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World Languages Dept. Chair Mrs. Beth Branum
World Languages Dept. Chair Mrs. Beth Branum

Bienvenue - Saluto - Bienvenidos   

The World Languages Department of Carroll welcomes students to learn French, Latin and Spanish.  Our program aspires to develop skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and culture through interactive activities and meaningful linguistic and cultural experiences.  Language helps connect us to the rest of the world and enhances our students’ intellectual, social, and economic opportunities.  World Language education provides greater insight to the heart of diverse cultures, helping students become more open-minded and tolerant individuals.  

Our World Languages students have the opportunity to receive the Seal of Biliteracy for the State of Ohio.  Students must successfully demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and one other language.  We have had over 50 students receive this prestigious seal.

Students reinforce language skills through a combination of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  We aim to develop fluency and cultural awareness, thus enabling our students to compete in an increasingly globally interdependent economy.  After active participation and a solid foundation in our language program, students will be able to:

  • Gain an understanding of grammar, culture and global awareness
  • Better understand our culture and how we relate to the rest of the world
  • Understand the written and spoken language studied
  • Appreciate international music, dance, film and literature
  • Be more marketable in an increasingly competitive marketplace
  • Gain greater insight for cultural understanding and diversity and encourage respect for others.
  • Be a more informed global citizen

Our department has teachers who have studied in Costa Rica, Chile, Bolivia, Spain, France, and Italy.  We offer travel opportunities to Costa Rica, Spain, France, Italy, and Greece to experience immersion in language and culture.  Eating authentic pasta, zip-lining through the rainforest, flamenco dancing in the famous caves of Granada, ordering a ham and cheese crêpe under the Eiffel Tower, and listening to our students speak to the locals are wonderful moments we have had with our students.  We are very thankful for the opportunity to teach World Languages and Cultures to our Carroll community!

French

French 101/102

This course is designed to introduce and develop communication and comprehension skills in the French language learned through the study of adapted and authentic materials.  Emphasis is on simple conversations and readings, moving into the fundamentals of French grammar.  Supplemental materials are used to introduce cultural concepts.

French 201/202

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 101/102

Students will strengthen the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills introduced in French 101/102 through various conversation and composition activities.  Students will gain a greater appreciation of French culture through a variety of classroom activities using authentic resources.  Students will be able to compose writings and hold guided conversations in various tenses.

French 301/302

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in French 202 is recommended and teacher recommendation

This course focuses on a brief review of fundamental vocabulary and grammar learned in French 201/202 before beginning more advanced studies.  Students will write guided paragraphs and read adapted selections by French writers.  Oral fluency will be enhanced through a variety of more creative communicative activities such as skits, controlled conversations, and class discussions of current events.  Students will begin exploring the lives and cultures of French-speaking peoples through various classroom presentations.

Advanced Placement French Language and Culture 101/102

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in French 302 is recommended and teacher recommendation

In this course, students will learn about contemporary Francophone societies and cultures by examining their products, practices, and perspectives through thematic study.  Students will use authentic sources such as newspaper and magazine articles, websites, films, music, video clips, blogs, podcasts, stories, and literary excerpts in French to develop language skills and communicative proficiency in real life settings.  Students will build communication skills through regular class discussion, one-on-one conversation, collaboration with classmates, role plays, email responses, essay and journal writing, and oral presentations.

Latin

Latin 101/102

This class is designed to introduce the student to the basics of listening, speaking, writing, and reading in Latin.  Emphasis is on simple readings, fundamental grammar, and Latin’s effect on English and other languages.  The class will also present a survey of Roman history and culture.

Latin 201/202

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin 101 /102

In this class, students will strengthen their reading ability by continued study and review of vocabulary and forms and by oral and written drills.  Latin selections about mythology and Roman culture will be read.

Latin 301/302

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in Latin 202 is recommended and teacher recommendation

Students will continue their study of grammar and learn new vocabulary advancing to authentic Latin text.  The student will concentrate on Latin prose works, including readings of historical, cultural, and mythological interest.  Further study of the culture and history of Rome will be stressed.

Online Accelerated Latin 301/302

Prerequisite: 3.0 or above in Latin 202 or teacher recommendation

The student will continue their study of grammar and learn new vocabulary advancing to authentic Latin text.  The student will concentrate on Latin prose works, including readings of historical, cultural, and mythological interest.  Further study of the culture and history of Rome will be stressed through primary source study.  Students must have daily access to the Internet and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or Google Suite.  Students will also need a copy of the Latin for the New Millennium Book 2 text. Each student is required to spend a minimum of 120 hours (independently) to fulfill the minimum course requirements.  All course requirements and grades are available on an Online Learning Management System (Blackboard is currently being used).

Honors Latin 401/402

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in Latin 302 is recommended and teacher recommendation

The focus of this course is Roman literature that reflects the late Republic and early Principate periods.  Students will translate, analyze, and discuss selections from Latin prose and poetry.  Grammar review and vocabulary study will focus on developing students’ sight-reading ability in Latin.  Additionally, students will begin learning to interpret ancient primary source materials in historical research.

Advanced Placement Latin Language and Culture 101/102

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in Latin 302 is recommended and teacher recommendation

The Advanced Placement Latin course focuses on in-depth study of selections from two of the greatest works in Latin literature: Virgil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic War.  The course requires students to prepare and translate the readings and places these texts in a meaningful context, which helps develop critical, historical, and literary sensitivities.  Throughout the course, students consider themes in the context of ancient literature and bring these works to life though classroom discussions, debates, and presentations.  Additional English readings from both of these works help place the Latin readings in a significant context.

Spanish

Spanish 101/102

The Spanish 101/102 curriculum develops topical vocabulary and enhanced grammatical concepts.  Students will develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.  The course will focus on vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture.  This course offers opportunities for application of synthesis and higher evaluation skills.  The Spanish 101/102 class is for students who are interested in pursuing higher learning opportunities.

Spanish 201/202

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 101/102

The student will continue developing advanced listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish.  An intensified grammar and vocabulary selection will be presented and reinforced.  Students will engage in activities that enhance their higher-level thinking skills and global awareness by connecting and comparing their language and community.  Additional Hispanic culture will have an integral role in this course.  This level of Spanish begins to be instructed in Spanish.

Spanish 301/302

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in Spanish 202 is recommended and teacher recommendation

The student will continue advanced listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish beyond the classroom.  Grammar topics are reviewed and vocabulary is intensified as the student will be able to use their language in written and oral reports that reflect their lives.  Students will use their second language to collaborate and compare Hispanic cultures to their own communities.  Students will also begin to interact with a higher cultural competence and understanding, enhancing their global awareness and higher-level thinking skills.  This level of Spanish is taught predominantly in Spanish.

Honors Spanish Culture 101

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in Spanish 302 is recommended and teacher recommendation

This Spanish IV class is an honors course which emphasizes reflective thinking and proficient communication within its thematic units covering Hispanic culture in various Spanish-speaking countries.  This course strengthens more complex grammar constructions within the study of literature and videos.  Authentic materials are used to invite discussion, analysis, and comparison of both visual and deeper level culture.  An integration of the communicative approach with historical, cultural, and creative projects allows students to continue to develop their fluency and cultural competence.  This course is taught predominantly in Spanish and covers Hispanics in the United States, pre-Columbian civilizations, Mexico, the Caribbean, and cultural Christmas and New Year traditions.

Honors Spanish Culture 102

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in Spanish 302 is recommended and teacher recommendation; Honors Spanish Culture 101 is not required to take Honors Spanish Culture 102.

This Spanish 4 class is an honors course which emphasizes reflective thinking and proficient communication within its thematic units covering Hispanic culture in various Spanish-speaking countries.  This course strengthens more complex grammar constructions within the study of literature and videos.  Authentic materials are used to invite discussion, analysis, and comparison of both visual and deeper level culture.  An integration of the communicative approach with historical, cultural, and creative projects allows students to continue to develop their fluency and cultural competence.  This course is taught predominantly in Spanish and covers Easter traditions, Spain, Spanish art, and Central and South America.

Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture 101/102

Prerequisite: 2.0 or above in Spanish 302 is recommended and teacher recommendation.

The Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture course, conducted exclusively in Spanish, provides frequent opportunities for students to integrate the four language skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) through the use of authentic materials.  Instructional materials, activities, assignments, and assessments are appropriate to a college-level course.  Grammar topics are reviewed and practiced with a more in-depth approach, focusing strongly on synthesis of ideas and concepts.  Likewise, topical vocabulary is strengthened and utilized in thematic and practical contexts.  All skill sets are geared toward the administration of AP level assessments, including interpersonal and presentational writing and speaking.

Department Faculty

Mrs. Beth Branum, Chair

M.S. Educational Leadership and Curriculum, Wright State University

Mrs. Tara Ashworth

M.S. Educational Leadership, Xavier University

Ms. Emma Barlow '15

B.A., Xavier University

Mrs. Katie Nielsen

M.A. Spanish Language and Culture, University de Salamanca; Fulbright Fellowship at University Mayor Sede Temuco

Ms. Dana Koesters '17

B.S. Foreign Language Education, University of Dayton