Foreign Language :::
Foreign Language Department
Mrs. Leslie Stickels, Division Chair
TEL: SC (708) 579-6585, NC (708) 579-6488
FAX: (708) 579-6497
EMAIL:
lstickels@lths.net
Mr. Ronald Kiesewetter, Assistant Division Chair
TEL: NC (708) 579-6368
EMAIL:
rkiesewetter@lths.net
Fine Arts Division Philosophy
Departments of the Fine Arts Division include the Visual Arts, Music, and Foreign Languages. They all focus on the need for individual expression and communication with others. Each area nurtures the internal development of creativity, intuition, reasoning, and imagination and offers a unique means by which thoughts and feelings can be conveyed to familiar and foreign societies. It is the belief of the Division that, through these timeless disciplines, students will come to appreciate civilizations past and to contribute to the future advancement of the individual and society.
Foreign Language Department Philosophy
The study of a foreign language opens the world to the individual by providing the means and opportunity for personal expression and communication with others. The cultural component, both historical and current, sets the appropriate context under which the language, beliefs, and customs of diverse societies can be studied, understood, and appreciated.
Success In Foreign Languages
Studying a foreign language increases the understanding of the language and culture
of peoples of the world; the knowledge of one’s own language and culture; career opportunities; and
the number of colleges from which to choose. The student’s success will depend upon
willingness to study daily, to memorize thoroughly, to listen attentively, to practice grammatical
structures and to apply the language in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Students With Previous Language Experience
Students who have bilingual parents or have lived in a foreign country may be placed in a
second or third year language class. Students who have studied a foreign language in a
Township articulated program prior to high school and have been placed in a second year class will
be awarded high school credit retroactively on a credit/no credit basis. This credit will be
assigned upon completion (grade of C or better) of the next course in the sequence. Please note
that credit will not appear on the student’s report card until the end of the first semester of the
sophomore year.
Placement into Ability Groups
Students are placed in foreign language sections based on the following
criteria:
- information from the eighth grade teachers; scholarship quality ratings; comments descriptive of skills, learning habits, etc;
- LTHS writing assessment; and
- EXPLORE (Math, Science, English).
After the initial recommended placement of incoming freshmen is made, the associate schools review the results and recommend further changes. Such changes are considered by the LTHS Foreign Language Department which, if in agreement, will make the placement revision. Parents and students are notified in writing of the final placement decisions. Parents may then request changes and/or consultation about placement decisions by contacting the division chair. Level II credit is available within the Prep level sections at South Campus (grades 9 and 10) only. This option is recommended and approved based on test scores, class performance, teacher recommendation, Division Chair review, and parent approval.
Course levels and sequences may be combined into the same section if course enrollment is insufficient to offer them as independent classes and/or if the curriculum is so developed.
Due to the sequential nature of Foreign Language courses, students who receive an F for a first semester grade will be dropped from the course for the second semester. This will necessitate successfully repeating the course in order to continue in the sequence. Schedule changes are permitted under these circumstances.
College Credit
Many colleges offer advanced standing and/or credit upon successful completion of
third, fourth, or fifth year courses.
Foreign Language and Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
The Foreign Language Department offers students the opportunity to prepare for eight
different AP examinations. Foreign Language AP classes are French Language AP (French Language);
(French Literature - available only through independent study); German AP (German Language);
Italian AP (Italian Language and Culture); Latin III-IV AP (Virgil or Latin Lyric); Spanish
Language AP (Spanish Language); (Spanish Literature available only through independent
study).
To prepare for an AP examination in a foreign language, students should have
- completed a four-year sequence of language study in high school;
- sought placement in Level IV (Accel) sections of the language;
- used the language at every opportunity; and
- enrolled in the course that provides direct preparation for the examinations.
Latin Literature This examination measures knowledge of the works on the required reading list, the ability to interpret literary texts, and competence in the use of the language (translation and grammar) in one of two tests: Virgil or Latin Lyric (Catullus and Horace).
French Language This examination evaluates the level of performance in the use of the language, both in understanding written and spoken French, and in responding with ease in correct and idiomatic French in oral and written expression.
French Literature This examination measures knowledge of the works on the required reading list, the ability to interpret literary texts, and competence in the use of language (listening, reading, and writing). LT does not offer a specific AP course in this area; however, interested students should consult with the division chair.
German Language This examination tests proficiency in understanding written and spoken German and the ability to respond with correct and idiomatic spoken and written German without special emphasis or knowledge of literature.
Italian Language This examination evaluates the level of performance in the use of the language, both in understanding written and spoken Italian and in responding with ease in correct and idiomatic Italian in oral and written expression. Also cultural information will be measured within the reading, written, and spoken sections of the examination.
Spanish Language This examination evaluates the level of performance in the use of the language, both in understanding written and spoken Spanish, and in responding with ease in correct and idiomatic Spanish in oral and written expression.
Spanish Literature This examination will reflect an in-depth study of a variety of authors spanning seven centuries of Hispanic literature, as well as a general knowledge of literary genres, types of discourse, and terminology. Students will demonstrate their reading comprehension skills, along with interpretive and analytical skills, through a series of passages with objective questions. Proficiency in expository writing, literary interpretation and analysis is evaluated on the basis of three essays: poetry analysis, thematic analysis, and text analysis. Each essay is evaluated for content and language usage. Preparation for this AP examination is available through Independent Study only. See p. 25 of the Guide.