Overview

Our academic classes emphasize interdisciplinary, project-based learning, and student constructions of understanding. In our World Languages classes, cultural study and reflection are woven throughout the study of language itself. Rather than isolating grammar as a separate entity, we place a priority on expressive language, enabling students to take risks in a supportive learning environment.

Course Offerings

BAA requires graduating seniors to complete two World Languages courses, in most cases.

Spanish I
This course introduces students to the Spanish language and various Spanish-speaking cultures. Through the study of grammar, and the use of inquiry-based, student-centered instructions, individual assessment, attention to students’ various learning styles and needs, group projects, authentic learning materials, lecture, dialogue and role-plays, students acquire specific skills in order to perform functions within each of the following language-learning strands: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural understanding. The goal of this course is to prepare students for a Novice-High level (survival proficiency), according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, and Stage I of the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework’s Developmental Stages of Language Proficiency in the Spanish language.

Spanish II
This course is designed to expand the students’ knowledge of the Spanish language and various Spanish-speaking cultures. Students acquire specific skills in order to perform functions within each of the following language-learning strands: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural understanding. They achieve this through the continued study of grammar and the use of inquiry-based, student-centered instructions, individual assessment, attention to students’ various learning styles and needs, cooperative learning group projects, authentic learning materials, lecture, dialogue and role-plays. This course also enables students to explore their personal histories through the use of preterite and imperfect past tenses and the study of Latin American and Spanish arts and culture.

Spanish III
This course is an elective that is based on Universal Grammar Theory and designed to build upon students’ previously acquired knowledge of the target language. Throughout this course, students learn intermediate/advanced-level grammar concepts; incorporate authentic learning materials; engage in projects that utilize their artistic talents and enhance their knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the various cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish III is taught almost entirely in Spanish and students are expected to produce in the target language on a daily basis.

Spanish for Native Speakers (Spanish IV/V)
This course expands on the literacy of the young Spanish Heritage Language Speaker (SHLS). Although this immersion course is designed primarily for SHLS, non-SHLS students who would like to further their experience in a challenging immersion program and have had extensive exposure to the language are encouraged to contact the instructor to see if the course might be the right fit for them. This course develops the literacy skills of heritage speakers through a rigorous study of authentic literature and the exploration of different forms of art. At the core of this course is the belief that heritage students can become stronger bilingual scholars in a tight-knit community that celebrates and capitalizes on their cultural upbringing.

Open Honors
In our academic courses, students have the opportunity to earn an “Open Honors” distinction. Students may self-select to apply to receive honors. Students applying for honors must complete additional assignments, projects, and/or other major assessments, and fulfill additional requirements for exhibitions. Students’ transcripts will reflect the honors credit.