The Spanish language is spoken in more than 21 diverse countries and territories.

All Spanish classes incorporate activities that draw on this wealth of cultural and linguistic variation. Spanish is learned with an active approach, through conversing, problem-solving, debating, composing, and acting.

Students are given the opportunity to develop all language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They study and apply vocabulary and grammar incrementally. After the third year of Spanish, students may take Spanish seminars

In Spanish I students start with little or no knowledge of the language. From the beginning of the course, students are required to use the language in class. Grammar and vocabulary are practiced through a variety of activities that include skits, presentations, videos, songs, tongue twisters, and personal experiences. This class also introduces the students to the varied Spanish-speaking world and acquaints them with different accents, customs, foods, music, etc. During each semester the students watch a feature film and during the second semester they are given reading supplements. Students are encouraged to practice their Spanish outside the class using a variety of Internet programs.

Spanish II allows the students to further their language study with more work on the present tense and intense practice of the past and future tenses and other grammatical structures. A fair amount of time is dedicated to expanding vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. A variety of supplements accompany the main text. These include CDs, DVDs, a grammar exercise book, activity sheets and digital tools, all focused on continued growth with all language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). We will be reading three novelettes (Lejos de casa, Reunión de vecinos and Dos semanas con los ticos). Other supplementary videos (some viewed online) and two or three full-length feature films will complete the class program. Language skills will be enhanced through a variety of activities, including presentations, videos, readings, songs, discussion, debate, and pair and group work. There are frequent assignments for which students read online newspapers from Spanish-speaking countries and/or watch international newscasts on the Web. Listening to music (and singing) in Spanish, watching and discussing Spanish television and Web programs, seeing Spanish-language films, and simply speaking the language in both guided and spontaneous conversation are all ways to practice and enhance one’s mastery and enjoyment of the language.

The underlying theme of Spanish III is the school motto, Mens Conscia Recti, “A Mind Aware of What is Right.” Therefore, each semester includes units and activities that permit use of the target language for thoughtful dialogue, debate and writing focused on topics that include some dimension of ethical conduct. The first semester centers on the interpersonal dimension, including tolerance and respect, while the second semester focuses on national and international topics, including the environment, sustainable development, and human rights. Students review grammar and vocabulary of Levels I and II and study yet more verb forms. In addition to increasing the core vocabulary, they study a variety of idiomatic expressions and familiarize themselves with lexical variation from country to country. Students learn by using the language in context and by doing a variety of activities and projects such as the creation of a magazine page and performance (poetry recitation, drama, song and a socio-political speech). As much as is technically possible, there is contact with students and teachers in a school in Mexico. Media resources include the Internet and both short and full-feature films (all contextually integrated with the main text). A novel and shorter works of a variety of genres supplement the main text. Students are prepared to take the Spanish SAT Subject Test by the end of this course. This course has been designated an Honors course by the University of California.

The department offers a selection of designated Advanced Placement seminars, emphasizing the improvement of oral, written, and comprehension skills in Spanish at an advanced level. Grammar is reviewed periodically. Students prepare for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination but are not required to take it. Courses such as The Short Story, Current Events in the Hispanic World, Perspectives on Hispanic Culture, Magic Realism, and a literary survey have been offered in the past. 

Fall 2012 Seminar:

Advanced Conversation, Literature, and Creative Writing (AP)

The objectives of this yearlong course are: 1) to acquire, refine and practice conversational skills necessary to communicate effectively in different social and cultural situations; 2) to cultivate students’ knowledge of and appreciation for the diversity of the Hispanic language and culture through a variety of selected readings that range from pre-Colombian creation myths to contemporary movements such as Modernism, Surrealism and Magic Realism. Writing assignments will be primarily creative in nature. Students will be encouraged to experiment with specific literary devices and their own imaginations as means of understanding more fully the way literature works to convey ideas. An independent project will be required at the end of each semester. Class activities will include: discussions and debates on current and controversial issues, oral presentations, role playing, literary readings, creative writing exercises, grammar reviews and the viewing of some films from different Spanish-speaking countries. Once in a while the class will work at a local public school with Spanish-speaking kids. Other field trips may be scheduled as well. Students who plan to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Language will have assigned time to prepare for it and be familiar with each section of the exam.

Culture and Current Events in the Spanish-Speaking World (AP)