Course Objectives:
1. To develop fluency in speaking and proficiencies in listening comprehension, reading comprehension
and writing (to accomplish this, there needs to be grammar and
vocabulary practice as well as cultural appreciation).
2. To prepare the students for the Spanish AP Exam*, college placement tests as well as college Spanish
courses.
*It is not required to take the AP exam even though this is an AP course. Many colleges and universities have their own placement exams that are easier and cheaper than the AP exam. It is you responsibility to check with the university you are attending to find out if it is to your advantage to take the AP exam or their own placement exam. Everyone in this class should be able to get some college credit.
3. To help student develop a further enjoyment and appreciation of Hispanic culture and thought.
4. To encourage students to enjoy communicating in Spanish orally and in writing.
5. To increase students’ confidence and hopes for future success with the language by achieving as much
as they possibly can.
6. To motivate students to continue their study of Spanish.
Your Success In This Course Will Depend On:
1. Your application of previous learning.
2. Your active participation and attention in class.
3. How thoroughly and conscientiously you prepare your assignments and activities.
4. How motivated you are to build upon and expand your present abilities and to improve upon your
weaknesses.
5. SPEAKING SPANISH IN CLASS ALL OF THE TIME (To be able to speak a foreign language, you
must practice it. Therefore, there is to be no English spoken in this classroom, even between friends.)
Class Activities and Components of Your Grade
1. Reading
We will be reading newspaper, magazine and cultural articles as well as literary works in the short
form. Emphasis will be placed upon improving and reading skills. You will be evaluated on your
preparation of assigned readings and their comprehension through discussion and written exercises.
2. Vocabulary
We will increase our active, conversational vocabulary through thematic units. We will develop
more idiomatic, enhanced vocabulary through the literary selections that we read. Evaluation will be
based on vocabulary quizzes and the incorporation of vocabulary in writing and conversation.
3. Grammar
A large component of the AP exam and most of the college placement exams deal with grammar. It is essential to start off with a good base of grammar in order to be successful. Very little new grammar will be learned in this course. Emphasis will be placed on the review and mastery of previously taught concepts. A thorough review of verb tenses and forms (especially of the subjunctive) will be provided.
4. Other Graded Activities
A. A special emphasis will be placed on improving your writing skills. You will be writing essays
on most quizzes as well as writing several compositions each grading period.
B. You will be making tapes of oral activities and handing them in. (Making recordings is an
important part of the AP test.)
C. There will be lots of practice of listening comprehension both through video and taped activities.
D. We will be watching a video language instruction program called “Destinos”. We will do
listening comprehension, vocabulary and grammar activities related it. We will watch at least one
full-length feature film in Spanish during the year.
E. We will be using authentic Spanish language materials from newspapers, magazines, the Internet
and television throughout the year.
Grading
99-100 A+ 80-81 C+
92-98 A 76-79 C
90-91 A- 74-75 C-
88-89 B+ 72-73 D+
84-87 B 66-71 D
82-83 B- 65- F
Components of your 9 week grade: Average of total points accumulated by the end of each quarter.
Grading for all activities, quizzes and tests are weighted by the number of point for each one. Each unit you will be advised as to the emphasis and importance placed on graded material.
There is NO extra credit.
Course Overview
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Each unit: Audiovisual Component:
A vocabulary chapter from Triángulo Destinos episodios 31-52 A story from Abriendo Paso Selected feature films 3-6 verbs to learn in all tenses Selected music videos 3-5 “palabras problemáticas” Selected TV recordings Selected Grammar Selected short readings (internet)
AP Prep (once per quarter) AP Prep 3rd -4th Quarter: Administration of an AP exam in class AP style in-class composition Recordings at home (one a week) AP style recording Independent grammar/ reading/ listening preparation
ALL YEAR: Conversational activities/ assignments to develop fluency/ confidence/ competence
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Three bathroom/ hall passes will be issued each nine weeks. Use at your discretion. Unused passes will be rewarded at the end of the nine weeks.
What is cheating?
1. Eyes anywhere but on your own paper
2. Cheat sheets or any book, notebook or assignment open during a quiz/test
3. Copying on quizzes, tests, dialogues and homework
4. Writing found on hands, desks or on backs of notebooks or folders, etc..
5. Any talking or whispering during the exam. It you have a question, raise your hand.
If a student is discovered cheating, he/she is referred to 105 and will receive zero credit for that work. Parents will be notified.
If you need any extra help, please let me know. I hope each of you enjoy as well as learn much during the class.
El Sr. Drenth