This course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. It develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). A primary purpose of this class is to prepare students for the AP exam. The exam includes reading and understanding original sources, with written exam and audio interview. Class time will include learning exam materials and practicing exam techniques, with significant attention to comprehension and discussion of articles in Spanish newspapers, journals, and interviews. Our goal will be to think, argue, and communicate in Spanish at real speed about current issues.