world languages

Spanish Iv Honors

Prerequisites: Spanish III or approval from the Department Chair based on testing. Offered to students who have demonstrated continued excellence and interest in the study of Spanish.

In this course, Spanish is used almost exclusively as a means of communication to help students transition into a college-level environment with greater ease and to prepare them for progression into the AP Spanish Language & Culture course the following year. Students complete a thorough review of complex grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions and vocabulary as well as explore a variety of historical, political, literary and cultural movements in the Spanish-speaking world. A college-level text is used, supplemented by a variety of web-based materials and authentic resources to support and guide progress. Formal and informal writing, literary analysis, organized debates, projects and conversational exchange (both prepared and spontaneous) are many of the activities used to engage students and help them to develop a greater proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

AP SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Prerequisites: See pages 6, 8

Centered around six overarching themes established by the College Board, The AP Spanish Language & Culture course is designed to challenge the advanced Spanish student to reach beyond traditional grammar and vocabulary acquisition to apply presentational, interpretive and interpersonal skills to a real-world context. Through the exclusive use of authentic resources, students broaden their understanding of the Spanishspeaking world through the lens of native-born speakers. Through exposure to the many products, practices and perspectives that make each culture unique, students are challenged to think critically as they work to compare and contrast their own native cultures to those corresponding to Spanishspeaking countries worldwide.

Underclassmen are required to take the AP exam. Seniors are required to take the exam but may apply for an exemption in consultation with the teacher and the College Counseling Office.