Kurtis Kotes
Principal, grades 9-12
222 Scotchtown Ave.
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 615-6100
World Languages Courses
French I
Full year - One credit
In French I, students cover “checkpoint A” of the New York State syllabus for French language. Thematic topics are introduced during the year, such as School and Education, Personal Identification, House and Family, Weather and Seasons, Holidays, Sports and Leisure, and Food. Emphasis is placed on the skills of listening, verbal communication and understanding. Each unit spirals upon the other so that students will improve their oral communication, reading ability, and writing skills. Besides thematic based conversations, students engage in student-centered, interactive activities to provide opportunity to practice their newly acquired second language. Cultural understanding is promoted through projects in which students compare the American and French cultures.
French II
Full year - One credit
The prerequisite for this course is French I. In French II, students are preparing for “checkpoint B” of the New York State syllabus. The vocabulary and grammar of the thematic topics introduced in French I are expanded throughout the year, and a unit about clothing is also included. This spiraling process improves the quality of oral communication, reading ability, and writing skills. Situational conversation practice in the target language continues to be stressed for each thematic unit. Cultural understanding is promoted through projects in which students compare and contrast the American and French cultures.
French III
Full year - One credit
The prerequisite for this course is French II. In French III, students continue to cover “checkpoint B” of the New York State syllabus. Thematic topics covered include Personal Identity, Family, Professions, House & Home, Meal Taking, Health, Services, Sports & Leisure and Travel. Emphasis is placed on the skills of reading, writing, listening, and oral communication. Students work with a peer partner on a regular basis to ensure that they are using their newly acquired vocabulary and grammar skills. Projects during the year which enable practice of vocabulary, grammar and speaking skills include a bio-poem, a greeting card and a travel advertisement. Cultural understanding is developed as students compare and contrast American and French cultures on a regular basis.
French IV
Full year - One credit
The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of French III and the Final Exam as required by New York State to receive the Advanced Regents Diploma. Emphasis is placed on comprehension and participation in the target language. The study of French literature is introduced with The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In this course, more advanced grammar points are taught, adding several new verb tenses. Cultural understanding is enhanced with a more in-depth study of French history, French culture, the geography of France and the origins of the French language.
Latin I
Full year - One credit
Because most students who enroll in Latin already have experience in another foreign language, this course begins with a rapid presentation of the fundamental structure of Latin and intense practice in vocabulary, culture and derivation . There is an emphasis on reading development, and students will work individually, with peer partners and in groups. Projects include studies of mythology and Latin derivatives in English. Roman culture is illustrated daily and students have the opportunity to participate in a Saturnalia party and a Roman banquet.
Advanced Latin
Full year - One credit
This is a continuation of the work that was started in the Latin I course. The subjunctive and gerundive are taught before students graduate to reading many of the famous Latin works: Livy, The Argonauts, Caesar and Pliny. Students will take the National Latin Exam in March and the Regents level final examination in Latin at the end of the year. Those who receive a grade of 85 or higher on the final exam will be granted a three-year sequence. Because this class is generally small in size, Advanced Latin can be intimate and fun. Tangents can be followed into aspects of vocabulary in other languages or history and culture, thus broadening everyone’s horizons.
Basic Spanish
Full year - One credit
This is an exploratory course offering students an opportunity to learn basic Spanish. Throughout this course, students pretend they are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, learning the necessary vocabulary and conversational skills to communicate and survive. Emphasis is placed on the development of speaking and listening skills, and cultural understanding is promoted throughout their “travels.” After the successful completion of the course, if students want to continue their study of Spanish, they may enroll in Spanish: Level IA the next year.
Spanish IA
Full year - One credit
In Spanish IA, students cover “checkpoint A” of the New York State syllabus for Spanish language. Thematic topics are introduced during the year, such as School and Education, Personal Identification, Weather and Seasons, Holidays, Sports and Leisure, House and Family, and Health. Emphasis is placed on the skills of listening, verbal communication and understanding. Each unit spirals upon the other so that students will improve their oral communication, reading ability, and writing skills. Besides thematic based conversations, students engage in student-centered, interactive activities to provide opportunities to practice their newly acquired second language. Cultural understanding is promoted through projects in which students compare the American and Hispanic cultures.
Spanish II
Full year - One credit
The prerequisite for this course is Spanish IA. In Spanish II, students are preparing for “checkpoint B” of the New York State syllabus in Spanish language. The vocabulary and grammar of the thematic topics introduced in Spanish II are expanded throughout the year. Topics are developed through engaging communicative activities, such as introducing peers, planning a visit to a hotel, learning the structure of the family by creating a family tree, performing a mock doctor appointment, and creating a menu for an imaginary restaurant. Cultural understanding is promoted through projects in which students compare and contrast the American and Hispanic cultures.
Spanish III
Full year - One credit
The prerequisite for this course is Spanish II. In Spanish III, students continue to cover “checkpoint B” of the New York State syllabus. Thematic topic covered include personal identification, daily routine, home life, city life, leisure activities, food, health, style, travel and earning a living. Oral communication in Spanish based on these themes is emphasized, as well as the skills of reading, writing, and listening. Students are introduced to more advanced grammar including the subjunctive mood, the imperative and the perfect tenses. Students are encouraged to interact in an impromptu manner with the teacher and with one another in the target language as much as possible. This course culminates in the New York State Regents examination in Spanish.
Spanish IV
Full year - One credit
The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Spanish III and the Final Exam as required by NYS to receive the Advanced Regents Diploma..Emphasis is placed on the use of the target language during class and further development of their writing skills. Students learn about Spain and its geography, culture, history and food. A favorite activity is researching an authentic Spanish “tapa,” preparing it for the class, then creating a café within the classroom so each “tapa” can be sampled by all.
SUNY Orange: Spanish 203 (Spanish Conversation)
Grade 12 – one semester – one credit, plus three college credits from SUNY Orange
In this college-level Spanish course, students practice conversation which is based on readings of selected Spanish literature and write compositions based on models of Spanish prose. Students will also review and practice elementary grammar, as well as intermediate to advanced structures. Spanish art and artists will be explored and discussed, including El Greco, Velásquez, Goya, Dali, Picasso, Kahlo and Rivera.
SUNY Orange: Spanish 204 (Introduction to Spanish Literature)
Grade 12 – one semester – one credit, plus three college credits from SUNY Orange
In the second semester of this college-level sequence, students will read, analyze and discuss masterworks of Spanish and Spanish American literature. Advanced grammar structures are presented and incorporated into discussion and writing, with special attention given to the use of the subjunctive, present and past. New vocabulary is introduced and used to discuss key figures in contemporary and classical literature of the Hispanic world.
SUNY Orange: French 203
Grade 12 – one semester – one credit, plus three college credits from SUNY Orange
In this college level French course, students will work through the first half of a teacher chosen text. Students will read literary selections and cultivate sensibility and sensitivity to French culture, history, and art. Students will understand and apply intermediate to advanced French grammar through oral and written assignments. Finally, students will ask and answer questions in French expressing judgment, doubt and uncertainty.
SUNY Orange: French 204
Grade 12 – one semester – one credit, plus three college credits from SUNY Orange
In the second semester of this college-level sequence, students will complete the second half of the text used in French 203. They will also chronologically advance their knowledge of French culture, history and art and continue their study of French grammar with emphasis on written and oral expression.
SUNY Orange Italian I & II
For qualifying Juniors and Seniors; 3 college credits per course.
These Italian courses are taught in evening sessions at Goshen High School. Students pay $40.00 per credit for these college-level courses. Upon successful completion of each course, students receive three SUNY Orange credits, which are transferable to all SUNY schools and most four-year colleges nationwide. Interested students should consult the Guidance Office or the Foreign Language Department Chair for eligibility requirements.
SUNY Orange: Elementary Italian I
One semester – ½ credit
This first course in SUNY Orange’s Italian sequence is a basic introduction to conversation, reading, writing, and grammar. Emphasis is placed on the skills of listening, verbal communication and understanding. Each unit spirals upon the other so that students will improve their oral communication, reading ability, and writing skills. Students will also learn about and discuss contemporary Italian events and culture.
SUNY Orange: Elementary Italian II
One semester – ½ credit
This second course in SUNY Orange’s Italian sequence
will help students develop their command of the Italian language through
continued reading, writing speaking and advanced grammar study. Students
will study more complex patterns, verb tenses, including subjunctive.
Through reading, writing and speaking the target language, students will
continue to learn about contemporary Italian events and culture.
(Prerequisite: Elementary Italian I or instructor placement)