Spanish Department Courses

The basic objectives of the Spanish program are: 1. To help each student attain proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing within a minimum period of time and in a way which makes language learning a meaningful activity. 2. To present the language within the context of the contemporary Spanishspeaking world and its culture. It is recommended that students who take more than one year of a foreign language concentrate their efforts in one language so that it may be of greatest use. Students should note colleges require two or three years of foreign language study for admission. This requirement can only be met by successfully completing Level 1 and Level 2 of the same language. It is strongly recommended that students begin their foreign language study in their freshman year in order to be able to take advantage of the full four-year program and the college credit available at the advanced levels. Proficiency benchmarks must be met at the previous grade level to advance to the next level.

It is recommended that students who take more than one year of a foreign language concentrate their efforts in one language so that it may be of greatest use. Students should note colleges require two or three years of foreign language study for admission. This requirement can only be met by successfully completing Level 1 and Level 2 of the same language. It is strongly recommended that students begin their foreign language study in their freshman year in order to be able to take advantage of the full four-year program and the college credit available at the advanced levels. Proficiency benchmarks must be met at the previous grade level to advance to the next level.

This is for students that are planning to take upper level Spanish courses (Spanish 4 and AP). Greater emphasis is placed on linguistic competence and accuracy in this course. Due to the increased rigor of this honors course, additional and alternate assignments will be implemented to prepare students for the upper level Spanish courses. 

This course builds on and reinforces language acquired in Spanish 1. Language proficiency will expand and develop through performance based instruction and assessment. The vocabulary students learn is directly related to the purposes and situations of the context or established topics.

Students continue to expand vocabulary to reflect the students’ needs and interests in each thematic topic. Students continue to study practical, day-to-day use of language in a broader context. Daily practice through performance-based instruction will facilitate the development of language as students gain insight into cultures of Spanish speaking countries.

This course builds on and reinforces language capacity acquired in Spanish 1 and 2. Greater emphasis is placed on the study of vocabulary, culture, and a more measured pace in the introduction of new themes and topics. Students read and discuss authentic materials, including poetry, stories, news reports, film, magazine articles and literature. This course is designed for the students coming from Spanish II CP that are not planning to move forward into Spanish IV and AP.

This course builds on and reinforces language capacity acquired in Spanish 1 and 2. This course will be taught largely in Spanish, with supports provided for student success. Advanced grammar topics and understandings will be emphasized to promote future student success on College placement exams, Spanish IV, and AP Spanish.. Students read and discuss authentic materials, including poetry, stories, news reports, film, magazine articles and literature. This course is designed for the students coming from Spanish II HONORS that are  planning to move forward into Spanish IV and AP.  A recommendation from the Sp II Honors teacher will be required. 

This course continues the study of the use and proficiency growth in the target language through skits, instruction in written translation, and the preparation and performance of a play that is written, translated, rehearsed, and performed in Spanish.  Course also prepares and equips students with the tools needed for future success in AP Spanish.

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught predominantly in Spanish with supports provided for student understanding and success.