Spanish: Hispanic Civilization & Culture Full Year (Two Semesters) Prerequisites: Spanish 4 or equivalent AND Modern Languages Department recommendation This course examines themes in Hispanic civilization through the study of short stories, nonfiction articles and films. The course is discussion-based with an emphasis on the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will do both presentational and interpersonal speaking in addition to a thorough review of advanced grammar concepts. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish, and students are expected to participate in the target language. Students will keep a journal of questions, writings and vocabulary. Main units of study will include: the search for identity, family values and dynamics, immigration and assimilation and gender roles, all within the context of Mexican history, the South American journey to democracy and Spain’s cultural diversity. Assessments will include discussions, in-class essays, and a number of short research-based student presentations to accompany each unit of study. Spanish: Hispanic Literature Full Year (Two Semesters) Prerequisites: Spanish 4 or equivalent AND Modern Languages Department recommendation In this course, students read Hispanic literature and explore cultural and historical themes present in the works. This course is discussion-based where students create questions and inquiry; however, there will be activities to improve listening, writing and reading as well. Grammar will be reviewed and taught as a scaffold to the units. Students will follow selected themes to make observations about each unit of study and make class presentations about relevant cultural and historical information. Main units will include: magic realism, the search for identity, family values and dynamics, gender roles and immigration and assimilation. Beyond presentations and discussions, students will do scene reenactments, in-class writings and assessments for vocabulary and grammar.
and on correct pronunciation. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in a wide variety of contexts using the
future workplace, and knowing your rights and responsibilities. Students are assessed in all four areas of proficiency through formative and cumulative activities, such as presenting ideas on responsible online presence and the impact of social media in their lives, and investigating careers of interest in order to participate in a job fair. Students will read info-graphs and non-fiction articles to enhance their understanding of the course themes. There will be a greater emphasis on speaking activities where students will be asked to participate in longer presentations, debates, and many interpersonal dialogues. Students will keep a journal where they will practice writing on the topics of the course. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to speak about numerous topics related to their own lives and the culture of many Spanish-speaking countries at an intermediate level. Text: Perspectivas, 2025 Spanish 5 Full Year (Two Semesters) Prerequisites: Spanish 4 or equivalent AND Modern Languages Department recommendation This course continues the study of Spanish as a second language for non-native students or heritage speakers through speaking, listening, culture, reading, writing and grammar activities. This course serves as a complete review of the key concepts of Spanish grammar with emphasis on written and speaking activities. In this course, students will learn to speak and write in more complex ways, and understand spoken and written Spanish in many cultural settings. Students will read and listen to news reports from the Hispanic world and keep a written journal of personal reflections and ideas. There will be a thematic approach to vocabulary, with emphasis on students exploring their impact on the world and their connections with Hispanic cultures. Students will read info-graphs and non-fiction articles to enhance their understanding of the course themes. There will be a greater emphasis on speaking activities in this course where students will be asked to participate in longer presentations, debates and many interpersonal dialogues. Students will keep a journal where they will practice writing on the topics of the course. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to speak about numerous topics related to their own life and the culture of many Hispanic countries at an intermediate high level. Text: Perspectivas, 2025
present, preterite and imperfect tenses. Texts : EntreCulturas 1 and EntreCulturas 2
Spanish 3 Full Year (Two Semesters) Prerequisites: Spanish 1, 2, or equivalent AND Modern Languages Department recommendation This course continues the study of Spanish as a second language for non-native students or heritage speakers through speaking, listening, culture, reading, writing, and grammar activities. This course is designed for students who are ready to learn Spanish at an intermediate level. This course teaches students the grammar and vocabulary to communicate adequately in many situations in Spanish-speaking countries with main units focusing on how we interact within our home, school, and greater community, how to lead a balanced life, and what to consider when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. The class is conducted largely in Spanish and students are expected to interact with one another in the target language. Students will work to develop a greater fluency in writing by keeping a journal, and reading by being exposed to authentic articles and newspapers. There is also an expanded emphasis on listening comprehension through video blogs and music. Students are assessed in all four areas of proficiency through formative and cumulative activities, such as present ideas about how to improve their community, teach one another how to prepare typical South American dishes, and narrate a story about a past travel experience. Upon completion of this intermediate course, students should be able to understand most of the Spanish spoken in a real context and speak well enough to be understood in basic settings in Spanish-speaking cultures. Text: EntreCulturas 2 Spanish 4 Full Year (Two Semesters) Prerequisites: Spanish 2, 3, or equivalent AND Modern Languages Department recommendation This course continues the study of Spanish as a second language for non-native students or heritage speakers through speaking, listening, culture, reading, writing, and grammar activities at a more advanced level. In this course, students gain a more complete understanding of Spanish grammar, speak and write in more complex ways, and understand spoken and written Spanish in many cultural settings. Main units of study include: past experiences that shape one’s identity, digital citizenship, how to lead a balanced life, being a part of a sustainable community,
2026-2027 ULS Curriculum Guide
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