Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
10:00 am - 10:50 am
OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY
Learning a second language is a process inextricably connected to the culture or cultures in which the language is spoken. Thus, this course focuses on developing students’ Spanish-language proficiency through modes of communication that reflect real life communication in the varied cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. By employing interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communicative modes in the target language, students will explore the ideas, values, beliefs and other cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking peoples across the world and how these aspects work together to affect human experience. By providing students with knowledge of a language and culture different from their own, this course contributes to preparing students to be productive members of global society as well as to understand and relate with people and ideas different from their own. This course’s methodology is based on the Communicative Approach to language teaching, which encourages students to interact with the instructor and each other in Spanish.
Homework and Quizzes. Regular assignments will be made from the text and the Student Activities Manual. Students are expected to prepare homework as assigned. Independent study of grammar and vocabulary is also expected. Frequent quizzes, based on homework, Student Activities Manual exercises, and class work, will be given. Graded homework and quizzes will contribute 15% to your final grade. No late work is accepted and no make-up quizzes are given. Your two lowest grades in this category will be dropped at the end of the semester.
Exploraciones Video Lab (Moffett 112A). You will visit the Foreign Language Laboratory in Moffet 112A once for each chapter covered this semester. Please give your MSU Student ID to the lab attendant in order to receive your quiz. You will watch a short video (15-30 min.) consisting of two introductions (Presentaciones), a conversation or dialog (Conversación), and a cultural segment highlighting one of the Spanish-speaking countries. The video runs on a loop, so you may view it as many times as you like. You may also preview the videos through your CourseMate access. No materials may be used while you watch the video and complete the quiz. Please sign out at the lab attendant’s desk in order to retrieve your student id. Make-up and/or late quizzes are NOT permitted. One video lab grade will be dropped at the end of the semester. Please note the due dates given below.
Video Lab Assignment Due Dates:
Chapter 1: Sept. 17
Chapter 2: Oct. 1
Chapter 3: Oct. 20
Chapter 4: Nov. 5
Chapter 5: Nov. 19
Chapter 6: Dec. 7
You will find it helpful to read and study the following textbook pages prior to viewing each chapter’s video lab:
Exploraciones Student Activities Manual / Coursemate (workbook and online audio exercises). The Student Activities Manual (SAM) contains activities to help you master the vocabulary and grammatical concepts presented and practiced in class. Audio exercises are indicated by a speaker icon. You are expected to complete these activities as they are assigned by your instructor. You may listen to the audio files on your own device (directly from the internet or as a downloaded file) or on any campus computer connected to the internet and equipped with headphones. Some activities are designed to help you practice your pronunciation so you may also wish to use a device equipped with a microphone. Regular grades will be taken on the audio exercises. However, two grades of this type will be dropped at the end of the semester. Keep your SAM activities up-to-date. Use it side by side with your textbook or e-book. Working on a regular basis with this resource will improve your Spanish-proficiency.
Schedule of Assignments (Subject to modification)
08/27 Capítulo 1
10/22 Capítulo 4 (Last day for “W,” 4:00 pm)
08/28 Capítulo 1
10/23 Capítulo 4
08/30 Capítulo 1
10/25 Capítulo 4
08/31 Capítulo 1
10/26 Repaso
09/03 No hay clases
10/29 Examen II
09/04 Capítulo 1
10/30 Capítulo 5
09/06 Capítulo 1
11/01 Capítulo 5
09/07 Capítulo 1
11/02 Capítulo 5
09/10 Capítulo 1
11/05 Capítulo 5
09/11 Capítulo 2
11/06 Capítulo 5
09/13 Capítulo 2
11/08 Capítulo 5
09/14 Capítulo 2
11/09 Capítulo 5
09/17 Capítulo 2
11/12 Capítulo 6
09/18 Capítulo 2
11/13 Capítulo 6
09/20 Capítulo 2
11/15 Capítulo 6
09/21 Capítulo 2
11/16 Capítulo 6
09/24 Capítulo 2
11/19 Capítulo 6
09/25 Repaso
11/20 Capítulo 6
09/27 Examen I
11/22 Thanksgiving
09/28 Capítulo 3
11/23 Thanksgiving
10/01 Capítulo 3
11/26 Capítulo 6
10/02 Capítulo 3
11/27 Capítulo 6
10/04 Capítulo 3
11/29 Capítulo 6
10/05 Capítulo 3
11/30 Repaso
10/08 Capítulo 3
12/3 Examen III
10/09 Capítulo 3
12/4 Repaso
10/11 Capítulo 3
12/6 Repaso
10/12 Capítulo 3
12/7 Repaso
10/15 Capítulo 4
Final Exam: Wed., Dec. 12, 2012, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
10/16 Capítulo 4
10/18 Capítulo 4
10/19 Capítulo 4
GRADING COMPONENTS
Attendance (4%) & Participation (6%)
10%
Quizzes and Homework
15%
Video Lab and Online (CourseMate) Audio Exercises
Exams (every two chapters)
45%
Final Exam (comprehensive)
20%
No late homework is accepted. No make-up quizzes are given.
Attendance and Participation.
Please note that participation and attendance contribute 10% toward the final grade in this course. This grade component will be based on a combination of attendance (4%) and participation (6%). Participation points will be awarded by the instructor in the form of papelitos (or little pieces of paper). At the end of the semester you should have 100 papelitos for a 100% in participation. Papelitos are awarded for your active participation in classroom activities in the target language (Spanish) and your volunteering to answer the instructor’s questions (in Spanish). Don’t worry about speaking perfect Spanish, just speak. Accuracy will come with practice.
You are required to be in class for the entire 50 minute period. Arrive on time. You may be counted absent if you are more than 10 minutes late for class or if you leave class early.
This syllabus serves as notice that you may 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.”
Absences due to official university functions or documented illness will be dealt with on an individual basis and should be discussed with the instructor outside of class time. There are no “excused” absences from regular class periods. Each absence lowers your attendance grade. If you will miss an exam due to an official university function, please make arrangements with the instructor as soon as possible. If you are absent from an exam, you must present documented proof of illness or university activity to your instructor before a make-up exam will be scheduled.
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.