I. Course Description
      This course will follow the curriculum established by the College Board which states:
      The AP Spanish Language course is comparable to an advanced level (5th and 6th semester or the equivalent college Spanish language course. Emphasizing Spanish for active communication, it encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar and composition.

The course objectives are to help you:
• Comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish
• Acquire vocabulary and a grasp of structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of newspaper and magazine articles, as well as modern literature in Spanish
• Compose expository passages
• Express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency

The course seeks to develop language skills that are useful in themselves as applied to various activities and disciplines, rather than to the mastery of a subject matter. Finally, you should receive extensive training in the organized writing of compositions as an integral part of this AP course.
Copyright 2006 collegeboard.com,Inc.

II. Materials
      Repaso, A complete review of Spanish grammar, communication and culture,
      National Textbook Co., 1998
      Civilización y Cultura, Sandstedt, Kite, Copeland, Heinle, 2004
      Triangulo A Propósito, Gatski, McMullan (cuarta edición), Wayside Publishing,
      2006

     Supplemental materials from literature, current publications, videos and the Internet will be used throughout the year.

III. Grading
      Your quarter grade will consist of test grades and quiz grades (which will be
averaged to equal one test grade). Tests and quizzes may be written and/or oral. Oral presentations will be assigned during the year and will count as a test or a quiz, depending on the individual assignment. Tests will be announced at least three days in advance.
      In addition, you will be assigned to write an essay of 150 – 250 words in length (AP length is 200 words) on an assigned topic every two cycles. These essays will be theme related and will count as a test grade. The essay will be returned graded and with mistakes highlighted. Your essay will be graded based on the quality and organization of your thoughts in addressing the theme in the target language. Appropriate use of vocabulary, grammar and structures will be evaluated as well.
      If you wish to improve your grade, you may rewrite your essays with corrections and resubmit it for a better grade. The improved version must be submitted no later than one cycle from the day the first version was returned to you. If your first version is handed in late, you will not be permitted to make corrections for a better grade.
      Homework is a vital component for your success in this class. In order to participate in class each day, you must be prepared. A participation grade will be calculated into your final average each quarter.
      As the year progresses we will be taking practice AP exams, which include listening, speaking and writing. Also we will write our essays during a 45 minute class period. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the AP exam by visiting www.collegeboard.com AP Spanish Language.

IV. Absences

     You are responsible for finding out what work you have missed in the event of your absence. This applies to absences due to illness, college visits, early dismissal, guidance appointments, retreats, etc. Quizzes and tests will be made up no later than one cycle from the day of return to class. If you are absent only the day before an announced test you will take the test with the class. This also applies for an essay deadline.

V. Teacher Availability

      I am available for help during my open periods each day: My schedule is posted in Room A115. I am also available in Room A115 after school each day.
      I am looking forward to getting to know each of you and to a very successful academic year. I congratulate you in choosing to continue your study of Spanish at the advanced level and encourage you to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom. It is my hope that you will continue to study Spanish in the future and will make language acquisition a lifelong endeavor.

Course Overview

The AP Spanish Language course emphasizes the use of Spanish for active communication. The course includes aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar and composition.

The academic year will be divided into eight modules, each one covering one month beginning in September through April. Each module is assembled thematically by topics related to Spanish culture. The course is conducted completely in Spanish. During the first month or two, students are awarded a bonus point per class period where no English has been used. These points are added to the weekly evaluation. After a short time Spanish becomes second nature and students know that once they cross the threshold of the classroom only Spanish is permitted, including conversations with the instructor and each other before and after class.

Modules
Civilizacion Repaso Triangulo

Module 1
Unidad 1 Cap. 3, 7 Cap. 1

Module 2
Unidad 2 Cap. 4, 5 Cap. 2

Module 3
Unidad 3 Cap. 6, 9 Cap. 5

Module 4
Unidad 4 Cap. 14, 15 Cap. 9

Module 5
Unidad 5 Cap. 11, 22 Cap. 3

Module 6
Unidad 6 Cap. 12, 20 Cap. 4

Module 7
Unidad 7 Cap. 13, Cap. 8

Module 8
Unidad 8 Cap. 8. 26 Cap. 7

In addition, the class will read one short story each quarter. This may change from year to year and will be chosen to correspond to the themes of the modules in the quarter as well as the students’ interests. For example, in first quarter we read El Arbol de Oro by Ana Maria Matute; in second quarter, El Hijo by Horacio Quiroga; in third quarter, Dos Palabras by Isabel Allende; and in fourth quarter,

Supplemental materials from current publications, videos and the Internet will be used throughout the year. For example:
Videomundo: Video for Civilizacion y Cultura which includes interviews, and short exposes by native speakers on topics presented in the units.
bbcmundo.com
abcnews.go.com/exclusive
nuevoshorizontes.org