Students in level 1 will quickly learn how to talk about themselves and their interests in this class, as well as how to start simple conversations with others. Students will also hear recordings of native speakers and examine texts written for (language) speaking readers as they build and strengthen their skills. Throughout the course, important cultural features are highlighted that assist students in communication and help them understand the values of the speakers of the language. These can include unique holidays, foods, manners and body language.

Semesters: 2 
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: l/2 per semester
Prerequisite: None

In level 2, students build on the foundation established in the first year course. Students will continue to broaden their vocabulary and develop basic speaking skills. Students will also begin to create more complex sentences and connect their thoughts more effectively. When reading and listening, students will now begin to look for a greater level of detail. As in the first year, students will continue to learn about the cultures of the countries where the language is spoken.

Semesters: 2
Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: l/2 per semester 
Prerequisite: Level 2 or permission of teacher

In Accelerated Spanish 2, students work at faster pace to expand their vocabulary and develop more effective speaking and writing skills. Taking this course will prepare students for Accelerated Spanish III, a pre-AP course for Spanish Language and Culture.

Semesters: 2
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

In level 3, students begin to move away from memorized expressions and into more spontaneous expression. Students will begin to look at text and audio that is a little less familiar to them and still establish meaning and a greater understanding of culture. Students will encounter more complicated texts, which could include works of fiction and the description of events that took place in the past.

Semesters: 2
Level: 11, 12
Credit: l/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Level 2 or permission of teacher

In Accelerated Spanish 3, students are introduced to the skills that will help them succeed on the AP® Spanish Language and Culture Exam. The course is designed to prepare students to use Spanish to communicate for a variety of purposes and to appreciate the diverse cultures of the Spanish speaking world.  Students will review key concepts from Spanish II and will learn to express opinions and reactions and describe future events.  Students will develop and refine their formal and informal speaking and writing skills as well as interpretive skills of reading and listening.  This course moves at an accelerated pace and explores concepts to a greater depth than the regular Spanish III course.  It also challenges students to develop advanced communication and synthesis skills assessed on the AP Spanish Language test.
 

Semesters: 2
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation; Accelerated Spanish 2 highly recommended.

In level 4 students learn to use language in a variety of ways to meet their needs. Situations can be more complex and take place in the past, present or future. Students develop strategies for making themselves understood, even if they lack specific vocabulary to do so easily. Writing and reading will take place in longer forms, as students will research different topics, write narratives and read longer texts in which characters and plots now develop over time. In addition to continuing to develop improvisational skills in the language, students work on their ability to present information to an audience as well. Students in level 4 are also given opportunities to compare and contrast American culture with cultural products and practices of the countries where the target language is spoken.

Semesters: 2 
Level: 11, 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Level 3 or permission of teacher      

Chinese III continues to develop students’ abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for daily communication, including the use of more advanced grammar and vocabulary. The study of Chinese literature, in the form of Chinese idiom stories, will be used as an interesting way to introduce Chinese history and traditions as well as to expose students to important formal and written expressions. The writing assignments and class discussions are guided and structured. Projects and oral presentations are also an integral part of the course.

Semesters: 2
Levels: 11, 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Chinese II or permission of teacher

This course interweaves language and contemporary culture learning with ample exposure to authentic materials of the target language to further develop student proficiencies across the full range of language skills. These include studying of history, art and music, films, cultural readings, and newspapers. Students will develop an ability to describe, discuss, summarize, and defend their opinions on various topics both orally and in writing.

Semesters: 2 
Level: 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Chinese III (H) or permission of the teacher

In Dual Credit Spanish 4, students learn the skills that are learned in Spanish 4, but can expect to do so with the rigor and expectations of a college level course. Students will follow the syllabus provided by McHenry County College and have the potential to earn 8 college credit hours.

Semesters: 2
Level: 11, 12
CHSD 155 Credit: 1/2 per semester                
MCC Credits: 4 per semester       
Prerequisites: Meet or exceed the required score on the MCC Spanish Placement Exam and approval of Division Leader.  Students must also earn a C or better 1^st semester in Spanish IV Honors (Dual Credit) to continue participating in this course 2^nd semester.

The Advanced Placement® French, German, and Spanish course begins with the end in mind. Students that complete this course have the option of taking an exam that can earn them 8 or more college credit hours. To prepare for the exam, students are exposed to the language in a variety of ways. These include the exchange of information, the presentation of information and the ability to understand both the spoken and written language at an advanced level. Students will encounter vocabulary and media across a wide range, addressing various themes. Among these are global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, personal and public identity, families and communities and beauty and aesthetics. As with all language courses, students will examine cultural products, practices and perspectives that will help them better communicate.

Semesters: 2
Level: 11, 12
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Approval of division leader.

Advanced Placement^® Spanish Literature & Culture uses a thematic approach to introduce students to representative texts (short stories, novels, poetry and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and United States Hispanic literature.  Students develop proficiencies across the full range of communication modes (interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive), thereby honing their critical reading and analytical writing skills.  Literature is examined within the context of its time and place, as students reflect on the many voices and cultures present in the required readings.  The course also includes a strong focus on cultural connections and comparisons, including exploration of various media (e.g., art, film, articles, literary criticism).  Students will prepare for the AP^® Spanish Literature exam.

Semesters: 2
Level: 11, 12
Credits: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP^® Spanish Language & Culture and the approval of division leader