Department Chair: Mr. Manuel Gamez mgamez@sja.us
SPANISH IA
This course provides an introductory program for non-Spanish speakers. The students are exposed to the basic skills of listening, speaking and writing. Students gain an early start in a second language or continue the study of Spanish that began in elementary school while attaining high school credit. Credit: 0.5; This course represents the equivalent of the first semester of Upper Division Beginning Spanish. By completing both Spanish IA and IB, students can earn credit for Beginning Spanish. No credit will be awarded unless both Spanish IA and IB are completed.
SPANISH IB
This course provides a continuation of the introductory program for non-Spanish speakers begun in Spanish IA. The students continue to develop in the basic skills of listening, speaking and writing in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish IA; Credit: 0.5; This course represents the equivalent of the second semester of Upper Division Beginning Spanish. By completing both Spanish IA and IB, students can earn credit for Beginning Spanish. No credit will be awarded unless both Spanish IA and IB are completed.
UPPER DIVISION TARGET LANGUAGE COURSES:
BEGINNING SPANISH
This course provides an introductory program for beginners who are non-Spanish speakers. The introductory course helps students attain an elementary proficiency in the four basic skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These skills are developed through the study of the phonological system, grammatical structures, basic communication and vocabulary in a sequential manner. Credit: 1.0; A full year course for beginners that satisfies the first year of the Target Language requirement.
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH
This course is a comprehensive review of the topics presented in Beginning Spanish. It is offered to introduce new structural elements, verb tenses, and functional vocabulary. This course will allow students to pursue proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, writing and higher-level communication in the language. Prerequisite: Beginning Spanish or departmental recommendation based on placement exam. Credit: 1.0; A full-year course that satisfies one year of the Target Language requirement.
ADVANCED SPANISH
This course offers the student a solid review of the topics presented in Intermediate Spanish while focusing on advanced Spanish grammar, structural elements of grammar and stylistics, syntax, oral communication, and the assimilation of culture and literature. Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish or departmental recommendation based on placement exam. Credit: 1.0; A full-year course that satisfies one year of the Target Language requirement.
HONORS SPANISH
There are three points of focus in this program. Grammar includes mastery of advanced grammar, structural irregularities in morphology as well as syntax. Correct writing emphasizes proper accentuation, spelling and composition skills. Reading develops skills in literal comprehension and literary analysis and appreciation. This course is offered to students who are native speakers with a high degree of ability in oral and written Spanish. Prerequisite: Advanced Spanish or departmental recommendation based on placement exam. Credit: 1.0; Weight 1.05; A full-year course that satisfies one year of the Target Language requirement.
A.P. SPANISH LANGUAGE
This course is designed to offer students with strong Spanish language skills an opportunity for a highly challenging curriculum. Extensive reading, writing, and critical thinking and analysis are required to prepare the students for the Advance Placement Language examination that they are required to take in May. Successful completion of the Advanced Placement Exam may earn the student college credit. The language course prepares the students in verb functions and applications, idiomatic expressions, reading comprehension, and both speaking and listening skills. Prerequisites: Honors Spanish and/or departmental recommendation and administrative approval. Credit 1.0; Weight: 1.10; A full-year course that satisfies one year of the Target Language requirement.
A. P. SPANISH LITERATURE
This course is designed to offer students with strong Spanish language skills an opportunity for a highly challenging curriculum. Extensive reading, writing, and critical thinking and analysis are required to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature Examination that they are required to take in May. Successful completion of the Advanced Placement Exam may earn the student college credit. The literature course requires extensive writing and reading of both contemporary and classical writers. Prerequisites: AP Spanish Language and/or departmental recommendation and administrative approval. Credit: 1.0; Weight: 1.10; A full-year course that satisfies one year of the Target Language requirement.
FRENCH I
This course introduces the French sound system and basic grammatical structure. It builds an essential vocabulary, enabling the student to begin conversing, reading, and writing in French. The study of the language is complemented by references to French culture, assisting the student in comprehending the totality of the foreign language experience. Credit: 1.0; A full-year course that satisfies the first year of the Target Language requirement.
FRENCH II
The course reviews structures and vocabulary of the first year French, and presents new structural material within an audio-visual framework, to develop the student's ability to better understand the spoken language. The course emphasizes reading and writing as well as develops an appreciation of France and her people through the presentation of cultural material. Prerequisite: French I. Credit: 1.0; A full-year course that satisfies the second year of the Target Language requirement.
FRENCH III
This language course prepares the students in verb functions and applications, idiomatic expressions, reading comprehension and aural or listening skills. Prerequisites: French II. Credit: 1.0; A full-year course that satisfies the third year of the Target Language requirement.