MTRF 8:00-8:50
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.
EQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS
Textbook: Lucas Murillo, Dawson, ¡Con brío!
Two packages of large Scantrons (Ten Scantrons total)
Attendance and Participation 10%
Language Lab 10%
Final Exam (Comprehensive) 20%
Quizzes and Homework 15%
Exams 45%
This syllabus serves as notice that you will be dropped from the class without further notification if you are absent more than eight times. 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.”
There are no “excused absences” from regular class periods. Use your absences wisely. Absences due to officially documented university functions and documented illness will be dealt with on an individual basis.
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.
Quizzes, Homework, and Examinations
There will be frequent quizzes over material that is currently being studied. In addition, homework assignments may be given from time to time. Not under ANY circumstances are students allowed to make up quizzes but at the end of the semester two quiz grades will be dropped. Also, late homework is not accepted. You have received the dates for the major examinations. Be aware that there are no make-up exams. The student is responsible for knowing the location of the final exam; this location will be provided to the class.
Language Lab
As stated in the current MSU Bulletin, a lab component 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 provide 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. 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.