The way of life, attitudes, and customs of the people whose language is being taught are central to the materials used in the course. The understanding and appreciation of culture pervades the presentation of dialogues, reading exercises, and textbook illustrations as well as the supplementary materials. In the middle school, students receive high school credit for level I. Upon successful completion, they may continue with subsequent levels at the high school. This course provides students with a sample of foreign language so that they will be able to make a more educated decision about which foreign languages they wish to pursue. Two weeks are spent studying each language.
Students learn about several aspects of each culture while studying the language.
In addition, students select a cultural project based upon their own ancestry or another culture that they want to research, and do a short class presentation during the final week of the session. This semester course provides students with a more comprehensive introduction to the three languages offered by the Waynesboro Public Schools. Vocabulary study in each of the languages is related to the English language in order that students improve understanding of their own language and grammar. Cultural study promotes an awareness of cultural diversity, as well as an increased awareness and appreciation of the students own culture. Since many of the students begin the specialized study of foreign language in eighth grade, this course helps them make a more informed decision.