A two-semester course. Conversation is stressed throughout the year, with added emphasis on extended reading and writing. Previously learned grammar is reviewed and new grammatical structures are introduced in preparation for upper level Spanish courses, as well as language use outside of the classroom. Students will learn about historical, social and cultural issues of the Spanish speaking world through the use of authentic texts, films and realia. Students will focus on the use of Spanish in real-world contexts. Students are eligible to travel with the Spanish Club during Spring break with trips taken every other year. Classwork is conducted in Spanish.