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AP Spanish Language and Culture Course Syllabus
#1585
Sra. Linda Chinn
WHS 2015-16
Course Overview: AP Spanish Language and Culture is a rigorous
course
taught exclusively in Spanish that requires students to improve their proficiency across the three modes
of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. The course focuses on increasing
proficiency by integrating authentic resources including online print, audio, and audiovisual resources, as
well as traditional print sources that include literature, newspapers, and other texts with the goal of
providing a diverse learning experience. Students communicate using rich, advanced vocabulary and
linguistic structures as they build proficiency in all modes of communication toward the pre-advanced
level. In addition to preparing for the AP Spanish exam, students will have opportunities to develop
valuable skills such as interpreting and using information from charts, tables, graphs, reading and
listening analytically, and communicating effectively that will support their success on standardized tests,
in other current classes, and in future endeavors such as advanced studies and careers. To help reach
proficiency goals, discussion of the topics completely in Spanish is a requirement for this course. It is
assumed that students have previously been exposed to advance language structures in the courses
leading up to the AP Spanish Language and Culture course; however, review of the mechanics is done
within the contextual framework of each unit as needed. AP Spanish Language and Culture is the most
sophisticated language course offered in our county and I am proud of your commitment to continue your
language studies! I look forward to a wonderful year!
¡Nuestras metas! (Our goals) According to the College Board, at the conclusion of the Spanish
Language and Culture course, students should be able to:
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Identify and summarize the main points and significant details and make appropriate inferences
and predictions from a spoken source, such as a broadcast news report or a lecture on an
academic or cultural topic related to the Spanish-speaking world.
Identify and summarize the main points and significant details and predict outcomes from an
everyday conversation on a familiar topic, a dialogue from a film or other broadcast media, or an
interview on a social or cultural topic related to the Spanish-speaking world.
Identify and summarize main points and important details and make appropriate inferences and
predictions from a written text such as a newspaper or magazine article or contemporary literary
excerpt.
Write a cohesive and coherent analytical or persuasive essay in reaction to a text or on a
personal, academic, cultural or social issue, with control of grammar and syntax.
Describe, narrate and present information or persuasive arguments on general topics with
grammatical control and good pronunciation.
Use information from sources provided to present a synthesis and express an opinion.
Recognize cultural elements implicit in oral and written texts.
Interpret linguistic cues to infer social relationships.
Communicate via interpersonal and presentational written correspondence.
Initiate, maintain and close a conversation on a familiar topic.
Formulate questions to seek clarification or additional information.
Use language that is semantically and grammatically accurate according to a given context.
Organization: This course is divided into thematic units within which we will work toward the goals listed
above. The themes are: Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Science and
Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Contemporary Life, and Global Challenges. We will explore these
themes throughout the year, guided by essential questions. Corresponding cultural elements are
integrated into the study of the units and activities are directed with those cultural connections in mind.
Students will receive a calendar each month to facilitate their personal organization and success.
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Real-Life Language and Culture: [CR9]
Students are encouraged* to engage in real-life activities outside the classroom to enrich their Spanish
language and culture experiences. Some options include but are not limited to attending an art exhibit,
musical or play; preparing a meal while following a recipe in Spanish; regularly corresponding through email, Skype, Face, Time, or in person with Spanish speakers; viewing important events involving Spanish
speakers, such as a president’s acceptance speech or a national celebration of a country’s
independence; visiting university campuses for special events; assisting peers with Spanish as part of
their service for the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. All such activities help build proficiency!
The AP Spanish Language and Culture exam will be on Tuesday,
May 3, 2016.S
Exam Format:
Section I: Multiple Choice Approx. 95 minutes (50%)
Part A Interpretive Communication: Print Texts 30 questions Approx. 40 minutes
Part B Interpretive Communication: Print and Audio Texts (combined) 35 questions Approx. 55 minutes
Interpretive Communication: Audio Texts
Section II: Free Response Approx. 85 minutes (50%)
Interpersonal Writing: E-mail Reply 1 prompt 12.5% 15 minutes
Presentational Writing: Persuasive Essay 1 prompt 12.5% Approx. 55 minutes
Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation 5 prompts 12.5% 20 seconds foreach response
Presentational Speaking: Cultural Comparison 1 prompt 12.5% 2 minutes to respond
*Note: A productive spring semester is critical to successfully achieve the goals of this course and to
perform well on the AP exam. More formal and intensive practice in preparation for the AP exam is the
main thrust in the spring. Attendance is imperative and diligence essential for success!
AP Spanish Language and Culture Semester Grade Calculation*
FINAL Exam
Course Final Average
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20%
80%
Summative assessments (performance tasks)
(=Major performance tasks such as essays, tests,
Outside Experience Journals* and projects; cultural notebook**)
50%
Formative assessments
Informal performance practice (Class work, Homework)
Quizzes, Class participation***, Formal performance practice
(such as current event reports****)
20%
30%.
*Outside Experience Journal: Four times this year, students are required to submit evidence of their reallife activities outside of class. The completion of this assignment is an essential KEY to your successful
completion of the AP Spanish Language and Culture course and preparation for the AP exam on May 3.
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Outside Experience Journal Instructions: For the journal, include at least 5 audios and 5 readings.
In order to provide the required information, I recommend using the chart offered below. It is found in
electronic form on my website on the AP Spanish Language and Culture page. You may choose another
format as long as it is neat and comprehensive, including all of the information indicated in the chart
below. See Sra. Chinn AT LEAST 1 week prior to the due date for approval of an alternate method of
documenting your AP Spanish listening and reading practice. The anticipated due dates for the
Outside Experiences Journals are September 30, December 3, February 4, and April 13. They
will be graded according to their timely submission, neatness, completion (inclusion of all required
information), thoroughness, and accuracy for a Summative Assessment grade in Infinite Campus.
Fecha
¿Cuánto
tiempo pasé
con esta
experiencia?
FUENTE (el
enlace o
periódico)
¿Auditiva o
Escrita?
El título
completo del
artículo,
noticiero, o
video
Tema AP
¿Subtema?
¿Contexto?
~~Lo que
aprendí sobre
el tema,
acontecimiento
/ evento
~Vocabulario
nuevo con
definiciones/
explicaciones
en español
~~”What I learned” should include 3—5 complete sentences that take into account your analysis of the
experience while considering the essential questions
~Include at least 3 new vocabulary words or phrases that seem important to you. Perhaps they are
words that you have encountered multiple times (“high frequency words”) or words that seem to be key
words for the topic and/or AP Theme. Include words that you anticipate wanting to use in the future.
**Cultural Notebook: Students are responsible for maintaining a bound composition book to record
cultural information learned throughout the year. Not only will this serve as an excellent AP Exam review
tool, but it will be a collection of all of the cultural information that you have been exposed to! The
notebook is intended to be interactive so that the information provided is meaningful to you and
accessible as needed for the AP exam. It will be graded once each nine week earning a Summative
Assessment grade based on timely submission, completion, thoroughness, organization, and neatness.
Tentative collection days are: October 7, December 9, February 24, and April 20, 2016. 
***Class Participation: Based on exclusive use of Spanish and ease of expression. Speaking the
language increases fluidity and accuracy. Linguistic risk-taking is rewarded! The goal is the
communication, not perfect grammar. Use of English inhibits learning, weakens the process, and loses
points.
****Current Event Reports: Each student is responsible for reading and briefly summarizing orally the
content of two of the following: news article, podcast, and/ or TV news broadcast per semester from a
current, authentic source (see listings in resources). In the report, students should speak for 2 minutes
and include the following: the AP theme and sub-theme/context, the Spanish-speaking culture within
which the current event occurs, and its relevance to society. These reports will occur on Fridays.
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is a fundamental value of quality education; therefore, Woodland High School will not
tolerate any acts of cheating, plagiarism, or falsification of school work. Should it be determined that an
academic integrity violation has taken place the school reserves the right to assign a grade of a zero and
submit a disciplinary referral to the appropriate Assistant Principal. The school also reserves the right to
remove or suspend enrollment in any Advanced Placement or Honors classes as well as Academic
Honor Societies.
Texts used in class:
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Triángulo Aprobado: Narbara Gatski & John McMullan
Temas: Parthena Draggett, Cole Conlin, Max Ehrsam, & Elizabeth Millán
Una vez más: James Couch, Rebecca McCann, Carmel Rodriguez-Walter, Angel Rubio-Maroto
Abriendo Paso(Gramática y Lectura): José Díaz, María Nadel, & Stephen J. Collins
AP Test Prep: Mastering the A. P. Spanish Language Exam: Jay Duhl & Felipe Mercado
AP Spanish Preparing for the Language and Culture Examination: José Díaz
Recommended on-line resources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/news/
Radio Naciones Unidas
http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/spanish
Elmundo.es
http://www.elmundo.es
CNN en español
http://www.cnn.com/espanol/
Univision
http://www.univision.com
Podcasts Notes in Spanish
www.notesinspanish.com
University of Toronto
http://lab.chass.utoronto.ca/rescentre/spanish/
Voice of America News
http://www.voanews.com/spanish/
ABC News
http://www.abc.es/
¡Trabajemos juntos! (Let’s work together!)
Students,
I am confident that with focused dedication to this class, you can reach high levels of success. I am
excited to be working with you this year! Maintain your enthusiasm for Spanish--¡El español es
fantástico!--and let’s perfect our skills and learn even more about the beautiful Spanish language and the
diverse cultures that speak Spanish. I am looking forward to a wonderful year with you in AP Spanish
Language and Culture this year and am excited about helping you reach the goals that you currently
have and will develop this year for your Spanish. ¡Manos a la obra! (=Let’s get to it!)
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Special Parental Information:
We understand that the AP Spanish course is designed to prepare students for achieving well on the AP
exam, college placement exams, other standardized Spanish tests, and in college courses. As such, it is
naturally going to be challenging and demanding. In order achieve these goals students will have to
dedicate time and effort beyond the minimum course requirements. The material covered will be
challenging and detailed. Students will need to have retained the information and skills acquired in the
courses leading up to AP Spanish. AP Spanish is a program not just a course! Moreover, the skills
necessary for success are extremely sophisticated and require consistent substantial effort.
If a student should miss a class, it is imperative that he or she check with me about making up our
activities as soon as possible. There will be a classroom agenda that delineates all of our class activities
and assignments. Students may consult the agenda at any time. Any handouts will be available at our
“Student Center” and should be retrieved by students upon return. Please see me if you ever have any
questions or concerns. I enjoy working with you!
Parents and students, after reading this syllabus, please complete and submit the information on the next
page at your earliest convenience. Your signatures indicate and understanding of the course goals and
its inherent rigor.
Please check the AP Spanish Language and Culture page on the school website for information
throughout the year. Always feel free to contact me at school with any questions and/or concerns ANY
time throughout this school year.
Thanks for your support!
Señora Chinn
lchinn@henry.k12.ga.us
WHS Room 225
Please complete, detach, and return:
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Printed student name
Firma del alumno(a) [Student signature]
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Parent/Guardian PRINTED name
Parent/Guardian SIGNATURE
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Today’s date
Parent/Guardian E-mail (Please print.) _____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone number(s)_________________________________________________________
*Please place an asterisk (*) beside the preferred form of contact.
Parentalconcerns/comments?_____________________________________________________________________
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I LOVE communicative parents. Thanks for your support! Sra. Chinn