Spanish 102: Advanced Writing and Research

Plan semanal ~ Español 102

Spanish 102: Advanced Writing and Research

Spring 2013Frances M. Sweeney

MWF 2:15 - 3:15Phone 925.631.4443

Garaventa 120Office: Dante 332

Office Hours: MWF 10 - 12, and by apptemail:

Course Description

This course is a continuation of Spanish 101, Advanced Spanish Syntax and Composition. It includes

a) linguistic exploration and analysis of key elements of Spanish syntax particular to advanced proficiency (e.g., concepts of indicative and subjunctive mood relative to coordination and subordination);

b) continuation of literary analysis with an emphasis on argumentation, academic research, and writing;

c) an overview of information evaluation and research practices, through concepts of research and investigation, use of primary and secondary sources, and appropriate citation and formatting a project using standards of the Modern Languages Association (MLA) style and American Psychological Association (APA) style, and when each is used.

The overarching goal for the course is to assist you in attaining a writing proficiency consistent with at least "Advanced" level, according to ACTFL guidelines for writing proficiency. The other goal for the course is to help develop your linguistic knowledge through understanding (and appreciation!) for the use of advanced elements of Spanish syntax.

Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will:

• develop skills of literary analysis and argumentation.
• improve skill in use of Spanish syntax both orally and in writing, for particular registers and genres, as appropriate for educated advanced Spanish users.
• be familiar with and apply expectations and formulae for research and academic writing in Spanish.
• demonstrate an understanding of the use of primary and secondary sources, including concepts of intellectual property and academic honesty.
• learn and apply MLA and APA formatting standards and styles.

Course Overview

We use the text and writer's manual, Modelos. An Integrated Approach for Proficiency in Spanish. We also use a packet of materials that addresses types of research and academic writing, resource gathering, citation and reference within two professional standards, MLA and APA.

The classroom simulates a writers' workshop, in that we will discuss our own writing, constructively provide feedback to our peers, and work on review and rewriting as much as turning in first drafts. Each of you has a unique voice, as you speak and as you write, and our work is to help you strengthen that voice by studying the choices you have as a speaker and writer.

There are four primary focus areas of our course activities:

1)Reading and completing literary analysis on fiction, non-fiction and poetry. We use a "comunidad de lectores" (reading community) for this work. For each reading, students assume distinct critical roles to help the group understand and analyze the text. In this way, we build skill in expanding our vocabulary and improving strategies in reading, discussion, interpretation, and analysis.

2)Drafting and redacting writings pertinent to the readings in class. We use the text and the writer's manual to help us learn methods of outlining, drafting, and editing, both our own work and that of our peers. The writer's manual has a collection of college-level peer writing samples that we will use to hone our editing, before we work with each other on our writing.

3)Learning the format for researching and writing a substantial investigative essay. We will study the different stages of completing a semester-long research project, from topic selection to finding and using the best sources to conducting our own research to pulling it together in one comprehensive package, with findings and conclusion. At each stage, you will submit your work in order to keep the project "live" throughout the term, rather than completing an end-of-term essay.

4)Studying key components of Spanish syntax that are associated with advanced levels of proficiency. These include the use of sequence of tenses, coordination and subordination, relative pronouns, and an advanced analysis of the subjunctive and indicative moods.

In a course like this, each of us has different strengths, and areas for development. It is expected that you will come to class ready to share, listen, and engage thoughtfully, respecting each student's differences. The attendance policy for the course is this: after three absences, for whatever reason, two points will be deducted, for each additional absence, from the total percentage points at the end of the term. There will be regular individual appointments to check-in on your progress in the course in all areas. You are also encouraged to stop in during office hours or make an individual appointment whenever you have a question or wish to discuss anything!

Grade Breakdown

Chapter-based essays, peer review and drafts (5)40%

Quizzes (5)30%

Investigative project20%

Classroom participation/Comunidad de lectores10%

Academic Integrity

This course operates under the premise of the Saint Mary's Academic Honor Code. The pledge states, "As a student member of an academic community based in mutual trust and responsibility, I pledge: to do my own work at all times, without giving or receiving inappropriate aid; to avoid behaviors that unfairly impede the academic progress of other members of my community; and to take reasonable and responsible action in order to uphold my community's academic integrity." (Academic Honor Code)

I am available to discuss any questions you might have about the relationship between the policy and this course. Please refer to the Student Handbook for full explanation of the code.

Additional Campus Services

Center for Writing Across the Curriculum. Students of all levels and disciplines are welcome to drop in or make appointments for one-on-one sessions with CWAC Writing Advisers. Students may request weekly or bi-weekly sessions with the same peer student Adviser. The Center, in Dante 202, is open 5-8 p.m. Sunday and 2-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The phone number is 925.631.4684.

Tutorial and Academic Skills Center. Students are welcome to seek additional help in any aspect of this course through the office of Tutorial and Academic Skills Center. Tutors are available to help with review and study of Spanish grammar, as well as phases of the writing process in Spanish. The center is located in Filippi Academic Hall, first floor and open Monday through Friday 9-5 p.m. The number is 925.631.4349.

Student Disability Services. Student Disability Services extends reasonable and appropriate accommodations that take into account the context of the course and its essential elements, for individuals with qualifying disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Student Disability Services Director at (925) 631.4164 to set up a confidential appointment to discuss accommodation guidelines and available services.