This is a beginner's course that will provide a solid foundation in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, along with cultural awareness. In accordance with ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, the primary objective of this class is to help the student develop the necessary skills to communicate proficiently in Spanish and to function effectively within Spanish-speaking cultures in real-life situations.  The methodology used in the course will be primarily communicative, that is, actually using what we learn for the purposes of communication and using language in authentic contexts.  As much as possible, the course will be taught in Spanish.

Course Materials

Blanco, J.A. & Donley, P. R. Descubre 1, Boston: Vista Higher Learning. 2022.

Activities Workbook Level 1.

Course Objectives

Each student will be expected to:

1) Converse (speak with acceptable pronunciation and understandable spoken Spanish) in simple but correct Spanish, demonstrating mastery of the vocabulary and grammatical concepts included through Chapter 5 in the textbook.

2) Write in simple but correct Spanish, demonstrating mastery of the vocabulary and grammatical concepts included through Chapter 5 in the textbook.

3) Read and understand simple Spanish texts, as in hand-outs and the reading selections included through Chapter 5 in the textbook.

4) Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate speech and conduct within Spanish-speaking cultures, as well as an understanding of cultural differences and similarities between the Spanish-speaking world and the U.S.