Department 05 — of 07
World
Languages.
Reading, writing, speaking, listening — a passport in four skills.
Overview
Three languages, taught four skills at a time. In Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and American Sign Language, every course gives equal weight to the four components of real fluency — reading, writing, speaking, and listening — moving from rapid vocabulary acquisition and cultural awareness in the first levels to comprehensive grammar, composition, and genuine oral proficiency at the top of each sequence. Language class here is not a requirement to get through; it is a passport — reinforced daily by a student body drawn from 24 countries, and by travel programs that put the classroom to work.
First- and second-level courses stress rapid acquisition of vocabulary, fundamental grammatical skills, and cultural awareness. Third-level courses provide a comprehensive review of grammatical structures with an introduction to reading and composition; fourth-level courses are devoted to oral proficiency and literary skills.
Courses
Spanish I
This course gives students a command of basic Spanish grammar and language structure as well as knowledge of a variety of Hispanic cultures. The class is also designed to give ample practice in the five important skill areas of learning a language: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Students will enhance their command of the Spanish language through listening exercises, homework, quizzes, tests, and short writing and reading assignments. In addition, activities will expand understanding of Hispanic cultures through Spanish language films and music, group projects, and current news from the Spanish speaking world.
Spanish II
This course builds upon basic Spanish grammar and language structures as well as knowledge of a variety of Hispanic cultures. The class is also designed to continue students’ practice in the five important skill areas in learning a language: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Students will enhance their command of the Spanish language through listening exercises, homework, quizzes, tests, and short writing and reading assignments. Also, activities will expand understanding of Hispanic cultures through Spanish language films and music, group projects, and current news from the Spanish speaking world.
Spanish III
This course is meant to improve student proficiency in Spanish and advance command of grammar and language structures as well as knowledge of a variety of Hispanic cultures. The class is also designed to further enhance the four important skill areas in learning a language: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Students will improve their command of the Spanish language through listening exercises, homework, quizzes and tests, and short writing and reading assignments. Also, activities will expand understanding of Hispanic cultures through Spanish language films and music as well as cultural projects.
AP Spanish AP
AP Spanish Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in Spanish. Students cultivate their understanding of Spanish language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.
Chinese I
This course is designed for students who have little to no prior experience with the Chinese language. Throughout this course, students will embark on an exciting journey to learn the basics of Mandarin Chinese, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. In this introductory course, students will develop foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Chinese. Through interactive activities, engaging exercises, and immersive experiences, students will gradually build their vocabulary, master essential grammar structures, and develop basic conversational skills.
ASL I
Many students become interested in American Sign Language (ASL) because they favor a less traditional kind of language and way of learning a language. As an interactive, visual-spatial language with all the complexity and nuance of a written language but without a current written component, ASL offers a unique languagelearning experience. This course introduces students to American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. Within this class, students will learn and develop fluency with fingerspelling while learning basic vocabulary and simple expressions. Through practice, students will increase their comfort level with this language and begin to think conceptually. They will also be exposed to various aspects of Deaf Culture, including background and historical perspectives, as well as discussion surrounding the deaf community today.
ASL II
This course focuses on communication utilizing ASL. Students will use the Signing Naturally Curriculum to build upon receptive and expressive signing and fingerspelling skills learned previously in ASL I. Of particular focus will be enhancing competency with sign vocabulary and grammatical syntax. As with any language, the study of culture and history is also included. Emphasis is placed on continuing to think in pictures and building (production and comprehension) communication skills.
ASL III
This course builds on the proficiency level that was achieved in ASL II. Within this class, students utilize their vocabulary and fingerspelling base to begin communicating in simple ASL grammatical structures. Students practice both their receptive and expressive skills in pairs, small groups, as well as in full class exercises. Equally important while learning effective communication is the expansion of knowledge regarding Deaf history and culture. Students gain an appreciation for important events and significant individuals’ contributions to history. In addition, new technology and its impact upon the deaf community is explored.
Advanced ASL Advanced
This course assumes ASL proficiency, and as such, employs a “voices off” policy in every class. Students communicate through signing only as their signing proficiency increases. There will be a number of handson activities where students learn greater appreciation for Deaf culture as they navigate the real world using ASL alone.
Faculty
Ellen Van Dunk
World Language Department Chair
World Languages · English Language Learning
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Ms. Van Dunk chairs the World Language Department and teaches across the world-language and ELL programs. Full profile coming soon.
Angelica Centeno
World Language Teacher
Director of International Programs · ELL
BA, Cultural Studies, SUNY Empire State University
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Angelica was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and is proud of her culture and Hispanic heritage. She studied Business Administration before completing a degree in Cultural Studies at Empire State University. At Storm King she has led cultural and service trips to Costa Rica and organizes the School's international travel program. A passionate hiker, she coaches Outdoor Adventure in the spring and fall. Her two daughters — one of them a Storm King alumna now at Cornell University — taught her the importance of quality in education.
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