Elementary Spanish I

Course Details

Course Number: 1134  Section Number: 203

Spring 2013

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 345

Days & Times:

M,T,Th,F 9am - 9:50am

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Claudia Montoya   
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Course Objectives

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. 


Course Expectations

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.


Grading Standards

 

Quizzes/Homework                    15%                 

Final Exam (Comprehensive)                  20%

Exams                                      45%                 Participation                                           10%

Lab                                           10%


Final Exam5/6/2013  1pm

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

 

This syllabus serves as a 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.”  Absences due to official university functions or documented illness will be dealt with on an individual basis. There are no "excused absences" from regular class periods. Should you be absent from an exam, you must present documented proof of illness or university activity to your instructor before a make up exam will be allowed. Students will not be allowed to make-up quizzes.


Other Policies

 

If you carry a cell phone or pager, please turn it off. Text-messages or the use of non-authorized electronic devices will be penalized by deducting points from your participation. If you have a cell phone in you hands during a quiz or exam you will receive a zero whether or not the cell phone was on.

Neither food nor drinks are allowed in the classroom.


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.