World Language Course Descriptions

World Language

Spanish for Heritage Speakers - (may be repeated once)

Grade:  9-12

2 Semesters  (1 Credit)

Prerequisite: Ability to understand and speak Spanish at ACTFL Proficiency levels Intermediate High-Advanced High, teacher recommendation, and assessment of reading proficiency. A grade of a “B” or higher in the first semester in order to continue to the second semester or teacher approval. Not recommended for Native speakers.  

This course is designed for students who comprehend Spanish spoken at home.  Students improve literacy skills with an emphasis on reading and writing. Students will read comprehension based novels and films to facilitate discussion of the cultures of Spain, Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries.  Students can expect to improve their writing skills by studying the use of written accents, spelling, and grammar rules concerning the Spanish language.  

*** Spanish I, II, III, and IV are designed for non-Heritage Spanish speakers. ***

Spanish I

Grade:  9-12

2 Semesters  (1 Credit)

Prerequisite: None 

The first year in Spanish is filled with classroom activities that facilitate language acquisition. Students listen as the teacher uses Comprehensible Input to introduce high frequency target structures and some thematic vocabulary. Language acquisition is obtained through comprehension based readers, music videos that combine simple lyrics and great music. Students will learn about culture through novels and authentic materials from Spanish speaking countries. 

Spanish II

Grade:  10-12

2 Semesters  (1 Credit)

Prerequisite: Must pass Spanish I

This course builds on language acquired in Spanish I to help students acquire more complex grammatical structures and additional vocabulary. Emphasis on listening and reading comprehension continues in order for writing and speaking skills to become stronger.  Daily participation is an important part of the course and is expected from all students. Students will learn about culture through novels and authentic materials from Spanish speaking countries. It is highly recommended that students continue their second year of  Spanish II  the year following Spanish I.   It is not advisable to continue Spanish II after having skipped a year or more in between level I and level II. 

Spanish III

Grade:  11-12

2 Semesters  (1 Credit)

Prerequisite: Spanish II the prior year with a “C” or higher each semester or teacher approval. A passing grade in the first semester in order to continue to the second semester or teacher approval

Spanish III builds on the skills developed in Spanish I and II: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of cultures, and topics. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness. Daily participation is an important part of the course and is expected from all students. Teacher instruction is primarily in Spanish and students are highly motivated and capable of staying in the target language throughout the whole class period.

Spanish IV

Grade: 12

2 Semesters  (1 Credit)

Prerequisite: Spanish III the prior year with a “C” or higher each semester or teacher approval. A passing grade in the first semester in order to continue to the second semester or teacher approval

Spanish IV focuses on expanding the four communication skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The students enrich their vocabulary through a variety of media and cultural units utilizing authentic resources. Students expand their level of self-expression in more abstract situations. Daily participation is an important part of the course and is expected from all students. Teacher instruction is primarily in Spanish and students are highly motivated and capable of staying in the target language throughout the whole class period.