Beginning Spanish I Syllabus

Beginning Spanish I Syllabus

Oral practice, including repetition and drills, will focus on accurate pronunciation and effective communication in basic survival situations in the target language. Listening exercises in class will give you the necessary practice with oral comprehension of ideas expressed within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures presented as well as the ability to guess at unfamiliar vocabulary based on context. Preparation outside of class of written exercises, lab assignments and short paragraphs will allow you to build upon material presented and practiced orally in class. Through readings, lectures, video presentations and discussions you will obtain a basic knowledge of important aspects of culture in the Spanish-speaking world.

By the end of the semester, you will be able to communicate in a basic way with Spanish-speaking members of the community. Your vocabulary will include greetings, words related to classroom and academic life, family, occupations and professions as well as vocabulary that will enable you to talk about your pastimes, sports and places in a city. You will also learn how to ask and answer questions about what you do, how you feel, your plans for the weekend, and for the future, using the verbal periphrasis ir a + infinitive (to be going to + infinitive). You  will also be able to describe yourself, others, and your surroundings, as well as being able to talk about your daily life and routine using the reflexive verbs.

For ease of learning it is recommended that you take Spanish courses continuously until you fulfil your requirement. 
 

Textbooks:

   Requirements:

  According to TBR policy, Attendance is required. 
The majority of learning occurs in the normal interchange of classroom activities. A student will be counted present only if he/she is present and awake during the entire class time and focusing on our in-class activities (leaving early violates this condition; text messaging violates this condition; sleeping or laying one’s head down violates this condition). Violation of the aforementioned conditions will result in the student being counted as ABSENT.   It is the student’s responsibility to know when they have violated one of these conditions. Discussion of a violation should be conducted at the time of the violation (not at the end of the semester)! Absences will affect the students' participation grade, with more than four (4) unexcused   absences resulting in an automatic grade of   F.                                                                                     

 No game playing. (2.5 points deducted from Final Average per occurrence) on computers, cell phones, I-pods, etc.during the scheduled hours of class. Use of the Internet during scheduled hours of class is permitted for purposes related to this class only. Any other use will result in 2.5 points being deducted from your Final Average per occurrence.

I expect you to actively participate in the class in order to receive a good grade. In paired discussions and group activities I expect you to be speaking in Spanish

Tests:

There will be 3 tests. Tests missed due to an absence cannot be made up unless you have a dire excuse, such as illness. If you miss a test, let me know as soon as possible so you can make it up. There will not be a comprehensive final exam, but the last exam will be taken on the date for the final for this class.

You are required to do all lab work required outside of class time.  The lab assignments come with your book package, and can be bought at the bookstore. We will be using My Spanish Lab in this course.
 

Extra Credit:

Any extra credit offered during the term is totally voluntary. If you are interested in earning extra credit, you must let me know early in the course. Please do not ask for any extra credit work at the end of the semester. The purpose of extra credit work is to help you with your course work. Most students that decide to earn extra credit learn more on the subject and understand it better, which helps them get a better grade. If a student is between grades, extra credit work, effort, and attitude towards the subject will decide which of the two grades s/he gets. Under no circumstances will extra credit work alone be sufficient to earn a student a passing grade if his/her grades do not reflect that the student has mastered the minimum requirements to earn a passing grade.
 

Homework:

The purpose of homework is to help you to learn by heart the structure of the language. If you rush your homework, you will hurt your preparation for the exams. Homework must be turned in on the dates that I establish. Late homework will not be accepted except in case of absence.

Read the explanations of grammar in the text before you come to class; it will help you understand explanations given in the class. You must keep up with the work or your grades will be affected.
 

Grade Distribution:

Homework:      15%
Participation:    10%
Class Project:   5%
Tests:                 70%     

Grade Scale:

A:            90-100
B:            80-89
C:            70-79
D:            60-69
F:            59 and below

Official Disability Statement:

Tentative Schedule for Spanish 1010

Schedule:

Final Exam:

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