Spanish

SPANISH 1 - In first year Spanish you will learn the foundations of the language that include understanding, speaking, questioning, reading, and writing in a culturally and language rich environment. This course encourages grammatical correctness by modeling correct grammar through listening and conversation. Topics covered are greetings, everyday  activities, places, common items (e.g., school supplies, clothes), and present and present progressive tenses. The course will be assessed through a variety of methods such as dialogues, skits, short presentations, tests and quizzes, daily assignments, and projects. First year language may not be the most appropriate placement for Native and Heritage Speakers. For appropriate placement, please see the instructor before registering.

SPANISH 2 - In second year Spanish you will build upon the foundations of the language acquisition. You will enrich your vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking skills. You will also add the preterite, imperfect, present perfect, past, and imperative tenses to your language repertoire. Your participation will continue to be a major component of your learning. Topics include everyday situations, travel, hobbies, family, and descriptions of people and places. The course will be assessed through a variety of methods such as dialogues, skits, short presentations, tests and quizzes, daily assignments, and projects.

SPANISH 2: SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS/ESPANOL PARA HISPANOHABLANTES - This course is designed for native or heritage speakers of Spanish who wish to improve their reading, writing and speaking skills in an environment that blends language with history, culture, literature and current issues. Students will use Spanish and related cultural themes to problem solve, work collaboratively, and set goals. They will learn to apply variations of the language for different purposes, from academic research to public speaking and family history. Understanding of Spanish as an academic subject prepares students to continue on to AP Spanish, IB Spanish 3 and to pursue their IB diploma, or for the STAMP (language proficiency exam) from which they may earn elective credits. Regardless of which route students choose, this course will enable them to develop and capitalize on something they already possess, while utilizing the learning experience as a bridge to greater achievement and personal growth.

Este curso está diseñado para hablantes nativos o de herencia de español que desean mejorar sus habilidades de lectura, escritura y habla en un entorno que combina el idioma con la historia, la cultura, la literatura y los temas actuales. Los estudiantes usarán el español y temas culturales relacionados para resolver problemas, trabajar en colaboración y establecer metas. Aprenderán a aplicar variaciones del idioma para diferentes propósitos, desde investigación académica hasta hablar en público e historia familiar. La comprensión del español como materia académica prepara a los estudiantes para continuar con AP Español, IB Español 3 y obtener su diploma IB, o para el STAMP (examen de dominio del idioma) del cual pueden obtener créditos electivos. Independientemente de la ruta que elijan los estudiantes, este curso les permitirá desarrollar y capitalizar algo que ya poseen, mientras utilizan la experiencia de aprendizaje como un puente hacia un mayor logro y crecimiento personal.

IB SPANISH 3 - In third year Spanish you will continue to build upon the foundational skills from Spanish 1 & 2 by holding a conversation, reading authentic materials, understanding song lyrics, and delving into cultural and social issues. Language topics include complex expressions of events in the past, present, and future. Students will learn the subjunctive mood, as well as compound and conditional tenses. The course offers an overview of current issues and events in the Spanish-speaking world and further cultural exploration. Activities will include extensive presentations in class, impromptu responses, and composition. There will be both written and oral cumulative exams.

IB SPANISH 4 - During this fourth year of study, students continue to develop advanced skills in the language and pursue fluency. The course involves the recognition and use of various verb tenses with written and oral fluency. A student who completes this course will be able to sit for the IB Standard level exam and earn college credit. The course includes text, literature, and newspapers to prompt response writing. The tasks will emphasize higher-level thinking skills including basic literary analysis, character development, and facility with changing perspectives. In addition to typically formatted IB exams, the student will participate in presentations, debates, panel discussions, essays, and sustained impromptu oral expression.

IB SPANISH 5 - Students who complete this course will be able to sit for the IB Higher Level exam. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish with an emphasis on extended conversation and discussion. Students will gain fluency through researching, reading, writing, and discussing various themes, which include student-generated controversial topics, social issues, technology, and personal and professional goals. Within this thematic approach, critical thinking skills will be emphasized in a variety of written and oral assessments.

IB SPANISH 6 - See your counselor for details.