Spanish 1 is for beginner students and non-native speakers. The course focuses on the development of basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish while exploring the diverse Spanish-speaking world. Students learn basic vocabulary related to everyday needs and activities as well as grammatical forms and functions. It is conducted in Spanish as much as possible using videos, pictures, and actions to make sure learners understand what is happening. The course advances throughout the year to demand more complex conversations, writing longer text and reading short stories. The course aims to develop proficiency through interaction in the target language. Learners watch videos to see native speakers in authentic locations around the Spanish speaking world, and each unit also includes a number of audio clips that reinforce the language taught. Through a variety of interactive activities, games and cultural notes, learners engage in interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes of communication, using the target language. They investigate cultural products, practices and discover the perspectives from authentic sources.
In addition learners engage in critical thinking through analysis and comparisons of culture and language, and explore the target language beyond the classroom in real-world interactions within their own community. Students work collaboratively in class using technology tools to research and create presentations and projects related to language and culture of Spanish speaking countries.