Spanish

Spanish I focuses on the development of basic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students learn basic vocabulary used in everyday conversations and the grammar needed to conduct simple dialogues. Students hear and watch native speakers talking about school, home, family, and friends on a DVD that accompanies the text. The computer lab is used to reinforce various skills. Students work individually, in pairs, and in small groups to practice oral and written language. The history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries are introduced through various projects, videos, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Please note: All native/heritage speakers will be administered a placement test to determine the best possible level to begin study. No native/heritage speaker will be permitted to enroll in level 1 unless he or she possesses little or no English-speaking ability.

Available: CHS, MHS, UHS

Prerequisite: A passing grade in Spanish I

Spanish II continues with the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The computer and listening labs are used to reinforce and practice these skills.

Comprehension and discussion of selected reading passages are also incorporated.

The target language is used as much as possible with a combination of English to ensure that all students understand the material being presented. The history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries will continue to be explored through various projects, videos, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Available: CHS, MHS, UHS

Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish I

This accelerated course is designed for Spanish students who plan to pursue advanced levels of Spanish or complete the IB Diploma Programme.

Spanish II aims to continue developing the students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in Spanish. Students will learn about the history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries in the target language. As much Spanish as possible is used during class, and students are expected to prioritize the use of Spanish to facilitate their transition to upper-level Spanish classes. In order to prepare for IB Spanish, students will begin to develop an international-mindedness while exploring the main themes of IB: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet.

Prerequisite: A passing grade in Spanish II or teacher recommendation

In Spanish III Honors, students work to improve their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The textbook provides advanced grammar practice, and students learn to use a variety of verb tenses and moods. Online exercises and lab activities provide additional practice. As much Spanish as possible is used in class. The textbook contains short literary excerpts to help students improve reading skills and they will read a short novel in Spanish.

Listening skills are reinforced with a program that uses native speakers from a variety of countries.

Throughout the year students write in Spanish, beginning with descriptive paragraphs and ending with short writings on their choice of topics. All students are required to take a comprehensive exam at the end of the course.

Available: CHS, MHS, UHS

Prerequisite: Spanish III or teacher recommendation

Spanish IV Honors continues to promote development of the four basic skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students are asked to master these skills at increasing levels of competency especially in the areas of reading and writing. This course introduces students to authentic reading material through the use of a basal text that is primarily cultural in its focus. An introduction to literary and cultural analysis is provided and students use these skills to discuss the works under study in the target language as well as to express themselves in writing short essays and reactions to a variety of renowned Hispanic authors. The main language of instruction is Spanish with occasional reinforcement in English to ensure comprehension. This course provides the literary and grammatical foundation necessary for those students wishing to pursue IB Spanish or advanced language study at the university level.

All students are required to take a comprehensive exam at the end of the course.

Available: CHS, UHS

Prerequisite: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, and Spanish IV

Exam Fee: $120.00(approximately)

The focus of this course consists of improving the students’ abilities as much in listening, reading, writing, and speaking the language as in broadening the students’ knowledge of the various cultures of the Spanish speaking world. The primary objective is to ensure that the student is able to face common and authentic situations taking into account the impact of such situations with respect to the culture and history of the country under study. Above all the emphasis is on the development of the language and its impact in a modern day international setting, as well as the language’s role in the history of other areas of thought.

Assessments for the course include required IB internal and external assessments as well as locally required non-IB assessments. See the IB section of the Course Catalog for more information.

Available: CHS

Exam Fee: $120.00 (approximately)

IB Spanish HL is a continuation of the materials, techniques, and assessments used in IB Spanish SL. While students of HL will continue to read, analyze, and discuss a variety of everyday texts and materials, they will also expand their repertoire to some of the more significant works of Spanish and Latin American Literature. As a result, HL students will be assessed on a piece of literature both in their formal written and reading assessments given in the Spring as well as those described in SL.

Available: CHS