ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH
Texts: El próximo paso
Triángulo: aplicaciones prácticas de la lengua española
A.P. Spanish: Preparing for the Language Examination
This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Language Examination by focusing on the advanced development of listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. As El próximo paso is a junior level college text, themes of interest to college students will be studied, which will thus further prepare our students for their post-secondary lives. Cultural information is incorporated into the topics studied in order to provoke an exchange of ideas and perspectives. Vocabulary acquisition will continue to be a primary goal, with special attention given to idiomatic and colloquial expressions. The more complex aspects of Spanish grammar will also be reviewed and reinforced.
In addition to our basic text, Triángulo and A.P.Spanish will provide a wide variety of exercises in the same format as those on the A.P. exam. During the second semester, students will also practice using A.P. tests from prior years. Throughout the year, depending on the needs of each class, extra time will be dedicated to trouble-shooting individual or group problem areas. Tapes of lectures, dialogues and narratives will be used to complement the texts.
CURRICULUM GUIDELINES
El próximo paso will provide:
- expansion of vocabulary
- practice of new idiomatic expressions
- explanation and practice with vocabulary and expressions used in different contexts
- explanation and practice of vocabulary and expressions commonly misused
- practice of difficult, sophisticated grammatical structures
- diverse reading materials for discussions and incorporation of new vocabulary and advanced grammatical structures
- continued development of essay/ composition skills
Triángulo will provide:
- expansion of vocabulary (thematically organized)
- listening comprehension exercises on tape
- multiple exercises on vocabulary, miscellaneous grammatical structure, and error correction, all similar in format to those found on A. P. exams
- reading comprehension exercises
- passage and sentence fill-ins
- topics for essays
- picture sequences for oral practice, similar to those found on A. P. exams
- directed response questions provided by tape for additional practice
A.P. Spanish: Preparing for the Language Examination will provide:
- exercises identical in format to those found on the A.P. exam
- exercises designed to not only review and reinforce students’ knowledge, but also increase their vocabulary and sharpen their grammatical skills
- exercises progressing in difficulty to a level beyond that of the examination itself
- thematic vocabulary lists
Learning Objectives:
- to continue to refine the four interrelated skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing
- to converse easily using appropriate tenses
- to give opinions and hypothesize to an extended degree
- to speak and write about a wide range of topics
- to use description and information to expand one’s own ideas in both speaking and writing
- to refine use and knowledge of grammar in order to facilitate correct expression and comprehension
- to continue to expand vocabulary, with emphasis on idiomatic expressions that lend themselves to multiple applications and vocabulary dealing with contemporary issues
- to continue to master the idiosyncrasies of the language
- to acquire a broader knowledge of the culture of the contemporary Spanish-speaking world
- to prepare for the Advanced Placement Test through listening tapes, speaking exercises, compositions, and practice exercises
Topics of Study:
- contemporary issues such as university life, the environment, cultural conflicts, justice, technological advances
- thematic units such as health and medicine, nature, travel, recreation, sports
- practice of the more difficult uses and applications of advanced grammatical structures
- expansion of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions which are commonly misused and have varied contexts
- practice exercises from books designed specifically for Advanced Placement practice which provide practical application of all acquired skills as well as opportunities to highlight
- specific concepts not yet mastered
- prior Advanced Placement tests
Expectations and Assessments:
Active participation is crucial in this class. At this level of study, proper pronunciation and expression are expected. Besides participation with regards to course work, students will acquire additional ease in natural, spontaneous conversation. Other professional or teacher-made tapes will provide additional listening comprehension practice.
Students are expected to come to class well prepared every day. Each student will need a good Spanish dictionary. I highly recommend Larousse: gran diccionario - español/inglés, ISBN 2-03-451341-X.
In order to continue to improve their writing skills, students will write frequent essays. As continued acquisition of vocabulary is a primary goal of this class, students will have frequent vocabulary quizzes based on thematic lists.
Preparation at home will include exercises on vocabulary, miscellaneous grammatical structures and error corrections, reading selections and essay writing. Class work will be primarily oral discussions, along with listening comprehension exercises, oral picture sequences and directed response questions.
The quarter grade will be based on class work (participation and preparation for class), vocabulary quizzes, 200+ word essays, unit tests and oral tests. The mid-year exam will count 20% towards the semester grade, with first and second quarter each counting 40%.
Teacher:
Lilia Gallivan
tel. 281-367-0900, ext. 398
e-mail: lilia_gallivan@johncooper.org