Spanish Syllabus – Mi Vida y Mi Mundo
Course Description
This high school Spanish course is taught inductively using problem-based learning. Students will learn Spanish grammar, culture, literature, and music. The class emphasizes communication with Spanish-speaking communities and understanding Spanish culture. Projects include bonding with students in Equatorial Guinea via pen pals, creating a Felt Poetry Book, analyzing a Spanish Whodunit series, and building a Spanish-English key ring dictionary. Students will use the dictionary for sentence, essay, and writing exercises throughout the year.
Course Objectives:
- Develop proficiency in Spanish communication, both written and oral.
- Gain a deeper understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures.
- Complete in-class assignments and projects to demonstrate understanding.
- Engage with advanced research and presentations for Advanced Topics credit.
Assessment:
Component
Percentage
Participation and Completion of In-Class Assignments
50%
Projects
50%
End-of-Term Presentation:
- Written paper (~2 pages) on a unit studied, submitted as a hard copy.
- Paper evaluated on task completion, structure (beginning, middle, end), vocabulary, syntax, comprehensibility, and use of target language.
- 10-minute oral presentation to reteach lesson content, including a visual aid and participatory activity.
Class Journals:
- Students maintain a journal prepared by the teacher.
- After each presentation, students summarize the main idea of the lesson.
- Criteria for journal entries and reflection questions will be provided by the teacher.
- Missed presentations require students to research and write a one-page overview within 48 hours.
- Missed personal presentations must be filmed and submitted via DVD or Jump Drive within 48 hours.
Advanced Topics Credit:
Independent project once a year, options include:
Reading an additional book of at least 250 pages or equivalent readings.
Research paper of at least 20 pages with a minimum of 15 sources, 12-point font.
Visual presentation.
Standards for Foreign Language Learning:
- Engage in conversations, exchange opinions, and express emotions.
- Understand and interpret written and spoken Spanish.
- Present information, concepts, and ideas in written and spoken form.
- Demonstrate cultural understanding, acquire knowledge, and recognize diverse viewpoints.