As we begin a new round of registration, the Spanish program is happy to announce some innovations that we are implementing.
1) FLS 101 (Elementary Spanish I) has a brand new approach, which will move up to FLS 102 (Elementary Spanish II), 105 (Intensive Elementary Spanish), and 110 (Accelerated Elementary Spanish) in the Spring 2024 semester and FLS 201 (Intermediate Spanish I) in the Summer II 2024 session. Instead of the traditional grammar-based approach, we now base instruction on multiliteracies-informed functional communication in the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes, incorporating intellectually stimulating thematic texts. End-of chapter and final written exams have given way to global “Integrated Performance Assessments” of communication skills starting with interpreting a thematic text, then engaging in a related, text-dependent, real-life interpersonal task, then a presentational task that is based on the interpretive and interpersonal components. Only the most progressive programs in the country are implementing this approach.
2) In light of our new approach, we are phasing out the “false beginner” FLS 110 course, so students will soon place into either FLS 101 or 102 via the placement exam.
3) We have a growing menu of Spanish for Specific Purposes courses in our regular offerings: FLS 201 for Social Work, FLS 201 for Medical Personnel, FLS 201 for Business, and FLS 201 and FLS 202 for Legal Professions.