World Language Core Curriculum

The study of another language opens up new worlds and increases global and cultural understanding. Interlochen Arts Academy offers courses in French and Spanish. Languages are taught exclusively in the target language, and all communication between the teacher and students takes place in the target language. In essence, the language classroom begins to approximate a microcosm of the foreign country. Participation at weekly language tables is required to promote meaningful communication in a less structured environment.

For information on graduation requirements and all academic curriculum, please visit Academy Academics.

The principal goal in French I is to communicate in French. Various interactive activities play an important role in class. French films, French Table and tutorials provide opportunities to practice and to sample francophone cultures. Students gain an understanding of basic elements of French culture, along with a foundation in grammar. 

The goal of this course is to communicate in French by incorporating four communicative competencies, which are incorporated into daily activities. Students have many opportunities to practice the French language and to sample francophone cultures.

The goal in French III is to extend fluency. This class is taught entirely in French, with students being expected to express difficult concepts in French. Students begin an exploration of French literature, reading Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Jean-Paul Sartre and other extracts. Poetry and songs are also used as a vehicle for comprehension. Advanced grammatical concepts are addressed. Films, French Table, and general conversation play an increasingly important role.

The goal in French IV/V is to extend fluency. This class is taught entirely in French, with students being expected to express increasingly difficult concepts in French. Students begin an exploration of French literature, reading Jean-Paul Sartre, Molière and other authors according to the interests of the class. Poetry and songs are also used as a vehicle for comprehension. Advanced grammatical concepts are addressed. Films, French Table, and general conversation play an increasingly important role.

Spanish I introduces the language and Hispanic culture through conversation, written and oral exercises, readings, and music. Students learn a great deal of vocabulary and focus on basic grammatical structures. This class is taught primarily in Spanish.

Spanish II expands the vocabulary and grammar structures through conversations, written and oral exercises, readings and music. This class is taught in Spanish, and it is expected that students speak only Spanish during class time.

This course is conducted in Spanish. It reviews certain materials from prior levels within a literary context emphasizing art and culture. Pair work, small group work, class discussions, debates, and oral presentations serve to strengthen conversational skills in Spanish. Films, music, and articles enhance the understanding of Hispanic cultures. A research project exploring regional artists along with their customs and traditions will be completed, and will include a presentation.

This course is conducted in Spanish. It reviews grammar and vocabulary from prior levels emphasizing art and culture, and introduces additional grammar and vocabulary specific to student interest. Pair work, small group work, class discussions, debates, and oral presentations serve to strengthen conversational skills in Spanish. Films, music, and articles enhance the understanding of Hispanic cultures. A research project exploring art and culture will be completed, and will include a presentation. Spanish IV and V have class together, but work separately as well, with Spanish V working more intensely with the language in the context of literature, current events and conversing with native speakers.


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