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 increasing proficiency in 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 20-45 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:

• If an Honors Level student receives a grade below B in 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.
• 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: Identity, Culture, and Language in the Spanish-Speaking World FRENCH: Modern Media and Culture in the Francophone World Chinese 4
Level 2	Level 3	Levels 4/5 SPANISH: Identity, Culture, and Language in the Spanish-Speaking World FRENCH: Modern Media and Culture in the Francophone World Chinese 4	Levels 4/5 (offered in 2026-27) SPANISH: Environmental Issues in the Spanish Speaking World  FRENCH: Comics and Cinema: Exploring 7th and 9th Art Forms in the French Chinese 5

Honors courses in all three languages are as follows. Chinese offers an honors class level 3, 4, and the AP level.

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Honors 2 French/ Spanish; Honors Intensive French/ Spanish	Honors 3 French/ Spanish Earned Honors Chinese 3	Honors 4 French/ Spanish Earned Honors Chinese 4	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) Earned Honors Chinese 4

An additional honors course is offered in Spanish only, and the level 4 (shown here in Grade 11) 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 (A- 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 récent, passé composé, and futur proche). By introducing students to various verb expressions (faire, avoir and être), adjectives, professions and nationalities, we emphasize building language that enables students to talk about themselves, their families and friends, how they feel, as well as their likes/dislikes and favorite activities. Introduction to the wide diversity of Francophone cultures is also an integral part of the course. Students are further exposed to written expression through reading their first full-length text in French: L’été de tous les dangers. (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 include a thorough review of the passé composé and the introduction of the imperfect tense as well as multiple object pronouns. Students continue to build vocabulary more verbs expressions (faire, avoir and être) to help express everyday activities and states of being. Students will read and discuss topics related to daily life and culture in France and other French speaking countries. Students are further exposed to written expression through reading their first full-length texts in French: Arsène Lupin: gentleman cambrioleur and an abridged version of Le Petit Prince. (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,and full class discussions. Students read Michel Ocelot's Kirikou in the first semester while exploring Francophonie in African countries, and Antoine de Saint Exupery's Petit Prince in the second semester. Full length films presented this year include, Kirikou, and Demain tout commence. (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 use of passé composé and imperfect, 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. Three texts  and a variety of 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, and 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. The first semester focuses on themes of relationships, urban living, work and society, while offering a deep focus on the French West Indies (les Antilles) through short stories, projects, and skits. The second semester explores themes of identity, history, and technology. Court métrages (short films) introduce students to matters of current interest and are used in a variety of ways to build active language skills. Full length films studied this year include "l'Arnacoeur", "Samba", et "Au revoir les enfants". (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)

MODERN MEDIA AND CULTURE IN THE FRANCOPHONE WORLD 
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. 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)

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 Hassan’s La bonne couleur and Albert Camus’s L’Etranger and award-winning short films. Engaging in full class discussions, written exercises, oral assessments and  in class 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)

COMICS AND CINEMA: EXPLORING THE 7TH AND 9TH ART FORMS IN THE FRENCH WORLD (OFFERED IN 2026-27)
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)

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. (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 with EARNED HONORS OPTION
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. Earned Honors Option: Students will have the opportunity to declare their intent, in the first quarter, to earn an honors credit. They will complete one or more, additional and more challenging, sections in all assessments, demonstrating their capacity for above-and-beyond effort and achievement. (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 an intermediate-high level of proficiency in the Chinese language. It is designed to further develop competence in all of 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 literature, 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 aligns with the College Board's curriculum standards, offering students the opportunity to enhance their language skills within six thematic areas: Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Global Challenges, Families and Communities, Beauty and Aesthetics, and Contemporary Life. By engaging with a wide range of authentic multimedia resources, and through exercises such as describing, inquiring, narrating, and analyzing, students are empowered to improve their proficiency in oral and written communication in different contexts. They further strengthen their skills to express their views in Email Responses, Story Narration, Conversation, and Cultural Presentation, complete with supporting details. These are important components that will prepare students not only for the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam but also for real-world applications of their linguistic and cultural knowledge. (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, descriptive adjectives, the present tense and immediate future tense. 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. Our introductory themes include: identity, family, likes and dislikes and hobbies. (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 oral quizzes and writing assignments are given to help improve proficiency in the language and to allow the student to take more risks in the target language. Students will read short stories and discuss them in class. This course introduces the Pre-Hispanic cultures to students through student presentations and reading selections, students learn about the Taínos, Mayans. Aztecs and Incas. (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, literature, film and current events, students will deepen their understanding of varying perspectives in different 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.  Students explore several literary genres including short stories and poetry, listen to podcasts, and read a variety of online news sources. 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) 

HERITAGE TRACK: When there is sufficient enrollment to support it, we will offer a special section of this course for Spanish heritage speakers. The heritage section will be a parallel immersive approach to the  Honors Spanish 3 curriculum with an additional emphasis on formal presentational communication across time frames through spoken and written language. This course will serve as a space that honors students’ multicultural identities and linguistic strengths, while providing scaffolded support as they expand their academic vocabulary and endeavor to move easily between informal communication and more scholarly discourse and written expression. This course will provide a more tailored experience for heritage students who have acquired a great deal of their language outside of the classroom, as they move into higher-level Spanish courses. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; permission of the Department Chair and teacher)

IDENTITY, CULTURE AND LANGUAGE IN THE SPANISH SPEAKING WORLD
This course examines the overarching theme of identity through film, art, and literature of the Spanish Speaking world.  Other topics presented in these works include social class and economic status, the role of the individual in society, social and interpersonal relationships, and gender roles. Students will work in the Maker Space 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 written and oral expression. (1 unit; level 4/5, Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Spanish 3 or Honors Spanish 3)

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE SPANISH SPEAKING WORLD (OFFERED IN 2026-27)
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 interpretive and presentational  skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing through their 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. There is extensive study of the U.S. visas program which also explains how to reach green card status as well as citizenship. This unit also aims to understand the undocumented immigrant situation, with a documentary  focusing on child migrants who travel from Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico to the United States. Students use El cine documental - Spanish Language and Culture through Documentary Film, a textbook that uses documentary films to explore cultural themes from around the Spanish-speaking world.  At the same time, students will continue to build  vocabulary and review grammar in order to communicate at an advanced level of proficiency. All these resources will improve students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, preparing them to communicate with greater sophistication about important global issues. Oral drills, written exercises, and creative presentation are just a few of the ways that students will speak and write about a variety of documentaries, articles, poems, and songs. (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 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)

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 are central to the Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam and provide a meaningful context through which students further develop their cultural competency and increase their interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communication in Spanish. Students will explore historical, contemporary, local and global perspectives on these themes through engagement with a variety of authentic materials, such as online newspapers, blogs, podcasts, film, and literary texts. Class discussion, oral presentations, projects, timed comprehension activities, and frequent opportunities to produce both analytical and creative written work are important components of the course that will prepare students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam and beyond. (1 unit; Grade 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 4 or superior achievement in Identity, Culture and Language in the Spanish-Speaking World Through Visual Texts; 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 prepared  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)