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 students advance, they may pursue Advanced Placement courses or other advanced seminar offerings designed to deepen linguistic proficiency and cultural analysis.

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

Department Policies Regarding Entry Into Honors & AP Courses

Entry into Honors Intensive French or Spanish
Students enrolling in an Honors Intensive course are expected to continue the sequence in their first world language concurrently, 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.

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.

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.

Entry into Honors Level 4 courses
Success in the early  levels emphasizes the development of foundational language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the target language. Level 3 is a transitional year preparing students for the increased analytical rigor of Level 4. 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 Honors English Seminar course may serve as one indication of readiness, 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.

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.

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 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.
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
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	Levels 4/5 (offered in 2027-28) SPANISH: Culture and Language in Spanish Speaking World  FRENCH: Modern Media and Culture in the Francophone World 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: Certain languages may be offered on a guided study basis, depending on faculty availability and expertise.. 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 sustained use of French in the classroom, students develop foundational skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. 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). "Students learn high-frequency verb expressions (faire, avoir, and être), descriptive language, professions and nationalities, enabling them to communicate about themselves, their families and friends, their feelings, preferences, and everyday 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  performance-based activities , 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 an advanced and rigorous approach to grammar, culture, conversation, and writing. Throughout the year, students engage with readings on topics of current interest as well as selected literacy works. The first semester focuses on themes of relationships, urban living, work and society, while offering a deep exploration of the French West Indies (les Antilles) through short stories, projects, and performance-based activities. The second semester explores themes of identity, history, and technology. Court métrages (short films) introduce students to contemporary issues and are used in a variety of ways to strengthen interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational 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 (OFFERED in 2027-28)
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 exposed to articles and newscasts on contemporary issues, and will develop their interpretative, interpersonal and presentational skills through these media. 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. Maker space and other projects 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’ L’Etranger” and watch and discuss shorter videos and feature length 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 develop interpersonal and presentation skills through writing and discussing 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 & 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 framework  through which students 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 including  newspaper articles, recorded interviews, film, and literary texts. Emphasis is placed on the development of interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills. Class discussion, oral presentations, timed activities, and frequent analytical and creative writing assignments are integral components of the course and  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 & 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 sustained use of Spanish in the classroom,  students acquire basic vocabulary and a solid command of grammar to talk about themselves and others in the present tense. 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 performance-based projects.  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. (1 unit; Grades 9-12)

SPANISH 2
In this course, students will review and develop their understanding of the  grammatical structures and vocabulary presented in Spnish  1. As the year progresses, students build on basic grammatical and conversational skills, learning to express themselves about the past and to use object pronouns. New vocabulary focuses on themes from everyday life, such as food, home, and the city. Students will explore Latin American cultures using both text-based and online resources. They will complete short reading selections and prepare brief written assignments and oral presentations  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. (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 discussions and writing assignments are used to help improve proficiency in the language and allow students to take more risks in the target language. Students will read short stories and discuss them in class. This course introduces students to culture through readings, discussions, and student presentations, examining everyday themes and how historical contexts continue to shape contemporary life in the Spanish-speaking world. (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 text and film. Grammar and vocabulary studied during Spanish 1 and 2 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 provides an immersive and increasingly advanced approach to grammar, conversation, writing, and cultural study, helping students deepen cultural competency and strengthen interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication in Spanish. Through Spanish and Latin American history, contemporary culture, literature, film, and current events, students explore diverse global perspectives using authentic resources such as poems, short stories, blogs, podcasts, videos, and news sources. Daily discussions, presentations, projects, and opportunities for analytical and creative writing encourage students to develop original ideas, express themselves with increasing sophistication in Spanish, and collaborate meaningfully with their peers (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 and community in the Spanish Speaking world.  A few possible topics for exploration include the role of social media, communities in action and future challenges for both individuals and communities. Through the exploration of these topics, students will further develop their ability to speak, listen, read and write. This student-centered course challenges the students not only to communicate effectively about themselves but also to compare and contrast elements of their own culture(s) and the cultures of the Spanish Speaking world. Class discussions will be conducted entirely in Spanish and students will be expected to use only Spanish in class.  (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 explores environmental challenges across the Spanish-speaking world and their connections to global social justice movements. Students will examine issues such as climate change, deforestation, food insecurity, migration, control of natural resources, responsible production and consumption, and community activism, while considering how these challenges intersect with questions of equity, sustainability, and human rights and making connections to similar issues in their own communities. Through authentic materials,including short stories, podcasts, blogs, videos, and online news sources, students will analyze diverse perspectives and evaluate initiatives working toward environmental sustainability and climate justice. All content and discussion will be in Spanish. Students will strengthen their interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communications skills while developing the critical thinking needed to become informed, engaged global citizens prepared to address the environmental challenges of our time. (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 (speaking, reading, writing and listening) while continuing to explore diverse topics relevant to the Spanish Speaking world with a variety of authentic materials, such as newspaper articles, book excerpts, short stories, poems, movies and short films. Students will enrich their grammar and vocabulary repertoire through reading and in-class discussions and will review grammar as needed. This student-centered course challenges students to communicate with greater sophistication about a variety of topics and, at the same time, make interdisciplinary and cultural connections. Class discussions will be conducted entirely in Spanish and students will be expected to use only Spanish in class. (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 from around the Spanish speaking world while fine tuning their skills in oral and written proficiency. The course relies heavily on student-centered discussion. Students submit literary analyses and give formal oral presentations. Through the study of short stories, plays, and poems, students receive regular feedback with the goal of fostering clearer and more precise communication in the target language  At the end of this year, students may 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 & 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; permission of the Department Chair required; and possible placement test) 

AP SPANISH LITERATURE & 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).