MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Dept. of English, Foreign Languages and Journalism

Spanish 102 - 02, Elementary Spanish I, Summer 2006

Classroom and Times: 6:30 – 9:20 p.m. in Murphy Hall 109

Instructor: C. Lynn Hudson Office: home

Phone: 816-676-0584 Office hours: by appointment

E-mail: chudson3@missouriwestern.edu

Required Text: Hershberger, et al. Plazas 2^nd edition and accompanying workbook.

Course description

Spa 102 fulfills the Category IV of General Studies requirement. Spa 102 is a first-year introductory course in language and culture. Students will learn basic grammatical structures and vocabulary, as well as cultural information, all of which will be helpful if you travel to Spain or Latin America or have contact with any Spanish-speaking people. By the end of the semester, the dedicated student will be able:

1. To understand Spanish spoken at a slow-normal rate of speed within a limited range of vocabulary.

2. To respond appropriately in simple Spanish.

3. To write and to understand written Spanish within a limited range of grammar and vocabulary.

4. To understand basic cultural differences and similarities between Hispanic and American lifestyles, world perspectives, etc.

The language and grammar will be taught through reading, writing, and speaking assignments from the text and workbook exercises as well as through participation in pair/small group role-plays and oral performance exercises.

Course beliefs

Studying a foreign language broadens one's perspective of the world and enhances one's understanding of self. It enables you to participate in a multi-cultural community, prepares you for graduate school, a career, and for use of the language in the future. It helps dispel stereotypes and enhances respect for others.

Final Grade: Your final grade does not determine your worth as a human being nor does it pertain to my personal regard for you. It is a barometer of your performance both in and outside of class. Final grade evaluation is done according to the following activities.

Evaluation and Grading Policy

The final grade will be determined by test scores (quizzes/chapter tests), daily participation, text and workbook activities, writing assignments, and the attendance policy stated in the syllabus.

The activities are weighted as follows:

Class participation and attendance 20%

Assignments and workbook activities 20%

Exams, quizzes, tests 60%

Grading Scale:

100% - 90% = A

89% - 80% = B

79% - 70% = C

69% - 60% = D

59% and below = F

Daily preparation, homework and participation

Attendance is crucial and mandatory. Class attendance and participation are essential to your progress in this course. Persistent, active in-class participation develops your speaking and comprehension skills. Therefore, it is essential that you attend class daily. Trying to catch up once you have fallen behind will be difficult, as much new material will be introduced on a daily basis.

You will be allowed three (3) unexcused absences during the semester. Each unexcused absence thereafter will result in the lowering of the participation part of your grade by 5%. Only documented absences due to medical problems or other unforeseen situations that are genuine emergencies will be excused.

Homework will not be accepted after the date on which it is due. Homework assignments will be given out periodically by me.

Foreign Language Lab in Murphy 107 - You will have open access to the Foreign Language lab from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. As in any other lab, you need to sign in when you enter.

In-class assignments given during a missed class period cannot be made up under any circumstance.

Philosophy

Success in this course depends on the combined efforts of the student and instructor. The responsibility of the student is to prepare thoroughly for class and to participate actively in class. The primary role of the instructor is to facilitate real communication in Spanish. Classroom time is planned according to this philosophy so that lack of preparation will severely impede any benefits students may gain from the classroom experience.

Exams and Quizzes

There will be an exam at the end of each chapter covering the material in the chapter. There are NO make-ups. If you know in advance that you will not be able to take a test, you may make an appointment with your instructor to take it early. There may also be other quizzes and oral exams.

Academic Honesty

Since honesty in the classroom is required. Cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the university constitutes a violation. Cheating and/or plagiarism are severely sanctioned by the University and may result not only in a grade of "F," but suspension or even expulsion.

Assistance

If you need assistance, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to forward any question you might have through email as well. The Center for Academic Support offers free tutoring for Spanish courses. The website in order to obtain more information is http://www.missouriwestern.edu/cas.

Handicapped Policy

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 we can discuss class requirements.

Drop and Withdrawal policy

Because of the large number of students wishing to enroll in Spanish 102, students who have not appeared in class by the third class-day are automatically taken off the roll. A student who has been taken off the roll (or who quits coming to class at any point in the semester) still needs to drop the class according to university policy.

For your information - Foreign Language Test-Out Procedure

If you have studied French, German, or Spanish in high school or college, and wish to receive credit, or if you are unsure which level of French, German, or Spanish is the best one for you to continue your language studies, take the free placement test offered in your language. Depending on your results, you may be eligible for 3 to 12 hours of credit.

Placement test dates are scheduled in the weeks prior to pre-registration and during summer registration. Please consult the EFLJ department for those dates/times or check our website at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/eflj/flpe.asp. It is not necessary to register for the test or bring any materials to the test site. The placement test is done by computer and will take 20-30 minutes.

If you successfully earn credit hours, the test administrator will complete the “Petition for Foreign Language Test-Out.” Part I of the form must be completed and signed by the administrator of the test at that time. Please note the following policies: You have exactly one year from the date of the test in which to claim your credit. If you enroll in the course recommended by the placement test, you must claim the credit prior to completing the recommended course.

To claim your credit, present your Petition for Foreign Language Test-Out to Vicki Schneider in the English, Foreign Languages, and Journalism Department (Eder Hall, Room 222-B) along with your check for payment. Please note that taking the placement test is free. If you are eligible for credit and choose to claim that credit, the cost is $75, regardless of how many credit hours you earn.

You may take the test as many times as you wish. However, each attempt costs $75 when you claim the credit. For example, if you take the test three times before your score is high enough for credit, your cost to claim those credit hours will then be $225 (3 attempts @ $75 each).

Ms. Schneider will process your payment and it will be credited to your MWSU account. She will also send the information to the Admissions Office to be applied to your transcript. The credit hours should appear on your transcript as CR for credit (no grade is indicated) in two to three weeks. The original payment receipt, along with a copy of the Petition for Foreign Language Test-out, will be mailed to your home address for your records.

If you enroll in the course suggested by the placement test and complete that course with a grade of C or better, your test fee will be refunded in full. Please see Vicki Schneider in the EFLJ department to initiate the refund. You have 18 months from the date of your test in which to take the recommended course and request a refund.

Effective Fall 2004, students whose high school transcripts show three or more years of French, German, or Spanish (with grades of C or better, and within three years of the semester in question) should attempt the placement exam because they will not receive credit should they enroll in the beginning French, Spanish, or German course (FRE/GER/SPA 102).

For your information:

General Studies Competencies and Associated Assessment in FRE 102, GER 102, SPA 102

Communicating

A. Analyze and evaluate their own and others’ speaking and writing

Students read and write in the foreign language, edit and discuss texts.

B. Make formal written and oral presentations employing correct diction, syntax, usage, grammar, and mechanics.

Students prepare dialogs and writing assignments in foreign language that emphasize accuracy.

C. Communicate effectively in groups by listening, reflecting, and responding appropriately and in context.

Students must demonstrate strong listening and speaking skills in foreign language order to be understood in pair and group work.

Higher-Order Thinking

A. Formulate questions for clarifying issues and solving problems.

Students analyze grammatical, lexical, and oral structures, as well as formulate hypotheses and experiment with said structures.

B. Reflect and evaluate their critical-thinking processes.

Students identify and apply effective learning strategies for foreign language.

Valuing

A. Compare and contrast historical and cultural ethical perspectives and belief systems.

Students explore foreign cultures, are exposed to variety of perspectives and belief systems.

B. Utilize cultural, behavioral, or historical knowledge to clarify and articulate a personal value system.

Students analyze and compare foreign cultural and behavioral concepts with their own to better understand the origins of their own values.

C. Recognize conflicts within and between value systems.

Students discuss contradictions among civil, religious, and social practices in foreign cultures and compare them to parallel practices in their own culture.

Social & Behavior Sciences

A. Draw on history or the social and behavioral sciences to evaluate the contemporary problems.

Students use major historic events in foreign countries as a basis to understand current social structures.

B. Describe and analytically compare social, cultural, or historical settings and processes other than one’s own.

Students study and discuss social and cultural processes in foreign countries.

C. Describe the interconnectedness of people and places in different parts of the world.

Students discover similar practices and perspectives that exist among a variety of social groups in foreign countries.

Humanities & Fine Arts

A. Identify works in humanities and fine arts.

Through exposure to foreign authors and artists, students are familiarized with said works.

B. Understand differences and relationships between formal and popular culture.

Through exposure to contemporary and classic texts, music, and art, students distinguish between different types of cultural representations.