Foreign Language

Spanish I introduces students to the fundamentals of the Spanish language with an emphasis on basic grammar and vocabulary development. Students will acquire foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through structured practice and interactive activities.

Cultural exploration is an integral part of the course, allowing students to examine the traditions, customs, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking countries. This course is designed for students interested in learning Spanish and for those seeking to meet requirements for the Honors Diploma by completing two years of a foreign language in high school.

Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I and expands students’ language proficiency through the introduction of additional thematic vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures, including stem-changing verbs. Students will continue to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while communicating about familiar topics.

Cultural awareness remains a key focus as students explore the customs, traditions, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking countries. This course is designed for students who wish to continue their study of Spanish and for those seeking to meet the Honors Diploma requirement by successfully completing two years of a foreign language in high school.

Spanish III is a continuation of Spanish II and focuses on developing advanced language proficiency. Students will expand thematic vocabulary and study more complex grammatical structures, including narrating events in both the past and future tenses.

Instruction emphasizes continued growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with increased use of the target language in class. Cultural awareness remains a central component as students explore perspectives, practices, and products of Spanish-speaking cultures. Some independent study may be required to support language development.

This course is conducted primarily in Spanish and prepares students for advanced coursework such as AP Spanish or college-level Spanish upon completion.

Dual Credit Spanish 101 is a multimedia course that integrates video, audio, interactive software, and print materials to introduce students to Spanish language and culture. The course immerses students in contemporary, living Spanish as it is spoken by native speakers in everyday situations.

Emphasis is placed on developing communication proficiency through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. Students will also explore cultural practices and perspectives of Spanish-speaking communities to enhance language understanding and real-world application.

Students enrolling in this course are pursuing a certificate from Crowder College in Spanish. Earning a Spanish certificate from Crowder College provides students with practical language skills and cultural understanding that support academic success and career readiness. Students develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish while gaining insight into Spanish-speaking cultures. A Spanish certificate enhances employability across fields such as healthcare, education, business, public service, and customer relations, and provides a strong foundation for continued study at the collegiate level.

Dual Credit Crowder College Spanish 102 continues the study of Spanish language and culture with an emphasis on communication proficiency through immersion in current, living Spanish used in everyday situations. Students will build upon foundational language skills as they further develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish. Instruction focuses on practical communication, grammatical accuracy, and expanded vocabulary to support meaningful interaction in real-world contexts.

Cultural exploration is integrated throughout the course as students examine the traditions, perspectives, and social practices of Spanish-speaking communities. By engaging with authentic materials and communicative activities, students gain a deeper understanding of how language and culture are interconnected.

Successful completion of SPAN 102 supports progress toward a Spanish certificate from Crowder College. The certificate provides students with practical language skills and cultural competence that enhance academic success and career readiness. Spanish proficiency is valuable across multiple career fields, including healthcare, education, business, public service, and customer relations, and offers a strong foundation for continued study in Spanish at the collegiate level.

Dual Credit Crowder College Spanish 201 continues the study of Spanish language and culture with an emphasis on developing communication proficiency through immersion in current, living Spanish used in everyday situations. Students will further strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while increasing vocabulary and refining grammatical accuracy.

Instruction focuses on meaningful communication and cultural context, allowing students to engage with authentic materials and real-world language use. Cultural perspectives, practices, and products of Spanish-speaking communities are integrated throughout the course to deepen understanding of the relationship between language and culture.

Dual Credit Crowder College Spanish 202 continues the study of Spanish language and culture through immersion in current, living Spanish used in everyday situations. Emphasis is placed on developing communication proficiency as students strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in meaningful contexts.

Instruction integrates cultural perspectives, practices, and products of Spanish-speaking communities to enhance language comprehension and real-world application. Students will engage with authentic materials and interactive activities designed to build confidence and fluency in Spanish.

Dual Credit Crowder College Spanish 105 is designed for students who already possess a foundational knowledge of the Spanish language, including both traditional language learners and heritage speakers who enter the program with varying levels of proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The course emphasizes advanced idiomatic usage, expanded vocabulary, grammar, and syntax to support accurate and effective communication.

Instruction focuses on the continued development of oral and written communication skills through discussion, presentations, and writing assignments. Students will engage with authentic materials that highlight Hispanic culture, history, art, and literature, allowing for deeper cultural understanding and contextual language use.

Students are required to log conversation hours with the instructor and classmates to strengthen fluency and confidence in spoken Spanish. Additionally, students must complete the computerized Oral Proficiency Interview (OPIc) to assess language proficiency. The assessment fee is $115, and scholarships are available through the Spanish department to assist with this cost.

Spanish for Heritage Speakers I is designed for students who grew up speaking and/or listening to Spanish in the home but have had limited or no formal instruction in the language. This course serves students who are orally proficient in Spanish but have developing skills in reading and writing.

Instruction focuses on strengthening literacy skills through the development of written compositions and exposure to a variety of literary genres. Students will expand vocabulary, refine grammar, and improve formal language usage while building confidence in academic Spanish. Cultural exploration is integrated throughout the course as students examine similarities and differences within Hispanic cultures, fostering deeper cultural awareness and appreciation.

This course serves as the introductory course for students pursuing the Seal of Biliteracy and provides a strong foundation for advanced Spanish coursework.

Spanish for Heritage Speakers II is designed for students who have completed Spanish for Heritage Speakers I and are orally proficient in Spanish. This course builds upon students’ existing language skills while further developing advanced literacy and communication abilities.

Students will expand their written composition skills, construct oral arguments, express and support opinions, discuss hypothetical situations, and engage with a variety of literary genres. Instruction emphasizes formal language use, critical thinking, and effective communication in both written and spoken Spanish. Cultural exploration continues as students examine diverse perspectives and experiences within Hispanic cultures.

This course is part of the Seal of Biliteracy pathway. Students who successfully complete the course may test to earn the Seal of Biliteracy endorsement on their high school diploma.

AP Spanish Language and Culture is an advanced course designed to develop students’ proficiency in Spanish while expanding cognitive, analytical, and communication skills. The course prepares students for the College Board’s AP Spanish Language and Culture examination and emphasizes real-world language use in a variety of contexts.

Instruction is based on the three modes of communication—interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational—as defined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. The course is structured as an immersion experience and is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish. Students engage with authentic materials and explore cultural practices, products, and perspectives of the Spanish-speaking world.

All student work, including class activities, practice exercises, projects, participation, and assessments, is completed in Spanish. This course is intended for highly motivated students who are prepared for rigorous language study and advanced communication challenges.