MSU Faculty Member
Course Objectives
Objectives and Methodology
Leaning a second language is a process always inextricably connected to the culture/s from where that language originated. 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 the knowledge of a language and a culture different than their own, this course contributes in the preparation of a student to be a productive member of a global society as well as to understand and relate to people and ideas different than their own. This course methodology is based on the communicative approach to language teaching. What this means is that students are encouraged to interact with the teacher and other students in Spanish.
Course Expectations
Exploraciones Video Lab (Moffett 112A)
· You will need to visit the Foreign Language Lab in 112A at the Moffett Library once for each chapter covered this semester. You will watch a short video consisting of two introductions (Presentaciones) , a conversation or dialogue (Conversación), and a culture segment highlighting one of the Spanish-speaking countries. The video in the lab runs on a loop, so you may view it as many times as you like while in the lab. You may preview the videos through your CourseMate access. Make-up and/or late lab quizzes are NOT permitted. Please note the due dates given below:
· Video Lab assignment Due Dates:
Capítulo 1: 09/17 Capítulo 2: 10/1 Capítulo 3: 10/20
Capítulo 4: 11/05 Capítulo 5: 11/19 Capítulo 6: 12/7
· You will also find it helpful to read and study the following textbook pages prior to each chapter’s video lab:
Capítulo 1
Capítulo 2
Capítulo 3
Capítulo 4-
Capítulo 5
Capítulo 6
5. Exploraciones Students Activities Manual/Course Mate (workbook and audio exercises)
The Student Activities Manual (SAM) contains activities to help you master the vocabulary and grammar presented in class. Audio exercises are indicated with 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 or on any campus computer connected to the internet equipped with headphones. If you wish to work on your pronunciation, you will also want to use a device equipped with a microphone so that you can hear your responses. Keep your SAM activities up-to-date. Working on a regular basis with this resource will help your performance in class.
Grading Standards
5. Grading components
Quizzes/homework 15% Final exam (comprehensive) 20%
Exams 45% Participation and attendance 10%
Lab 10%
Final Exam 12/12/2012 1:00-3:00Submission Format Policy Note: 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.Late Paper Policy
· Homework, quizzes, and other assignments
Regular assignments will be made from the text. Students are expected to prepare homework as assigned. Frequent quizzes based on homework and class work will be given. I do not accept late homework assignments, and quizzes will not be made up.
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." 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
1. Attendance —
· You are required to be in class for the entire class period. Arrive on time. Attendance will be taken every class day. You will be counted absent if you are more than 10 min late. It is your responsibility to tell me at the end of class that you arrived late. Otherwise, you will have already been counted absent. If you leave class during a break and don’t return, it will count as one absence.
· This syllabus serves as notice that you may be dropped from class without further notice if you are absent more than 8 times for the MTRF class, and 4 times for the MW class. Please note that if you drop the course, you must follow university procedure in order to receive a “W.” If the instructor drops you, you will receive a “WF” of “F.”
· Absences due to official university functions or documented illness will be dealt with on an individual basis and should be discussed with me outside of class. There are no “excused absences” from the regular class periods. Should you be absent from an exam, you must present documented proof of illness or university activity to me before a make-up exam will be allowed. Students will not be allowed to make-up quizzes or video lab quizzes (taken in Moffett 112A).
Other Policies
If you carry a cell phone or pager, turn it off. It will not be allowed in class. I reserve the right to ask you to leave in the event you are using an electronic device in class. Texting or the use of non-authorized electronic devices is strictly prohibited in class.
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.