Kiski’s modern language courses develop skills in reading, writing, and speaking and aural comprehension of Spanish and Chinese. These skills do not develop at the same rate, but the overall goal is to progress in all aspects of language learning. Early emphasis is on the development of speaking and aural comprehension so that the reading and writing skills can be built on this foundation. In all levels of instruction, the language program is also committed to presenting the culture, art, music, history, and customs of Spanish and Chinese speaking peoples of the world. Laptop computers and other technologies are integrated into the curriculum and, along with other authentic materials, enhance the classroom experience. Working with all these tools during the required three years of language, students’ language skills are advanced and the students are exposed to the cultural wealth of the Spanish and Chinese-speaking peoples of the world.
Spanish I
This course is designed to begin development of proficiency in the Spanish language by concentrating on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students in Spanish I are introduced to contemporary and classic Hispanic culture while learning the vocabulary of everyday items and activities including family life, hobbies, food, furniture, school life, and eating habits. Students experience life in Spanish-speaking countries through authentic realia and video clips that reinforce the structures and vocabulary they study. Students learn to express events in the present, future, and past while paying attention to Spanish pronunciation. A variety of activities in each lesson enable the students to practice their oral and written expression, through dialogues and simple conversations with classmates and the teacher. Similar materials are used to assess students’ ability to understand simple text and listening comprehension. Various cultural projects round out this foundation course in Kiski’s Spanish curriculum.
Spanish II
Spanish II begins by reworking and reviewing the core elements of Spanish I such as fundamental vocabulary and the present tense. From there, the course expands to other tenses which allow the students to express themselves in the past, present, and future. Students will also investigate in detail the cultural differences between their home and Spanish speaking countries. Students will experience films in Spanish and short forms of Spanish literature throughout the year in order to better prepare them for higher level courses.
Spanish III
Spanish III is designed as the culminating course for Kiski’s three-year Global Languages requirement. Previously studied vocabulary is reviewed, enriched and expanded and new vocabulary is introduced thematically. Grammatical concepts become more intricate, such as the deepened knowledge of past tenses and the subjunctive mood. More time is spent on developing reading and writing skills, however listening, speaking and reading continue to be integral skills. Through technology, online resources and other authentic materials, the language experience is enhanced and students’ language skills are advanced. The students are also exposed to the cultural wealth of the Spanish-speaking people of the world, including culinary, musical, historical and artistic contributions of these countries, as well as their cultural attractions.
Advanced Spanish
The goal of Advanced Spanish 4 & 5 is to deepen students’ understanding of the complex structures of Spanish while expanding their cultural awareness of Latin American and Spanish language and culture through discussion of current social topics and utilization of a wide variety of Spanish language materials. Students at this level seek to acquire a command of the key vocabulary and structures necessary for personal communication within the Spanish-speaking world. Students are also expected to reach an analytical and self-expression stage where they introspectively search for and express their thoughts and feelings on a wide variety of topics.
French
Nicholas Jewell
- ESL, World Languages
- [email protected]
Mark Orsatti
- Spanish
- World Languages
- [email protected]
