Two years of different levels in the same language are required for state university admission.

American Sign Language I (ASL)

This course covers receptive signing, expressive signing, interactive communication, culture and language. Students will learn the American Sign Language fingerspelling alphabet, ASL grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. We will also study Deaf culture and examine the history of deafness in America. By the end of this course, students will be able to communicate at the novice high level in American Sign Language. A variety of texts and websites will be utilized.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

American Sign Language (ASL) II

This course covers features of the target language including linguistic patterns and grammatical structures and how to use them as well as depict them in a written form (ASL gloss). Students will learn American Sign Language storytelling features including role shifting, pronominalization, and the use of classifiers. Students will also learn about audiology and hearing loss, Audism and Oralism, and well Deaf rights. Upon completion, students will have an intermediate knowledge of American Sign Language such that they will be able to hold an advanced conversation and retell stories in the target language.

Grade: 10-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL I

American Sign Language (ASL) III

Students will explore Deaf culture in depth, researching opinions and hypotheses of particular topics of interest or personal expertise as the topic relates to the Deaf community. They will learn what it is to interpret ASL in both an expressive and receptive manner. Students will also work alongside the teacher and aide ASL 1 and ASL 2, as they start their journey with American Sign Language. Lastly, ASL 3 students will attend Deaf cultural events in the Tucson/Vail community at the Tucson Deaf Community center such as bingo/game nights, ASL coffee meetups with students from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona, and presentations and talks at the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind. This is subject to the events happening throughout the Deaf community in Tucson and Vail.

Grade: 10-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL I, and ASL II

French I
This is the beginning course of a four-year study of the French language. Students will focus on learning vocabulary, basic verbs, and sentence structures, developing listening skills, and reading/writing short stories. The students will be able to discover the many similarities between English and French. There will be projects and activities associated with the culture, history, and art of France and the French-speaking world. Students are expected to speak French in front of classmates, act out stories, and sing songs. Students will be expected to participate fully and study 20 minutes of French per day in addition to any homework.

Grade: 9-12                                                                            
1 Credit                    
2 Semesters

French II

French 2 is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the French language while preparing them for French 3 and the real world application of communicating with francophones. Throughout this year, we will learn how to recount events from the past as well as learning new strategies for avoiding repetition. We will also continue to learn about the cultures of French-speaking regions around the world. While perfection and fluency are not expected of students at this level, a willingness to make an effort to improve every day is necessary for success in this course. Participation is also an essential element of language- learning and success in French 2.

Grade: 9-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French I

Spanish I

Spanish I This is the beginning course of a four-year language and culture program. Native speakers are highly recommended to test out of level one Spanish. Students will develop primary listening and speaking skills that stress the correct pronunciation and intonation of the Spanish language. Students will practice Spanish by oral practice, repeating gestures, telling stories, songs, vocabulary games, thematic vocabulary with specific grammar structures, reading activities, and projects. Students will learn the similarities and differences of culture of the Spanish speaking countries. Students will use appropriate Spanish material to assist them through the four basic communication skills listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Spanish II

This is the second year of a four-year language and culture program. Students will review, improve and expand their Spanish speaking, listening, reading and writing skills by continuing to develop language in a variety of contexts. Students will acquire and practice Spanish communication skills by participating regularly, developing thematic vocabulary and grammar structures, asking and answering questions, using body movements, and creating hand gestures, performing short drama skits, managing authentic scenarios and completing project presentations. Students will also continue to learn about cultural similarities and differences of the Spanish-speaking world to build cultural awareness and understanding.

Grade(s): 10-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Spanish I or teacher’s approval

Spanish III Honors

This is the third year of a four-year language and culture program. This class will help prepare students to be successful in the AP Spanish class or CLEP test by intensely improving and expanding Spanish communication skills. Students will improve their level of Spanish communication through expanded thematic vocabulary and grammar reviews, authentic literature analysis, informal and formal oral communications, practical informal and formal written activities, group and individual oral presentations, and written essays. The class will be mostly conducted in Spanish.

Grade(s): 11-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Grade of B or higher in Spanish II or teacher’s approval