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SPANISH 202 (4 credit course)
FALL 2009
Schedule: Section 001: MWF 12:00-12:50 Section 002: MWF 1:00-1:50
Classroom: TECT 154
Span 202 is an “enhanced” course; that is, a course that might traditionally be offered for 3 credit hours, but which, within the context of both the newly reformed Spanish program and the Fulton School’s overall curriculum reform initiative, is being offered here in a 4-credit context. The main purpose of the Fulton reform and the courses in it is to engage students more in the individual courses they take and, as a result, provide students with a deeper—and often more active—learning experience and encounter with the subject at hand. All "enhanced," 4-credit courses in the Fulton School will require significantly more—or different—work than they might (or used to) require as 3-credit courses. For more information on the Fulton reform and "enhanced" courses, and what both mean to you, as a student, please visit the Fulton reform student website at http://www.salisbury.edu/fulton/currref-students.htmlProfessor: Carolina Bown E-mail address:
Office Location: Holloway Hall 101 Phone: 410-543-6254
Office Hours: MWF: 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. MW: 3:00-4:00 Hours also by appointment
RequiredTexts:
1. Sandstedt, L. A., Kite, R., & Copeland, J. G. Conversación y Repaso. Intermediate Spanish. 9th ed. Thomson & Heinle.
2. Sandstedt, L.A. & Kite, R. Civilización y Cultura. 9th ed. Thomson & Heinle.
3. Alvarez, Julia. In the time of the butterflies.
Course description:
This course is designed as a bridge between the basic language sequence (101-201) and upper level course work. It reviews the major structural features of Spanish grammar improving all linguistic skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The fifth skill -cultural competency- is highly emphasized through readings and class discussions. Some of the topics discussed are religion, family, the role of men and women, death, and beliefs of the Spanish speaking world.
Grading:
Civilización y cultura textbook (reading and writing) / 100 / 10%
Reading a novel (in translation) / 120 / 12%
Two exams / 100 / 10%
2 Written Papers / 100 / 10%
1 Oral Presentation / 80 / 8%
Quizzes / 80 / 8%
Class Participation / 120 / 12%
2 films and reaction papers / 100 / 10%
Final Exam / 200 / 20%
Total possiblepoints: / 1,000 / 100%
A =900-1000 points; B = 800-899; C = 700-799; D = 600-699; F = 0-599
Description of assessment instruments:
· Civilización y cultura textbook (reading and writing) 100 points
Students will be weekly assigned ten sets of 3-4 short readings from the culture textbook Civilización y Cultura. These weekly sets of readings will vary from 7 to 12 pages and will address topics such the family, the economy, religion, customs, and beliefs within the Spanish speaking world. Readings come with questionnaires that students will have to hand at the beginning of the designated classes.
Due dates:
o Sept 4, 14, 18
o Oct 5, 19, 26
o Nov 6, 18, 30
· Reading a novel (in translation) 120 points
Students will read (in English) the novel “In the time of the Butterflies” by Dominican-American author Julia Alvarez. Reading this Latin American novel at this level, even in translation, will provide a great background for cultural awareness and discussion. Three questionnaires will not only test students’ reading comprehension but also students’ analysis and evaluation of the novel in its cultural and time context Reports (informes) due dates:
o Informe 1: September 23
o Informe 2: October 30
o Informe final: November 20
· Two Exams 100 points
There will be two equally weighted exams during the semester. The first exam will include the material covered during the first month of the semester. The second one will include the material covered during the second month of the semester. The exams may be a combination of essay, short answer, matching, multiple-choice, or other assessment strategies that will test students on their knowledge of the content of the readings, vocabulary, grammar, and the mastering of the writing process itself.
o Exam 1: Oct 1
o Exam 2: Nov 5.
· Two Written papers 100 points
Each student will write two guided essays during the semester. The drafts of the essays must be typed and double-spaced. The top center area of the first page should include the student’s ID number, date in Spanish, title of the paper, identification (whether it is a draft –borrador- or a final paper –trabajo final-), and the word count of the essay. See model below:
These essays will be assessed not only on the final form of the final draft but also on the entire writing process. Each essay will include the following process: draft #1, peer editing #1, draft #2, peer editing #2, professor’s feedback given in class, final paper. The final paper will be turned in to the instructor and must include the first draft with the two peer editor comments (and peer’s name/signature) stapled behind the final copy. All peers editing must be done in class on the assigned days. The essay will be evaluated based on the rubrics. In order to earn full credit, a student must be in class on the day of the scheduled peer editing, must have her own completed essay typed and ready for editing, and must serve as a peer editor.
o October 12
o December 7
· Oral Presentation 80 points
Each student will make one formal oral presentation. The presentation must last between 3 and 5 minutes. The presentation must be prepared in advance. The entire assessment will be based on the quality of the presentation as defined in the rubric given to students, which will evaluate pronunciation, vocabulary, content, grammar structure, eye contact, and fluency.
o Oct 16 & 21
· Quizzes 80 points
Students will be assigned unannounced short quizzes on grammar, vocabulary, or other material discussed during the previous class throughout the semester. All quiz grades will be calculated under this component of the final grade.
· Class participation 120 points
Each student is expected to participate actively in class discussion. All participation should be in Spanish. This part of the grade will take in consideration: attendance, preparation, effort, Spanish level, attitude, and respect for others.
3 points: Excellent
2 points: Average
1 point: Poorly prepared
0 point: No participation or absent*
*If you miss class, no matter the reason, you will not receive points for your participation that day. This is neither punishment nor spite; it is simply a question of my inability to grade a person who is absent.
Attendance Policy:Your attendance, punctuality, and active participation are crucial for the successful completion of this course. You are required to attend all classes and to be prepared to begin work each day at the appointed time. For this reason, each student is allowed three (3) absences with no penalty during the semester. These three days may be used for class switching at the beginning of the semester, sickness, trips, weddings, funerals, interviews, or emergencies of any kind. After the three absences are used, a penalty of 25 points off the final course grade will be incurred for each additional absence. Therefore, if, after calculating your final semester grade, you have 920 points and you have a total of 5 absences, your grade will drop to 870.
I am aware that life sometimes brings unexpected challenges, such as death in the family, accidents, or any other truly difficult personal events. If you approach me with documented facts, I may try to work with you regarding deadlines extensions or accommodations, such as filing a grade of Incomplete to have extra time to complete assignments. However, you should not expect to do less work than your classmates. That is unethical and unfair. Likewise, if for any reason you exceed the amount of 3 absences, your grade will be lower than you originally expected. If you are not satisfied with this policy, plan to drop the class.
· 2 films and reaction papers 100 points
During this semester, students will be required to watch two foreign films from the Spanish speaking world outside of the class and write a reflection paper for each film. The tentative movies are “Por la libre” (Dust to dust) and “In the time of the butterflies” (En el tiempo de las mariposas), both on reserve and available at the Blackwell Library.
o First film reaction paper due date: October 23.
o Second film reaction paper due date: November 16.
· Final Exam 200 points
The final exam will be comprehensive and will include all the material seen during the semester. As the previous partial exams, it will also be a combination of essay, short answer, or other assessment strategies and will cover the content of the readings, vocabulary, grammar, and the writing process itself. It will take place in the normal classroom. No re-scheduling will be possible for the final exam. Please plan now so that the times and dates indicated below are free.
Section 001: Friday, December 18: 10:45 a.m. -1:15 p.m.
Section 002: Tuesday, December 15: 10:45 a.m. -1:15 p.m.
Writing across the Curriculum
This course supports the commitment of the university to providing opportunities for students to continue to develop their ability to express themselves clearly in writing. To learn to write well and correctly in a second language also helps to develop that capacity in English. All writing assignments in this course are designed with this philosophy in mind.
Academic integrity
The best learning environment is one based on mutual respect and trust. However, the desire to achieve a good grade without doing the necessary work may tempt some students to cheat on exams or to represent the work of others as their own. At Salisbury University, plagiarism and cheating are wrong and are considered acts of “academic dishonesty” i.e. a deliberate and deceptive representation of one’s own work. Instances of academic dishonesty include all, but are not limited to the following:
· Plagiarism – presenting as one’s own work, whether literally or in paraphrase, the work of another author
· Cheating on exams, tests, quizzes; the wrongful giving or accepting of unauthorized exam materials; the use of illegitimate sources of information
· Falsifying excuses for non-attendance or completion of assignments
There are NO mitigating circumstances to justify academic dishonesty. If you are unclear about what constitutes academic dishonesty or plagiarism, please ask. Ignorance is no excuse. Discovery of academic dishonesty will bring stiff penalties, including a failing grade for the assignment in question and possibly a grade of F for the course. The maximum penalty at Salisbury University for plagiarism is possible expulsion from the entire USM system, so for your own sake, maintain your academic integrity.
School cancellation on test days
Should classes be called off on a test day, students should expect that the missed test will be given during the next regularly scheduled class. In the event of substantial snowfall (5 inches +) overnight, I will not be here--nor should you. For other weather related problems, use your own discretion and good common sense.
Final note
If you truly wish to improve your Spanish, you should seek opportunities to use the language outside of class. Some suggestions are: speaking with friends, international students or at a workplace; reading magazines and visiting websites such as:
· CNN en español http://CNNenespanol.com/
· Yahoo en español http://espanol.yahoo.com/
· Canal de televisión de Costa Rica http://www.teletica.com (cliquear telenoticias/videos)
Calendario Spanish 202 Otoño 2009*
Agosto 31Introducción al curso y Unidad 1
Septiembre 2 Unidad 1
4Unidad 1 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp. 1-10
9Unidad 2 Empezar Novela “In the time of the butterflies”
11Unidad 2
14Unidad 2 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp. 16-27
16Unidad 2
18Unidad 3 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp.34-42
21Unidad 3
23Unidad 3 Informe 1 sobre la novela “In the time of the butterflies”
25Unidad 3 Borrador 1: Autobiografía
28Repaso Unidades 1-3
30Examen Unidades 1-3
Octubre 2Unidad 4 Borrador 2: Autobiografía
5Unidad 4 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp.50-56; 60
7Unidad 4 Trabajo Final 1: Autobiografía
9Unidad 4
12Unidad 4
14Unidad 5 Ver “Por la libre” fuera de clase (112 minutos)
16Unidad 5Presentaciones Orales
19Unidad 5 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp.66-75
21Unidad 5 Presentaciones Orales
23Unidad 6 Entrega comentario sobre la película“Por la libre”
26 Unidad 6 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp. 82-88
28Unidad 6
30Unidad 6 Informe 2 sobre la novela “In the time of the butterflies”
Noviembre 2Repaso Unidades 4-6
4Examen Unidades 4-6
6Unidad 7 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp. 98-102; 106-107
9Película “In the time of the butterflies” (PARTE 1)
11 Película “In the time of the butterflies” (PARTE 2)
13Película “In the time of the butterflies” (PARTE 3) and worksheet
16Unidad 7 Entrega comentario sobre la película “In the time of the butterflies”
18Unidad 8 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp. 116-122
20Unidad 8 Informe final sobre la novela “In the time of the butterflies”
23Unidad 8 Borrador 1: Sr. Presidente
DÍA DE GRACIAS
30Unidad 10 Borrador 2: Sr. Presidente
Diciembre 2Unidad 10 Tarea: Civilización y Cultura: pp. 154-162
4 Unidad 10 Trabajo Final 2: Sr. Presidente
7Unidad 10
9REVISIÓN Unidades 1-5
11REVISIÓN Unidades 6, 7, 8 y 10
*Este horario puede cambiar durante el semestre. La profesora anunciará cualquier cambio en su momento.
Terms of Agreement (Due by Sept 4)
Important: Not being in class does not excuse you from not doing your homework or coming unprepared to class. On the contrary, there is a stronger reason for you to study more during your absent period because you have, in fact, already missed a class. It is your obligation to check with a classmate if there is anything (quiz, handout, etc.) due the day you come back from being absent. Make sure to exchange e-mails and phone numbers with at least 3 classmates during the first week of class.