Electives

Spanish 1: 1 credit

This course provides a basic level of competence in the four language skills-listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  An overview of Hispanic culture, including Spain, Latin America, and Hispanics in the U.S., is presented.  A broad base of vocabulary is covered and the present tense is mastered.  Classroom activities include questions and answers, presentation of original dialogues, listening to tapes of native speakers and use of computers. We use the textbook VOCES Y VISTAS and its accompanying workbooks and tapes.
Homework required: 1-2 hours per week

Spanish 2: 1 credit    

This course builds on the skills learned in Spanish 1, strengthening listening and speaking skills during the first semester and doing more extensive reading and writing in the second semester.  The grammatical focus is on mastery of the two simple past tenses.  Each student does research over the year on a Spanish-speaking country, culminating in a presentation to the class at the end of the year.  Two texts, VOCES Y VISTAS and PASOS Y PUENTES are used, as well as workbooks, a reader, tapes, and computer programs. Prerequisite-Spanish 1 or permission of the teacher.
Homework required: 1-2 hours per week

Spanish 3: 1 credit

This course continues to work on all the language skills.  All the tenses as well as the subjunctive and commands are introduced.  Most of the class is conducted in Spanish.  In addition to the text, PASOS Y PUENTES,  and its workbooks and tapes, we also use a video series called LA CATRINA and its workbooks.  A short story and/or play is read, as well.   Students do original writing and oral presentations throughout the year. Prerequisite-Spanish 2 or permission of the teacher.
Homework required: 1-2 hours per week

Spanish 4: 1 credit    

This course refines the language skills taught in Spanish 3.  The course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish.  Grammar units from various sources are used.  A play by Casona is read and the video series DESTINOS  and its workbook are used.   We do units on Hispanic music and art and the students do research and presentations on a Spanish artist. Prerequisite-Spanish 3 or permission of the teacher.
Homework required: 1-2 hours per week.

Introduction to Spanish Literature for Heritage Speakers: .5 credit    

This course is designed for students who speak Spanish at home and can read and discuss literature with relative ease.  A short story unit is done first to teach the students to analyze literature and they are expected to be able to compare and contrast character, plot, conflict, etc.  A full-length play is read and the students do an oral presentation based on it to show their understanding of the play.  Finally,  a unit on poetry exposes the students to a broad range of poets across time and from various Spanish-speaking countries.  Again, students are expected to analyze the different styles and themes. Prerequisite-permission of the teacher
Homework required: 1-2 hours per week