Learn Spanish

General Information

Our courses emphasize the way Spanish is actually spoken and written. From the first day, participants begin speaking and listening at natural speeds. The most common pronunciations of Spanish from Mexico and South America are used. Participants will, in addition, be able to accommodate the pronunciation differences in Spain, as well as those from Argentina and Venezuela. Our graduates are able to communicate easily with native Spanish speakers at the level of grammar and vocabulary they have attained.

The natural sequence of acquiring a language is listening, speaking, reading, and finally, writing. At WAL, we follow this order. Spanish is spelled phonetically. Thus, spelling and writing follow quite naturally from listening, speaking, and reading. Because Spanish and English have so many similar words--cognates--and because Spanish verbs generally conjugate in a regular fashion, basic conversational and listening skills may be learned rapidly.

Textbook: Ballman, Terry, James F. Lee, and Bill Vanpatten, ?Sabias Que?, 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., 2003

Spanish I

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks

By the end of this intensive five-week session, participants will be able to function minimally in Spanish. The class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. Material taught includes the Spanish sound system and word order, basic vocabulary, common idiomatic expressions, regular first conjugation verbs in the present tense, the use of adjectives and pronouns, and the use of comparisons. Participants will be able to engage in basic conversational situations including using greetings and introductions, asking for and giving information, telling time, counting, using the calendar, talking about the weather, giving descriptions (e.g. people and clothes), expressing feelings, and ordering food in a restaurant. In addition, they will be able to conjugate some regular verbs of the first conjugation as well as some irregular ones. Cultural information about the Hispanic world is included in each of the chapter readings covered.

Chapters: Preliminary, 1-3
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Spanish II

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish I or instructor's permission

This course begins with a review of the material covered in Spanish I. This course is a good place to start for a person who has been away from the language for awhile, but who has retained the basics of grammar and vocabulary. Material covered in this level includes regular second and third conjugation verbs into the present tense; object pronouns; vocabulary related to such topics as sports, the house, shopping, travel, business and using the telephone. By the end of this level participants will be able to use polite expressions properly, use more complex descriptive speech, express agreement, disagreement, and disbelief, and be able to discuss topics concerning future events and personal interests. Cultural readings are included in this course.

Chapters: 4-6
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Spanish III

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish II or instructor's permission

At the beginning of this level, participants are fairly articulate and able to handle many types of conversational situations with ease. This course offers extensive work with the simple past and the imperfect tenses. By the end of this level students will be able to narrate in the past tense, talk about history and current events, discuss family life, give advice and write letters. There will be opportunities to participate in discussions and conversations, and to make observations about customs in Spanish-speaking countries. Cultural readings at this level include historical as well as contemporary insights into the Hispanic world.

Chapters: 7-9
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Spanish IV

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish III or instructor's permission

This course begins with a systematic review of Spanish grammar learned thus far, with concentration on specific aspects of the language. In addition, there is intensive study of idioms, article usage, and specific uses of selected tenses (including imperatives, the imperfect, present subjunctive, and reflexive verbs. Participants examine the uses of para and por, work with expressions of equality and inequality, and various sentence construction patterns. Grammar study is augmented with reading selections from literature, biography, and current events. Reading selections serve as a basis for in-class discussions and activities. This course can accommodate the interests of participants, e.g., basic business terminology. By the end of the five-week term, students will have improved their conversational fluency, have increased control of the grammar, and be able to read more advanced written selections from literature and media sources.

Chapters: 10-12
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Spanish V

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish IV or instructor's permission

In this level, participants continue their in-depth study of the subjunctive tense. In addition, the various future tenses are introduced. Grammar study serves as a base for discussions and debates on topics about current events, cultural subjects, or areas dictated by student interest. By the end of the five-week term, participants have increased oral fluency and listening comprehension, expanded vocabulary allowing them to be comfortable with both formal and informal discourse in a wide variety of situations, and are able to read and write more advanced material.

Chapters: 13-15
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Spanish VI

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish V or instructor's permission

A brief review of the material presented in previous levels is covered at the beginning of this level and then the course moves on to emphasize continued vocabulary development, pronunciation, fluency, and more advanced oral and written constructions, including the conditional tenses and further exploration and use of the subjunctive. Class discussions and activities emphasize active use of the language in different situational contexts including business/professional discussions, interviews, cultural exchanges, debates on current topics, or other areas determined by participant interest. Some country-specific vocabulary is included. In addition, participants engage in stylistic writing and read selected materials to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Spanish culture and regional politics. Instruction in basic technical reading and writing is available to accommodate student interests and needs.

Chapters: 15-18
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Advanced Spanish Conversation

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite:  completion of Spanish VI or instructor's permission

Classes at this level focus on comprehension and fluency in the language, culture, vocabulary building and a review of difficult grammar points.  Video and audio materials help students to advance in their comprehension of Spanish.  Discussion of topics of interest helps students to express their ideas correctly, clearly and effectively.  Practice points include pronunciation, intonation, fluidity and grammatical correctness.  The course is customized to fit class members' needs and interests.

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Vacations are in the air! Start them at WAL

Spring break is around the corner and summer plans are forming.WAL opens its doors on Saturday mornings to offer travel classes. This fast-paced class prepares you to communicate in routine traveling situations.  The focus is on basic travel vocabulary, pronunciation and role playing as well as a cultural overview.

This class will meet 4 Saturdays from 9:45AM – 11:30AM

When:

9:45 AM – 11:30 AM

Meeting Dates:

Rate:

$95

Classes will meet at Washington Academy of Languages

Please click here to register. For more information, please call us at (206) 682-4463.

Additional courses are available, some of which may be taken for university credit.  Contact WAL for information.