Upper School Curriculum Guide

Fluency in a foreign language is an inestimable asset in the interconnected environment of the 21st century, providing not only a means of communication but also perspective and insight into another culture, both present and past. The Modern Languages Department is committed to providing a curriculum that develops the skills for comprehension and meaningful communication in French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. At all levels, teachers seek to instill enthusiasm and to inspire learners to advance their ability to communicate effectively in the target language. Because we live in a global community, we can benefit from immense opportunities if we know a second or third language. The ultimate goal of the department is to provide students with a command of the language and an understanding of other cultures, both of which are necessary for intercultural understanding, dialogue, and relationships.

In French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish, five-year sequences begin with an introduction to basic grammar combined with an immediate and almost exclusive use of the language. From the first day, students are immersed in the language studied. This approach fosters instinctive and uninhibited responses and involves students in a unique intellectual process. Mastery of basic grammar, development of writing skills and confident self-expression in the target language are accomplished in part by frequent class participation and written exercises. As proficiency is acquired, students may take Advanced Placement offerings in French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

COURSE SELECTION GUIDELINES

• Honors Intensive French or Spanish requires approval from both the current language teacher and the approval of the Department Chair. A year-end grade of A- or better in the student’s first foreign language is also required. Students are expected to continue the sequence in their first foreign language concurrently with their Intensive course, at least through level 4.
• All other Honors and AP courses in French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish require approval from the current language teacher.
• No approval is required for regular courses. 

AP HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

• AP French Language and Culture: Students typically spend 45 minutes on homework each night.
• AP Chinese Language and Culture: Students typically spend 45 minutes on homework each night, but there is a range from 30 minutes to one hour.
• AP Spanish Language and Culture: Students typically spend 20-45 minutes on homework each night.
• Honors Spanish Literature and Language (AP Language and Culture): Students typically spend 30-45 minutes on homework each night.
• AP Spanish Literature & Culture: Students typically spend 45 minutes on homework each night.

DEPARTMENT POLICIES REGARDING ENTRY INTO HONORS AND AP COURSES
 
Departmental policies regarding entry into Honors Intensive French or Spanish
Please note: Students are expected to continue the sequence in their first foreign language concurrently with their Intensive course, at least through level 4.

• For entry into this course, a student must have:

1. Department permission.
2. Recommendation from the current language teacher.
3. Year-end grade of A- in the student’s first foreign language.

Departmental policies regarding entry into Honors Level 2 courses

• For entry into an Honors French or Spanish level 2 course, a student must have:

1. Department permission.
2. Recommendation from the current teacher.
3. Students moving from the regular track to the honors track may be required to sit for a placement exam.
4. In addition to the regularly assigned summer reading, students moving from the regular track to the honors track will be required to complete supplemental work that will prepare them for the honors track.

Departmental policies regarding entry into Honors Level 3 courses

• For entry into an Honors French or Spanish level 3 course, a student must have:

1. Department permission.
2. Recommendation from the current teacher.
3. Students moving from the regular track to the honors track may be required to sit for a placement exam.
4. In addition to the regularly assigned summer reading, students moving from the regular track to the honors track will be required to complete supplemental work that will prepare them for the honors track.

Departmental policies regarding entry into Honors Level 4 courses
While success in the beginning levels depends in large part on grammar-based language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking in the target language – level 3 is a transitional year leading to a shift in focus at the fourth level. Students entering Honors or Advanced Placement sequences will need to demonstrate, in addition to a strong grammar background, the ability to approach literature with solid analytical skills. Concurrent enrollment in an English honors course is often an indication of such ability, and the recommendation of an English teacher and/or a writing sample in the target language may be sought in determining placement.

• For entry into Honors French or Spanish level 4, a student must have:

1. Department permission.
2. Recommendation from the current teacher.
3. Students moving from the regular track to the honors track may be required to sit for a placement exam.
4. In addition to the regularly assigned summer reading, students moving from the regular track to the honors track will be required to complete supplemental work that will prepare them for the honors track.

• For entry into Honors Spanish Literature and Language (AP Spanish Language and Culture), a student must have:

1. Department permission.
2. Recommendation from the current teacher.

Departmental policies regarding entry into Advanced Placement Language and Culture courses in French, Chinese, and Spanish:

• For entry into Advanced Placement courses, a student must have:
  1. Department permission.
  2. Recommendation from the current teacher.
  3. Students moving from the regular track to the honors track may be required to sit for a placement exam.
  4. In addition to the regularly assigned summer reading, students moving from the regular track to the honors track will be required to complete supplemental work that will prepare them for the honors track.
  5. Students may be required to submit a writing sample in French, Chinese or Spanish and/or the recommendation of their current English teacher.

Departmental policies regarding entry into the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture course:

• For entry into Advanced Placement courses, a student must have:

1. Department permission.
2. Recommendation from the current teacher.
3. Year-end grade of B or better from Honors Spanish Literature and Language (AP Spanish Language and Culture)
4. Students may be required to submit a writing sample in Spanish and/or the recommendation of their current English teacher.

For maintenance of placement in an Honors Level course during the school year, the policy is:

1. If an Honors Level student receives a grade below B at either the first quarter or the first semester, the student’s situation will be reviewed by the teacher of the course in consultation with the Department Chair to determine the appropriateness of course placement.
2. Movement in or out of Honors Level may occur during the school year.
    

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	SPANISH: Environmental Issues in the Spanish Speaking World  FRENCH: Comics and Cinema: Exploring 7th and 9th Art Forms in the French Chinese 4/Earned Honors Option
Level 2	Level 3	Levels 4/5 SPANISH: Environmental Issues in the Spanish Speaking World FRENCH: Comics and Cinema: Exploring 7th and 9th Art Forms in the French Chinese 4/Earned Honors Option	Levels 4/5 (offered in 2023-24) SPANISH: The Caribbean and Spain: Cultural Identities in the 20th Century FRENCH: Modern Media and Culture in the Francophone World Chinese 5

Honors courses in all 3 languages are as follows. Chinese offers an honors class at the AP level only.

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Honors 2 French/ Spanish; Honors Intensive French/ Spanish	Honors 3 French/ Spanish	Honors 4 French/ Spanish	AP Language & Culture in French/ Spanish/ Chinese
	Honors Intensive French/ Spanish	Honors 3 French/ Spanish; French 3; Spanish 3	Honors 4 French/ Spanish; Honors Spanish Literature & Language (AP Spanish Language & Culture)

An additional honors course is offered in Spanish only, and the level 4 (shown here in the 11th grade) decision is key. In this scenario, students take two AP Spanish courses and two AP exams over two years.

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Honors 2 Spanish	Honors 3 Spanish	Honors Spanish Literature & Language (AP Spanish Language & Culture)	AP Spanish Literature & Culture

A Note on Guided Study:
Several languages are offered on a guided study basis, given the availability and expertise of faculty. A language taken as a guided study does not fulfill the language requirement. With permission of the grade dean and the Department Chair, 10th, 11th and 12th graders may pursue a guided study in language.

French Courses

HONORS INTENSIVE FRENCH
This course is designed for the student who, having demonstrated mastery of the grammatical principles of one foreign language, has an interest in acquiring French at an accelerated pace (i.e., covering French 1 and 2 in one year). Upon satisfactory completion of Honors Intensive French (B+ or above) and the instructor’s recommendation, students may qualify for a level 3 French course. Students with a grade of B or below at the end of the year should consult their instructor as to appropriate placement and may continue in a level 2 course. Students are expected to continue the sequence in their first foreign language concurrently with Honors Intensive French, at least through level 4. (1 unit; Grades 9 -12; prerequisite: superior achievement in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or Latin; permission of the Department Chair required)

A further note about the Intensive Language Program: The Honors Intensive language program at RCDS is designed for students who wish to pursue the study of two foreign languages simultaneously. Honors Intensive language courses are available in French, Latin, and Spanish. These courses have as their stated goal to cover two years of material in one year and to prepare students for the third-year level. It is the expectation of both the Classics Department and the Modern Languages Department that students taking an Honors Intensive language course will continue the study of those two languages simultaneously for the entire tenure of their stay at RCDS. Students – and advisors and families of students – who wish to pick up a second language through the Honors Intensive program should be aware that adding a second language through the Honors Intensive program is, in almost every case, a multi-year commitment and thus will have a significant impact on a student’s course selection and academic program as a whole.

FRENCH 1
This course is designed for students with little or no experience in the language. Through direct use of French, class work emphasizes aural and reading comprehension, oral and written fluency, as well as mastery in grammar. In the classroom on a daily basis, students use French actively. Students acquire basic vocabulary and a solid command of grammar including personal pronouns, and verb tenses (présent, passé composé, and futur proche). Also encountered and used are relative and interrogative pronouns. Introduction to the wide diversity of Francophone cultures is an integral part of the course. Through varied types of media, students regularly encounter authentic examples of language and culture. (1 unit; Grades 9-12)

FRENCH 2
This course continues to use an oral/aural as well as written approach to French grammar, vocabulary, and civilization. Students review thoroughly and develop their understanding of grammatical structures and vocabulary presented in Level 1. Grammatical topics presented during the year include the imperfect tense and conditional mode, and multiple object pronouns. Students will discuss, read, and write about topics related to daily life and culture in France and other French speaking countries. Students are also exposed to written expression through reading their first full-length texts in French, Kirikou et la sorcière, and Le Petit Prince. Multimedia resources such as websites are used throughout the year to develop aural comprehension, familiarity with French and francophone culture, and engage students in the active use of written and spoken skills. (1 unit; Grades 9-12; prerequisite: French 1)

HONORS FRENCH 2
This course introduces more advanced grammar topics and explores them in depth. Using various sources including francophone websites, students become proficient in the use of many linguistic forms and idiomatic expressions. Students will discuss topics related to daily life and culture in France and other French-speaking countries. Students develop writing skills through compositions, projects, and skits. Students read, discuss, and write about Le Mystère des faux billets and Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince in the second semester. The class also views feature length films such as Louis Malle’s "Au revoir les enfants." (1 unit; Grades 9-12; prerequisite: superior achievement in French 1; permission of the Department required and possible placement test)

FRENCH 3
Students at level 3 achieve an intermediate level of proficiency in the four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Grammar and vocabulary studied during the first two levels are reinforced and expanded, and new material introduced at this level includes the subjunctive mode and its uses, uses of the conditional mode, and sequence of tenses. Throughout the year students view and comment orally and in writing on a variety of media. Texts and audio-visual materials selected for this course present a diverse image of the Francophone world and also serve to expand vocabulary, to develop reading skills, to foster facility in both spoken and written expression. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: French 2)

HONORS FRENCH 3
This course offers a more intense approach to grammar, civilization, conversation, and writing. Throughout the year, reading includes topics of current interest as well as literary works, such as Les jeux sont faits by Jean-Paul Sartre. Shorter texts and articles are presented for vocabulary enrichment, to build reading and writing skills, especially to stimulate discussion as well as an introduction to explications de texte. Film is an integral part of the course: students view, discuss, and write about several short films such as Samba. Shorter videos introduce students to matters of current interest and are used in a variety of ways to build active language use. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors French 2 or superior achievement in French 2 or Honors Intensive French; permission of the Department required and possible placement test)

COMICS AND CINEMA: EXPLORING THE 7TH AND 9TH ART FORMS IN THE FRENCH WORLD
The term “comic strip” doesn’t encompass the full range of literary and artistic development of this genre referred to as le neuvième art. The French term bande dessinée (BD) means literally “drawn strip,” and for over one hundred years this genre, combining text and image, has developed into a rich and varied art form. Similarly, the French word cinéma embodies artistic movements that are diverse and impactful, always giving us new perspectives on the world. In this year-long course, students will explore both art forms through reading a variety of BD and watching modern films. In addition to learning how to read BD and interpret films, students will have the opportunity to use their creativity while making their own BD and short films as a project over the course of year. Group discussions in French will be at the center of this course along with a circling back to essential grammar points in order to develop more fluid expression. Students will be producing oral and written presentations throughout the year. (1 unit; Level 4/5,  Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: French 3 or Honors French 3)

HONORS FRENCH 4
In this course, students will refine their language skills while continuing to explore diverse topics relevant to the French-speaking world. Students also read unabridged works such as Maupassant’s Contes, Hassan’s La bonne couleur or Simenon’s short story “La Vieille Dame de Bayeux.” Award-winning short films, oral drills, written exercises, and original Power Point presentations are just a few of the ways students will arrive at an advanced level of proficiency. Students will write and speak about a variety of authentic articles from the media, literary works, and films. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors French 3 or superior achievement in French 3; permission of the Department required and possible placement test)

MODERN MEDIA AND CULTURE IN THE FRANCOPHONE WORLD (OFFERED IN 2023-24)
In this year-long course, students are exposed to the Francophone world through a diverse array of media. Students will examine current events and cultural topics through the press, television broadcasts, contemporary music and art forms. They will become experts in deciphering the weekly newscast. Over the year, they will read a variety of texts on contemporary issues including Tahar Ben Jelloun’s Racisme expliqué à ma fille. Shorter videos will introduce students to matters of current interest and will be used to build active language use. Speaking and listening skills will be at the center of this course along with a review of essential grammar points as a way to scaffold more sophisticated expression. Oral and written presentations on current events and contemporary culture will be an important part of class. Throughout, discussion will take place in French  (1 unit; level 4/5, Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: French 3 or Honors French 3)

AP FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Contemporary Life, Families and Communities: these six themes central to the Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam provide a meaningful context through which students develop their ability to integrate language, content, and cultural knowledge of the French-speaking world. Students will explore historical, contemporary, and future perspectives on these themes through a variety of sources such as newspaper articles, recorded interviews, film, and literary texts. Class discussion, oral presentations, timed activities, and frequent opportunities to produce both analytical and creative written work are important components of the course designed to prepare students for the AP French Language and Culture exam in May. All students enrolled in the course are expected to take the AP French Language and Culture examination. (1 unit; Grade 12; prerequisite: Honors French 4 or superior achievement in Language & the French-Speaking World and possible placement test; permission of the Department required)

Mandarin Chinese Courses

MANDARIN CHINESE 1
This course is designed for beginners with little or no prior study of Chinese. The course introduces students to the Chinese language and culture including the sound system, character writing/typing, basic sentence structure, and grammar of Chinese. Students develop proficiency in four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing through authentic multimedia materials. By the end of their first year of study, students will be able to hold basic conversations, read and write simple texts on familiar topics such as self-introduction of name, birthplace/date, age, contact information, family members, and making appointments. (1 unit; Grades 9-12)

MANDARIN CHINESE 2
This course further reinforces and expands on students' basic grammatical and conversational skills. Students continue to work on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. More complex sentence structures, expansion of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions are introduced through texts, various authentic online media including movies, dramas, game shows, songs, as well as additional reading materials such as newspapers, children’s literature, and poetry. These materials also form the basis for the exploration of Chinese culture. Class participation, discussion, and impromptu writing are essential components of this course. By the end of the year, students will be able to hold basic conversations on familiar topics such as school life, after school activities, shopping, and moving around town. (1 unit; Grades 9-12; prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 1)

MANDARIN CHINESE 3
The third year Mandarin Chinese course continues to develop students' communication skills in the language at the intermediate-low level. Frequent writing and speaking assignments provide students the opportunity to practice new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idiomatic expressions in topics such as relationships, grocery shopping, Chinese cuisine, dining out, leisure activities, living and learning environments. Active class participation, discussions, and spontaneous interpersonal communications are essential components of this course. (1 unit; Grades 9-12; prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 2; possible placement test)

MANDARIN CHINESE 4 with EARNED HONORS OPTION
The fourth year Mandarin Chinese course aims to bring students to the intermediate-mid level of proficiency where they can create with language, participate in progressively more challenging conversations, and communicate effectively in both speaking and writing. Students explore the culture and diverse perspectives of the Chinese speaking world through the use of literary texts, screenplays, and various authentic multimedia materials. Advanced grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions are introduced and extensively practiced in topics such as medical symptoms, banking and financial management, personal care, communication, and technology. Consistently active class participation is a critical component of this course. Earned Honors Option: Students will have the opportunity to declare their intent, in the first quarter, to earn an honors credit. They will implement project-based language learning with a topic to be approved by the Department, then followed by incremental progress checks regularly until completion in the last quarter. (1 unit; Grades 9-12; prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 3; possible placement test)

MANDARIN CHINESE 5
This fifth year course prepares students for intermediate-high level of proficiency in the Chinese language. It is designed to further develop competence in the language skills. Advanced grammar, vocabulary, formal and idiomatic expressions, as well as popular and colloquial phrases are introduced and extensively practiced in topics such as classic literatures, magazines, media, TV shows, films, internet, sport events, career planning, etc. The course relies heavily on active student-centered discussion. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 4; possible placement test)

AP CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
The AP Chinese Language and Culture course conforms to the standards and expectations described in the College Board curriculum. It provides students with opportunities to further develop and demonstrate their language competence. Students have frequent opportunities to practice oral and written expression by describing, inquiring, arguing, debating, and analyzing a variety of themes in paragraph length. Students also develop their ability to express themselves in email responses, story narration, conversation, and cultural presentation. This course overlaps a portion of Mandarin Chinese 5 and culminates in the Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture Exam given in May, which must be taken by all students enrolled in this class. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: superior achievement in Mandarin Chinese 4; permission of the Department required, and possible placement test)

Spanish Courses

HONORS INTENSIVE SPANISH
This course is designed for the student who, having demonstrated mastery of the grammatical principles of one foreign language, has an interest in acquiring Spanish at an accelerated pace (i.e., covering Spanish 1 and 2 in one year). Upon satisfactory completion of Honors Intensive Spanish (B+ or above) and the instructor’s recommendation, students may qualify for a level 3 Spanish course. Students with a grade of B or below at the end of the year should consult their instructor as to appropriate placement and may continue in a level 2 course. Students are expected to continue the sequence in their first foreign language concurrently with Honors Intensive Spanish, at least through level 4. (1 unit; Grades 9-12; prerequisite: superior achievement in French, Chinese, or Latin; permission of the Department Chair required)

A further note about the Intensive Language Program: The Honors Intensive language program at RCDS is designed for students who wish to pursue the study of two foreign languages simultaneously. Honors Intensive language courses are available in French, Latin, and Spanish. These courses have as their stated goal to cover two years of material in one year and to prepare students for the third-year level. It is the expectation of both the Classics Department and the Modern Languages Department that students taking an Honors Intensive language course will continue the study of those two languages simultaneously for the entire tenure of their stay at RCDS. Students – and advisors and families of students – who wish to pick up a second language through the Honors Intensive program should be aware that adding a second language through the Honors Intensive program is, in almost every case, a multi-year commitment and thus will have a significant impact on a student’s course selection and academic program as a whole.

SPANISH 1
This course is designed for students with little or no experience in the language. Through direct use of Spanish, class work emphasizes aural and reading comprehension, oral and written fluency, as well as mastery in grammar. In the classroom on a daily basis, students use Spanish actively. Students acquire basic vocabulary and a solid command of grammar including personal pronouns and verb tenses. Introduction to the wide diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures is an integral part of the course. Through varied types of media, students regularly encounter authentic examples of language and culture. Students will have the opportunity to practice and apply the four primary skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) through daily class interaction, frequent writing assignments, and projects. (1 unit; Grades 9-12)

SPANISH 2
Students review thoroughly and develop their understanding of grammatical structures and vocabulary presented in Level 1. As the year progresses, this level reinforces and expands on students' basic grammatical and conversational skills, teaching them to express themselves in the past tenses using a variety of object pronouns. New vocabulary will focus on themes ranging from health and wellness to travel. Students will deepen their exploration of Spanish and Latin American cultures using both text-based and online resources. They will complete short reading selections and prepare brief written and oral summaries. Students will incorporate the content of those readings with new vocabulary and grammar to prepare creative projects and oral presentations. Active class participation is an essential component of this course as students strive to increase their oral proficiency and to practice their spontaneous speaking skills. (1 unit; Grades 9-12; prerequisite: Spanish 1)

HONORS SPANISH 2
This course introduces more advanced grammar topics and proceeds at an intensive pace. Frequent writing assignments (in addition to drills) provide students the opportunity to practice new vocabulary and grammar concepts in several contexts. Students are often asked to read short stories and to discuss them in class. Several cultural themes are explored with the help of student presentations and the reading selections. (1 unit; Grades 9-12; prerequisite: superior achievement in Spanish 1; permission of the Department required and possible placement test)

SPANISH 3
The purpose of this course is to bring students to the intermediate level of proficiency where they can create with language, participate in progressively more challenging conversations, and communicate effectively in writing. Students explore the culture and diverse perspectives of the Spanish-speaking world through the use of literary texts and film. Grammar and vocabulary studied during the first two levels are reinforced and expanded. Listening and speaking skills  are strengthened by way of frequent class discussion. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: Spanish 2)

HONORS SPANISH 3
This course offers a more immersive and advanced approach to grammar, conversation, writing, and the study of civilization. Through the study of Spanish and Latin American culture, history, and current events, students will deepen their understanding of varying perspectives in intercultural contexts. This provides a solid foundation for those students moving into higher-level Spanish courses and for entry to both Honors Spanish Literature and Language (Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture) and Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture. This course also includes an introduction to the study of film and literature; students explore several literary genres including short story and poetry. Daily class discussions, periodic analytical papers, projects, and presentations will help students formulate original ideas and express them in the target language, while engaging in meaningful collaboration with their classmates. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 2 or superior achievement in Spanish 2 or Honors Intensive Spanish; permission of the Department Chair required and possible placement test) 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE SPANISH SPEAKING WORLD 
This course will focus on environmental issues around the Spanish-speaking world and how they intersect with a variety of global social justice movements. Possible topics for exploration include climate change, deforestation, food insecurity, migration, control of natural resources, environmental racism, responsible production and consumption, and community activism. Students will also examine how these issues manifest themselves locally and compare different responses to them. In addition, we will learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and efforts being made to achieve them. All content and discussion will be in Spanish. Students will continue to develop their skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing through the study of podcasts, blogs, videos, and a variety of online news sources. (1 unit; level 4/5, Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Spanish 3 or Honors Spanish 3)

HONORS SPANISH 4
In this course, students will refine their language skills while continuing to explore diverse topics relevant to the Spanish-speaking world. Students also read unabridged works by such authors as Nicolás Guillén, Gabriel García Márquez, Pablo Neruda, and Alfonsina Storni. Award-winning films, oral drills, written exercises, and creative presentations are just a few of the ways students will arrive at an advanced level of proficiency. Students will write and speak about a variety of poems, prose works, plays, and films. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 3 or superior achievement in Spanish 3; permission of the Department required and possible placement test)

HONORS SPANISH LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE (AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE)
In this course, students will examine in-depth literary works that appear on the revised AP Spanish Literature and Culture reading list, including El Lazarillo and works by more contemporary authors such as Federico García Lorca, Rubén Darío, Gabriel García Márquez, and Isabel Allende. We study poems, plays, short stories, and novels, with particular attention to themes that appear throughout the works and periods studied. The course relies heavily on student-centered discussion. Students submit literary analyses and give formal oral presentations. Through the study of literature, and grammar exercises as needed, students are constantly asked to refine their language skills. At the end of this year, students are expected to take the Spanish Language and Culture Advanced Placement examination. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 3, or superior achievement in Spanish 3; or Language & The Spanish-speaking World; permission of the Department required and possible placement test)

CULTURAL IDENTITIES IN THE 20TH CENTURY (OFFERED IN 2023-24)
This course examines the Caribbean and Modern Spain through film, art, and literature.  Students will read texts written by Spanish and Caribbean authors of the 20th century. The themes presented in these works include social class and economic status, the role of the artist in society, social and interpersonal relationships, and gender roles. Turning to film and art, we will examine how these themes are further explored in different mediums. The content of this course supports our exploration of these themes as well as the role of Spain’s influence in the Caribbean. In addition, students will work in the Makerspace on thematically related projects.  Group discussions in Spanish will be at the center of this course, along with a circling back to essential grammar points in order to develop more fluid expression. Students will be producing oral and written presentations throughout the year. (1 unit; level 4/5, Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Spanish 3 or Honors Spanish 3)

AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Contemporary Life, Families and Communities: these six themes central to the Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam provide a meaningful context through which students further develop their ability to integrate language, content and cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will explore historical and contemporary perspectives on these themes through a variety of sources such as online newspapers, radio broadcasts live streamed from Spanish-speaking communities, podcasts, film, and literary texts. Class discussion, oral presentations, timed activities and frequent opportunities to produce both analytical and creative written work are important components of the course designed to increase student fluency and engagement with global issues while preparing for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam. All students enrolled in the course are expected to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture examination in May. (1 unit; Grade 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 4 or superior achievement in Language & the Spanish-Speaking World; permission of the Department Chair required and possible placement test)

AP SPANISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE
This course continues the in-depth study of literary works on the AP Spanish Literature list begun in Honors Spanish Literature and Language (AP Spanish Language and Culture) and prepares students to take the AP examination in Spanish Literature and Culture. Students study works from the AP Spanish Literature list including classic texts such as poetry by Garcilaso de la Vega and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, as well as more contemporary works by Rosa Montero and Nancy Morejón, for example. Students study poetry, plays, short stories, essays, and novels. Before the AP examination, we review the works and themes covered in the previous year. At the completion of this course, students are expected to take the AP Spanish Literature and Culture examination. (1 unit; prerequisite: Honors Spanish Literature and Language [AP Spanish Language and Culture]; permission of the Department required)