Spanish Courses

Spanish 1

This course serves as an introduction to the Spanish language and to the many and diverse cultures of Spanish-speakers around the world. Using the Realidades 1 textbook as a guide, students learn and practice basic Spanish grammar and essential vocabulary through reading, writing, speaking and listening exercises. Students learn about the countries of Latin America and about different artists, athletes, food and celebrations from Spanish-speaking countries around the world. By the end of the first year, students have a solid foundation in the present tense and basic first year grammar.



Spanish 2

This course builds on the material taught in Spanish 1. Using the Realidades 2 textbook as a guide, students continue to study new vocabulary and grammar topics in order to further communication in Spanish. By the end of this year students are able to use past and present verb tenses in Spanish. Also, students continue their study of the many and diverse cultures of Spanish-speakers around the world through cultural readings, pictures, videos, literature, art, and music. They have the opportunity to explore various Spanish-speaking countries in depth.



Spanish 3

This course builds on material students learned in Spanish 1 and 2 to help them become intermediate level learners. Using the Realidades 3 textbook as a guide, each student learns to use interpretive, presentational and interactive communication to express and understand basic needs in Spanish. By the end of this year students are comfortable using past, present and future verb tenses in Spanish, as well as the present and present perfect tenses of the subjunctive mood. Students study art appreciation, environmental concerns, history, and politics within the context of the Spanish-speaking world. There are readings and discussions about cultural differences and similarities between Spanish-speaking countries and our own society on topics such as celebrations, economic development, education and geography.



Spanish 4

The purpose of this course is to strengthen and enhance overall skills in the Spanish language, namely, students’ ability to understand, speak and write in both formal and informal contexts. Throughout this course, students continue to learn about and connect to Hispanic culture through reading authentic materials and literature, watching movies and using other audio visual and written sources via the Internet. Students are required to keep a weekly journal, participate in language laboratory exercises and some cultural experiences in our local Hispanic community. Although this is not specifically an Advanced Placement course, students may be ready to take the Advance Placement Spanish Language test if they have successfully completed Honors work given in class.