The increasing interdependence of nations and the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of California make it imperative that students develop communication skills in a second language.  The World Language Department at Aragon provides students with the skills needed to cooperate and compete economically and politically in our multi-cultural society. World language courses at Aragon are aligned with the National Standards formulated by ACTFL, the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages. These standards, known as the 5 Cs, emphasize communication in languages other than English, help students gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures, enable students to connect with and acquire information about other disciplines, foster the development of insight into the nature of language, culture, and encourage participation in multilingual communities at home and around the world. All language courses meet the UC and CSU “e” requirement.

SPANISH 1-2Year Course

Prerequisite: None

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: Spanish 1-2 is a beginning course in Spanish language and culture.  In this course students will learn basic communication skills that are useful for daily life conversations (including greetings; telling the time, date and weather; expressing likes and dislikes; describing people, places and things; etc.)  Students will develop basic proficiency in the four language skills: Listening, speaking, reading and writing.  The course also introduces the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.) Topics include holidays, food, sports and pastimes.)  The basic text is Realidades 1.

SPANISH 3-4Year Course

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1-2 with the grade of “C” or better

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: Spanish 3-4 is a beginning/intermediate course in Spanish language and culture.  In this course students will expand their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.  Students will further develop their communication skills by learning how to describe their daily routines, childhoods, family celebrations, pastimes, etc.  There is a strong emphasis on grammar and verb tenses in this course.  In addition students will broaden their knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries and cultures.  The basic text is Realidades 2.

SPANISH 5-6Year Course

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3-4 with the grade of “C” or better

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: Spanish 5-6 is designed to bring the students to a level where they are able to satisfy most survival needs and many social demands. They should be able to show increased spontaneity in speaking. Accuracy is stressed. Students have fair control of basic grammar, including the tense forms, when communicating. Students will learn to discuss leisure time activities and other topics beyond survival needs. Writing will include some basic essays, reports, summaries, and translations. The basic text is Realidades, Tercer Nivel. They will read a collection of stories and myths to supplement the text and improve the acquisition of vocabulary.

SPANISH 7H-8HYear Course

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 5-6 with the grade of “B” or better

Open to grades 10-12

Course Description: Spanish 7-8 is an advanced course in Spanish Language and culture. In this course we will have a strong focus on Spanish literature and expand on all of the skills students have learned. In addition to the literature focus, we will cover specific topics from Realidades that have not been covered.  Grammar and writing skills will be reviewed and refined in context. The basic texts are Realidades Level 3 and Album.

SPANISH LANGUAGE (AP)Year Course

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 7-8 with “B-” or better, or by teacher recommendation.

Open to grades 11-12

Course Description: This is a fifth-year, university-level Spanish course. Students communicate solely and exclusively in Spanish, and exposure to instruction, reading and auditory input is also entirely in Spanish. Grammar and vocabulary review is extensive. Students explore the arts, history, psychology, current events, culture and literature. Writing skills learned include organization, analysis and synthesis of various topics. Supplementary materials for students include textbooks (Una Vez Más, and Abriendo Paso, Lectura), authentic written texts, internet sources, radio edits, and music. Podcast and voice-recording technology is used frequently for auditory input and oral assessment. Students should expect to master their abilities to respond to and express ideas—in both formal and informal communicative modes—with accuracy, fluency, and confidence. Students also prepare for success on the College Board’s Advanced Placement examination in May.

SPANISH FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS 3-4Year Course

Prerequisite: Exposure to/speaks Spanish at home but has never been through classes in school; Teacher recommendation

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: This course is tailored to build upon the existing skills of students who have grown up in an environment exposed to Spanish. Students will learn about and improve their linguistic abilities. Areas of focus will include basic grammatical structure and orthography through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Through a variety of media, students will also explore culture, geography, history, current events, and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. This class will be taught exclusively in Spanish. This class is offered to students of any grade level. Upon completion of this course, instructors will recommend the appropriate subsequent level of Spanish study. This may be Spanish for Native speakers 5-6or the Honors course, Spanish 7-8, depending upon student proficiency.

SPANISH FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS 5-6Year Course

Prerequisite: Completion of SNS3-4 class and/or Diagnostic Examand/or recommendation by Aragon staff.

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: This course is tailored to build upon the existing skills of students who have Spanish as a primary language. Students will refine and expand their linguistic abilities. Areas of focus will include basic and advanced grammatical structure and orthography through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Through a variety of media, students will also explore culture, geography, history, current events, and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. This class will be taught exclusively in Spanish. A diagnostic entrance exam will be used to determine a minimal fluency in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students not meeting minimal requirements will be recommended to the SNS3-4 class or a traditional Spanish language course. Students exceeding the targeted level of language proficiency will be encouraged to enroll in the AP Spanish language class. This class is offered to students of any grade level. Upon completion of this course, instructors will recommend the appropriate subsequent level of Spanish study.