Syllabus  - Spring 2000

Spanish 101 Section # 1743

Course Information:
Introduction to Spanish language and culture. In this course you will learn Spanish language structure that will facilitate the practical application of the language in every day communication at the elementary level. Since the focus will be on communication skills, you are expected to participate at all class meetings.

• Demonstrate mastery of Spanish pronunciation.
• Engage in basic conversation using the structures learned in class.
• Enable the student to write and read simple Spanish.
• Understand simple spoken Spanish and be able to answer questions appropriately.
• Enhance the student’s appreciation of other languages and cultures.

Text and Materials:
¡Tú dirás! Gutiérrez, et al., second edition Libro de texto).
¡Tú dirás! Activities Manual, second edition (Manual de actividades).
¡Tú dirás! Study Guide (CD Rom)
A small bluebook for journal entries.
English/Spanish Dictionary – strongly recommended (buy one for approx. $5-6, the smaller ones are quite useless).
English Grammar for Students of Spanish by Spinelli – strongly recommended.

Course Structure:
The class corresponds to the first 2 years of High School Spanish.
We will cover chapters (capítulos) 1 – 5.
Once a week, students and instructor will spend time in the Foreign Language Resource Center (FLRC), Room 4701, to review audio-visual materials so that students will have the opportunity to do the exercises in their Activities Manual and/or to perform other related activities to the learning of the Spanish language.

Exams:
There will be a test (prueba) at the end of every chapter, various quizzes, a mid-term exam and a comprehensive final exam.
All exams have to be taken on the scheduled dates – no exception! No make-up tests! (If an emergency occurs on an exam day, please contact the instructor or the foreign language department ASAP).
At the end of the semester, your lowest test score will be dropped.

• Read the assigned grammar before coming to class.
• Turn in assignments at the beginning of class (no late assignments will be accepted for grade!)
• Once a week write a paragraph – topics will be assigned – in your bluebook. Bluebooks will be collected on exam days.
• Arrive and attend class and laboratory punctually.
• Spend one hour and thirty minutes per chapter (a total of 7 ½) minimum at the FLRC during the posted Open Lab Hours to review/practice with the materials available.
• Do the assigned exercises in the Activities Manual (the manual will be collected on every exam day)
• Attend class regularly. Regular attendance and participation are absolutely essential in a language course. Any student with more than 10 hours of absence during the semester will be dropped from the course.
• Students are encouraged to speak Spanish most of the time during the course. Don’t worry about mistakes – everyone will learn from them.
• At the end of the semester, each student will prepare a mini-presentation in Spanish using grammatical structure and vocabulary learning during the course. You may do this presentation on your own or in a group of up to four students.

Grade Distribution and Percentages:
Homework (exercises, bluebook)………10%
Activities Manual……………………….. 5%
FLRC Attendance…………………………5%
Classroom Attendance and Participation.. 15%
Final Presentation………………………… 5%
Chapter Exams (4)………………………. 20%
Mid-term Exam………………………….. 15%
Final Exam……………………………….. 25%

Grading Scale:
A 90 – 100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69
F 00 - 59

Note: A student with a verified disability may be entitled to appropriate academic accommodations. Please contact your instructor and/or the Disabled Students Program and Services Office for further information.

Free tutoring for students is available. (Oceanside Campus Ext. 6682), (San Elijo Campus Ext. 7748).

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