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Curriculum
Foreign Languages
SPANISH I
(one year)
Spanish I is a comprehensive
basic course in which the
student
achieves facility in all aspects
of listening, understanding,
speaking, writing, and reading
of the first-year lessons. Films
of
native speakers in a variety of
settings, audio CDs, and
software
are integrated into the
curriculum. Idiomatic
expressions and
verb conjugations are stressed
in addition to other grammatical
concepts. Hispanic history and
civilization are introduced in
conjunction with customs as a
supplement to the text.
Conducted primarily in Spanish.
An elective course for Upper
School students.
SPANISH II
(one year)
The course reinforces the
structure, vocabulary and
grammar
from level I then moves on to
more complex forms including the
subjunctive mood. Videos, audio
CDs, and software enhance the
curriculum. Composition writing
is introduced, and the student
begins to read short excerpts
pertaining to civilization, art,
famous novelists, and literary
movements. There also is
emphasis
on oral presentations. Conducted
primarily in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Spanish I.
An elective course for Upper
School students.
SPANISH III
(one year)
Spanish III is devoted to a
complete and thorough review and
mastery of Spanish grammar,
syntax, and communication
strategies. The student explores
the Spanish speaking world
through assigned reading and
research on specific topics
related to Hispanic culture and
civilization. Selected works of
Spanish literature are read to
increase vocabulary and ease of
expression. Conducted in
Spanish.
Prerequisite: Spanish II.
An elective course for Upper
School students.
SPANISH III HONORS
(one year)
This course offers an
accelerated intensive study of
Spanish
grammar, syntax, and
communication strategies. The
student
explores the Spanish speaking
world through assigned reading
and research on specific topics
related to Hispanic culture and
civilization. Extensive reading
in Spanish literature is
designed
to increase vocabulary and ease
of expression. Admission to
the course is limited to those
students whose grades,
recommendations, and writing
samples meet the standards of
the
department. Conducted in
Spanish.
Prerequisite: Spanish II and
department approval.
An elective course for Upper
School students.
SPANISH IV
(one year)
Spanish IV is conducted entirely
in Spanish and is structured as
a
college-level
language-in-context course.
Conversation is
prompted by reading selected
works of literature and watching
contemporary film shorts.
Speaking skills are developed
through
class discussion, reading aloud,
and by student presentations.
Outside readings and
presentations in theater, art,
music, and
varied cultural interests
provide for the enhancement of
competency in listening,
speaking, writing, and reading.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of
B- in Spanish III and
departmental approval.
An elective course for Upper
School students.
SPANISH IV HONORS
(one year)
This course seeks to further
develop language proficiency
while deepening the student's
insight into Hispanic culture.
This is an intensive class
designed for the advanced
student.
The course covers the work of
the regular Spanish IV in more
depth. Since students work at an
accelerated pace, more time
is available to develop
strategies used to sustain
conversation,
broaden vocabulary and increase
grammatical accuracy. Using
a thematic approach, equal
emphasis is given to aural/oral
skills, composition, reading and
writing.
Prerequisite: Grade of B or
above in Spanish III and
departmental approval.
An elective course for Upper
School students.
SPANISH V ADVANCED CONVERSATION
AND
COMPOSITION
(may be taken for a semester or
one year)
This is a course in cultural
literacy in conversation and
composition. This course is
designed to provide the advanced
student with an analytical grasp
of the traditions and
complexities
of the Spanish speaking world.
The rich cultural and
literary expressions which
students will study will provide
the
context for a classroom
environment that builds strong
conversational skills and
immerses the student in
intensive
language use.
Prerequisite: Grade of B or
above in Spanish IV, IV Honors
or
Spanish AP and departmental
approval.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH
LANGUAGE
(one year)
The Advanced Placement Course is
designed to hone language
skills while preparing the
student for the National
Advanced
Placement Exam to be taken at
the end of the academic year.
This course seeks to further
develop language proficiency
while deepening the student's
insight into Hispanic culture.
The student will be exposed to
the art treasures (both classic
and contemporary) of the Spanish
speaking world and will be
reading newspapers and works by
modern writers. Through
readings dealing with historical
events, topics of human
interest, biographies, artistic
expressions and music, the
student will develop an
awareness that other cultures
are
constantly in transition as
their customs evolve. Using a
thematic approach, equal
emphasis is given to aural/oral
skills,
composition, reading and
grammar.
Prerequisite: Grade of B or
above in Spanish IV or IV Honors
and departmental approval.
An elective course for Upper
School students which requires a
high level of competence in
listening, speaking, reading,
and
writing skills.
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