Class Syllabus Spring 2000

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:
Basic Spanish Grammar by Ana Jarvis
Vamos a Practicar by Pesacreta/Evans/Gomez
English/Spanish Dictionary – strongly recommended (buy one for approx. $5-6, the smaller ones are quite useless).

Course Structure and Laboratory Requirements:
We will cover chapters 1 – 8 including the preliminary chapters.
You are required to spend a minimum of 16 hours of lab-time during the semester. You may utilize either audio-tapes, computer programs, or videos. The lab assistant will show you which materials are suitable for your level. You must spread your lab time throughout the semester so that 4 hours are completed before each exam. The total of 16 hours has to be completed before the final exam, otherwise you will not be permitted to take the final, resulting in a grade of "F" for that exam.

Laboratory Option:
An alternate lab option, an Intensive Weekend Spanish Program in Ensenada, Mexico, which is offered several times during the semester, can also be used to satisfy the lab requirements. Detailed information will be provided in class.

Exams:
You will be given four exams and one final exam during the semester. 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).

• Read the assigned grammar before coming to class.
• Turn in assignments at the beginning of class (no late assignments will be accepted for grade!)
• Arrive and attend class and laboratory punctually.
• Spend 16 hours total of lab-time.
• Do the assigned exercises in the workbook (the workbook will be collected on every exam day)
• Attend class regularly. Regular attendance and participation are absolutely essential in a language course. Any student with three absences in a row 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, workbook)……………...…15%
Lab Hours………………………………………… 5%
Classroom Attendance and Participation………… 15%
Final Presentation………………………………… 5%
Chapter Exams (4)……………………………….. 40%
Final Exam………………………………………. 20%

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

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