Spanish

IB Spanish A Language and Literature SL/HL (11 & 12)

Spanish A: language and literature comprises four parts—two relate to the study of language and two to the study of literature. The Spanish A: language and literature course aims to develop students skills of textual analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can be seen as autonomous yet simultaneously related to culturally determined reading practices. The course is designed to be flexible. Teachers have the opportunity to construct it in a way that reflects the interests and concerns that are relevant to their students while developing in students a range of transferable skills. An understanding of the ways in which formal elements are used to create meaning in a text is combined with an exploration of how that meaning is affected by reading practices that are culturally defined and by the circumstances of production and reception. In view of the international nature of the IB and its commitment to intercultural understanding, the Spanish A: language and literature course does not limit the study of texts to the products of one culture or of the cultures covered by any one language. The study of literature in translation from other cultures is especially important to IB Diploma Programme students because it contributes to a global perspective, thereby promoting an insight into, and an understanding of the different ways in which cultures influence and shape the experiences of life common to all humanity.

At the conclusion of the second year, students may take the IB Spanish A: Language and Literature examination at either Standard or Higher Level.

Distinction between SL and HL

The model for language A: language and literature is the same at SL and HL but there are significant quantitative and qualitative differences between the levels. 

SL students are required to study four literary works and a number of non-literary texts, whereas HL students are required to study six literary works and a number of non literary texts. 

In addition, HL students will have a fourth assessment component, the higher level essay, a written coursework task that requires students to explore a line of inquiry in relation to a studied non-literary text or texts, or a literary text or work. The outcome of this exploration is a 1200-1500 word essay in which HL students are expected to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the nature of linguistic or literary study. 

Credits: 1 each year

Length of Course: 2 years

Grade Level: 11 and 12

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Español Gr. 10 (Programa Oficial) with teacher recommendation or placement test for new students.

SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM (PROGRAMA OFICIAL) OVERVIEW

The following courses include the areas of language, literature, geography, art history, and philosophy, and also follow the requirements set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education for Spanish nationals or students requiring convalidation of the ASM diploma by the Spanish Ministry of Education. For 2021-2022 the Spanish equivalents for the grade levels offered in the Upper School at ASM are the following:

Grade 9 Español Grado 9 (3º ESO)

Grade 10 Español Grado 10 (4º ESO)

Grade 11 Español Grado 11 (1º Bachillerato)

Grade 12 Español Grado 12 (2º Bachillerato)

After meeting certain requirements, all ASM students may request from the Spanish Ministry of Education the recognition of their studies at ASM for the equivalent studies in the Spanish system. In Grades 7 to 10, students must take and pass the following courses at ASM: “Español Grado 7”, “Español Grado 8”, “Español Grado 9”, and “Español Grado 10”. If ASM students do not take and pass these courses while in Grades 7 to 10, they may not:

• Have their studies of Grades 7 to 10 at ASM recognized by the Spanish equivalent of “Título de Graduado/a en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria” (ESO),

• Have their studies of Grades 11 and 12 at ASM recognized by the Spanish equivalent of “Título de Bachiller”

As a result, such students may not:

• Apply for admission to Spanish universities (the possibility of applying with the International Baccalaureate Diploma would still be available),

• Transfer to a Spanish school to complete the equivalent Spanish grade levels of Middle School and High School.

• This applies to all ASM students, regardless of nationality.

ESPAÑOL GRADO 9 (3º E.S.O.)

This is a course focused on the study of Spanish language and literature in its historical and social contexts (Middle Ages to the 18th century). We will also focus on enhancing students’ oral and written expression and comprehension. For reading and writing (included in the literary works that we read), we cover: text structure, advertisements, journalism, narrative, descriptive, expository, and argumentative texts. The course follows the guidelines set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level: 9

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Español Grado 8 (2º ESO).

ESPAÑOL GRADO 10 (4º E.S.O.)

This is a course focused on the study of Spanish literature and history (18th-20th centuries), and aspects of general linguistics, the evolution of the Spanish language and its current situation. Critical analysis of some literary works will be required. Another field we will be focusing on will be oral and written expression and comprehension. The course follows the guidelines set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level: 10

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Español Grado 9 (3º ESO).

ESPAÑOL GRADO 11 (1º DE BACHILLERATO)

This course deals with many aspects of Spanish linguistics: history and dialectology of the Spanish language, usage, grammar (morphology and syntax), semantics. Critical analysis of some literary works (from the Middle Ages to the 18th century) is required. The course follows the guidelines set by the Spanish Ministry of Education and serves as preparation for the Spanish universities¨ entrance exam(s).

NOTE: Students should follow both native Spanish courses in grades 11 and 12 in order to sit for the admissions exam(s).

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level: 11

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Español Grado 10 (4º ESO)

ESPAÑOL GRADO 12 (2º DE BACHILLERATO)

This course deals with many aspects of Spanish language and literature: history and dialectology of the Spanish language, usage, grammar (morphology and syntax), semantics, as well as critical analysis of different kinds of texts. Critical analysis of some literary works (19th-20th centuries) is required. We will also be focusing on the literary history of Spain and Latin America during the 19th and 20th centuries. The course follows the guidelines set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education and prepares students for the Spanish universities entrance exam(s).

NOTE: Students should follow both native Spanish courses in grades 11 and 12 in order to sit for the admissions exam(s).

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Español Grado 11 (1º Bachillerato)

Additional Courses in Spanish

FILOSOFÍA - Grade 12

This course is a study of the main philosophers in our western history and an introduction to philosophical inquiry. Reflection and critical thinking are keywords to the course. As the history of philosophy is very ample, in this course students will attempt to become well acquainted with the following philosophers: Plato, Aristotle, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Marx, Nietzsche, and Ortega y Gasset. The course follows the guidelines set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education and prepares students for the Spanish university entrance exam(s).

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisites: Open only to students in Grade 12.

HISTORIA DE ESPAÑA Y DE LOS PAÍSES HISPÁNICOS

The aim of this course is to give students a general introduction to the history of Spain and Latin America. It starts with the onset of civilization in both the Iberian Peninsula and the Americas and ends with the situation of these countries at the beginning of the 21st century. It is intended to be a “hands-on” course in which students will be investigating and presenting themes they choose. The course follows guidelines set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education and prepares students for the Spanish university entrance exam(s).

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level(s): 11-12

Prerequisites: Open to students in grades 11 and 12 with a good level of Spanish.

COMUNICACIÓN Y SOCIEDAD 

This course provides a comprehensive perspective of Spanish culture, combining the language with the socio-cultural context in which it arose and evolved through the study of art, literature, and history. 

This program offers students the opportunity to continue approaching the world of Spanish from different perspectives. Students will update and improve their lexical and cultural knowledge by studying topics from history, traditions, literature, etc., in different types of texts. 

It is directed to students in grades 9 and 10 who would like to expand their cultural knowledge while developing expression, understanding, and debating skills, both oral and written. The content will promote tolerance, diversity, and respect. 

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level(s): 9-10

Prerequisites: Students who’s language ability is deemed by the school to be beyond language acquisition level.