SPANISH I
This beginning course stresses basic proficiency in both production skills (speaking and writing) and receptive skills (listening and reading). The Spanish I student develops a practical vocabulary and builds a strong grammatical foundation in the target language. Reading and audio-visual materials, such as the Destinos series, enhance the students’ discovery of the Hispanic world. Only the target language is used in class.
SPANISH II
College Preparatory and Honors
Spanish II is an intensive course in reading, writing and speaking in the target language. From the simple structures in Spanish I, the students move on to use the compound, preterit, future, and conditional tenses. Students also learn to express both affirmative and negative commands. Cultural studies and projects enhance their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish language films and the Destinos video series are also used to study the culture and to develop comprehension and vocabulary skills.
SPANISH III
College Preparatory and Honors
In Spanish III, students review the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Spanish I and II and study more complex forms of grammar and syntax, such as the passive voice and “if clauses” accompanied by the subjunctive. They expand their vocabulary and knowledge of idiomatic expressions, keep journals to develop composition skills, and improve speaking and listening skills. They embark on several oral proficiency projects and practice oral skills informally outside of the classroom as well as during final assessment projects. Students are exposed to a variety of prose and poetry through their reader, Pasajes, as well as in supplementary short stories.
Students of Spanish III use only the target language in class and are encouraged to find every opportunity to practice oral skills outside the classroom. They visit museums and exhibits that highlight Hispanic art and culture, watch the Spanish news on television, and listen to radio programs in Spanish. Students in III Honors also read short stories and excerpts from a novel.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE
This course develops the students’ proficiency in Spanish and prepares them for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination. Students study the most complex forms of grammar and syntax and expand their vocabulary and knowledge of idiomatic expressions. They develop critical skills that they apply in writing more complex analytical essays. To qualify for the course, students need to have a solid knowledge of the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking peoples and to have attained a satisfactory proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.
Students use only the target language in class and are encouraged to find every opportunity to practice their oral skills outside the classroom. They are encouraged to visit museums and exhibits that highlight Hispanic art and culture, to watch the Spanish news on television, and to listen to Spanish radio programs.
SPANISH IV
Spanish IV is a project-based course designed to reinforce and expand upon skills learned in levels I, II, and III. While reviewing the grammar and syntax, students read a selection of essays, short stories and poetry from Spanish and Latin-American authors. Through active participation in class, including role playing and interviews of their classmates, they improve their oral comprehension and speaking skills. Students also visit El Museo del Barrio and have lunch in a Puerto Rican restaurant.
Students use only the target language in class and are encouraged to find every opportunity to practice their oral skills outside of the classroom. They are encouraged to broaden their understanding of Spain and Latin America and of Hispanics in the United States by visiting museums and exhibits that highlight Hispanic art and culture, watching the Spanish news on television, and listening to radio programs in Spanish.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LITERATURE
This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature Examination. A survey approach is used to study a variety of Spanish and Latin American authors from the Medieval period of Spanish literature to the present. Students discuss and analyze literature of all genres. Students are expected to have a firm command of written and spoken Spanish, as the course is conducted entirely in Spanish. In preparation for the examination, students learn to do close readings of literary texts in all genres, to analyze the content and form of literary works orally, and to write analytical essays using critical terminology.
SPANISH V
This course is for students who wish to continue their studies in Spanish after successfully completing Spanish IV. The curriculum allows them to continue to develop the skills studied in the previous level. Emphasis is placed on cultural studies and on in-depth understanding of the Spanish-speaking world in all of its facets.