Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies
University of Florida
SPN 1131: Beginning Spanish II
FALL 2014
Spanish & Portuguese Studies Department: http://www.spanishandportuguese.ufl.edu
Syllabus available for download and printing: bit.ly/UFldspInstructor: / Section: / MSL course code:
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All 1000-level SPN classes in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies are taught in hybrid format. Hybrid courses are defined as classes in which instruction takes place in a traditional classroom setting augmented by computer-based or online activities, which can replace classroom seat time. These types of courses are common in higher education in the United States, and even in language classes. While we maintain that human interaction is absolutely essential in learning and using a language, we also believe that advances in technologies have enabled us to reach a point where students can accomplish a great deal working on their own, reserving class time for true communication and interactive learning. These classes are 5 credit courses but meet only three days a week, with supplemental instructional activities to be done at home to constitute the other two credits. Although the course requires reduced face-to-face class time, your success and learning require substantial commitment and study both in and out of class. The level of proficiency you attain will depend largely on what you put in to your learning. This course requires self-discipline and time. Please be sure to read the “Methodology and Activities” section of this document for tips on succeeding in a hybrid learning format.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
· ¡Anda! Elemental, 2nd edition package. This package includes everything you need for the course and can be purchased at any local bookstore. It is available in a 3-ring binder. No used copies are available, and a 1st edition copy will not be acceptable.
· A printed copy of this syllabus, available from bit.ly/UFldsp
· A reliable computer, either a PCrunningWindows 2000 or later, or a MacrunningOS X or later. Check MySpanishLab tune-up for browser specifications.
· A sound card and speakers or headphones.
· A hi-speed modem (Cable or DSL strongly recommended to download audio and video without delays).
· A dependable Internet Service Provider (ISP).
· A working e-mail address that you check regularly and keep under quota.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
· A good quality Spanish-English dictionary, such as University of Chicago.
· 601 Spanish Verbs book, available at most major booksellers.
· A good quality computer microphone (external is preferable to built-in to avoid the background noise).
PREREQUISITES
· SPN is 1131 is only for those students who took SPN 1130 at UF or the equivalent course elsewhere. Successful completion of SPN 1131 with a grade of C(S) or better satisfactorily fulfills the CLAS foreign language requirement.
· Students who are native or heritage speakers of Spanish or grew up speaking Spanish with family and friends must consult with the director of the Bilingual Program, Susana Braylan () in order to remain in any SPN 1000-level course.
GOALS
The primary goal of the Beginning Spanish courses is to offer students an introduction to basic communicative skills in Spanish while developing an awareness and appreciation of Hispanic/Latino cultures. The courses take their goals from the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century, also known as the 5 Cs, which focus on five general areas:
· Communicating in Spanish
· Gaining knowledge and understanding of cultures of the Hispanic world
· Connecting with other disciplines and acquiring new information
· Developing awareness of similarities and differences (comparisons) among language and culture systems around the world
· Using Spanish to participate in communities at home and around the world
METHODOLOGY AND ACTIVITIES
This course stresses communication skills in Spanish. Every effort will be made to make this class student-centered. To help students succeed in this course, the class will engage in a variety of activities and assignments, including but not limited to activities such as the following:
· Practice and communication using vocabulary and grammar learned in oral and written modes
· Sociolinguistic practice and functions through communicative activities (pair and group work)
· Reading activities and exercises, such as pre- and post-reading, intensive and extensive reading
· Writing activities ranging from short paragraphs to developed compositions
· Integration of skills in projects and tasks, in small groups or as a class
· Video/audio/computer exercises, presentations, and discussion
A note about “hybrid” classes
The keys to success in this class are generally the same as those in any other class. However, given the nature of hybrid classes, in which you will meet less frequently (MWF only) and will be responsible for covering a good deal of material on your own, there are some things that you should keep in mind this semester.
· Perform the MySpanishLab browser tune-up immediately, and any time you start to experience problems. Any other technological problems with MySpanishLab should be handled by contacting their tech support at the first sign of trouble (http://247pearsoned.custhelp.com). The ‘chat’ feature is the fastest way to get help.
· Be very careful in managing your time. Set aside specific times each week to complete class activities. It is your responsibility to cover all the required material before class, and if you do not it is likely that you will not get as much out of the class meeting as you should.
· Expect electronic glitches, power outages, or the like, and plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your work. The deadline for all work to be submitted in MSL is 11:59pm, and there are no exceptions. Any technological problems that cause you to miss a deadline must be documented through tech support with an official case number before your instructor can consider accepting your work late.
· Some of the MySpanishLab activities you will be assigned will be oral or will not have any task to complete, but simply require you to go through a tutorial or practice on your own. While it may be impossible for your instructor to grade you on completing these tasks, it is in your best interest to complete them just as thoroughly and carefully as you would complete any other graded activity. These types of practice are just as important as any other activity.
· It is especially important to be consistently prepared for and actively involved in all class meetings, since there are fewer of these than in traditional classes.
· Class time will be spent primarily on communicative activities, pair work, etc. However, your instructor will always make sure there are no vocabulary or grammar questions from the homework before moving on, so as you do your exercises be sure to take note of any confusion or questions you have so you can bring them to class.
· Don’t be shy! The more willing to share, talk and interact with your instructor and your classmates you are, the more you will get out of your class time. And don’t worry, everyone feels the same way, even if they don’t show it!
ASSESSMENT
The final grade scale is as follows:
A = 100-93 / C(S) = 76-73 / NOTE: A grade of C- will not be a qualifying grade for major, minor, Gen Ed, Gordon Rule or Basic Distribution Credit courses. For further information regarding passing grades and grade point equivalents, please refer to the Undergraduate Catalog at (https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/grades.aspx).A- = 92-90 / C-(U) = 72-70
B+ = 89-87 / D+ = 69-67
B = 86-83 / D = 66-63
B- = 82-80 / D- = 62-60
C+ = 79-77 / E = 59-0
The assessment categories below will be measured according to three major criteria of language performance: accuracy, fluency, and complexity. Testing procedures will be representative of the type of language instruction offered through classroom and web-based practice. You will be evaluated based on your achievement of the course goals (above) and the following criteria:
· Student Preparation and Participation 15%
· Exams (2)
o Midterm (in class) 14%
o Final (during final exam week) 16%
· Online Chapter Quizzes (5) 10%
· MySpanishLab SAM Homework 16%
· Written Component:
o Compositions (2) 14%
· Oral Component:
o Effective Communication Assessments (1) 5%
o Oral exam (2) 10%
100%
COMPONENTS
Attendance policy
You must be exposed to Spanish and use Spanish in order to learn Spanish, i.e., you must be in class. For that reason, attendance is required and will be taken on a daily basis. You will be allowed THREE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES for which no documentation or excuse is required. After the THIRD unexcused absence one point per absence will be deducted from your final grade. If you are absent the day of a test, quiz, oral exam or composition, you will receive a 0 on that assignment. There are no make-ups and no exceptions. Three late arrivals and/or early departures will count as one absence.
Assignments are due on the day indicated, regardless of whether or not you are in class that day. If you miss class, arrange for your assignment to get to your instructor’s box before your scheduled class time. There are no make-ups and no late work will be accepted. Make sure to get the name and phone number of a classmate, as you are responsible for finding out about any changes in the syllabus or any additional assignments announced in your absence.
In the case of university-approved absences (i.e., illness, university-sanctioned events, etc. – refer to your undergraduate catalog), you must provide official documentation to your instructor within a week after the absence in order to be excused. Any work missed due to excused absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with advice from the program director.
Student Preparation and Participation
Maximizing your language learning involves a lot of preparation outside of class as well as active participation in class. Your grade in this category involves a number of variables, including but not limited to:
· Evidence of your daily preparation for each class.
· Your use of Spanish in the classroom
· Your willingness to participate actively in all class activities
· Your cooperation during group and pair work
· Your respect and attitude toward the class and your support for the learning process of your peers
· Your instructor may assign written homework that will be collected and graded; these assignments form part of your participation grade.
· Your instructor reserves the right to administer pop quizzes on grammar, vocabulary etc. in order to assess students’ preparation. These grades also form part of your participation grade.
· The use of electronic equipment during class for anything other than participating in class activities is prohibited unless otherwise indicated by your instructor.Any evidence of using cell phones (texting, ringing, buzzing, etc.) and similar equipment will result in an automatic zero in participation for that day. Using a cell phone during a composition or test will result in a zero on that assignment.
Student preparation and participation grades will be posted and updated on MSL approximately every two weeks, for a total of 5-7 grades throughout the semester, depending on holidays and breaks.
Exams (Midterm & Final)
There will be two written exams administered face-to-face, a midterm and a final. The midterm exam will be given during class time (see Calendar for specific date), and the final exam will be given during Final Exam Week according to the schedule provided by the University Registrar (see Calendar or http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/soc). The goal of the tests is to assess your ability to assimilate what you have learned about Spanish grammar, vocabulary, language, and culture. You are also expected to critically respond to and analyze the topics covered in class and in the texts. Tests will consist of writing, listening, and reading sections in which your overall knowledge of the course material is evaluated. Both the midterm and the final exam are cumulative. Tests are not curved and no make-up tests will be given. NO DEVIATION OF THE TEST SCHEDULE WILL BE ALLOWED, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES; this means NO early or late exams. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you will be present for both scheduled exams.
On-line Chapter Quizzes
In order to periodically assess your learning of the material, there will be an online quiz at the end of each chapter, administered through MySpanishLab. You will take a total of 6 quizzes and the lowest grade will be automatically dropped. These quizzes will be scheduled to be completed within a 39 hour time period following the completion of each chapter’s material in class (see Calendar below for details). While you will be allowed to use your class notes to help you complete the quizzes, you will not be able to access and online materials or your e-book. The quizzes are timed (50 minutes) so that it is in your best interest to work on your own. The quizzes are designed to be able to be completed successfully if you have been diligent about doing your MySpanishLab activities and attending and participating in class, and well-prepared students will not need to use valuable time consulting additional resources. If you are not satisfied with your grade on a quiz, you can retake each quiz once, within the 39 hour time period it is assigned, in order to get a higher grade. So don’t wait until the last minute to take it the first time! A green flag will appear on the calendar the day each quiz becomes available, and you must complete it before the deadline the following day. Your grade on the quiz will appear in the Gradebook. Practice tests are available in each chapter: Course MaterialsàChapteràAdditional PracticeàPractice test with study plan.
MySpanishLab Activities and Homework
You will be assigned a variety of homework assignments from the MySpanishLab site, consisting of tutorials, grammar exercises, listening and writing practice, etc. You are responsible for completing all the assigned activities. The online exercises that are assigned will appear in the MySpanishLab calendar on the dates assigned. Most of these exercises are computer-graded and you will receive immediate feedback regarding your answers. Note that it is in your best interest to study the material in the book and view the assigned tutorials before you do the assigned exercises. You have a maximum of three attempts on the activities, and the highest grade of the three will be your final grade for each activity. If there are incorrect answers on your first submission a small blue bubble will appear beside the answer. Click on it for a hint, review the material again, and then click on “try again” to make the correction. If your second attempt is also incorrect a “need help?” button will appear in the upper right-hand corner of that window. Click on it to review the material you got wrong, and then click on the “try again” button to make the correction. If your answer is still incorrect after three tries, the correct answer will appear when you click on the small blue bubble next to the incorrect answer, but you will no longer be able to submit an additional attempt at that point. The resulting grades of all activities assigned for each chapter will be averaged, and that score is what will be calculated as your MSL homework grade.