Spanish Language

In this course, students develop a strong command of the Spanish language, with proficiency in integrating language skills and synthesizing written and aural materials, the formal writing process, extensive interpersonal and presentational speaking and writing practice, and aural comprehension skills through quality, authentic, and level-appropriate audio and video recordings. They are also further exposed to the world of literature and current events of Spanish-speaking countries through authentic written texts, including newspaper and magazine articles, literary texts, and other non-technical writings that develop students’ reading and comprehension abilities. Class is conducted completely in Spanish and includes frequent writing and integration of skills with a rigorous review of grammatical structures. Advanced organizational and analytical strategies are taught. An array of resources is used as necessary to facilitate the learning process. A diagnostic test or other means of determining students’ strengths and problem areas is done within the first two weeks of the school year in order to customize the instruction.

Weekly Homework: Daily homework.  Average of 5-10 hours per week.

Average Reading Per Night: 1-3 pages with comprehension, reflection, compare and contrast questions.

Assessments:  Frequent unannounced quizzes based on readings and material covered in class.  Each theme will have an essay, term paper and various PowerPoint presentations (6 themes per year).

Tests Per Semester: 8-10

Other Expectations: Individual analysis of primary source documents, in-class free-response and document-based essays, reading notes, class notes.

Summer Assignment: Review and master the rules of accentuation in Spanish.  The semester will begin with a unit on accentuation.