Spanish 121-Second Semester Spanish

Spanish 121-Second Semester Spanish

Spanish 121-Second Semester Spanish

Fall 2012 Syllabus

Instructor: María L. Villagómez

Contact Information:

Office: BLDG. 1000 (1031T) Check my web page for office hours.

Telephone#: 707-253-3178 - E-mail:

Instructor Web site:

REQUIRED Texts and materials:

VISTAS: Introducción a la lengua española, Fourth Edition by Blanco-Donley

Sound: A combination head-set and microphone is required. Target.com has several microphones. Make sure to purchase one that is compatible with your PC or MAC.

-The text will include one passcode: This code comes inside a manila envelope with an astrobright green label or it will be emailed to you if you purchase your textbook online.

-You may purchase the text at the NVC bookstore or at allow 5 working days to ensure you have your book by the FIRST DAY OF CLASSES.

-If you must purchase a used textbook, you MUST purchase one that contains an UNUSED PASSCODE.

-7 Scantron – Mini Essay Books (Form No. 886-E) You may purchase these at the NVC bookstore.

PLACEMENT

All students need to take the online advisory placement exam to make sure you are enrolled in the most appropriate class according to your level. You will find a direct link to this test on your instructor’s Webpage or under “T” (for “Testing”) from the A-Z Directory in the NVC Webpage ( After taking the test, email me the results. Those who speak Spanish at home should probably enroll in a higher level class or for Heritage Speakers where the focus is to improve reading and writing skills. Spanish 121 is considered Spanish as a second language and it assumesone semester’sknowledge of Spanish. No formal rules for accents are included in the content for this class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION and OBJECTIVESSpanish 121 is the second semester part of a four-semester sequence of transfer level Spanish courses. It continues work on language communication integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in real world contexts. The basis of the work this semester will be Lessons 8-14. This course is characterized by an emerging ability to understand and produce appropriate responses in high-frequency situations utilizing learned materials. Students will continue acquiring knowledge of the geography, culture and people of regions where Spanish is spoken.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Engage in more complex oral and written exchanges
  • Read, comprehend, and write more complex Spanish
  • Recognize and distinguish the various Hispanic Cultures

DAILY PREPAREDNESS and PARTICIPATIONLearning Spanish can be a very rewarding and fun experience, or it can be a real nightmare… it’s really up to you. This course requires at least 10-15 hours per week in assignments. You will be assigned to read, study or work on some exercises as part of your regular homework. Please visit the Vistas Supersite frequently and read/do the assigned material by the deadline. Those students who have fun and do well are those students who have the patience, who practice and persevere through it all, but mainly, those who aren’t afraid to make mistakes and keep trying.Make sure to read the instructor’s emails, weekly announcements, and assigned readings.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITES Participants enrolled in this course should continually monitor their learning, evaluating their own efforts, and actively seek help when needed in a timely manner. To successfully complete thisSpanish course, you will need to assume an active role in the learning process; ask questions, participate in discussion, view all power points, and complete ALL assignments.

HOMEWORKThe only way to learn another language is to practice. The online PRACTICE, TUTORIALS, and WEB SAM sections are an excellent tool to improve your language skills. Check your “Tentative Schedule” daily and complete the appropriate exercises in the vistas supersite as they are an essential component of the program. The detailed assignments can be viewed in . You are responsible for keeping up to date with all lessons and assignments. Regular practice increases the pace and quality of your performance and is therefore required. It is your responsibility –and extremely advisable - to complete the exercises concurrently with daily class preparation instead of “cramming” it all the night before they are due.Full credit will be awarded only if you have completed ALL the assigned exercises with a minimum of 70% accuracy. Check the tentative schedule for homework due dates. Please note that homework is due by 9:00 p.m. No late work will be accepted. No exceptions.Please see attachment for instructions on how to set up your super-site account.

E-MAIL and E-MAIL POLICYEach student MUST have an active e-mail account. This will be the e-mail address that is used for any communication between you and your instructor. When you send an email, please put the title of this course and the topic you are writing about in the "Subject" line (for example: SPAN120, Homework ). Also, as email names often do not describe the name of the student, please start all email messages with your full name. It is highly recommended that you copy yourself (CC) when sending an email with homework attached in the rare event that your message gets lost in Cyberspace.

INSTRUCTOR COMMITMENTIt is my responsibility to help students grow and learn. This means that I will try to provide clear instructions for all projects, answer questions about the assignments, identify additional resources as necessary. The instructor is always evaluating, revising and clarifying questions and problems. I will follow the course as detailed in this syllabus. If any changes are required in the syllabus or the schedule of assignments, I will announce them to give you time to adjust. You can count on my availability during weekdays, and you have the right to expect prompt responses to your questions, comments, and requests, usually within 48 hours. Students who e-mail me Friday – Sunday may expect a response by 5 pm on Monday.

CHEATING STATEMENT

Cheating is the unauthorized giving or receiving of information in examinations, quizzes, assignments or other class exercises. If someone else takes online tests or quizzes in your name, this is also considered cheating. Honesty and integrity are very important in higher education. This standard pertains to what is written as well as what is spoken. To claim to have written something that is not entirely your own work is a violation of academic and personal integrity. You are solely responsible for the preparation and presentation of your assignments. Each homework assignment, written activity, and test should be your own work. Any violation of the items mentioned will cause you to be terminated from the course with a grade of F.If I suspect that you have cheated or received help from a native speaker or someone else, I will ask you to come into my office and do the activity in person.Also, you will be referred to the Dean of Students Services for further disciplinary action.

COURSE DISCLAIMER Every attempt is made to provide a syllabus that is complete and that provides an accurate overview of the course. However, circumstances and events may make it necessary for the instructor to modify the syllabus during the course. This may depend, in part, on the progress, needs, and experiences of the participants.

Exams and Quizzes There will be 6 multiple choice chapter exams (includes writing section) and 7 vocabulary quizzes. Check your “Tentative Schedule” and make a note of these important dates since no make-up exams or quizzes will be given. You will be allowed to drop your lowest chapter exam grade and your lowest vocabulary quiz to help you with your final average. The final exam is mandatory. Should you miss it, you will receive an automatic “F” for the course. No one will be allowed to take the final exam early. Please do not make this request.

Grading Final grades will be determined from chapter tests, vocabulary quizzes, a comprehensive final exam, WEB-SAM exercises, and class participation.

Your final grade will be calculated as follows:

Chapter Exams(5 X 8%)40%

Vocab. Quizzes(6 X 2%)12%

WEB-SAM/(Homework)(7 X 4%)28%

Participation (Attendance) 5%

Final Exam (Comprehensive)15%

Total100%

NOTE:If you plan on dropping, please officially drop. There is no automatic drop even if you quit attending.

Students in need of accommodations in the college learning environment

Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a learning disability should contact Learning Services in the Library and Learning Resource Center (LLRC), room 1766, phone (707) 256-7442. A Learning Disability Specialist will review your needs and determine appropriate accommodations. If you need accommodations for physical or other types of disabilities, schedule an appointment with DSPS Counselor, Sheryl Fernandez, in the Counseling Department located on the top floor of the 800 building, phone (707) 253-3040 for appointment. All information and documentation is confidential. Please feel encouraged to make an appointment with me privately to discuss your specific learning needs in my class.

COMMON COURTESY GUIDELINES

Rules of conduct.Learning another language is challenging and thrilling, but it can also be awkward and intimidating at times. To make this experience most beneficial to all, it is essential that all students maintain respect and courtesy toward each other and the instructor. So please make sure to understand that in order to stay in this class, it is mandatory for ALL STUDENTS to observe the following guidelines:

- No profanity, rude language or behavior will be tolerated.

- Some electronic devices must be off and out of sight during class. Make sure you turn off the following electronic devices (cell phones, IPods, beepers, walkmans, mp3’s, etc.) before entering the classroom and put them away during class. Absolutely NO TEXTING during class will be allowed. If any of these devices are on plain sight, it will result in a warning, followed by confiscation if repeated; expulsion if during an exam. If this becomes a habit, I may ask you to drop the class.

- Absolutely no children visiting class. Children are adorable, but also very distracting. Any other visitor must have prior permission to observe class.

- Be on time! Consistent tardiness is unacceptable, rude and disruptive. On rare occasions of extreme circumstances, if you arrive late, make sure to enter with the least noise possible, sit in the nearest seat available, and find out quietly from classmates what we are doing. If door is locked or there is a note posted on the door, knock and wait for permission to enter. Expect to wait until appropriate; sit in the nearest seat available when waived in. If tardiness becomes a habit, further action will be taken leading to asking you to drop the class. Remember that any class work or quizzes missed will not be made up; however I do encourage you to talk to me if you need to go over them.

- Stay until the end of class. You are not to get up ever and leave my class without letting me know why. If you anticipate an emergency, let me know at the beginning of class. I will ask you to sit closer to the door, put your cell on vibrate and simply nod to me when it’s time for you to leave. Failure to do so will result in an absence and a zero on work for that class (participation/quiz). If you walk out during an exam, you will forfeit that exam. I expect students to take care of bathroom visits, phone calls, and any other business prior to class (or during break). Any student with health issues or who is pregnant, and needs special or frequent breaks, please make sure to talk to me privately to discuss your specific needs.

- Bring your own textbook to class. Each student is required to have his/her own copy of the textbook. There are a couple of textbooks on reserve at the college library that you may use while in the library.

- Be a good sport. Help each other out and make sure to lighten up and laugh. Respect everyone’s efforts. Remember that each individual will acquire another language at a different rate. Take responsibility for your own learning. Teachers and textbooks are only one path in your learning. They can open the door to communicating in Spanish, but is up to you to enter this exciting new world.

Students who fail to comply with these Common Courtesy Guidelines may be referred to the Vice President of Student Services for disciplinary action. Talk to me after class about any concerns you may have or e-mail me with questions, concerns or to schedule an appointment. I am looking forward to having a great semester!

What follows is a more detailed account of our future activities. Plan ahead and consult this “Tentative Schedule” daily to make sure that you know what will take place in class. REMEMBER that it is your duty to be well informed as I reserve the right to amend the terms, conditions and dates of this syllabus/schedule as I see fit at any point during the semester.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Calendario de actividades

FechaLección/Actividad _ Notas / Tarea

21 de agostoCourse Introduction

23 de agostoLección 8: Contextos, pronunciación, fotonovela WEB-SAM HMK.

28 de agostoLección 8: 8.1 WEB-SAM HMK.

30 de agostoLección 8: 8.2, 8.3Voc. #1

4 de septiembreLección 8: 8.4, Recapitulación, Panorama WEB-SAM HMK.

6 de septiembreExam #1: Lección 9: Contextos WEB-SAM DUE

11 de septiembreLección 9: Fotonovela, 9.1 Voc. #2

13 de septiembreLección 9: Cont. 9.1, 9.2 WEB-SAM HMK.

18 de septiembreLección 9: 9.3, 9.4, Recapitulación WEB-SAM HMK.

20 de septiembreExam #2: Lección 10: Contextos WEB-SAM DUE

25 de septiembreLección 10: Fotonovela, 10.1 WEB-SAM HMK.

27 de septiembreLección 10: 10.2 Voc. #3

2 de octubreLección 10: 10.3, 10.4, Recapitulación WEB-SAM HMK.

4 de octubre Exam #3: Lección 11:Contextos WEB-SAM DUE

9 de octubreLección 11: 11.0 WEB-SAM HMK.

11 de octubreLección 11: 11.1 WEB-SAM HMK

16 de octubreLección 11: 11.2 WEB-SAM HMK.

18 de octubreLección 11: 11.3 Voc. #4

23 de octubreLección 11: 11.4 y Recapitulación WEB-SAM HMK.

25 de octubre Exam #4: Lección 12: Contextos WEB-SAM DUE.

30 de octubreLección 12: 12.1 WEB-SAM HMK

1 de noviembreLección 12: 12.2 y12.3 Voc #5.

6 de noviembreLección 12: 12.4 y Recapitulación WEB-SAM HMK

8 de noviembreExam #5: Lección 13: Contextos y fotonovela WEB-SAM DUE

13 de noviembreLección 13:13.1 WEB-SAM HMK

15 de noviembreLección 13:13.2 Voc. #6

20 de noviembreLección 13: 13.3 WEB-SAM HMK

27 de noviembreExam #6: Lección 14: Contextos WEB-SAMDUE

29 de noviembreLección 14: 14.1 WEB-SAM HMK.

4 de diciembreLección 14: 14.2 Voc. #7

6 de diciembreLección 14: 14.3 WEB-SAM HMK

11 de diciembre

13 de diciembreREPASO PARA EL EXAMEN FINAL

18 de diciembre Examen Final @ 1:00– 2:30p.m. WEB-SAM DUE

Setting up your VISTAS4E Supersite account and enrolling in your Instructor's course

Overview In order to see and submit your assignments, receive important announcements, and communicate with your Instructor, you will need an account, a Supersite code, and you will need to enroll in your Instructor's course.

RETURNING STUDENTS

If you have an existing account for VHLCentral, for your textbook's Supersite, or for another Vista Higher Learning textbook, complete these steps:

  • Go to VHLCentral (the link will open in a new window): vhlcentral.com.
  • Log in using your existing account information.
  • To enroll in your Instructor's course, click the "Enroll in a course" link. Then complete the items below in "Step 5 - Select a Course/Class" of the NEW STUDENTS section.

NEW STUDENTS

If you are new to Vista Higher Learning, complete these steps:

Step 1 - Go to VHLCentral

To begin, go to vhlcentral.com (the link will open in a new window).

Step 2 - Create an Account

  • In the "Login Information" section of the account creation page, enter a username of your choice.
  • Enter the email address you would like to associate with your account.
  • Enter and confirm a password of your choice.
  • In the "Personal Profile" section, enter your first and last name as you wish them to appear in your Instructor's roster.
  • Select the year of your birth from the drop down list.
  • Enter a student ID (optional).
  • In the "Security Information" section, you will provide the answer to a secret question, which may later be used to help you access your account if you forget your password.
  • After you enter all of the information, click "create an account."
  • Click "agree." (Before your account is created, you must agree to the terms and conditions of use policy.)

Step 3 - Activate Code

  • On the code activation screen, enter your Supersite code.
  • Click "activate code" to continue.
  • Look for a flash alert confirming that the code was successfully redeemed.

Step 4 - Select a School

  • Locate your school by typing your school’s name. To narrow the search results, include the city and state (or country, if outside of the USA) in which your school is located.
  • Click "find." If the terms you entered did not result in a successful search, follow the on-screen tips to revise your search.
  • Select your school from the list by clicking the radio button next to the school name.
  • Click "select school" to add the school to your account.
  • Look for a flash alert confirming you successfully added the school.

Step 5 - Select a Course/Class

  • From the list of available classes at your school for your textbook's Supersite, look for Instructor "Villagomez" and the course "Spanish 121 - Second Semester Spanish T/TH" taught between Aug 10, 2012 and Dec 30, 2012.
  • Click the radio button for the course section "Spanish 121 - Second Semester Spanish." If more than one class is listed for your Instructor, click the information icons in the class listings until you locate the section:
    Location: Building 800 - Rm. 836
    Day(s)/Time(s): T/TH - 1:30 - 3:45 p.m.
  • Click Save. You should see a confirmation that you successfully enrolled in your instructor's course.
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