Murray State University
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
COURSE SYLLABUS SPA 302
I. TEXTS AND MATERIALS: : Civilización y cultura y Literatura y arte (ed. Sandstedt, Kite, Copeland. 8th edition).
II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: A cultural survey of Spanish American history and culture, with emphasis on the twentieth-century. Classes are conducted in Spanish.
III. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: Students will practice and improve their 4 skills in Spanish (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Students will acquire an overview of the historical, geographical, artistic and cultural characteristics that have helped shape Spanish America. Special emphasis will be placed upon the development of key political, social, artistic, and intellectual institutions, as well as the major achievements. This course is neither a comprehensive nor an exhaustive history, but rather seeks to provide students with a deeper and more sensitive understanding of the Spanish-American identity by focusing attention on a selection of diverse topics. Students will not only learn to better appreciate and understand language and culture of other countries, but also help them develop a better insight into the nature of their own culture and language.
IV. CONTENT OUTLINE: Textos: Civilización y cultura y Literatura y arte (capítulos, 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 11). You will also be responsible for material and lectures covered in class and provided by the instructor
V. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Activities include presentations by professor and students, small group work, class discussions, compositions, tests, and a final paper.
VI. FIELD, CLINICAL AND/OR LABORATORY EXPERIENCES: N/A
VII. RESOURCES: Language Lab (FH #403), Cinema International, Foreign Language Club, and Alpha Mu Gamma.
VIII. GRADING PROCEDURES: The course grade will be comprised of:
Tests …………………………………………..……... 25
Research paper and oral presentation…………….. 25
Class Participation and assignments…...... 25
Final exam/proficiency(reading, writing, listening). 25
Tests – see calendar for dates.
Research paper – Research paper will be required. Topic is based on any covered in the textbook. You will be asked for a title after the fourth week of classes. A thesis statement will be required at the 11th week of classes. You should be working on it throughout the semester. Research paper minimum is 6 pages. Bibliography and proper citation are required. You must use MLA citation (This information can be read on-line). Paper format: double space one inch margins and 12pt. Times New Roman font. Points will be deducted for anything other than this format. Do not include a title page. Write your name in the upper left-hand corner of the first page of the paper. 5 page paper plus one with bibliography.
Topics: include any directly related to the materials covered in both text books.
Class Participation and assignments – students will have read assigned material ahead of time, and must be prepared to discuss and answer questions in class. Students are also required to participate in small group discussions. Homework will be turned in on time or receive a penalty otherwise.
Final – final will be a proficiency exam as well as content exam on chapter 11.
Proficiency components: oral, written, listening, and reading comprehension. Oral proficiency will be determined by the research paper presentation.
IX. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance in this class is mandatory! Unexcused absences and tardiness will affect your grade. If you miss one-fourth of the class meetings (10 absences) for any reason (excused or unexcused) you will automatically receive a failing grade for the course.
X. PREREQUISITE: Spanish 301 or equivalent on the placement exam.
XI. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY: It is the responsibility of every student to be informed about the collegiate Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating in whatever form constitutes academic dishonesty. Copies of the policy are available in Civ workbooks, classroom bulletin boards, the Department of Modern Languages office, and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts..