Saint Joseph's Catholic Schools

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Course Name

Credit Type

Description

Spanish 1

Core

Introductory Conversation and Grammar

All Spanish classes at SJCHS are taught at the highest level of expectations (Honors Program in other schools). This class is conducted in Spanish to improve the student’s ability to comprehend the spoken language. Preparation for the National AP Spanish Language Exam begins at this level. The student entering this course does not need prior Spanish language experience. Listening, reading, and writing skills are acquired on this level. Cultural experiences are shared every day in the classroom. 

Spanish 2

Core

Conversation and Grammar

This class is the continuation of Spanish 1 and is taught at the highest level of expectations (Honors Program in other schools). The course is conducted in Spanish to improve the student’s ability to comprehend the language. Preparation for the National AP Spanish Language Exam continues in this class. Students learn more writing and reading skills to cement their foundation for the upper level classes. Participation, dialogues, cultural activities, audiovisuals, and other meaningful activities in and out of the classroom will equip him/her to use the language in a useful way.

Spanish 3

Elective

Advanced Conversation and Grammar

Conducted in Spanish to improve the student’s ability to comprehend the spoken language, this class is taught at the highest level of expectations (Honors Program in other schools). Students taking Spanish 3 need to have two years of Spanish language study or a placement test. Preparation for the National AP Spanish Language Exam continues and intensifies at this level. Writing and reading skills are a priority. Students approach an intermediate proficiency level. Spanish 3 students will be involved in projects such as teaching lower level classes and creating Incas/Mayas murals. 

AP Spanish

Elective

Advanced Placement Spanish Language/Composition

This is a college-level class and is conducted in Spanish to improve the student’s ability to comprehend the spoken language. Students taking the Advanced Placement Spanish Language course have already had several years of Spanish language study. The class curriculum is reviewed every year because of the rigorous demands of the College Board. Writing, reading, and speaking skills are emphasized. Students will learn complex skills in these areas. The AP Spanish language course draws on all of the student’s previous language learning, but emphasizes use of the second language for active communication. 

The AP Spanish Language course has the following objectives:

1. The ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish.
2. The acquisition of vocabulary and the grasp of structure to allow easy, accurate reading of newspaper and magazine articles, as well as modern literature in Spanish.
3. The ability to compose expository passages.
4. The ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. 

The course seeks to develop language skills that are useful in themselves and that can be applied to various activities and disciplines rather than to the mastery of any specific subject matter.