Foreign Language

Spanish Department

The philosophy of the Spanish Department closely follows the philosophy of

Salesian High School by offering a college preparatory curriculum and stressing the overall development of the student. This philosophy is highlighted with the Salesian approach of, “reason, religion, and kindness.” The department thus offers courses that fulfill the admissions requirements of the University of California. In addition, department members promote the Catholic values of the school by maintaining a positive academic and social environment in the classroom. Last, members stress the importance of language skills to the student’s future.

The department also consistently provides the foreign language student with opportunities to grow spiritually so that they may become responsible, diligent, and mature young men. The department thus attempts to instill the idea that education powerful means to achieve success in life. Therefore, all students who study Spanish are challenged to excel and encouraged along the way.

In terms of language acquisition, the department recognizes that language is an expression of human thought and determines to a great extent who a man is and how he thinks. It is only when one understands language that he might understand what one another is and what he thinks. The Spanish language teachers therefore stress that language can be a bridge to building understanding and community. Department members prepare the students for the comprehension of Spanish by studying the forms in which the particular linguistic community expresses itself.

Course Descriptions

Spanish I - Non-Native

In the multicultural setting of the greater Los Angeles community, the study of a foreign language should allow students to develop a sense of cultural pride and awareness. By gaining the ability to communicate with native speakers of another language, students can contribute to the development of cultural understanding and cooperation in our community.

The foreign language program is an important part of the college preparatory curriculum offered at Salesian High School However, enrollment in a foreign language is not limited to students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement

Spanish III - AP Spanish Language

The primary purpose of this course is to develop advanced proficiency and communication skills in the Spanish language. To this end, the course includes opportunities for

reading novels, shorts stories, poetry, and periodicals in Spanish
writing original essays, compositions, summaries, critiques, and research papers in Spanish
reading important works of Hispanic literature
discussing contemporary issues and problems in Spanish
reading and discussing important aspects of pre-Colombian and Hispanic history

Spanish II- Native

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a smooth anxiety free transition from the first level of Spanish study. The course aims to continue the development of communication skills in a foreign language. The major areas of instruction covered in Spanish I continue with a greater focus on literature and vocabulary development.

Spanish II- Non-Native

This is an intermediate course intended for the non-native Spanish speaker. This course builds on the foundation established in Spanish I. Reading, writing, critical thinking, vocabulary, and oral skills are enhanced with an emphasis on communication.