Washington Academy of Languages, Seattle:
Washington Academy of Languages (WAL) is a language school in downtown Seattle, King County in Washington State. We offer Spanish programs at eight levels - from beginners through to advanced. Each class level involves 30 hours of in-class instruction. Classes can be taken for university credit. Levels 1 - 4 are equivalent to the first year of university instruction. Levels 5 - 8 are equivalent to the second year of university study.
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WAL offers the following Spanish classes in Seattle:
SPN 1501 (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.
SPN 1502 (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.
SPN 1503 (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.
SPN 1504 (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.
SPN 2501 (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.
SPN 2502 (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.
SPN 2503 (Spanish VII):
30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Completion of Spanish VI or instructor’s permission
During this course, participants will review some essential aspects of grammar already studied in previous levels, such as pronouns, adjectives, adverbs and the present tense, and at the same time learn new and more specific uses for these elements. Diverse activities will target expanding vocabulary and improving written expression in business and technological environments. Students will become familiar with media sources and will continue to broaden their knowledge of contemporary literature in Spanish-speaking countries. Conversational topics will focus on better understanding cultural traditions and current political events. Some colloquial discourse will be introduced.
Chapters: 1-3
This course may be taken for 4 units of university credit.
SPN 2504 (Spanish VIII):
30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Completion of Spanish VII or instructor’s permission
A review of the past tenses is presented in this level. Oral fluency and expanded vocabulary will be emphasized through discussions, debates and presentations on diverse cultural topics, as well as current events. More advanced terminology will be introduced to accommodate the interests of participants. By the end of the five-week term, students will also have improved their written expression and listening comprehension skills.
Chapters: 4-6
This course may be taken for4 units of university credit.
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
