Elementary Spanish I

Course Details

Course Number: 1134 Section Number: 201

Spring 2011

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 177

Days & Times:

MTRF 8:00-8:50

Course Attachments

Syllabus syllabusforspring2011_Con brío-20120312-134120.doc

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Heidi Hakimi-Hood
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Course Objectives

This course is primarily designed to develop students’ ability to communicate orally in Spanish. Equally important goals are the acquisition of the skills necessary for effective reading and writing in Spanish. Cultural understanding is an important objective as well. These objectives can be realized only through your active participation, both in and out of class. To be successful in this course, you must read, study, and complete assignments prior to each class period, and while in class, actively participate in activities.

The Foreign Language Department’s methodology is based on the Communicative Approach to language teaching. This means that students are encouraged to interact with the teacher and other students in Spanish.

Although I may offer explanations of grammar points in English, the language of interaction in the classroom for instructor AND students is Spanish. However, don’t worry if you make mistakes. Errors are part of the natural process of language learning. Get your message across and accuracy will follow.

Course Expectations

EQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

Textbook: Lucas Murillo, Dawson, ¡Con brío!

Two packages of large Scantrons (Ten Scantrons total)

Grading Standards

GRADING

Attendance and Participation 10%

Language Lab 10%

Final Exam (Comprehensive) 20%

Quizzes and Homework 15%

Exams 45%

Final Exam5/10/2011 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance and Absences

You are required to arrive on time and be in class for the entire 50-minute period. You may be counted absent if you arrive more than 10 minutes late. Leaving class early is treated in the same manner as arriving late. Please do not get up and leave the classroom during class time.

If you carry a cell phone, please disable the sound and put it away (out of sight).

Texting – messaging or the use of non-authorized electronic devices (i. e. computers, iPods, iPhones, smart phones, etc . . .) will be penalized by deducting five points from your participation each time the device has been used. If you need a dictionary, bring a paper one.

If you have a cell phone or some other unauthorized device visible during a quiz or exam, you will automatically earn a zero for that particular quiz or exam.

This syllabus serves as notice that you will be dropped from the class without further notification if you are absent more than eight times. You are allowed a maximum of eight absences. Use your absences wisely. Please note that if you decide to drop the course, you must follow university procedure for dropping a course in order to receive a “W.” If the instructor drops you, you will receive a “WF” or “F.”

Absences due to official university functions will be dealt with on an individual basis. There are no “excused absences” from regular class periods. Your presence and participation are of utmost importance.

2. Participation/Attendance

Ten percent of your final grade will be based on a combination of attendance and participation. Six percent (6%) will be based on your use of Spanish, your active participation in classroom activities and your volunteering. The remaining four percent (4%) is based on your attendance.

Other Policies

Quizzes, Homework, and Exams

There will be frequent quizzes over material that is currently being studied. In addition, homework assignments may be given from time to time. Your two lowest quiz or homework grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.Not under ANY circumstances are students allowed to make up quizzes or homework.

You have received the dates for the major examinations, be aware that there are no make-up exams.

2. Language Lab

As stated in the current MSU Bulletin, a one hour weekly lab is required for this course. You will need to visit the Language Lab in Moffett Library (Moffett 112) approximately every two weeks (after each chapter). Don’t forget to bring your Student I.D. You will listen to tapes and take quizzes while listening. There is a tape and quiz for each chapter (approx. 15-20 minutes each). You will be given a schedule of Language Laboratory hours. These hours are also posted on Dr. Adalberto García’s website. Note: You may use the textbook, but no talking is allowed. The lab attendant is instructed to indicate on the Scantron who was talking or otherwise cheating while taking a quiz and those persons will receive a zero for that lab.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.