Tompkins Cortland Community College
SPA 101: Beginning Spanish I
Course Information: Professor Information:
Credit Hours: 3 Name: Dr. Gina Gammage-Sikora
Semester/ Year: Spring 2006 Phone: 758-3670 (Home)
FAX: 756-4047 Office Hours: by appointment
E- mail: sikora777@aol.com
Texts and other materials required.
AVENTURAS by Donley, Benavides and Márquez
Workbook/Video Manual
Interactive CDs, Video CD, Pocket Dictionary
Lab Manual
Lab audio CD-rom.
Highly Recommended: English Grammar for Students of Spanish. by Emily Spinelli. In the bookstore of Cortland College, in AED 437 or in www.amazon.com.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Spanish 101 course deals with basic concepts of grammar and their application to everyday conversation. Although elementary in content, the students will practice sentence formation in the present, simple past, and future tenses. This course is an introduction to the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, with emphasis on developing communicative strategies in Spanish; and the exposure to Hispanic culture.
Students will reinforce learning with guided practice in the three major realms of communication: spoken, heard, and written, as well as learning to respond to visual prompting.
Prerequisite: None
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:
This course as is the case with all my course offerings, is rooted in the ideas of liberal learning. The underlying ideal in all of my classes whether they are literature-, culture-, or language based, is that all three of these elements are interwoven. The specific knowledge and perspectives that will be acquired in this class reflects the college's commitment to instilling in our students an acumen of themes and issues pertaining to Global Understanding (knowledge of the interconnectedness of the natural and human experience through exposure of the political, social, economic and religious differences of the target language's literature and civilization) and Social Justice (comparison and contrast of issues of social justice, equality and democracy between our society and those of the target language.)
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND GOALS:
The students will develop the four basic language skills: spoken communication, listening comprehension, reading and writing. Student will building their vocabulary and grammatical concepts, as well as learning about cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries.
COURSE ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Class attendance is mandatory and daily participation is essential in view of the course objectives. Students should come prepared to actively participate by reading, listening, speaking and writing.
Remember that language courses require at least one hour of preparation daily outside the classroom to successfully learn the language.
Persistent lateness may cost points off your course grade. Be on time for class. When you are late, you distract others and of course you miss material yourself.
You are expected to attend every class session. Absences will adversely affect your class performance and might be reflected in your grade.
Because participation is an important component of this class, a maximum of 3 unexcused absences are allowed during the semester before you lose points for attendance. I will consider an absence as excused only if you e-mail me the day of the absence or before letting me know that you will not be in class. A copy of that e-mail is your written excuse.
Participation
To succeed in this course, you need to be in class to take notes and ask questions. Lots of class participation will be required. Remember that even if you have excused absences you were not present to obtain your participation grade for that class.
Missing class even a few days will make it extremely hard for you to catch up.
Breakdown of Class Participation: Three (3) components will be factored in to determine your participation grade.
Attendance
Attentiveness and Attitude (note-taking, alertness, paying attention to instructor and classmates)
Participation (interacting and contributing during group discussions and activities and independent, in-class assignments.) IN SPANISH !!
In my beginning-level classrooms, students are expected to participate. Participation involves a number of variables, including but not limited to:
your use of Spanish in the classroom,
your willingness to participate in all class activities,
your cooperation during group and pair work,
your respect and attitude toward the professor, the class and your peers,
your timely arrival to class and preparedness for the lesson
Class is schedule to meet for 50 academic hours of 50 minutes each during the semester. You are allowed 3 hour-absences during the semester. With this in mind, the following system will be used to determine your participation grade.
If you are in a Spanish course that only meets twice a week (M &W) then we will have 25 meetings.
Absent= F
Attended = C
Attended + Attentive = B
Attended + Attentive + Participated = A
Grades will be given for each day. All grades will be averaged to determine your final class participation.
PARTICIPATION GRADE CRITERIA
A : The student:
always greeted people and took leave using Spanish,
always used Spanish in class ( i.e. with professor and in small groups).
always listened attentively when others spoke and showed respect for her/his peers,
always came prepared to class,
always actively participated in all classroom activates,
always made a positive impact on the class with her/his presence and positive attitude,
helped peers with in-class activities.
A- : The student:
sometimes greeted people and took leave using Spanish,
mostly used Spanish in class, but sometimes used English in group work,
usually listened and showed respect for her/his peers,
occasionally came unprepared to class, but usually came prepared,
participated in all classroom activities.
Method of Instruction:
1. The course format will be a combination of individual and group aural and written work. The instructor will also lecture on grammatical structures in real-life contexts, however, large part of each class will be devoted to different exercises and activities in class that promote the use of the language. There will also be use of multi-media instructional aids in and outside of class.
2. In class, if you have a question ask it! Someone else probably has the same question. Errors are considered part of the learning process, therefore, students should not feel discouraged when errors are made.
3. Work with you fellow students. A regular study group can be especially effective.
4. See instructor (time permitting) before or after class.
5. Lab drills are essential to improve your pronunciation.
6. From day one, try to memorize the vocabulary and verb forms presented in class.
7. Allow 15 minutes every day to practice the spelling of the vocabulary words. Write five times each of the easy words in Spanish and 10 times the difficult words.
8. Make use of all the tools and resources available in and outside the College to reinforce your knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.
Internet and CD-ROM Activities: These set of exercises occur once per chapter. Internet activities focus on the featured country of the chapter, and CD-ROM activities are for language practice. These exercises will be collected on the assigned day.
Homework
Homework will be assigned most days. The professor may collect any homework without notice at the beginning of the class and it will be graded. Graded homework will be based on a scale of 1-10.
Homework assignments will come from the textbook, movies, handouts, internet resources, activities manual and other sources. For these assignments there are not extensions whatsoever.
All written assignments need to have your name and the course and section number.
Make sure that you use pencil when you prepare the assignments, other assignments should be written in a separate piece of paper, ready to hand in and will be collected on a spot check basis.
- Cultural assignments to be obtained from the internet will not be accepted late. Moreover, you are required to bring a hard copy of the information (a print out of the page), in which the date and web address are indicated.
Workbook & Lab Manual (Written and Listening Activities): For each chapter, you will complete the corresponding pages --in the Workbook/ video Manual -- and turn them in on the day indicated on the syllabus. You will also complete the Lab Activities for the corresponding chapter; these will be completed by using the LAB audio CD-roms. I recommend you do these assignments (both the written activities and the listening activities) little by little, so that you won’t be overwhelmed at the end. First, answer the questions for each section. Then, using the answer key in the back of the workbook, correct your own work with a color pen with the answer key. If all the answers in a given section are correct, just write a “C’ next to the section. Because the answers are in the back, you will be tempted to just fill in the blanks using the answer key. Two factors should discourage you from doing this: 1) The tests are challenging, and your test scores will be dramatically better if you have taken the time to do all the workbook pages; 2) If I get the impression that you are just copying from the answer key, I will take points off your workbook grade. Just like the homework, workbooks will be graded on a scale of 10 – 0. You will receive 0 points for a workbook which has not been self-corrected.
Keep all written work in your binder. Keep a record of your points earned. (No one is perfect!) Please think of your work and points as if "on the job' - if you worked, especially overtime, you want to be paid! Keep your own record of your work, points and progress.
Warning:
The Provost, based
on a recommendation found in the February 2003 Report of the Task
Force on Academic Integrity has recently purchased a contract for the
Turnitin.com plagiarism software, The TC3 faculty have used this
service in the past and have expressed satisfaction with its key
features (e.g., when faculty use the feature to check student papers
for plagiarism.) Now faculty not only will check against internal
'sharing' of papers but they also will check against millions of
other papers, websites, and journals stored in the Turnitin.com
database). Campus-wide use of this service will provide a
strong deterrent for acts of academic dishonesty.
Rating scale for homework & lab work:
The homework and lab work collected will be checked on a credit/no credit bases, using the following rating scale:
X : no credit: assignment is too incomplete; assignment evidence little time,
care, or effort; assignment completed incorrectly, or incorrect assignment completed.
: partial credit: assignment is deficient in one or more aspects; incomplete, or
shows a lack of sufficient time , care and effort spent in it; no self corrections etc.
V : assignment is "satisfactory", and meets all minimum requirements.
V+ : assignment goes well beyond minimal requirements in length and degree of
development; also: a great deal of time, care and effort are evident.
Tests:
There will be short oral quizzes frequently, without notice. The quizzes will be drawn from recent class work and written assignments. Your best preparation for quizzes is to do the homework conscientiously. At the professor's discretion, a quiz may be given as a take-home, or a homework assignment may be collected and counted as a quiz. This procedure is intended for keeping you "on your toes" with the material covered in class.
No make-up quizzes will be given whatsoever. Pencil and eraser are preferred in quizzes and exams
There will be an hourly exam at the end of every chapter. Students who know in advance of a schedule conflict for a scheduled exam should make arrangements to reschedule before the exam day. Make up exams will only be given in the case of an excused absence.
CULTURAL Presentations
Library/ internet research: As a way of meeting the General Education Requirements, each student will present an oral report to the class. The topic will be taken from the cultural material of the ”panorama” sections of the book presented at the end of every chapter. For these presentations be as creative and resourceful as possible and utilize as much technology as you can.
Each student will be assigned to do a cultural presentation related to one of the countries we will study. We will take one day per chapter to listen to presentations. The information that students give will appear on the final or in the quizzes, so attendance and attention are important. The criteria for the presentation grade will be based on the degree of elaboration of the presentation. You are welcomed to use technologies such as power point, internet, video, CD-rom and the Web Ct. Let me know your audio visual needs beforehand. If you have a lengthy script bring enough number of copies for the class.
Oral Evaluations: There will be two oral evaluations. The topics to be tested in these evaluations will be taken from key vocabulary material presented during the course of the semester.
Guidelines for oral evaluations:
1) You cannot read the presentation from a “script.” You can use 1-2 index cards with a brief subject outline (the headings should only be short phrases) on it. Don’t use verbs or full sentences on these cards. I will check them before you give your speech. Points will be taken off for having an improper outline (full sentences) and “reading” the speech.
In an outline, “Bosquejo”, there are no verbs or any full sentences. Rather, there is just enough to remind you of the next Topic of discussion. Rehearse what you are going to say about each point and your transition to the next point.
2) Criteria: You will be graded on:
Self preparation ____/20
Clearness / organization / grammar ____/20
Tone of voice / eye contact ____/20
Details / deepness ____/20
Script of information ____/20
Total _____/100
Preparation:
Your effort and level of preparedness will be evident in your presentation.
Claridad, gramática y organización:
Be sure that your grammar is correct and that your sentences communicate clearly what you want to say. Avoid literal translations of English, because usually they do not make sense in Spanish (Ex. Saying “Ella me tira la pierna” in an attempt to express that she is pulling your leg makes no sense whatsoever in Spanish. The equivalent in Spanish would be “Ella me está tomando el pelo.) Check with me before head (not the night before the presentation or just before class.) to clarify any sentences about which you are unsure. Also be sure that you discuss things in a clear and logical order rather than bouncing from topic to topic randomly.
Voz, gestos, contacto de ojos:
These are the elements that constitute an effective “delivery.” Speak sufficiently loud: don’t speak to fast: use gestures to emphasize your points: maintain eye contact with the audience. Don’t look down and read your presentation.
Detalle y profundidad:
Detail and depth be sure you have enough material to speak intelligently fro at least 3 minutes. However, try not to exceed 6 minutes. Time yourself when you practice your presentation at home.
Hoja de información:
Make a handout which announces the topic of your talk and outlines or otherwise highlight such things as: a short explanation of who the person or group is and why he/she is important; a listing of accomplishments or contributions; important dates in the life of the person; picture; vocabulary that you use which the other students might not know. Look at the examples distributed in class.
3) It is very important that you use your own words in this presentation. Tempting as it may be to copy and paste or rewrite explanations from websites; that is plagiarism and will result in a 0 and possible college judiciary action against you. Paraphrase the information you gather in your own words; it is very easy for me to tell when someone is using borrowed material.
4) Keep in mind that one of the most important goals of your college education is that you will be able to “gather relevant information, evaluate it critically, and communicate it effectively to an audience in written and oral forms.” (Catalog, p. 8.) In demonstrating that you can do this well, even in a second language, you will show that you can meet and even exceed the University’s expectations!
Oral skit: During the semester you will participate in skits with a partner (dramatización), which is based on themes, vocabulary and grammar presented in the chapter. The themes will be assigned in advance, and although you will be given some time in class to discuss and prepare for these skits, you will have to prepare for them mostly with your partner outside of class time. These are exercises in teamwork as well as in Spanish oral skills; therefore, it is crucial that each person contribute equally. As these skits represent a team effort, an absence will resort in a grade of 0 for you, unless excused by a written document. An unexcused absence on the day of the skit will result in a zero for the absent partner and a one-on-one interview with the professor for the other partner.
General information:
As my Spanish student, you enter our class with a passing grade of 65%. Our "contract" is that our minimum expectation is that you will pass (65%) by doing the minimum required work, attending regularly, doing required homework, quizzes, tests and exams. In order to maintain your grade at passing, you may need to do corrections and extra credit work. All work" participation in class" exams" quizzes and extra credit work serve two purposes: to improve your ability in Spanish and to earn the highest grade you can.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT'S PERFORMANCE:
Participation & attendance 30%
5 quizzes 20%
Homework 30%
2 oral presentations 10%
Final Exam 5%
Passport (attendance to 3 cultural out-of class activities) 5%
Grading scale:
93% and above A 77-79.9% C+
90-92.9% A- 73-76.9% C
87-89.9% B+ 70-72.9% C-
83-86.9% B 60-69.9% D
80-82.9% B- 59.9% and below F
Getting Extra Help:
1. Internet: The textbook has its own website where you can find additional on-line activities and quizzes. There are also many Spanish language resources on-line, including the site www.studyspanish.com. Here you can, if you wish, sign up for a daily mini-lesson in Spanish delivered in your email.
2. Other support services: The Learning Assistance Center offers a variety of other support services. If you need help with your other course work, tutors and study groups are available. Career and counseling services are available to help with questions regarding career planning, job opportunities, transfer to other academic institutions, immigration and legal concerns, and any other personal problems you might need help with.
Special Needs Students:
It is the College's policy to provide, on an individual basis, reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities that may affect their ability to fully participate in program or course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Coordinator of Learning Assistance Services, at (607) 844-8211 x4375, to discuss their particular need for accommodations.
Final notes:
No chewing gum in the class, please !!!!!
Working together to reach your goals.
My job is to help you reach your goals for taking Spanish: to succeed in the course with the highest grade possible; to learn and use Spanish for your personal, academic and intellectual purposes; and to open the doors of communication and understanding as global citizens in the 21st century The point system mirrors the incentives and rewards adults are motivated by in the 'real world': you get positive reinforcement of your positive efforts to reach positive and productive individual goals. In learning Spanish in college, as a foreign language, your own ATTITUDE, MOTIVATION, EFFORT and desire for NOTABILITY must be strong and positive.
I look forward to working with you and welcome you to my class.
The following schedule is tentative and subject to change. If you miss a class is your responsibility to contact me to stay current. You will be held responsible for homework assigned in class in addition to what is listed below and/or any changes. Additional activities will be assigned in class as we proceed through the chapters.
Programa general del curso
Class
Introduction
General review of basic grammar terminology.
LECCIÓN 1
Hola ¿Qué Tal?
PREPARACIÓN
Basic Greetings, farewells
Courtesy expressions
Fotonovela: ¡Todos a bordo!
Exploración: Los saludos
1.1 Nouns and Articles
1.2 Numbers 1-30
1.3 Present tense of ser
1.4 Telling time
LECTURA
Teléfonos importantes y direcciones electrónicas
Quiz #1
LECCIÓN 2 LAS CLASES
PREPARACIÓN
People and places at the university
Courses of study
Fotonovela: ¿Que clases tomas?
Exploración: Las universidades hispanas
2.1 Present tense of –ar verbs
2.2 Forming questions
2.3 Present tense of estar
2.4 Numbers 31-100
UAM: La major universidad de Europa
AVENTURAS EN LOS PAÍSES HISPANOS
Estados Unidos Y Canadá
Quiz#2
PREPARACIÓN
Family relationships
Professions
Fotonovela: ¿Es grande tu familia?
Exploración: La familia en el mundo hispano
3.1 Descriptive adjectives
3.2 Possessive adjectives
3.3 Present tense of regular –er and –ir verbs
3.4 Present tense of tener and venir
Oral presentation: my family tree
Familias de todo tipo
Quiz # 3
PREPARACIÓN
Pastimes
Places in the city
Fotonovela: ¡Vamos al parque!
Exploración: El fútbol, passion de muchos
4.1Present tense of ir
4.2 Stem-changing verbs: e-ie, o-ue
4.3 Stem-changing verbs: e-i
4.4 Verbs with irregular yo form
Repaso y ritmos hispanos
Guia para el fin de semana
AVENTURAS EN LOS PAÍSES HISPANOS:
México
Quiz # 4
LECCIÓN 5 Las vacaciones
PREPARACIÓN
Words related to transportation and lodging
Days of the week, months, seasons, and weather expressions.
Fotonovela: Tenemos una reservación
Exploración: El alojamiento
5.1 Estar with conditions and emotions
5.2 The present progressive
5.3 Comparing ser and estar
5.4 Direct object nouns, pronouns
Oral Presentation: My favorite vacation
LECTURA
¡Describe el Viejo San Juan!
Quiz # 5
LECCIÓN 6
¡De Compras!
PREPARACIÓN
Articles of clothing, colors
Fotonovela: ¡Que ropa más bonita!
Exploración: De compras en los países hispanos
GRAMÁTICA
6.1 Numbers 101, higher
6.2 Preterite tense of regular verbs
6.3 Indirect object pronouns
6.4 Demonstrative adjectives, pronouns
Repaso y ritmos hispanos
LECTURA
El Palacio de Ganga
AVENTURAS EN LOS PAÍSES HISPANOS
El Caribe
Quiz # 6
LECCIÓN 7 LA VIDA DIARIA
PREPARACIÓN
Daily routine, personal hygiene
Sequencing expressions
AVENTURAS
Fotonovela: ¡Jamás me levanto temprano!
Exploración: La vida diaria
GRAMÁTICA
7.1 Reflexive verbs
7.2 Indefinite, negative words
7.3 Preterite of ser and ir
7.4 Gustar and similar verbs
Cultural presentations
Final Exam: May 11th
Remember that when learning a language all the material is cumulative; you have to be familiar with the material covered in previous lessons in order to continue with the next chapter.