Bellevue Community College

 

SPN 101 SYALLBUS/11:30-12:20pm

 

1st Year Spanish 1st Term, Spring 2005, 5 credits

 

Instructor:            Profesor (Steve) Timmons

Office:                   A245C (I also have a mailbox here in Arts and Humanities on the 2nd floor)

Email:                    stimmons@bcc.ctc.edu (preferred method of contact)

Phone:                   (206) 226-5774 (only if very necessary, otherwise use email)

 

Course Description:

¨ This is a beginning Spanish class.  We will focus mostly on grammar, verb forms, sentence structures, and vocabulary. We will also emphasize the basic skills of speaking, reading and writing Spanish in the context of real-life situations! The course will cover chapters 1-4. This class requires constant study, since we move very fast!

 

Prerequisites:

¨ None.

Course Times & Location:

¨ SPA 101 C (1460)            Daily 11:30 – 12:20 pm         R101

 

Required Materials (sold as a packet at BCC bookstore) (used for 101,102,103)

-          Rusch, Imágenes, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston-New York, 2003 (w/Audio CD)

-          Workbook/Lab Manual, Student Interactive CD-ROM, Audio CD Program

 

Optional Material

¨ English/Spanish-Spanish/English Dictionary. (Vox, New World, Larousse…) This is very helpful!

Online:

¨ Access syllabus, course calendar, and additional course material at the following web address:

http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/artshum/materials/Spring2005/LANG.asp

¨ Access student procedures and expectations on the Arts and Humanities website:

http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/artshum/studentinfo.asp

¨ Access the textbook website here: (the listening part of your workbook can be found here!)

http://www.college.hmco.com/languages/spanish/rusch/imagenes/1e/students/index.html

 

NOTE: Please make sure of the online resources available to you for practice and review!!!

1)      www.conjuguemos.com

 (verb conjugation site which is very helpful)

2)      www.studyspanish.com (great site for all kinds of practice with Spanish grammar!!)

 

Goals and Objectives:

Spanish 101 is a course designed to develop very basic communicative proficiency in listening, reading, speaking and writing.  We focus on two principles of communicative language teaching:

  1. Learners need to focus on the messages conveyed
  2. Proficiency requires that the target language be used from the very beginning of the course

Performance Based Learner Outcomes

Students completing SPN101 and planning to enter SPN 102 should be able to perform the following outcomes on a variety of topics and structures:

I.                     Understand spoken Spanish, as follows:

a.        Demonstrate comprehension of simple sentences.

b.       Demonstrate comprehension of main ideas.

II.                   Speak Spanish, as follows:

a.         Initiate and close simple conversation concerning the most pertinent topics.

b.       Communicate main ideas.

III.                 Read Spanish, as follows:

a.        Demonstrate comprehension of main ideas and some details from simple texts.

b.       Demonstrate comprehension of main ideas from simple authentic materials.

IV.                 Write in Spanish, as follows:

a.        Create accurately structured simple sentences.

b.       Compose simple paragraphs grounded in personal experience.

V.                   Understand concepts of Hispanic culture, as follows:

a.        Demonstrate comprehension of and use several polite behaviors and basic nonverbal cues.

b.        Describe selected aspects of the geography, history, artistic heritage and cultural practices of the Spanish-speaking world.

Information on DSS:

Students with disabilities who have accommodations needs are required to meet with the Disability Support Services (DSS) office, room B233-G ph. (425) 564-2498 or TTY (425) 564-410 to establish their eligibility for accommodations.  The DSS office will provide each eligible student with an accommodation letter.  Students who require accommodations in class must review the DSS accommodation letter with each of instructor during the first week of the quarter.  Students with mobility challenges who may need assistance in case of an emergency situation or evacuation should register with Disability Support Services and review those needs with the instructor as well.

Diversity:

We are a college community enriched by the diversity of our students and staff. Each individual and group has the potential to contribute in our learning environment.  To diminish the dignity of one is to diminish the dignity of all. 

 

On-Campus Sites:

1) The open lab – N 250  (425-373-3960)       http://ac.bcc.ctc.edu

Call for open times. You can check out headphones with a driver’s license or student ID.

2) Library Media Center – D 124   (425-564-2253)    http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/lmc/

3) Tutoring – This is located in C 162 and offers individual tutoring for Spanish students who need help. You must sign up for individual help, but feel free to walk-in for assistance.

Course Content:

The content of this course consists of the materials in the textbook, chapters 1-4.

- Vocabulary used in reading, writing and discussion.                         


- Grammar covered:                                                                     

1.  Greetings, nationality, age, questions, negation

2.  Agreement, likes, possessive adjectives, obligation, making plans

3.  Destination, location, “yo” forms, description, actions in progress

4.  “Personal a,” reflexive verbs, saber vs conocer, demonstrative adjectives & pronouns

Teaching Methods and Grading Policies:

Welcome to the Spanish 101!  Your success in this course depends on the time and interest you’re willing to put into the class. Here are some of the ways to increase your Spanish skills:

  1. Listen to as much Spanish as you can, on a daily basis.  Take advantage of every opportunity to listen to your Spanish-speaking friends and neighbors, watch TV and videos in Spanish, and listen to Latin music and Spanish-speaking radio stations.  (Radio AM 1360/Radio Sol)
  2. Speak as much Spanish as you can, on a daily basis.  From the moment you enter class each day until the time you leave, speak as much Spanish as you can.  Outside of class, converse with your Spanish-speaking friends and neighbors.  The more you speak, the greater your ability and confidence level will be.
  3. Read in Spanish every day.  This is essential to develop and enrich your vocabulary and grammar recognition, and to develop effective strategies for comprehension.  The more attention you give to reading, the more you will understand. I suggest: “People” in Spanish.
  4. Write in Spanish every day.  You will also have many writing opportunities to practice basic grammar, and vocabulary.  Your command of the structure of the language will increase with use.

 

Learning a language requires constant, regular practice.  The recommended out-of-class study time is 1-2 hours per class hour.  This is especially important given the fact that we meet for only a few hours per week during our term.  This is a very limited amount of time for a group of students to all have the chance to practice speaking and listening enough to reach our Learner Outcomes by the end of the term.  Thus, most of your learning must take place outside of class, and homework and study play a pivotal role in your success. Even though you won’t be fluent after one term, you will learn the essential building blocks needed to attain fluency.

El idioma de la clase:

This class will be conducted mostly in Spanish, with some explanations in English.  It is not necessary to understand everything that I say: just relax and take in what you can.  After a couple of weeks, you will notice your comprehension beginning to increase.  The same is true with reading: at first, you may find the readings challenging: ignore the sense of panic and keep on going, picking out a word or two in each sentence that you recognize, looking up a word or two in the glossary, and getting extra clues from the titles and accompanying illustrations.  If you view comprehension as a jigsaw puzzle, it will be less stressful.  And as time goes on, your reading comprehension will improve if you stick with it.  Speaks as much Spanish as you can in this class!

Attendance!!!

¨Attendance in this class is absolutely essential!!  New material will be presented and practiced every day, and the pace is rapid.  It is VERY important to attend class daily!

¨As stated on the Arts and Humanities website, you will fail this course if you have more than 10 absences. This is more than 20% of the class. Please don’t let this happen!!!

¨You will be allowed 3 absences before you start losing points. After that, it will greatly affect your grade! Each day is worth 2 points.
Homework:

Homework is assigned almost every day that we meet. All assignments are due the next class meeting unless otherwise instructed.  Some homework will be from the textbook, some from the workbook, and some from other sources. Late homework policy: Homework may be turned in one class session late for half credit.  No credit will be awarded after that. Homework must be fully completed. On all papers, include your Spanish name, your class section, and the page numbers.  If you are not in class that day, you may put the assignment in the box outside of my office in A245C. (you can also give it to the front desk in the Arts & Humanities office)

Projects:

There will be at least one project this quarter on something you personally research and inform the class about. I will be giving much more information on this as we go. The specifics may change as we go!

Extra Work:

If you would like extra practice with the material of this course, please talk to me.  This is for your personal benefit and some extra credit points may be negotiated with the instructor.  This is NOT a substitute for a poor grade. J

Quizzes:

There will be short quizzes to test your understanding of the vocabulary.  These quizzes will take place at the beginning of class.

Tests:

There will be chapter tests that will include all material (vocabulary, grammar and culture) studied in the chapter, and a cumulative final exam, which will include the material of all chapters.  All tests will have reading, writing, listening and speaking sections.  I will automatically throw out your lowest chapter test/quiz score at the end of the term!!J  (Whichever is lowest)

Make-Up Policy!!

If you know in advance that you will miss a test or a quiz, you may be able to arrange to take it early if you discuss it with me beforehand.   However, it is YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY to arrange this with me. Do not attempt to make anything up at the end of the quarter. 10 points will be taken off every make-up test!!  Each make-up test must be taken the next day you return to class. Be prepared to take it in class!  You must also take the final exam with the rest of the class. This will not be adjusted for travel plans. Therefore, please plan accordingly!

Grading:

Your final course grade will be computed as follows:

        Homework from textbook, workbook & handouts                        20%

                Class Participation                                                                             15%

        Quizzes                                                                                                 15%

        Chapter Tests                                                                                      20%

        Final Exam                                                                                            20%

       Oral Presentations/Project                                                               10%

 

Grading Scale:

A             = 93-100%                           A-            = 90-92%

B+           = 87-89%                             B             = 83-86%                             B-            = 80-82%

C+           = 77-79%                             C             = 73-76%                             C-            = 70-72%

D+           = 67-69%                             D             = 60-66%                            

F              = 0-59%

 

You can earn a high Class Participation grade if:

1.       You attend class every day, on time!

2.       You participate actively.

3.       You bring enthusiasm, creativity and originality to the class environment.

4.       You work well with your peers.

5.       You demonstrate and develop the ability to think analytically.

6.        You show significant improvement in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as well as cultural understanding.

 

Classroom Policies:

  1. Be respectful of your instructor and peers.
    1. Making mistakes in Spanish is normal! Please don’t be afraid to speak.
    2. Do not do homework or other writing during class time, unless otherwise instructed.
  2. If necessary, drinks (with a lid) are fine if you clean up after yourself.  Food is allowed if it is does not interfere with learning. (avoid gum)
  3. If you have any concerns or complaints about the class, please speak to me about them in private.  I am always willing to listen to your feedback on a one-on-one basis.
  4. Please turn off cellular phones before class!J
  5. Plagiarism is very serious and will not be tolerated in this class.  Make sure not to copy and paste from the Internet. You have to give somebody credit if you use their ideas.  Always try to rewrite things in your own words.

 

Helpful Study Hints

  1. Study regularly, i.e., set aside a specific time and place for Spanish every day.
  2. Set up regular study sessions with your classmates.  On homework, be sure to do your own work.
  3. When studying alone, always read aloud so you can hear your own voice.
  4. Your homework is designed to help you.  If you get stuck, move on to the next section and come back to it later. 
  5. Call your classmates or see a tutor for help. 
  6. Make flashcards for more difficult grammar and vocabulary items.  Carry these with you wherever you go, and use them to help memorize the material and test yourself. 
  7. Make use of my office hours to get help.

¡Buena suerte!  J