SPANISH DEPARTMENT

Spanish 1 (2 semesters) Grades 9, 10, 11

Prerequisite for grade 9 students: Satisfactory performance in language sections of placement test and consistent scores/grades in language arts as indicated by student records of grades 7 and 8.

The general objective is to direct, guide and motivate students toward the development of the linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in a foreign language. Cultural insights and appreciation are acquired as an integral part of the language experience.

The student is trained to recognize Spanish sentences used in simple conversations, to read with proper intonation and pronunciation, to write sentences in the language that has been used in the basic dialogues, to write short paragraphs according to set guidelines, to have knowledge of the basic grammar, to be able to establish a simple conversation using appropriate vocabulary, and to have knowledge of the culture and civilization of the Spanish people.

Spanish 2 (2 semesters) Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in previous language course, approval of teacher. Grade of D in Spanish 1 indicates the need for summer school and specific permission of the department.

Prerequisite for grade 9:  Successful performance on a test pre‑determined by the department to measure the prospective student’s competency as an entering second year student. Exceptions will be made only for those students who have completed the prerequisite in a high school program and can verify this by presenting a report card at the time of registration.

Spanish 2 continues and expands the work of the first level, leading gradually to the second level emphasis on reading skills. Presentation of all major structures in the language continues. The student begins the formal study of grammar, progresses in the development of writing skills, maintains and develops greater oral completeness, develops reading skills in the language, and increases cultural awareness.

Spanish 3 (2 semesters) Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Spanish 2, approval of teacher. Grade of C in Spanish2 requires specific permission of the department.

In this course the student continues the oral study of the language, building confidence in handling more difficult material and establishing habits of reading as a basis for developing greater speaking and writing skills. Students are introduced to literary selections which are also used as a basis for summaries, interpretations and extended compositions.

Spanish 4 (2 semesters) Grades 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Spanish 3, approval of teacher.

Spanish 4 continue to concentrate on developing language skills. The student reviews grammar and verb tenses, learns new vocabulary, and demonstrates competence in reading, speaking, writing and listening. The student writes reports, letters, compositions, etc.; reads passages from literary pieces, newspapers, etc.; gives oral summaries of different topics; listens and establishes dialogue; demonstrates knowledge of the culture; and is able to successfully take a college achievement test in the language.