AP Spanish: Preparing for the Language and Culture Examination 

Author: José M. Díaz

Abriendo paso: Temas y Cultura 

Author: Autor: José M. Díaz, María F. Nadel

Abriendo paso: Gramática

Author: Autor: José M. Díaz, María F. Nadel

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course focuses on real-life communication—both understanding others and making yourself understood—by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills. Rather than overemphasizing strict grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication, the class prioritizes practical language control, vocabulary usage, and communication strategies. To create an immersive learning environment, the course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish.

Additionally, you will explore Spanish culture across both contemporary and historical contexts to develop a deeper appreciation of three key areas:

• Products: Such as books, music, tools, laws, and institutions.

• Practices: The traditional patterns of social interactions within a culture.

• Perspectives: The underlying values, attitudes, and assumptions of the Spanish-speaking world.

The ultimate goal of this course is to comprehensively prepare you for the official College Board AP Exam. The curriculum aligns directly with the official AP College Board Course Overview, which explicitly structures the exam around six overarching global themes:

1. Families and Communities (Las familias y las comunidades)

2. Science and Technology (La ciencia y la tecnología)

3. Beauty and Aesthetics (La belleza y la estética)

4. Contemporary Life (La vida contemporánea)

5. Global Challenges (Los desafíos mundiales)

6. Personal and Public Identities (Las identidades personales y públicas)

Throughout the year, you will use the required textbook, AP Spanish: Preparing for the Language and Culture Examination, to practice the exact formatting of the exam. This includes rigorous practice in timed argumentative writing, simulated audio conversations, email replies, and cultural comparison presentations. By pulling from authentic audio and print sources mandated by the College Board, you will build the stamina and spontaneous language skills required to achieve a passing score and potentially earn college credit.

To ensure your language proficiency is at the appropriate level for this college-level course, you must meet the prerequisites by successfully completing one of the following academic pathways:

• Spanish Speakers Route: Successful completion of Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2.

• Regular Spanish Route: Successful completion of Spanish 4 (or Spanish 3 only with teacher recommendation).

AP College Board Course Overview - AP Spanish Language and Culture

Websites students may use when completing current evernts:

www.bbcmundo.com

www.univision.com

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/noticas.html

http://www.prensaecrita.com/

www.elpais.com

http://www.un.org/spanish/News

http://espanol.news.yahoo.com/

http://www.veintemundos.com/en 

Websites students may use to enhance their listening skills:

www.notesinspanish.com

www.rtve.es/ree/

http://www.vmetv.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/mh

http://www.20minutos.es/

Dictionary Website:

www.wordreference.com

Spanish grammar review websites:

http://personal.colby.edu/~bknelson/SLC/