Spanish II

Spanish II will build on the foundational blocks of Spanish I. By practice in class and homework assignments, we will increase our vocabulary and move forward into other verb tenses. We will also work on reading and writing proficiency. There will be opportunities to further our knowledge of Latin American – its people, culture & foods – through cultural studies in class, a couple of virtual tours into Colombia and Venezuela, and opportunities to enjoy Venezuelan and Colombian foods. The course will inspire the students to know the Spanish language – to master it, not only as a course, but to be able to use it with pride in new personal relationships and employment opportunities that are searching for people who can handle the Spanish language.

Many weeks, there will be further opportunities to practice conversation with a native speaker. Nohemi Cochran, a native of Columbia, will join us and help students become more comfortable with their pronunciation of Spanish and develop a smooth flow of speech when they speak the language.

Instructor: Francis (Fran) Cochran (assisted by Nohemi Cochran)

Instructor Bio: I have spent the major part of my life in Venezuela, in South America, where my parents moved when I was 9. I learned Spanish growing up with friends there. I came back to the U.S. for college and later returned to Venezuela, to the Amazon rain forest bordering Brazil, where I had grown up. I spent 34 years there in language and culture study, living in a number of native villages on the Orinoco River and its tributaries. While there, I had the privilege of helping the indigenous population better their lives in the areas of health and medicine. I was also involved in teaching them how to read and write their own language, as well as better learn the Spanish language to be able to enter civilization and continue learning in government schools there. During my time in the U.S., I have taught Spanish in two private school environments and tutored others.

Required Materials: pen or pencil; 3-ring binder w/ looseleaf notebook paper; Espanol En Vivo: Instructional Spanish Workbook for Grades 9-12, Level 2 by Sarah Rowan (purchased by participants)