Missouri Western State College
Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of English, Foreign Languages and Journalism
Verano 2000 Course: SPA 102** Elementary Spanish I Section: SPA 102-01 Class Schedule: MTWTH 12P-2:05P MC 106 Instructor: John Wilson, MA, PPS, MA
Office: JGM 312 Text and Materials: Dicho y hecho, 5th ed., Dawson, Laila, et al.
Dicho y hecho--Workbook and Laboratory Manual, 5th ed; Dawson,
Laila, et al.
Tapes to accompany text and workbook Course objectives and methodology:
Elementary Spanish I (Spanish 102) is beginning Spanish and is designed for
those students having no previous experience in the study of the Spanish language.
The primary purpose of this course is to develop, through comprehension,
speaking, reading and writing, your ability and confidence to communicate in the
Spanish language.
Language and thought are inseparable, thus the "Verbal-Active" mode of instruction
will be employed. To learn a language and to speak a language is to "think" in that language.
English will be "virtually" eliminated from the classroom and from our basic interactions
outside the classroom.
The "verbal-active" method teaches from context to Spanish and from Spanish to Spanish.
Unlike other approaches, the "verbal-active"method combines Spanish thought with Spanish language.
Eliminating English from the course has certain implicatiions; many of which you will become aware of
as you participate in classroom activities. You young adults studying Spanish, the direct or
"verbal-active" method is "THE" method of choice. IT WORKS!
The course introduces basic Spanish vocabulary. Additionally, grammer, as a system of expressing
meaning, is taught through written homework assignments from the Workbook, textbook, supplemental exercies,
and from listening/speaking assignments from the Laboratory Manual.
The program is entirely student-centered, not text-centered. Personalized conversation is simulated and
practiced. The Instructor will ask revelant questions that call for "real" answers. This encourages individuality.
The orientation of the vocabulary, structure (grammer), and reading content is conversational. The student's role is
merely recite, conjugate,or translate.
Nevertheless, the best designed method and the most creative instructor cannot overcome the limits of the classroom.
Each student must create a personal context for the new language. Enjoy Spanish! You will be amazed at how quickly and
easily the language becomes a part of you.
In addition to learning a new language, we will explore some of the cultural similarities and differences that
exist between North American and Hispanic people as well as those existing between Hispanic peoples throughtout the
world. Tenative Course Outline: Provided during week one of the semester. Attendance and participation:
Attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend the entire class period will be counted as an absence. Studnets are
allowed three absences, either excused or unexcused. Absences beyond three will result in a grade reduction of one-half
a letter grade.
Active participation is a must. Stundents are expected to participate individually and in small group activities.
Each student MUST arrive on time, will all required materials, and be ready to begin work when the class period begins.
Quizzes:
There will be one quiz per chapter that will be announced at least one day in advance. Quizzes may not be made up. Students will disabilities:
Any student who has a disability that prevents the fullest participation in the class should contact me personally as
soon as possible so that requirements and arrangements may be discussed. Academic Honesty Policy:
Lack of honesty in the classroom and in activities related thereto will not be tolerated. ANY cheating, plagiarism, or
knowingly providing/furnishing false information constitutes a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy. If it is determined
that academic dishonesty has occured a grade of zero (0) will be assessed for the evaluation instrument. (Pg. 41 of 1999-2000 MWSC
Policy Guide). Grading Policy:
There will be a Unit Examination over each chapter. The Final Examination will be comprehensive. Additional elements utilized in
calculating the Final Course Grade will be as follows: attendance and participation, writing assignments, workbook/listening assignments
and quizzes. Grading System: 90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
Below 60 F Extenuating circumstnaces or long term illnesses = INCOMPLETE *The Instructor maintains the right to modify the course Syllabus as needed. **SPA 102, Elementary Spanish I, fufills the goals and objectives of Category IV of
the General Studies criteria as students gain a greater awareness of the present
through an understanding of other cultures. Missouri Western State College
Espanol 102
Profesor J. Wilson
Semestre Otonal
AREAS FOR GRADE CALCULATION (a) Class Participation--Attitude, Cooperation, Growth, Improvement, ATTEMPT 15%
(b) Oral (tape or instructor) Exercices 10%
(c) Homework, In-class work, Written exercies other than Tarea 10%
(d) Quizzes/Examenitos--written and/or oral 10%
(e) Compositions 10%
(f) Major Examinations (Unit/chapter or Multiple Unit) 35%
(g) Final Exam 10%
(h) Individual Projects/Special Assignments Serve as determiners
for borderline grades;
earning of plusses or
minuses. ____
100%
Grading System:
(Same as in Syllabus) 90-100 A Extenuating circumstances/long term illnesses = INCOMPLETE
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
Below 60 F
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