SYLLABUS

MISSOURI WESTERN STATE COLLEGE

Dept. of English, Foreign Languages & Journalism

 

Course: SPA 102 Elementary Spanish 1 Semester: Summer 2003

 

Classroom/Times: SS/C 223      MTWTh     9:35 A.M. – 11:35 A.M.

 

Instructor's Name: Saundra Dibella

 

Instructor's Office & Office Phone Number: SS/C 222 T (816) 271-4310 (leave message)

 

Instructor’s E-mail Address: saundra.dibella@sjsd.k12.mo.us

 

Office Hours: by arrangement

 

Text:  Knorre, Dorwick, Perez-Girones, Glass, Villareal, Puntos de partida , 6th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2001.

Arana, Arana, Workbook to accompany Puntos de partida, 6th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2001.

Arana, Arana, Laboratory Manual to accompany Puntos de partida, 6th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2001.

Laboratory tape/Cd’s for Puntos de partida, 6th edition, MCGraw-Hill, 2001.

 

Optional Materials: Spinelli, English Grammar for Students of Spanish, 4th edition, Olivia and Hill Press, 1998.

CD ROM for Puntos de partida, 6th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2001.

Spanish-English dictionary

 

Prerequisites: None

 

Course Objectives and Methodology: The goal of this course is to introduce students to the basic grammatical structures and vocabulary of the Spanish language and to understand basic cultural differences and similarities between Hispanic and American lifestyles, world perspectives, etc.

 

The course covers basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary. The grammar will be taught through a series of written homework assignments from the textbook and packet of materials. Each day students will work in pairs or small groups on oral performance exercises. The professor will then engage the students in meaningful communication.

 

Activities will also be assigned that are to be completed in the Foreign Language Lab (JGM 107). Students will sign in when entering the lab. Students must complete/self-correct Workbook Activities.

 

Attendance Policy: Attendance is crucial and mandatory. Each student is allowed four absences, either excused or unexcused. Absences in excess of four will result in a reduction of the total course grade by 3% per absence, beginning with the fifth occurrence. Only absences due to emergency (at the discretion of the instructor) and official MWSC functions will be excused. In case of absence, it is the responsibility of the student to be aware of any announcements made in class regarding upcoming assignments, exams, etc.

 

Students with Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that prevents the fullest expression of abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so that we can discuss class requirements.

 

Academic Honesty Policy: Since honesty in the classroom or laboratory is required, cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the college constitutes a violation. A grade of zero may be assessed in the evaluation instrument.

 

Grading Policy: The final grade will be determined by test and quiz scores, daily participation, workbook and lab activities, writing assignments, the final exam and the attendance policy stated above.

 

Grading Scale: 100-90=A

89-80=B

79-70=C

69-60=D

59 and below=F

 

Quizzes: Both announced and unannounced, will be given.

 

 

Chapter Tests:  You will have a test over each chapter. Each chapter test includes a listening-comprehension component and a written component. Don’t cram for tests; it is much better to learn as you go along. Don’t forget to review material from past lessons, since language exams, by nature, are comprehensive.

 

Late Work: Late work will be accepted at the discretion of the instructor with a reduction in the grade at the discretion of the instructor.