College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Dept. of English, Foreign Languages and Journalism
SPA 102 - Elementary Spanish I – Section: 11
Fall 2008
Times and Classroom: T- Tr. From: 7:00 to 8:20pm. Room: 223
Instructor: M.A. Zulima Lugo-Knapp. Office: Eder Hall 212 E
Phone: 816-271-4312 Office hours: 5:00 to 8:30pm. (and by appointment)
E-mail: zlugoknapp@missouriwestern.edu
Required Text: Vistas 3rd Edition, authors Blanco / Donley. With WebSam code
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
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.
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.
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 approximately as follows:
Homework and workbook activities
25%
Exams, quizzes, tests 20%
Orals Interview /
Presentation
15%
Final Exam
20%
Written
Assignment
10%
Class participation and attendance 10%
Grading Scale: 100% - 90% =
A
89% - 80%
= B
79% - 70% =
C
69% - 60% =
D
59% and below
= F
Daily preparation, homework and participation
Homework will not be accepted after the date on which it is due. Homework assignments will be given out periodically by me.
In-class assignments or quizzes given during a missed class period cannot be made up under any circumstance.
Exams and Quizzes
There will be an exam at the end of every two chapters covering all the material in the chapters, but due to time restrictions some items will be emphasized more than others.. Make-up exams are at the discretion of the instructor. 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.
Final Exam: At the end of the semester every student of this level will have a Final exam that will integrate all the main communicative structures worked throughout the semester.
Oral Exam: Before the Final Exam, students will have an oral test that will consist in a conversation with the instructor or a conversation with a partner on a pre-given topic. Students will receive a list of possible topics they must be prepared to talk on the day of the test.
Written Assignment: Students will have a composition assignment that will require then to put together their knowledge of basic grammar structures with their need for communicating ideas in an effective and creative way. The day of the composition, the instructor will give to the students a topic that they will have to develop in 250 words approx. following specific directions. Directions for the written assignment will be given by the instructor on a Friday and the composition must be turned in next class.
Attendance is crucial and mandatory. Please see the Attendance Policy section below for the university’s official attendance policy. 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 every class. Trying to catch up once you have fallen behind will be difficult, as much new material will be introduced in each class.
Late arrivals are disruptive to the class and will reflect upon your grade.
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.
Attendance Policy
In order to improve student learning as well as to achieve compliance with
federal financial aid policies, Western has a mandatory attendance policy for
all 100-level courses. You will be given an excused absence when acting as an
official representative of the university, provided you give prior written
verification from the faculty/staff supervisor of the event, also when you have
documentation if you had been sick, in jury duty or alike. All other
absences will be deemed unexcused. The maximum number of unexcused
absences allowed for this class before the midterm report, October 15 [for
Fall 2008] is 5. Thus, when you have 6 unexcused absences you will be
reported to the Registrar’s Office, who will automatically withdraw you from
this class. The Financial Aid Office will reduce financial aid as
appropriate.
Academic Honesty Policy and Due Process
Academic honesty is required in all academic endeavors. Violations of academic honesty include any instance of plagiarism, cheating, seeking credit for another’s work, falsifying documents or academic records, or any other fraudulent activity. Violations of academic honesty may result in a failing grade on the assignment, failure in the course, or expulsion from the University. When a student’s grade has been affected, violations of academic honesty will be reported to the Provost or designated representative on the Academic Honesty Violation Report forms.
Please see the 2008-09 Student Handbook and Calendar (page 24) for specific activities identified as violations of this policy and the student due process procedure. It is available online at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/handbook/index.pdf
Cheating or plagiarism is not acceptable. You will receive a 0 (zero) for any work that shows evidence of cheating and/or plagiarism.
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:
Last day to withdraw is Frday October 31st & After the fourth unexcused absence, the student will be reported to the Registrar, who will administratively withdraw the student from the course. Financial aid will be reduced as appropriate.
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/lg/flpe.html. 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 , 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.
CLASS SCHEDULE
August 25th to September 4th
Course introduction: Syllabus, Presentations, “Contextos”
Chapter 1: El alfabeto y la
pronunciación en español
Chapter 1: Estructura 1
“Sustantivos y artículos”
Chapter 1: Estructura 1.2 “Los
números”
Chapter 1: Estructura 1.3 “El
verbo ser”
Chapter 1: Estructura 1.3 “El
verbo ser”
Chapter 1: Estructura 1.4. “La
hora” WBK1 LAB1
Writing practice and/or conversation practice and/or video-audio activity
September 9th to 16th
Chapter II: En la
Universidad “Vocabulario”, “Cultura”
Chapter II: Estructura 2.1
“Verbos terminados en –ar” (Presentación
general
de los verbos y tiempos verbales en espanol)
Chapter II: Estructura 2.2
“Expresiones interrogativas”
Chapter II: Estructura 2.3 “El
verbo estar” WBK2
Chapter II: Estructura 2.3 “El
verbo estar” LAB2
Review Day: Contrasting ser/estar, using interrogative words
September 18th. EXAM # 1
_________
September 23th to October 2th
Chapter III: “La familia”
“Vocabulario”, “Fotonovela”
Chapter III: Estructura 3.1 “Los
adjetivos descriptivos”
Chapter III: Estructura 3.1 “Los
adjetivos descriptivos”
Chapter III: Estructura 3.2 “Los
adjetivos posesivos”
Midterm Break
Chapter III: Estructura 3.3 “Los
verbos terminados en er- e –ir” WBK3
Chapter III: Estructura 3.4
“Los verbos tener y venir”
LAB3
October 7th to 16th
Chapter IV: “Los pasatiempos”
“Vocabulario” “Cultura”
Chapter IV: Estructura 4.1 “El
verbo ir”
Chapter IV:Estructura 4.2 “Los
verbos con cambio de radical (1)”
Chapter IV: Estructura 4.3 “Los
verbos con cambio de radical (2)”
Chapter IV: Estructura 4.4 “Los
verbos irregulares” WBK4 LAB4
Review Day: Irregular verbs, stem changing verbs, and the verbs tener and ir
October 21st EXAM # 2
_______
October 23rd to November 4th
Chapter V: “Las vacaciones”
“Vocabulario”; “Fotonovela”
Chapter V: Estructura 5.1 “El
verbo estar para expresar condiciones y emociones”
Chapter V:
Estructura 5.2 “El presente progresivo
Chapter V:
Estructura 5.3 “Ser y estar con adjetivos”
Chapter V: Estructura 5.4
“Pronombres de objeto directo (I)” WBK5
Chapter V: Estructura 5.4
“Pronombres de objeto directo (II)” LAB5
December 6th to 18th
Chapter VI: “De compras”;
“Vocabulario”; “Cultura”
Chapter VI: Estructura 6.1 “Saber y conocer ”; Estructura 6.4 “Pronombres
demostrativos”
Chapter VI:
Estructura 6.2 “Pronombres de objeto indirecto”
Chapter VI: Estructura 6.3 “El
pretérito de los verbos regulares”
November 20th EXAM # 3
_____________________________________________________________________
Preparation for Oral Exams WBK6 LAB6 /Oral Exams
25th / 27th Thanksgiving
_______________________________________________________________________
Diciembre
Adjustment of schedule / Review for Final Exam
Finishing all 6 chapters / Review for Final Exam
Review for Final Exam
FINAL EXAM on
December 9th