Spanish Senior Seminar is part of an expanding catalog of dual-credit courses at ETHS and is offered through a partnership with Lake Forest College. Students receive four transferable college credits, and the content is equivalent to a college-level course. The new course allows students who begin the Spanish program at a high level to continue their studies.
“So many of our kids who started our program early and advanced as freshmen would like the opportunity to take a Spanish class during their senior year,” said Spanish teacher Nicole Lane.
Previously, students who tested into 3 Spanish H as freshmen had limited options. They could attempt to enroll in a Northwestern class, often difficult due to a complicated scheduling process, or participate in an independent study run by Icíar Niharra, a Spanish teacher.
Spanish Senior Seminar was created as a mixed-heritage and non-heritage speaker class for students who have completed both AP Spanish 1 and 2, filling the gap. Lane, a teacher of almost three decades, was asked to teach the new class.
This year, the class has one section of 15 students, but the program is expected to grow. Next school year, there will be two sections and 60 students eligible for the course, representing an increasing interest in advanced Spanish studies.
The class operates differently than other Spanish courses at ETHS. The curriculum does not include grammar; instead, students take what they have learned from previous classes and apply it to new topics. The students watch movies, create presentations and participate in various other projects on a range of subjects.
“The curriculum is really unique,” said senior Sofia Reel. “We have interesting discussions, and everyone’s voice is heard in an encouraging atmosphere.”
The class also incorporates a number of field trips. The first excursion was a trip to Lake Forest College, meant to strengthen class bonds and offer students an opportunity to see the campus.
“The trip really cemented the connection we all have with each other,” said senior Alice Grossman.
Lane views the course as an essential opportunity for students looking to not only further their Spanish education but build a community, learn about diverse cultures and use their language skills in different ways.
“It is such a gift to have our own ETHS students share about their cultures and use their Spanish in an advanced class,” said Lane. “Everyone learns, including me.”
