Mrs. WhiteSaranac Central High School

2008-2009World Languages and Cultures Online – Semester One

Objective: The study of languages and cultures has always been an integral part of a student's general education.  The globalization of markets, of international problems, and even of individual lives has made the knowledge of more than one language and culture an essential skill.

By teaching students to communicate in another language and to function successfully in another culture, helps them acquire:•respect for human diversity

•an awareness of the purposes and possibilities of different forms of expression

•the experience and motivation necessary to pursue additional language study or a variety of careers: education, military, law enforcement, business, information technology, government, and other areas.

Methodology: The instruction of this course is computer based with a mix of online activities with feedback from the instructor and learning activities with language learning CD-ROM's, videos and additional language specific resources.

First semester languages and cultures:

Languages and cultures we will study this first semester include:

•Unit 1: Italian (Italy)

•Unit 2: German (Germany)

•Unit 3: Spanish (Latin America)

•Unit 4: French (Quebec)

Graded Assignments: For each language unit, students will be required to complete the following graded assignments:

In depth research of target culture geography and complete activities.

In depth research of target culture history and complete activities.

In depth research of a variety of cultural topics and complete activities. 

Daily tests on target language vocabulary

Individual country/culture PowerPoint presentation

Semester Final Presentation

Students’ grades will be based on the following percentages: •80% - Target culture/language activities/online discussions

•10% - Target culture final presentation

•10% - Class participation and behavior (Students must follow all school/computer use rules and be respectful in class).

Late Assignments: Assignments which are not completed upon the date of grading will be issued a zero. Students are responsible for making up this work on their own time. Please see Mrs. White if you fall behind and need additional assistance.

Edline Grade Posting Policy: Mrs. White will try to post your updated grades to the school’s Edline website every weekend. It is the student’s responsibility to check his/her progress reports on a regular basis. Paper copies of progress reports will be issued on a request only basis.

Cultural Celebration Days – Every unit, World Languages and Cultures, will celebrate or recreate a special cultural aspect of the target culture. Students will be asked to contribute materials and/or food items.

Films in Target Language – Students will watch several films produced and filmed in the target languages and cultures. These films will give students an unique perspective into the various cultures. Please note some of these films may be rated PG-13.

Field Trips – We have planned two special field trips for the World Languages and Cultures Online class during the months of February and April. More details will be provided later.

Semester One Course OutlineWe will study a different language and culture approximately every four weeks. Four each country/culture unit, we will cover the following topics.

•Introduction of Target Culture

•Geography

•History of Target Culture

•Cultural Research of Target Culture

•Target Language Learning

•Unit Final

•Semester Final:Presentation of target culture/country.

Class Policies and ProceduresMaterials: You should come to language class prepared. Each student should bring the following materials to class daily:

All of the materials for this class will be given in the form of handouts or on CD-ROM/internet/video. The main website for this course is www.worldpassport.info Folder (dedicated entirely to this class).

Pencils and/or pens (any color, but red please)

If necessary, please bring your own headsets and possibly a removable disk drive.

Classroom Rules

Come to class on time. Standing outside the door and rushing in after the bell has begun to ring will constitute a tardy. You must be INSIDE the door when it begins ringing to be counted on time.

Beginning of class. Please sit in your assigned seats immediately.Attend to personal needs before coming to class. I have been instructed not to give passes to lockers and to limit passes, so please do not ask for a pass unless you have a true emergency.

Seating Charts: There will be assigned seats. If there are any problems with talking or behavior, I will rearrange seating. Please help to maintain neat rows and keep walking paths clear.

Remain in your assigned seat unless you have permission to get up . Throw scraps away at the end of the period on your way out.

The End of Class: Class is not over until the bell rings. Until that time, you will stay at your seat and work. Do not line up at the door or walk around the room. Be prepared to work through the entire class period. If you finish early, you should study class material.

Before you leave, make sure you have logged off your computer and pick up any trash on the floor. Leave the room nice and neat for the next class.

Do not eat candy or other food in class. Food, Drinks, and Candy: Food and drinks are not permitted in the classroom. This includes gum, candy, chips, soda, or anything else you wish to consume.

Please do NOT bring electronic devices (ipods, cell phones) to class. These items will be confiscated and brought to the office.

Talk only when permitted.

Announcements over the Public Address System (PA): No matter what is going on in class, it must be quiet for any announcements. Even if the announcements do not pertain directly to you, please be quiet so that everyone can hear.

Use polite speech and body language. Unkind teasing and impolite behavior is unacceptable.

Do not cheat. Students caught cheating will receive a zero and parent notification. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can copy it.

The study and/or homework of another subject are NOT permitted in class. You can expect me to confiscate it and to notify the other teacher. If you are occupied with something other than working to learn the language, I may move you or take away any distracting item or items (which you may get back at the end of class).

If you know that you are bringing an item into class which might distract you or other students, please leave it at home, in your locker, or at the door.

Extra help. I am available to help you with any questions or concerns. Please let me know beforehand, so that I will be sure to stay afterschool.

Follow the teacher's directions immediately. – It is important that everyone is cooperative and receptive to learning.

Class Internet Rules and Policy

You must have your user id and password to access the school’s internet and server. Please see Mrs. Nichols in the first floor computer lab if you are experiencing any difficulties.

Please visit only sites that are related to our course World Languages and Cultures or other teacher approved educational sites.

Students are not allowed to play computer games or visit non-academic websites on the internet.

Please contact Mrs. White whenever you have any questions or concerns about the class.

Please share this information with your parents.

Let’s now continue with more information about World Languages and Cultures Online….