Syllabus for SPN1120 Elementary Spanish 1 (10470)

Description

The course employs four primary language-learning skill sets: listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the study of Spanish grammar.  The lessons in class are presented in a multi-cultural context with frequent use of online content in order to foster an appreciation for the cultures of Spanish speaking countries.

Required Materials

Arriba, 5^th Edition

Objectives

To impart to the student fundamental Spanish reading, writing, speaking,and listening skills within a multi-cultural context in an internet-enabled classroom environment.

Teaching Methods

1.      GE Competency: Communication-Oral: Creates basic-level oral communication using correct Spanish grammar, vocabulary, cultural material, and pronunciation.

2.      GE Competency: Communication-Written: Creates basic-level written communications that correctly employ and incorporate the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural material presented in class.

3.      GE Competency: Independence/Participation:  Remains focused on lesson and uses target language.

Please look to my faculty web page for a separate document describing SLO and Rubrics. http://www.lscc.edu/faculty/main.aspx?department=All_Departments&userid=9

Contact

caballee@lscc.edu

Attendance/Withdrawals

There are no automatically excused absences. To officially withdraw from a class, a student must complete and submit a withdrawal form to the Admissions and Student Services Office prior to the official 70 percent point of the semester.  Students who do not follow this procedure will not be officially withdrawn and will receive a final grade for the class that takes into account the work completed with zero credit for work that is missed or not completed.  The instructor will not fill out drop forms nor assume responsibility for delivering drop forms.   Students must contact the instructor or supervisor if an emergency prevents them from following the above steps.  You cannot drop the class merely by ceasing to attend without consequences to your record.

Method of Evaluation

Your final grade will be determined as follows:Quizzes  (20%), In-class Writing Assignments (2)  (10%), Classwork and Participation  (30%), Midterm Exam (15%),  Final Exam (20%), Oral Exam (5%)

Notes

Compositions: Compositions are done in-class and you may bring a dictionary. You will have a chance to self-correct each composition if you so choose.  The first version (V1) will be graded using the symbols above and must be turned in on the date indicated.  If you are happy with your grade, you don’t have to turn it back in, and this grade will stand as your final grade for that composition.  If you choose to turn it back in, you must correct yourself following the codes above, and you must turn it in on the date indicated for V2 (version 2); The final grade will NOT be lower than what was earned with V1; doing the editing and rewrite for V2 can only HELP your grade….not lower it.   Oral Interview: In student pairs, there will be a dialogue that will last between 7-8 minutes (3.5 to 4 minutes of talking for each student); the possible topics for the conversation will be disclosed one week before the interview.  Questions will be asked by the instructor based upon the material presented by the students. Other Homework I will assign homework (textbook or internet-based).  This homework will help you be able to participate in class, and test your mastery of the material.  It will be randomly checked. Failure to complete it will weigh heavily on your participation grade.  If you are absent please make sure to contact a classmate and find out what you missed.  ABSENCES ARE NOT A VALID EXCUSE FOR NOT HAVING YOUR HOMEWORK COMPLETED; IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU MISSED AND TO COME TO CLASS PREPARED. Class participation/attendance: This grade is determined by your effort in answering questions and your willingness to take part positively in class activities.  Absences and tardiness will weigh heavily on your participation/attendance grade.   Please come to class on time, tardies are disruptive!   Leaving class early will be treated the same as a tardy.  Absences are counted from the first scheduled class.  The instructor reserves the right to assign an F or to withdraw any student who misses over 20% of the class including tardies.   In order to participate in class it is very important to have read the material assigned and to have studied the relevant vocabulary before you come to class.  It is expected that the student will spend 2-3 hours of study outside of the classroom in order to achieve maximum success in the course.  If there are more than two instances of using cell phones, laptops, or other tech devices that are not required for the current material being presented will drop the participation/attendance a full letter grade for each instance.  The student will be emailed a warning before the grade is lowered. Quiz and Exam Make-Up Policy: There will be no make-up quizzes or exams unless you let me know ahead of time that an unavoidable emergency/conflict will arise: in which case you will have an alternate version of the exam administered at the Center for Teaching and Learning.  This accommodation can only be used ONCE throughout the entire course. 1.       If you miss the first or second quiz, the midterm exam score will count for that quiz grade, as well as for the midterm exam.  Keep in mind that midterms are harder, longer, and more comprehensive.2.       If you miss the third or fourth quiz, the final exam grade will count for the quiz grade as well.  Again, the final exam will be longer, harder, and comprehensive.3.       If you miss the midterm, the final exam grade will be used to replace the missed midterm.

Schedule

8/24-9/2 Capítulo 1, 9/7-9/16 Capítulo 2, 9/21-9/30 Capítulo 3 and In class writing, 10/5-10/14 Capítulo 4, 10/19 Midterm,  10/21-11/02 Capítulo 5, 11/04-11/16 Capítulo-6 and In class writing, 11/18-12/02 Capítulo 7 and Oral Exam, Final Exam  12/7