SPAN 202-05-Dr. Aiello_MWF

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

Department of Hispanic Studies

Fall 2012

Course: Spanish 202: Intermediate Spanish II

CRN: 11152

Section: 05

Credits: 3 undergraduate credit hours, meeting 3 times a week for 50 minutes

Days/Time: MWF/ 12:00 to 12:50 am (From August 22 until December 3, 2012)

Place: Bellsouth Room 411

Instructor: Dr. Antonio J. Aiello

Office: Bellsouth Room 203-A

Office hours: M & W (2:00- 3:00 pm), Th (9:30 -10:30pm), and by appointments

Phone: (845) 953-7303

Email:

Personal Website:

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to SPAN 202! In this course you will continue to develop communicative skills in Spanish and use those skills to expand your knowledge of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking peoples of the world.

Why study another language? Part of the purpose of a general education requirement at the College of Charleston is for students to challenge their own preconceived personal and cultural frameworks, as well as to further their intellectual development and personal growth. To this end, the study of a language beyond one’s native tongue pushes one to communicate through different sounds, words, and structures, and it provides an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the practices of one’s own and other cultures. Furthermore, empirical research in recent years suggests that language learning is related to improved cognitive abilities such as attentional control, memory, problem solving, and verbal and spatial abilities.

Why study Spanish? In addition to the academic, cognitive, and social benefits to learning another language, there are unique benefits to learning Spanish. For example, consider the following facts:

  • Spanish is the official language of 21 countries, and there are more than 400 million native speakers of Spanish, more than any other language in the world except for Mandarin Chinese.
  • Spanish has never been a “foreign language” in the United States. In fact, in the present day states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas, Spanish was spoken for nearly a century before the first English-speaking settlers arrived in Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Virginia.
  • The United States has the second largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. Only Mexico has more native speakers of Spanish.

OBJECTIVES AND COURSE DESCRIPTION

By the end of the semester you will have increased your Spanish language vocabulary in topics related to travel, multiculturalism, the environment, and human rights. You will also be better able to comprehend, and produce more accurately,grammatical forms and structures such as the preterite, the imperfect, expressions of equality and inequality, object pronouns, and the indicative and subjunctive moods.

CLASS FORMAT

The format of this class is based on the premise that the best way to learn a foreign language is through repeated, meaningful exposure, as well as opportunities to interact with others, even at the beginning levels. Professors follow the policy of no English in class for themselves. It is up to you to seek clarification and raise your hand if you don’t understand something. Within about one week, you should be familiar with the class format and daily expectations. You are expected to arrive to class on time and actively participate. Furthermore, you are expected to be respectful of your peers and assist in the establishment and maintenance of a positive learning environment.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Course Pack for SPAN 202, which contains the following:

  1. Atando cabos: Curso intermedio de español. Second Custom Edition for the College of Charleston
  2. MySpanishLab(Online Workbook/Manual to AccompanyAtando cabos)

NOTE: The Custom Edition of Atando cabos includes chapters 1-6 of the 4th Edition. If you choose to purchase the entire textbook online, make sure that it is the 4th Edition.

NOTE: The Course Pack for SPAN 202 available through the College of Charleston Bookstore also includes select chapters from Gente: Nivel intermedio at no extra cost.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This course meets either 2- or 3-days a week. However, you will do a substantial portion of work outside of class through My Spanish Lab, which supports the online workbook. Practicing with target vocabulary and grammatical forms /structures by means of a computer-enhanced course will provide the following advantages:

Self-pacing. You can take the time you need to do the online portion of the course as long as you complete the assignments before the deadlines.

Preparedness. Learning a language successfully requires consistent work and effort (not last minute cramming before an exam). Having to complete assignments in My Spanish Lab on a regular basis will help you to keep up with the course material, to come to class better prepared, and will improve your chances of success in learning Spanish.

Easy access. You can do your homework from any computer. First, you must create a user account. To do so, you will need the book key, which may be purchased from the College Bookstore.

HOW TO USE MY SPANISH LAB

After being introduced to and engaged in focused practice with target vocabulary and grammar in class, you will complete several homework assignments in My Spanish Lab (MSL). All MSL activities are due by 11:59pm on the dates specified on the Course Calendar (located at the end of this syllabus). The homework will be most effective if you first readagain the recommended pages (i.e., those covered during class)and then do the assignments. There are also a number of resources that you may use in MSL, including tutorials for each chapter, a glossary, and interactive verb charts (located at the top right-hand part of the homepage for your course.

Grading in My Spanish Lab.For each MSL activity, you will have 1 attempt, 2 attempts, or 3 attempts to complete the assignment before the due date /time. You will have 1 attempt when there are only two answers from which to choose, 2 attempts when there are 3 answers from which to choose, and 3 attempts when there are 4+ answers from which to choose, or when you must write an answer (e.g., conjugate a verb). If the activity allows multiple attempts, MSL will automatically provide you with feedback after your first try (click on the “dialogue” /“word bubble” icon). In other words, MSL is programmed to give you “hints” along the way.If the activity permits 2 or 3 attempts, and you do not earn a perfect score the first time, you may click “Try Again” and re-attempt the activity. The correct answer will be revealed to you after your final attempt.

When you are finished with the assignment, click “Finish: Submit for Grading”. You will then be prompted to click on “Finish” one more time. If you wish to stop and resume the activity later (but before the deadline), click “Save for later”. Please note, however, that this option is only available for activities that allow more than 1 attempt (see Course Calendar).

Please note that number of MSL activities include audio or video files. Therefore, you should plan accordingly.

Creating an account.

STEP 1: Before You Register

  1. Complete the Browser Tune-Up.

Go to and click Browser Tune-up. This will confirm that you have met the System Requirements and have the necessary free plug-ins on your computer.

If you do NOT use a supported browser, you will NOT be able to sign in to your MyLanguageLabs.

Select Support then System Requirements (

to see the most up-to-date information on supported browsers. Pearson tests each supported browser thoroughly for use with a MyLab.

2.Enable Pop-Up Blockers

Are you clicking on an activity or link inside the course and nothing happens? Some browsers will block all pop-ups—even those you want! To allow pop-ups in your MyLanguageLab course, open your browser and do the following (there may be some variations with each browser):

For PC USERS:

1. Click Tools  Pop-up Blocker  Pop-up Blocker Settings.

2. When prompted for “Address of Website to allow”,enter:*.pegasus2.pearsoned.com

(If you have downloaded a third-party (Google, Yahoo, AOL, etc.) pop-up blocker/toolbar make sure you turn the pop-up blocker off on that toolbar in addition to your browser pop-up blocker.)

FOR MAC USERS:

1. Click Safari. Make sure “Block Pop-Up Windows” is unchecked while working in MyLanguageLabs.

FOR FIREFOX USERS:

  1. Click Firefox. A new box will open. Choose the Content tab. You will see “Block pop-up windows.
  2. Either uncheck that box to turn off your pop up blocker or choose exceptions and enter in *.pegasus2.pearsoned.com. Click “Allow” then Close.

3. Confirm that you have the following needed to register:

Your Instructor’s Section/Course ID: CRSKLJG-11809(Note: The Course ID must be entered exactly as it is provided to you including typing the hypen “-“ and using all capital letters.)

Student Access Code - packaged with your text or available standalone at the bookstore. (You may also purchase instant access online at ).

Valid Email Address

eBook ID (if applicable) ______

**Refer to the eBook Registration link on the Welcome Message inside your course for instructions on how to access the eBook, with or without an eBook ID from your instructor.

STEP 2: Register for Your Course

Go to and click Student under “Register.”

Enter the Course/Section ID that your instructor has provided (Note: This is not the same as the Access Code) and click Continue.

Choose one of the following: I already have an access code or I need to buy access.

Select your course

Select your book

Select a 6 month or 24 month subscription

Then follow the registration instructions and click Log In Now on the confirmation page to enter your course.

STEP 3: Sign in and Enroll in Your Course

Return to

Click Sign inunder “Sign in”

Enter the username and password you created as part of registration.

In the new window, under Your Courses and Products select the link with the title of your required text.

Click Enroll in Course

Enter Course ID(provided by your instructor)(Note: The Course ID must be entered exactly as it is provided to you including typing the hypen “-“ and using all capital letters.)

You will now have access to your course materials.

STEP 4: Set Your Time Zone

Click My Profile after signing in to your course.

Select your Time zone from the menu.

Pearson Technical Support

Need Help Registering?

If you have any questions or issues registering for your course, please go to:

Click CHAT on the top toolbar. Fill in the form and click, SUBMIT. An IM box will open and a technical support assistant will be able to help you with your specific issue.

Need help once you are enrolled in your instructor’s course?

Once you are you logged into your MyLanguageLabs course and have any questions or issues, please click on the SUPPORT link in the upper right hand corner of your course:

PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE

In order to meet the course goals and objectives, you must attend and actively participate in class.Participation is an important component of your final grade, and each day your professor will make a mark in their grade book regarding your participation (i.e., assign you a daily grade). If you miss class, no participation points can be awarded for that day. There is NO make-up for participation, with the exception of College-recognized religious holy days and properly documented College-sponsored activities that demand your presence. In these cases, students will not be counted as absent and will be awarded the full daily participation points.For religious holy days, students should speak with their professor prior to missing class.Exceptions may be made at the professor’s discretion in situations in which the absence is documented and/or extreme. The College of Charleston’s official policy on absences may be found at:

If you do not agree with the participation grade assigned for a particular day, you should speak to your professor immediately. Disputes over participation grades should not wait until the end of the semester since they are more difficult to document and handle then. Daily participation will be graded according to the following scale:

2 points

  • Arrived on time, attended full class and participated in all activities using Spanish.
  • Brought all required materials (including textbook) to class.

1 point

  • Arrived after class had started, but not by more than a few minutes (3-4).
  • Was not prepared, did not bring required materials, did not participate, and/or did not pay attention.
  • Excessive use of English.

0 points

  • Absent.
  • Arrived more than 6 or 7 minutes after class had started (equivalent to an absence).
  • Left early without instructor’s permission (equivalent to an absence).
  • Disruptive:
  • Do not cut classes, come in late or leave early.
  • Never leave during class unless you absolutely must. Leaving for a short break and then returning is not acceptable.
  • Turn off cell phones, pagers and all other electronic devices.
  • It is rude and unacceptable to talk with classmates while the professor (or another student who has the floor) is talking.
  • Visible and noisy signs of restlessness are rude as well as disruptive to others

Please note that your professor reserves the right to count as absent and/or dismiss from class anyone who is disruptive, as defined by the Division of Student Affairs (see above).

ABSENCE POLICY

Excessive absenteeism not only affects your participation grade, but can also result in failure of this course. Students may miss a maximum of one week of class (i.e., 3 days for classes that meet 3-days-a-week class; 2 days for classes that meet 2-days-a-week class). An additional absence beyond this (i.e., 4 days for classes that meet 3-days-a-week; 3 days for classes that meet 2-days-a-week) will result in 10 points (i.e., 10%) being deducted from your grade in the course. Should you miss an additional class (i.e., 5 days for classes that meet 3-days-a-week; 4 days for classes that meet 2-days-a-week), you will receive a grade of WA (equivalent to an F). Exceptions will only be made in cases that are extreme.The College of Charleston’s official policy on attendance may be found at:

COURSE COMPONENTS

Your grade in the course will be based on your performance in the following components:

Exams (5) / 30%
MySpanishLab / 20%
Extended Writing Activities (4) / 10%
Compositions (4) / 20%
Attendance and Participation / 10%
Oral Exams (2) / 10%

Exams. There will be 5 exams: 4 chapter exams and 1 comprehensive final exam. You are expected to take all exams on the days indicated in the syllabus.

MySpanishLab. Successful language study requires a good bit of homework and it should be done on a regular basis. You need to have completed all assignments by 11:59pm on the due dates (see Course Calendar). The homework will be most effective if you first study the pages covered during class in your book and the online resources (e.g., tutorials).

NOTE: Although you will not receive a grade for MSL activities completed after the due date has passed, you can re-do them for practice (i.e., in preparation for exams).

Extended Writing Activities (instructor-graded)

There will are 4 Extended Writing Activities in MSL (one per chapter). These activities will be graded by your instructor in the areas of Content and Grammar using the following rubric:

Content

5 pts: Adheres to length specified in activity’s instructions; Is clear - there is no confusion

4 pts: Adheres to length specified in activity’s instructions; Is clear overall - there is some confusion, but it does not interfere with comprehension

3 pts: Adheres to length specified in activity’s instructions; Is not clear – confusion obscures comprehension

0 pts: Does not adhere to length specified in activity’s instructions; Incomplete

Grammar

5 pts: 0-1 errors related to grammatical forms/structures seen up to this point

4 pts: 2-3 errors related to grammatical forms/structures seen up to this point

3 pts: 4-5 errors related to grammatical forms/structures seen up to this point

0 pts: 6+ errors related to grammatical forms/structures seen up to this point; Incomplete

You will be allowed unlimited attempts to complete these activities before the deadline. Please adhere to the College of Charleston Honor Code and Code of Conduct (p. 11). Also note that MSL will not automatically provide you with feedback on the Extended Writing Activities (your professor will).

In addition to preparing you for exams, which will require that you write sentences and short paragraphs, one of the purposes of the Extended Writing Activities is to prepare you for the in-class compositions (see below).

Compositions. There will be 4 compositions: 2 based on chapter-end “A escribir” activities in the textbook, and 2 for which the topic is open (tema libre).

For compositions based on the “A escribir” activities, you may prepare for the in-class writing assignments by following the steps in that chapter’s “Avancemos con la escritura” section of the textbook, which culminates with the “A escribir” activity (see Course Calendar).

For “tema libre” compositions, you will be able to write a story that is fiction or non-fiction, a song, a poem, etc. However, you will be required to include a certain number of grammatical forms/structures that you will have studied and practiced with in class and via MSL up to that point. For example, you may be asked to include 3 different verbs in the preterite, 4 different verbs in the imperfect, and 3 different verbs like gustar. Therefore, although you can “predict” the forms/structures that will be required (and practice outside of class), the specific number of forms/structures will not be revealed until the day of the in-class composition.