German Language & Culture, German Honors 5, Advanced Placement French Language & Culture, and Advanced Placement Latin & Culture may be eligible to earn college credits from Seton Hall University through their Project Acceleration program. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Additional Courses

#255 — CHINESE CONVERSATION — 5 CREDITS

Prerequisite: Chinese 1 or permission of supervisor

This course is for those students who wish to continue to explore topics and practice using Chinese at the novice proficiency level. Students will continue to build vocabulary based on practical language for future travel and/or career studies. Thematic units include travel, hospitality, business and careers. Students may fulfill their second year of the world language graduation requirement with this course.

#262 — ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LITERATURE & CULTURE — 5 CREDITS

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: #242 or #2142, Spanish 4 and teacher recommendation

The AP Spanish Literature course will include literary selections identified by the College Board as reflective of Peninsular and Latin American literature, similar to an introductory college level literature course. The reading list will include works spanning seven centuries of Spanish literature, including poetry, plays, essays, novels and short stories. The students will demonstrate skill in reading analysis, poetry analysis, thematic analysis and text analysis at the level of a college course.

Students enrolled in this course will prepare to take the AP Spanish Literature and Culture AP exam. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Spanish STAIRS

#202 — Spanish STAIRS - Travel — 5 CREDITS
#203 — Spanish STAIRS - Careers — 5 CREDITS

STAIRS, Spanish to Apply in Real-Life Situations, is for students, grades 9 through 12, who need additional support in world language study. STAIRS-Travel and STAIRS-Careers students acquire practical, real-life skills that will promote listening comprehension and speaking. Students engage in a wide range of topics relating to career and life circumstances, using the target language to communicate about a variety of authentic topics. Students participate in introductory reading and writing to support the communicative activities within the class. Extensive use is made of audio CDs, digital multimedia and a wide range of realia. These courses may be taken in any sequence.

#295 — SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS 1 — 5 CREDITS

Prerequisite: Placement interview

This class is designed for heritage learners who are proficient speakers of Spanish. The objectives of the course are to expand communication and literacy skills and cultural knowledge, including study of students' own cultural heritage. Students will learn to use Spanish beyond familiar contexts, by reading authentic literary selections of Spanish and Latinx authors and will develop writing skills for academic purposes.

#296 — SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS HONORS — 5 CREDITS

Prerequisite: #295 Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1 or recommendation of teacher based on placement interview.

This class is designed for heritage learners who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing Spanish. The objectives of the course are to refine communication and literacy skills as well as cultural knowledge, and to explore timeless and current topics. Spanish for Heritage Speakers Honors prepares students for advanced honors/AP classes.

Supervisor

Laura Arredondo, Ed.D.
(908) 284-7189
laura.arredondo@hcrhs.org

Department Faculty

World Languages Department Staff

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World Languages Department

Department Description

Department Curriculum

Graduation Requirement

Seal of Biliteracy

Program of Studies-World Language

World Languages Course Options

World Languages Course Descriptions

Level 1 Courses

Level 2 Courses

College Prep

Honors

Level 3 Courses

College Prep

Honors

Level 4 Courses

College Prep

Honors

Level 5 Courses

Advanced Placement Courses

Additional Courses

#255 — CHINESE CONVERSATION — 5 CREDITS

#262 — ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LITERATURE & CULTURE — 5 CREDITS

Spanish STAIRS

#295 — SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS 1 — 5 CREDITS

#296 — SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS HONORS — 5 CREDITS

Supervisor

Department Faculty

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