Spanish 11
Ms Soderlund
csoderlund@vsb.bc.ca
Welcome to Advanced Spanish. This course challenges students to use the concepts and vocabulary introduced in prior coursework (Spanish 9/10 /11 and Beginner Spanish 11) with increasing confidence, accuracy and sophistication. The curriculum is based on a communicative experiential approach where the focus of the learning is the purposeful use of language to perform real-life tasks through speaking, listening, reading, viewing and writing, while being aware of what is culturally and linguistically appropriate. The goal is not to master all elements of grammar and vocabulary, but for students to be able to use the language for communication. Learner errors are to be expected.
The course also provides opportunities for students to develop an openness to the cultural diversity of the world’s Spanish speaking peoples. Students will experience creative works and learn about the traditions, behaviours, and contemporary issues that shape life in the Hispanic world.
This year’s course will draw on a range of resources (textbooks, educational magazines, web-based, video) to support language learning across some broad themes. We will also be spending some more class time doing some storytelling, both oral and written.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Communication
- explain how to do everyday activities or procedures
- exchange opinions on topics of interest, giving reasons and reactions
- make comparisons
- describe or narrate events, situations, and experiences past, present and future
- use a range of vocabulary and expressions in past, present, and future
- interact in a variety of meaningful, real-life situations
2. Acquiring Information
- retrieve, research, and use relevant information from Spanish-language resources to complete meaningful tasks
- summarize acquired information in oral, visual, and written forms
3. Experiencing Creative Works
- compare, contrast, and respond to authentic creative works from the Hispanic world
4. Understanding Cultural Influences
- identify contemporary issues in the Hispanic world
- demonstrate an understanding of similarities and differences among Hispanic cultures
- identify and compare language, expressions, and behaviours that reflect cultural context
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
3-ring course binder and a PEN or PENCIL
We will be reading the novel Robo en la Noche as our class novel
The class will also be doing independent reading during a "silent reading" period at the beginning of class.
These novels will remain in the class.
EVALUATION:
Term Marks:
50% Quizzes and tests
40% In class writing and other projects
5% Current Events Assignment
5% Culture Project
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Attendance: You are expected to come to class every single day and be prepared to work. A note from home is required for every absence. Remember, to learn a second language, you need to be here!
Punctuality: You are expected to arrive on time for class every single day. If you are late, you must take a late slip and fill it in. I don’t like getting these without a good reason!
Supplies: Bring them!!!! Do not ask your teacher to borrow writing utensils!
Electronics: Please leave these in your bags during class time.
Extra help: Please come and see me whenever you feel that you are not understanding something. My door is always open!
Cheating: Any cheating will not be accepted, and an automatic '0' will result. This most definitely includes online translators. This also includes obvious help from native speakers of Spanish.
Tests/Assignments: It is YOUR responsibility to re-schedule any missed tests and get in any late assignments due to illness. These must also be accompanied by a note from home explaining your absences.