SPANISH 102-F01: Elementary Spanish II

CRN 77813 Fall 2014

MW 3:30-4:30 pm, Bunnell 313 / TR 3:40-5:10 pm , Duckering 344

Instructor: Daniel Darrow

Office: Gruening 609B

Phone: 474-7980

Email: [email protected]

Office hours: Friday 9 am – 1pm also by Google chat, or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español 102!! This course is designed for students who have had one semester of university level Spanish or who have qualifying scores in the CLEP exam. This course continues the “introduction to the language and culture through understanding, recognition and use of linguistic structures; increasing emphasis on listening comprehension and speaking; basic vocabulary of approximately 1,000 words; exploration of the cultural dimension, implicitly through language and explicitly through texts and audiovisual materials” (2012-2013, UAF Course Catalog, p. 447).

Principally, we will focus on: basic vocabulary and grammar, speaking and pronunciation, listening and reading practice, and confidence-building in the use of Spanish in everyday situations using a variety of classroom tools and practices. This course will prepare you for Spanish 102 and further study of the Spanish language. If you have had Spanish in high school or college, are a native speaker or heritage speaker, you need to speak to me as soon as possible to discuss other options in Spanish (CLEP, more advanced classes, etc.).

The big idea of this course is that the Spanish language is the all-American language of the future. Not only is Spanish the 3rd most spoken language in the world (with the highest population of Spanish-speakers living in México, our neighbor to the south), the world is getting smaller because of technology and globalization. Learning Spanish will open doors for you in work, study, and travel.

COURSE GOALS

 Build a solid foundation of Spanish grammar/vocabulary for real communicative purposes  Provide the opportunity for students to interact and use Spanish with other students and native speakers

University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Foreign Languages & LiteraturesPage 1  Improve listening and reading skills

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

 Students will be able to describe their daily lives in Spanish  Students will be able to sustain a basic conversation in Spanish about a variety of topics  Students will be able to comfortably use both the present and past tenses in speech, writing and reading

COURSE MATERIALS Required text/materials:  Panorama: Introducción a la lengua española (4th edition). Blanco and Donley, (2013) (starting on Chapter 9 to 14)  Supersite Plus code from Vista Higher Learning (see “setting up your VHL Central Websam Account p.5 )  Both textbook and Supersite code are REQUIRED by September 12 th  Note: if you buy a used book you will most likely need to buy a new code to Supersite  Portales: Vista’s online beta course (lecciones 7-8 to begin the semester…then use Panorama) Other course materials:  Blackboard access (grades can be glanced at Vista’s Supersite, but are better reflected on BB)  Wordpress Access: for announcements, tracking which assignments to do, videos, culture, discussion boards, etc. http://span102.community.uaf.edu  Various online Spanish-English dictionaries  Spiral-style notebook (for note-taking)

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Internet access is essential. If you do not have good internet connection at home, you will need to use the various facilities UAF offers for computer/internet access (Language Lab, the Nook, Rasmussen Library, etc.).Specifically, you will need to be familiar with Blackboard, WordPress, and the Vista Supersite. Although not necessary at the 100 level, it would be beneficial to learn how to type Spanish accents, tildes, and punctuation. Supersite uses “buttons” to make these characters, but instructions for Word can be posted on WordPress, if there is a demand for it.

Since the internet and computer use are important to the class, I urge you to bring and use your laptop computers and smart phones for exercises and activities to be completed during class time. Please do not abuse this policy as you will only be hurting your potential. If the internet is not operational during class time, I will supplement with hand-outs and other activities reinforcing the content you learned in that unit/section.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

My philosophy of teaching and language acquisition is based on the sociocultural theory of mind (SCT) (Vygotsky et. al.). The gist of SCT is that humans are masters of tool use and language/speech is one of the

University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Foreign Languages & LiteraturesPage 2 more potent tools we have in our “toolbox.” This course follows SCT theory in that the computer/Internet will be the primary tool for learning the language. During the face-to-face portion of the course, I will use a variety of instructional methods: speaking activities, guest speakers in video format, games, use of authentic materials, presentations and slideshows. What is important to me is that you try by using the language; making mistakes; practicing with others at your level and more advanced levels; and learning to use whatever method works best for you. My research interests focus on using comics as a visual tool in learning languages and communicative competency as proposed by Del Hymes (1974). I am always learning new things in Spanish and do not claim to know everything there is about the language, but can help you with linguistic tricks- such as circumlocution, clarification requests, getting speakers to slow down, etc..

The essentials: due to the amount of online work in this course, it is considered hybrid, blended, flipped, 24/7, etc. (many names for the same concept). This format describes courses that combine face-to-face classroom time with computer-based learning. The content for each class will be posted online weekly in WordPress. You are responsible for learning vocabulary, grammatical and cultural concepts, reviewing videos, taking notes, and answering assigned questions (discussion activities) outside of the classroom. While in class, we will review what you learned online and reinforce these concepts with communicative activities, games, videos, and work on WebSam’s. Quick question/answer period from the previous night’s content and WebSam work will happen first, so it would be very beneficial for you to do what is required each night.

COURSE POLICIES We will use the following resources to measure the expected learning outcomes:

A. Asistencia (15%)

Attendance is the significant factor in your performance for any class. You cannot participate if you are not present (absences = 0). For each day of class you attend, you will receive a score of 5 (marked in my attendance record). You are be allowed 4 “free” absences during the semester (no questions asked…use these for unplanned events and not “vacation”). However, any more than 4 will greatly affect your final grade. Each additional absence (over 4) will lower your FINAL course grade by either 2 or 2.5% (equating to each class period, MW, TR). Missing 23 hours of class or more will result in an automatic “F” (= 9 classes total…5 classes beyond the 4 alloted). Attendance is taken within the first 20 minutes of class during the WebSam/Q & A activities. If you are going to be absent, you need to let me know by email before class.

B. Discusión (30%)

University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Foreign Languages & LiteraturesPage 3 The discussion portion of your grade is taken directly from the online discussion board created on the Spanish 102 Wordpress site (http://span102.community.uaf.edu/) and from assignments associated with the online content learning (screencast, video, PPTs, etc.). A weekly topic will be posted for your commentary. This is an opportunity to use not only the concepts you are learning, but to interact with other students. Respond to questions, ask your own question, share a joke….the important thing I am looking for is that you are using the target language. Mistakes will be made; you will not be graded on your mistakes but whether or not you are an active participant in these topics/discussions and you are using Spanish.

Each topic in the chapter will be posted online and accompanied by a video, screencast, PPT. You will not only be responsible for learning the content, but handing in a short exercise accompanying that activity. This short exercise is also considered part of the discussion grade.

C. Exámenes (25%)

There is a test after chapters 8-15, as well as a final exam after chapter 14/15. Exams may not be made up without advance accommodation. Some exams may be issued online and are “open book, open notes.” However, these exams tend to me more difficult than in-class exams. There will be a midterm exam after Chapter 11 to evaluate your progress. The midterm is counted under exámenes and not weighted differently. By the midterm, if you have more than 1,000 points (an 80% on all work from Ch. 8 to the end of Ch. 11); your lowest exam grade will be dropped.

C. Tarea (30%)

Your written homework assignments will be done online through the Panorama website: http://www.vhlcentral.com/. The online work consists of two parts: 1. Websam : These activities include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, T/F, sentence writing and some listening activities. You will be allowed 5 attempts to complete most of these activities. There are typically 20-25 WEBSAM assignments per chapter. You will be assigned WEBSAMs weekly in addition to the required coursework (also done online, discussions, questions, etc.).2. Síntesis: These assignments are writing activities. There is one due each chapter, and you must write a paragraph of at least 8 sentences which follow the assigned topic. I will highlight aspects that are incorrect, but if you would like detailed feedback/corrections on this assignment, please discuss them with me during my office hours or by appointment.

E. Examen final (15%)

University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Foreign Languages & LiteraturesPage 4 The final exam is cumulative. The oral component of the final exam will be given on the last day of class and be incorporated in the class activity in some capacity. During the final exam, you will be allowed to handwrite notes on one each, 4 X 6 in. card (provided by instructor) for use during the exam.

F. Pruebas (extra credit)

During the first week of each unit, I will assign a 5 point quiz on vocabulary and/or grammar learned that week. These points will be applied directly to that unit’s exam the following week.

Components of the final grade and weight by percentage

Asistencia 15%

Discusión 15%

Tarea 30%

Exámenes 25%

Examen final 15%

DEPARTMENTAL GRADING SCALE

(% of grade earned according to the weighted categories)

Late work policy

WEBSAM assignments are due each Friday at 11:59 pm. LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If you have an emergency or circumstance preventing your completion of the assignments, you need to notify me as soon as possible, before the deadline.

Pacing expectations

Beyond the five hours you will spend in class during the week, you can expect to add an additional 3-5 hours working on content and coursework beyond the face to face class time. Although actual hours spent each week will vary between individuals, students should expect to spend an average of 9 hours per week.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Foreign Languages & LiteraturesPage 5 Academic integrity

As described by UAF, scholastic dishonesty constitutes a violation of the university rules and regulations and is punishable according to the procedures outlined by UAF. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an exam, plagiarism, and collusion. Cheating includes providing answers to or taking answers from another student. Plagiarism includes use of another author’s words or arguments without attribution. Collusion includes unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of any course requirement. Scholastic dishonesty is punishable by removal from the course and a grade of “F.” For more information go to Student Code of Conduct: (http://www.uaf.edu/catalog/catalog_08- 09/academics/regs3.html#Student_Conduct). Faculty Senate Meeting #171: C-shall be the minimum acceptable grade that undergraduate students may receive for courses to count toward the major or minor degree requirements, or as a prerequisite for another course. http://www.uaf.edu/files/uafgov/Info-to-Publicize-C_Grading-Policy-UPDATED-May-2013.pdf

HOW TO SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS

WEBSAMs and discussion assignments are submitted online through Vista and WordPress. Various activities associated with content assignments will be turned in during class time.

SETTING UP YOUR VHL CENTRAL WEBSAM ACCOUNT: Complete instructions for setting up your Supersite Plus account can be found at http://vistahigherlearning.com/student-startup? utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HE%20Back%20to%20School&utm_content=HE%20Back%20to %20School+CID_e806254a6ffe7dc8ee8e7fd7e3111984&utm_source=Email%20marketing %20software&utm_term=vhlcentralhelpstudent-startup

HOW TO CHECK YOUR GRADE

You can get a good snapshot of your grade through the Vista grade book; however, other factors such as participation, exams, and quizzes will not be apparent on Vista. BlackBoard will be the place to go to check the actual grade.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Language Lab. Gruening 609, open 8am-5pm. There are computers with internet for foreign language students. In addition there are language-specific tutors who can help you with your work, or act as conversation partners (hours found on the lab door). You can use the computers in the language

University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Foreign Languages & LiteraturesPage 6 lab and receive help from student tutors with your assignments. This lab is a good resource especially if you are experiencing computer problems at home.

Student support services. UAF is committed to equal opportunity for all students. Students who are the first in their families to attempt a four-year college degree, or students whose incomes are low, have opportunities for tutorial and other forms of support from the office of Student Support Services. Please make an appointment with Student Support Services at 474-2644.

DISABILITY SERVICES

UAF makes appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities who have been documented by the Office of Disability Services (203 Whitaker Building, 474-7043). Students with learning or other disabilities who may need classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment to obtain the appropriate documentation if they do not have it. Please meet with me during office hours so that I can collaborate with the Office of Disability Services to provide the appropriate accommodations and support to assist you in meeting the goals of the course. For more information, please visit http://www.uaf.edu/chc/disability.html

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