Network of Sacred Heart Schools

Curriculum Detail

SHP Courses by Department

To learn more about each department's requirements and philosophy, please visit the SHP Departments page.

World Languages

  • Advanced French Conversation

    Conducted entirely in French, this course is intended for students who wish to pursue their French studies and are more specifically interested in improving their pronunciation and developing their oral fluency. Its main objective is to further develop and strengthen students’ French conversation skills while deepening their knowledge of, and appreciation for, the French-speaking world. Articulated around four major modules focusing on specific cultural themes and on oral French (current events related to the French-speaking world, Francophone cinema, Francophone theatre, and French comic books), this course is for students who already possess a good understanding of French grammar and have a strong interest in Francophone cultures.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of French 4 or French 4 Honors with a spring semester grade of B or higher OR
    Completion of AP French Language & Culture with a spring semester grade of B- or higher

  • Advanced Spanish Conversation

    Conducted in Spanish, this advanced level, proficiency-based course invites students to draw upon previously learned grammar and vocabulary to develop conversational skills. The focus of the course is on interaction and use of the Spanish language in spoken form. Therefore, formal grammar review and writing are not emphasized in this course. Vocabulary acquisition is based on a variety of communicative tasks such as how to ask for and give instructions, how to make suggestions, and how to discuss and disagree. Students are required to speak only Spanish in class.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Spanish 4 or AP Spanish Language & Culture with a spring semester grade of C- or higher
     

  • AP Chinese Language & Culture

    Conducted entirely in Mandarin, this course is designed for students who have distinguished themselves in Mandarin 4 Honors or Mandarin 4. The general focus of the class is to prepare students for the AP Chinese Language and Culture Examination, given in the spring. Additionally, it intends to help students address concrete and factual topics related to: their immediate and external environment, including family and communities; contemporary life; personal and public identities; science and technology, and global challenges; and beauty and aesthetics.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Mandarin 4 Honors with a spring semester grade of B+ or higher OR
    Completion of Mandarin 4 with a spring semester grade of A- or higher
     

  • AP French Language & Culture

    Conducted in French, this course is designed for students who have distinguished themselves in French 4 Honors or French 4. The general focus of the class is to prepare the students for the AP French Language and Culture Examination given in the spring.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of French 4 Honors with a spring semester grade of B+ or higher OR
    Completion of French 4 or Advanced French Conversation with a spring semester grade of A- or higher

  • AP Latin

    This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Latin Examination in the spring; therefore, students reinforce and build upon their knowledge of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax by reading original Latin literature. Students read selections from Vergil‘s Aeneid and Caesar’s De Bello Gallico in Latin and in English, as specified by the College Board. Through readings in English, the course will also emphasize literary appreciation and knowledge of the life and customs of the late Republic and early Empire.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Junior or senior level status AND completion of Latin 3 Honors with a spring semester grade of B+ or higher
    OR Completion of Latin 4 or Latin 4 Honors or Advanced Latin Literature with a spring semester grade of A- or higher

    This course also requires a teacher recommendation.

  • AP Spanish Language & Culture

    This advanced level course prepares the student to take the AP Spanish Language & Culture Examination in the spring. Taught exclusively in Spanish, this course guides students to improve and hone their proficiency across the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational). Organized around thematic units of study, this course integrates authentic printed, audio and audiovisual texts with traditional print texts that include literature, essays, and magazine and newspaper articles, to provide a rich, diverse learning experience. Students communicate exclusively in Spanish using a wide range of vocabulary and linguistic structures.

    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Spanish 3 Honors, Spanish 4 or Spanish for Heritage Speakers II, Honors with a spring semester grade of A- or higher
     

  • AP Spanish Literature & Culture

    Conducted entirely in Spanish, this course is designed to introduce students to the formal study of Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and US. Hispanic literature. It aims to develop students’ critical reading and analytical writing skills as well as their ability to make interdisciplinary connections and explore linguistic and cultural comparisons. The course is organized into six thematic units of study, with literary texts from the required reading list presented in chronological order within each unit of study. Students are expected to discuss literary texts and their different historical, socio-cultural and geopolitical contexts in a variety of interactive oral and written formats in Spanish. Additionally, students analyze themes and features of artistic representations, audiovisual materials and audio sources in Spanish related to course content. This class prepares students to take the AP Spanish Literature & Culture Examination in the spring.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of AP Spanish Language & Culture with a spring semester grade of A- or higher
     

  • French 2

    Conducted in French, this course develops and reinforces the skills learned in French 1. In addition to continuing to learn the fundamentals of grammar, the students expand their vocabulary base. They also continue to study the customs and traditions of the French-speaking world.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Perform at required proficiency level on the spring placement exam
     

  • French 2 Honors

    In addition to completing the fundamentals and basic curriculum of French 2, this course requires the readings of selected short stories and poems. This class is only offered to those students who have demonstrated outstanding ability. This course is conducted in French.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Perform at required proficiency level on the spring placement exam

  • French 3

    Conducted in French, this intermediate level course focuses on French culture through the study and discussion of literature, movies, and articles on the French character as well as through the exploration of the French-speaking world. This course also reinforces and refines the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening that are introduced in the first two years. Grammar is reviewed and introduced in context.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP French Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of French 2 or French 2 Honors with a spring semester grade of C- or higher
     

  • French 3 Honors

    Conducted in French, this intermediate level course is designed for students who have demonstrated outstanding communication and writing skills. Through the study and discussion of literary excerpts, films and articles, students learn about the French character, explore the French-speaking world, refine their language skills, and develop their understanding of grammatical concepts, which are introduced and reviewed in context.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP French Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of French 2 with a spring semester grade of A OR
    Completion of French 2 Honors with a spring semester grade of B+ or higher

  • French 4

    Students in this advanced course refine their language skills and enhance their vocabulary acquisition as they explore contemporary issues about the French-speaking world through newspaper articles, literary excerpts, songs and video clips. Thus, they are invited to see French as a world language and to understand the many faces of the French national identity. This course is conducted in French.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of French 3 or French 3 Honors with a spring semester grade of C- or higher

  • French 4 Honors

    French 4 Honors students further develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while exploring culture, literature, music and cinema related to the French-speaking world. They are expected to write analyses of literary works as well as to view and critique a French film. They are invited to see French as a world language. French is the sole language of instruction.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of French 3 Honors with a spring semester grade of B+ or higher OR
    Completion of French 3 with a spring semester grade of A

  • Latin 1

    In this introductory Latin class, students gain a foundation of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary as they explore history, culture, and even mythology. Roots, derivations, and grammatical construction are emphasized. These studies also prepare students to higher master modern languages and give an excellent grounding in English grammar. Students develop analytical thinking as they translate from Latin to English and from English to Latin.

    Prerequisite:
    Any freshman, sophomore, or junior may take this course;
    Seniors must obtain permission from the World Languages Department.
     

  • Latin 2

    At the intermediate level, students continue to study the language, its grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. There is increased awareness of the history and civilization of ancient Rome.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Latin Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Latin 1 with a spring semester grade of C- or higher

  • Latin 2 Honors

    In addition to completing the Latin 2 curriculum, this course stresses a more in-depth and intense study and understanding of the grammar through translating from English to Latin. Moreover, students will delve more into the history, culture, and mythology of the Classical world.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Latin Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Latin 1 with a spring semester grade of A

  • Latin 3

    Students complete the essentials of grammar and vocabulary through extensive reading in Latin. Grammar lessons continue while gradually incorporating authentic Latin.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Latin PLacement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Latin 2 or Latin 2 Honors with a spring semester grade of C- or higher

  • Latin 3 Honors

    In addition to completing the Latin 3 curriculum, this course stresses a more in-depth and intense study and understanding of the grammar through translating from English to Latin. Moreover, students will delve more into the history, culture and mythology of the Classical world.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Latin PLacement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Latin 2 with a spring semester grade of A OR
    Completion of Latin 2 Honors with a spring semester grade of B+ or higher

  • Latin 4

    This advanced Latin literature course has an alternating curriculum. In this course, students reinforce and build upon their knowledge of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax by reading original Latin literature. Through translation of complex Latin passages, students will sharpen their translation skills and solidify comprehension of Latin grammar, reinforced by translation of complex English sentences into elegant Latin. These passages will further illuminate Roman history and culture.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Latin 3 or Latin 3 Honors with a spring semester grade of C- or higher

  • Latin 5

    This advanced Latin Literature course has an alternating curriculum. In this course, students reinforce and build upon their knowledge of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax by reading original Latin literature. Through translation of complex Latin passages, students will sharpen their translation skills and solidify comprehension of Latin grammar, reinforced by translation of complex English sentences into elegant Latin. These passages will further illuminate Roman history and culture.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Latin 4 or AP Latin with a spring semester grade of C- or higher

  • Mandarin 1

    Mandarin 1 introduces students to the official Chinese language and to the cultures of Chinese/Mandarin-speaking countries and communities. It is designed for students who have no background or very limited knowledge of Mandarin. Basic speaking, listening, reading, and writing of Mandarin will be introduced and practiced.

    Prerequisite:
    Any freshman, sophomore, or junior may take this course;
    Seniors must obtain permission from the World Languages Department.

  • Mandarin 2

    This course reinforces the skills learned in Mandarin 1 and continues to develop the four skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition to continuing to learn the fundamentals of grammar, the students expand their vocabulary base. Writing and reading are emphasized more at this level. Students also continue to study the customs and traditions of the Mandarin-speaking world.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Mandarin Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Mandarin 1 with a spring semester grade of C- or higher
     

  • Mandarin 2 Honors

    The curriculum will build upon the existing Mandarin 2, offering more in-depth academic material from various textbooks used at the college level. This fast-paced course will engage students in intensive class participation and discussions, and demand students to use higher-level thinking in their output.

    Mandarin 2 Honors is designed for students who have completed Mandarin 1 or have an elementary background in Chinese, building upon foundational skills to reach an Intermediate -Low-performance level. This accelerated course goes beyond Mandarin 2, incorporating in-depth material from college-level resources to enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. With an emphasis on intensive class participation, discussion, and the application of higher-level critical thinking, students will engage in deeper exploration of topics related to their own life experiences and current events.

    The course aims to strengthen Chinese cultural awareness by integrating research projects that encourage students to compare Chinese culture with their own. Students will gain proficiency in typing Chinese, and practice character writing techniques. Mandarin 2 Honors prepares students to communicate more effectively in both spoken and written Mandarin, positioning them for continued success in higher-level Mandarin studies.

    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Mandarin Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Mandarin 1 with a spring semester grade of A



  • Mandarin 3

    This intermediate course is a review of the materials presented in Mandarin 1 and 2, with the introduction of Chinese poetry, cinema, and music. This course also presents more extensive writing and reading skills development through the readings and audio programs.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Mandarin Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Mandarin 2 or Mandarin 2 Honors with a spring semester grade of C- or higher
     

  • Mandarin 3 Honors

    This course is designed for students who have demonstrated outstanding communication and writing skills at level 2. Conducted entirely in Mandarin, it aims at expanding students’ vocabulary and word combination capacity to an advanced level, so as to make significant progress in listening, speaking, writing, and reading with new or familiar topics. Additionally, it further develops and deepens students’ knowledge of Chinese culture and introduces them to contemporary Chinese literature.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Mandarin Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Mandarin 2 with spring semester grade of A OR
     Completion of Mandarin 2 Honors with spring semester grade of A-





     

  • Mandarin 4

    This intermediate-low level course is designed for students who have demonstrated sustainable performance in the three modes of communication—interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational—developed in the first three years of Mandarin study. The course continues to build communicative skills through thematic units focused on global topics such as personalities, extra-curricular activities, travel and culture, computer and technology, relationships, part-time jobs, recycling and the environment, personal preferences, and choices. Students engage in tasks that develop the five C’s of world language learning (Communication, Cultures, Comparisons, Communities, and Connections), encouraging comparisons between their own culture(s) and Mandarin-speaking communities. Authentic print, audio, and visual materials support the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Mandarin. The course is conducted 90% or more in Mandarin, with consistent student interaction expected. This course prepares students for continued study in AP Chinese.

    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Mandarin 3 with a spring semester grade of C- or higher OR
    Completion of Mandarin 3 Honors with a spring semester grade of C- or higher
     

  • Mandarin 4 Honors

    This intermediate-mid level course is intended for students who have demonstrated outstanding performance across the three modes of communication—interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational—in previous Mandarin coursework. Like the M4 course, it is structured around thematic units that include personalities, extra-curricular activities, travel and culture, computer and technology, part-time jobs, personal preferences, and choices. With a more rigorous pace and higher expectations for accuracy and depth of language use, students are guided to strengthen their interpretive abilities and expressive precision. The course reinforces the five C’s of world language learning and emphasizes cultural comparisons and authentic language use. Students engage regularly with authentic texts and multimedia resources, and the course is conducted at least 90% in Mandarin. Active participation is required. This course is designed to prepare students for success in AP Chinese.

    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Mandarin 3 with a spring semester grade of A or higher OR
    Completion of Mandarin 3 Honors with a spring semester grade of A- or higher
     

  • Spanish 1

    In this introductory Spanish course, particular emphasis is placed on developing oral skills, basic vocabulary as well as an understanding of the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and structure. Students are exposed to the Spanish-speaking world and its cultures.
    Prerequisite:
    Any freshman, sophomore, or junior may take this course;
    Seniors must obtain permission from the World Languages Department.
     

  • Spanish 2

    This course reinforces the skills learned in Spanish 1 and continues to develop the four skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition to continuing to learn the fundamentals of grammar, the students expand their vocabulary base. The indicative mood with its various verb tenses is emphasized at this level. Students also continue to study the customs and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Spanish Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Spanish 1 with a spring semester grade of C- or higher
     

  • Spanish 2 Honors

    This course is offered to those students who have demonstrated outstanding ability in level 1. In addition to completing the Spanish 2 curriculum, this course emphasizes extensive reading and writing skills development through the reading and study of short stories, legends, and poems.

    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Spanish Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Spanish 1 with a spring semester grade of A
     

  • Spanish 3

    Conducted in Spanish, this intermediate level course reinforces, expands and develops students’ performance in the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive and presentational) introduced in the first two years of Spanish. This course is organized around thematic units of study and essential questions that guide students to connect and compare their own culture(s) and communities with those of Spanish-speaking communities and cultures. Authentic and traditional printed, audio and audio-visual texts are integrated with a variety of speaking, listening, reading and writing activities. Grammar is reviewed extensively and in relation to each unit of study.

    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Spanish Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Spanish 2, Spanish 2 Honors or Spanish for Heritage Speakers I, Honors with a spring semester grade of C- or higher
     

  • Spanish 3 Honors

    Conducted in Spanish, this intermediate-advanced level course is designed for students who have demonstrated outstanding performance in the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive and presentational) introduced in the first two years of Spanish. Organized around thematic units of study with essential questions, this course guides students to produce extensive written and spoken communication as they connect and compare their own culture(s) and communities with those of Spanish-speaking communities and cultures. Authentic and traditional printed, audio and audio-visual texts are integrated with a variety of speaking, listening, reading and writing activities.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students – Enrollment is dependent on satisfactory SHP Spanish Placement Test results;
    Returning students – Completion of Spanish 2 Honors with a spring semester grade of A- or higher OR 
    Completion of Spanish 2 with a spring semester grade of 95% or higher
     

  • Spanish 4

    Conducted in Spanish, this intermediate-advanced level course continues to hone students’ performance in the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive and presentational) from the previous three years of Spanish. Organized around thematic units of study with essential questions, this course guides students to produce extensive written and spoken communication as they connect and compare their own culture(s) and communities with those of Spanish-speaking communities and cultures. Authentic and traditional printed, audio and audio-visual texts are integrated with a variety of speaking, listening, reading and writing activities.

    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Spanish 3, Spanish 3 Honors or Spanish for Heritage Speakers II, Honors with a spring semester grade of C- or higher
     

  • Spanish for Heritage Speakers I, Honors

    This course is for bilingual students who live in homes in which Spanish is the primary language of communication. At this level, students will enhance their public speaking skills through individual and small group presentations, further their writing skills through expository and creative writing, explore their cultural roots and study the similarities and differences among Spanish-speaking countries and perfect their use of writing skills emphasizing correct spelling, punctuation and grammar. In addition, students will continue to discover regionalisms and Anglicism in Spanish as well as refine their usage of standard Spanish.
     
    Prerequisite:
    Student’s self-identification as a heritage speaker of Spanish OR
    with the recommendation of the World Languages Department
     

  • Spanish for Heritage Speakers II, Honors

    This course, which is a continuation of Spanish for Heritage Speakers I, Honors, is designed for students whose home language is either exclusively Spanish or bilingual Spanish and English. In this course, students will increase their awareness of the richness and diversity of the Spanish-speaking world through exposure to authentic literary and cultural readings, as well as audio and video materials and artwork. Through their study of these materials, students will further develop their literacy and comprehension in Spanish. In addition, students will improve their writing skills by composing personal essays and technical writing assignments such as proposals and emails. They will also improve their speaking skills by completing a variety of interpersonal and presentational speaking tasks. Finally, through their work in this class, students will sharpen their grammatical skills and spelling in order to communicate with increased accuracy and fluency.

    Prerequisite:
    Incoming students: Student’s self-identification as a “heritage speaker of Spanish” and satisfactory results on the SHP Placement Test
    Returning students: Completion of Spanish for Heritage Speakers I, Honors with a spring semester grade of B or higher
     
Where Scholarship and Values Matter
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12