FOREIGN LANGUAGE
First year language study at Diamond Bar High School is taught in the target language 80% of the time. Second year language courses are taught in the target language 90% of the time. Third and fourth year courses are taught nearly 100% of the time in the target language.
CHINESE I
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of C or higher in English.
Learn Pinyin phonetic system. Learn to speak and understand the basics of the Chinese language: date, numbers, color, time, seasons, weather, rooms, shopping, transportation, food, and activities. Learn to write simple sentences and paragraphs. Learn Chinese philosophy and culture. Participate in skits/group/pair activities in the target language. Course emphasis is on traditional Chinese. Materials are presented in both traditional and simplified Chinese. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHINESE II
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chinese I with a grade of “C” or higher.
As a continuation of Chinese I, this course continues vocabulary acquisition. A strong emphasis is placed on writing and the oral aspects of the language, particularly the ability to communicate meaningfully in the target language. Course emphasis is on traditional Chinese. Materials are presented in both traditional and simplified Chinese. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHINESE II HONORS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chinese I with a grade of “A”.
In this advanced course you will continue to expand your listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities in Chinese. You will develop your ability to use the language in real-life situations as well as develop a greater understanding of Chinese culture. This course is the equivalent of 1 1/2 years of non-Honors Chinese. Course emphasis is on traditional Chinese. Materials are presented in both traditional and simplified Chinese. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHINESE III
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chinese II with a grade of “C” or higher.
As a continuation of Chinese II, this course continues vocabulary acquisition and writing development with a strong emphasis on the oral aspect of the language. Content reading and basic creative writing are also important components of this course. Simplified and traditional Chinese are both used. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHINESE III HONORS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chinese II with a grade of “A” or Chinese II Honors with a grade of “B” or higher.
As a continuation of Chinese II Honors, this course continues to expand your listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities in Chinese. You will expand your ability to use the language in real-life situations as well as develop a better understanding of Chinese culture through literature and creative writing opportunities. This course is the first in a two-year cycle to prepare you for the International Baccalaureate Standard Level exam in Chinese. Simplified and traditional Chinese are both used. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
CHINESE IV
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful Completion of Chinese III with a grade of “C” or higher.
This course is designed to expand the students’ speaking, listening, writing and reading skills through Chinese literature. Simplified and traditional Chinese are both used. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHINESE IV LANGUAGE AND CULTURE AP
GRADES 9 - 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISTE: Successful completion of Chinese III Honors with a grade of “B” or higher.
This challenging course will be conducted entirely in Chinese to continue developing advanced skills in reading literature and writing in Chinese. It will also prepare students for the Standard Level or Higher Level IB exam. There will also be an in-depth emphasis on the Chinese literature. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
MANDARIN IB SL
GRADES 11 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chinese III Honors with a grade of “B” or better. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
MANDARIN IB HL1
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chinese III Honors with a grade of “B” or better.
(UC/CSU*/NCAA)
MANDARIN IB HL2
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Mandarin IB HL1 with a grade of “B” or better.
This is the sequence of Mandarin classes for the International Baccalaureate program. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
FRENCH I
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or higher in English
Learn to speak and understand the basics of the French language: dates, numbers, color, time, seasons, weather, shopping, transportation, food, and activities. Learn to write, read, understand and speak in addition to French culture. Participate in skits/group/pair activities in the target language. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
FRENCH II
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French I with a grade of “C” or higher.
This course is for students who have finished the first year of French and want to continue to improve their listening, speaking, and writing abilities. Students will have many opportunities to use the language in real-life situations and to expand their cultural knowledge. Student progress will be assessed in oral and written competency. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
FRENCH II HONORS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French I with a grade of “A”.
In this advanced course you will continue to expand your listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities in French. You will develop your ability to use the language in real-life situations as well as develop a greater understanding of French culture. This course is the equivalent of 1 1/2 years of non-Honors French. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
FRENCH III
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French II with a grade of “C” or higher.
In this course, the language of French will begin to “come together” for you. You will be able to speak more freely in French, and most of the class will be conducted entirely in French. In addition, you will be reading and writing with more skill. The entire French speaking world will be the object of your study and for the first time you will be able to attend French immersion camp. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
FRENCH III HONORS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French II with a grade of “A” or higher or French II Honors with a grade of “B” or higher.
This course is designed for those students who enjoy being challenged. This course will prepare you for the Advanced Placement French IV-V class. In addition to the conversation, reading and writing offered in the regular French III class, there will be emphasis on the perfection of these skills and an introduction to French literature. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
FRENCH IV (Conversational)
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French III with a grade of “C” or higher.
This course is designed for students who do not intend to take the AP test but want to continue their study of French in a largely conversational format. Debates, skits, videos and cultural activities are the focus of student activities in addition to improving vocabulary and fluency! (UC/CSU/NCAA)
FRENCH LANGUAGE AP
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French III Honors with a grade of “B” or higher.
Intended for students who plan to take the AP test in French Language or the IB Standard Level Exam or Higher Level, this course helps students hone writing skills, analyze literary works and develop cultural sensitivity. Be prepared to be challenged and to grow, both intellectually and linguistically. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
FRENCH IB SL
GRADES 11 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French III Honors with a grade of “B” or better. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
FRENCH IB HL1
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French III Honors with a grade of “B” or better. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
FRENCH IB HL2
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French IB HL1 with a grade of “B” or better.
This is the sequence of French classes for the International Baccalaureate program. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
KOREAN I
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or higher in previous English course.
Students will learn to speak and understand the basics of the Korean language. Students will also learn about Korean culture, food and customs. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
KOREAN II
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or higher in Korean I.
This course is a continuation of Korean I. Students will continue to augment their vocabulary and expand reading and writing skills. A strong emphasis will be placed on developing successful communication skills using the target language. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
KOREAN II HONORS
GRADES 9 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “A” in Korean I.
In this advanced course students will continue to expand their listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities in Korean. Students will develop the ability to use the language in real life situations as well as develop a greater understanding of Korean culture. This course is the equivalent of 1 ½ years of non-Honors Korean. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
KOREAN III
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade “C” or higher in Korean II.
The third year of Korean language study offers students the opportunity to improve speaking, listening, writing and reading skills beyond the basic level. The class is conducted entirely in Korean. Students will have the opportunity to participate in many language-based activities and projects. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
KOREAN III HONORS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “A” in Korean II, or grade of “B” or higher in Korean II Honors.
This challenging course will be conducted almost entirely in Korean. Coursework is designed to develop students’ ability to speak, listen, read and write in Korean. Students will read authentic documents and short stories in Korean. Students will write literary compositions in Korean. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
KOREAN IV
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade “C” or higher in Korean III.
This course is designed to expand the students’ speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills through literature. The emphasis is on the study of Korean literature and history. Course will be conducted entirely in target language. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
KOREAN IB SL
GRADES 11 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Korean III Honors with a grade of “B” or better. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
KOREAN IB HL1
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Korean III Honors with a grade of “B” or better. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
KOREAN IB HL2
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Korean IV Honors or Korean IB HL1 with a grade of “B” or better.
This is the sequence of Korean classes for the International Baccalaureate program. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
SPANISH I
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or higher in most recent English class and/or teacher permission.
This introductory Spanish language course focuses on developing skills in speaking, listening, understanding and writing in the target language. Students will communicate with others in everyday situations and be exposed to the culture and heritage of Spanish-speaking countries. Student progress will be assessed in oral and written competency. Regular homework and active participation are mandatory. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
SPANISH II
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or higher in Spanish I.
This course is for students who have finished the first year of Spanish and want to continue to improve their listening, speaking, and writing abilities. Students will have many opportunities to use the language in real-life situations and to expand their cultural knowledge. Student progress will be assessed in oral and written competency. Regular homework and active participation are mandatory. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
SPANISH II HONORS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Course grade of “A” in Spanish I.
In this advanced course students will continue to expand listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Student progress will be assessed in oral and written competency. Regular homework and active participation are mandatory. Students will develop their ability to use Spanish in real-life situations as they gain in a greater understanding of various Hispanic cultures. Students will receive intensive instruction in Spanish grammar and usage. This course is the equivalent of 1 ½ years of non-Honors Spanish. Completion of summer work is mandatory. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
SPANISH III
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish II with a grade of “C” or higher.
The third year of Spanish offers students the opportunity to improve their skills in speaking, reading, and writing. Students will read short stories in the target language and will speak entirely in the target language. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
SPANISH III HONORS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “B” or higher in Spanish II Honors, or grade of “A-“ or higher in Spanish II.
This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement or IB course. Prior successful completion of Spanish II Honors is strongly recommended. The class will be conducted almost entirely in Spanish as students continue to develop advanced skills in listening and speaking, with an emphasis on reading and writing. This course is the equivalent of 1 ½ years of non-Honors Spanish. Completion of summer work is mandatory. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
SPANISH IV
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or higher in Spanish III and/or teacher permission.
This course is designed for students who want to increase their speaking and writing abilities in Spanish. This is an activities-based course where students will speak entirely in Spanish and explore a variety of Spanish cultures. Instruction is conducted entirely in Spanish. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
SPANISH LANGUAGE AP
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Course grade of “B” or higher in Spanish III Honors.
This college level course is the second part of the Spanish IV AP program, with breadth and depth of material designed to prepare students to pass the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam or the IB Standard Level or Higher Level Exam. Students will also gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and explore Spanish and Latin American Literature. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
SPANISH LITERATURE AP
GRADES 11-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish IV AP with a grade of “B” or higher.
When students reach this level, they solidify the basic skills and concepts they have already acquired. The content of the course, conducted entirely in Spanish, will focus on social issues, current events, cultural topics, and literary themes. Students will use the Spanish language as the means of expressing their opinions and ideas. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
SPANISH IB SL
GRADES 11 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish III Honors with a grade of “B” or better. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
SPANISH IB HL1
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish III Honors with a grade of “B” or better. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
SPANISH IB HL2
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish IB HL1 with a grade of “B” or better.