NORTHWEST CAMPUS
WORLD LANGUAGES
SPAN 1411 – BEGINNING SPANISH I
CRN 77615 - Fall 2015
Online Course
80 hour course / 16 weeks
August 24, 2015 – December 13, 2015
INSTRUCTOR: Indira Dortolina
OFFICE HOURS: Only by appointment via Skype
EMAIL: Indira.Dortolina@hccs.edu
4 credits (3 lecture, 2 lab)
PHONE: (281) 9445895
SEMESTER: Fall 2015
1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course includes beginner's pronunciation, oral practice, conversion development of
listening comprehension, basic principles of grammar, simple exercises in composition,
easy reading which includes cultural material. Students with prior language experience
must take a placement exam to advance to the next level and receive credit.
2. COURSE GOALS
Introduction to the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. Development of basic skills in listening
comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness. Course includes vocabulary
building, conversation and grammar. Transfers as foreign language credit. Core Curriculum Course.
3. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will:
 Speak clearly and fluently enough for a target-language speaker to understand and
interpret intent without difficulty.
 Comprehend the main points of standard discourse and authentic material in targetlanguage spoken at near native speed.
 Write simple descriptions and narrations of paragraph length on everyday events and
situations in different time frames.


Distance Learning
Read with understanding authentic written material in the target language on a variety of
topics related to daily life in the target-language world.
Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to characteristic perspective, practices and
products that reflect the culture of the target-language.
4. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will
 Communicate orally in the target-language about familiar topics and activities requiring a
simple and direct exchange of information.
 Comprehend spoken words and phrases in the target language related to self, family and
immediate surroundings, with allowance for repetition and re-phrasing.
 Create simple notes, messages and paragraphs related to self, family and immediate
surroundings.
 Comprehend a short passage in the target-language on a topic of everyday life using
appropriate target vocabulary.
 Demonstrate knowledge of specific aspects of target-language culture and gain insights
into how language and culture reflect values, belief systems, and behavior.
In our efforts to prepare students for a changing world, students may be expected to utilize
computer technology while enrolled in classes, certificate, and/or degree programs within HCCS.
The specific requirements are listed below:







EAGLE ONLINE 2.0– Students will need to be able to access EAGLE online in order to obtain
grades, handouts and post to discussion boards.
On-line books – Students have an online e-book and accompanying workbook and lab
manual. It is housed in a separate learning management system known as Connect.
Students must be able to access Connect daily.
Audio recordings - Students are going to be required to make audio recordings within
Connect and will need access to a microphone.
Audio files - Students will need to download and listen to audio files both in CONNECT and
outside of CONNECT. It will be necessary to have speakers and/or headphones.
Webcam – Students are going to need a webcam to complete the oral midterm and final
exams.
Accents – Students will be required to make the proper accent marks on all assignments
and tests. In Connect there is a character palette available. In Eagle Online, students will
need to use special ALT codes or shortcut keys to make accent marks. Students will need
to consult with their computer manufacturer on how to make accent and punctuation
marks. Points will be deducted for missing accents and punctuation.
Email
o Students need to have an email address to register their online workbooks. Within
the class, students will be expected to use the in-class mail feature (HCC) as the
primary mode.
o
o





Distance Learning
You are automatically assigned your official e-mail address when you enroll in an
HCCS course. Students will be required to use their college-issued e-mail address
to communicate with their instructors (secondary mode), so faculty will easily be
able to distinguish a student’s e-mail from spam.
Instructor’s email response: Allow 48 hours to get an answer from your instructor.
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this
course. You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my
assistance. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear
your concerns or to discuss course topics in general.
How to use the eMail list tool in Eagle Online:
On the top left corner of the course, click on Compose > Browse through the Contacts to
add Recipients > type in subject > attach file or type in message and then Send.
Getting ready
Prerequisites: None
(Note: Students with 2 years of high school within the last 3 years
must take a placement exam to advance to the next level and
receive credit.)
Co-requisites: None
Required Material:
Puntos de Partida: An Invitation to Spanish, 9th edition, Connect Plus,
Dorwick: All of the materials required for this class are completely online in a
system called Connect. Puntos de Partida, 9th edition, all of the online
workbook and lab manual activities, Learn Smart and other important
resources such as grammar tutorials and dictionaries. You cannot successfully
complete the class without all of these materials, so please plan to get them
as soon as possible. There are separate instructions on how to register in and
access these course materials. NOTE: You can access these materials for three
weeks for free with the course link from your professor. ISBN: 0077606310
Optional Materials English Grammar for Students of Spanish: The Study Guide for Those
Learning Spanish (English Grammar Series), 6th edition, Emily Spinelli. ISBN: 0934034362
Distance Learning
Instructor guidelines and policies:
The class will be taught in Spanish.
Attendance: ¡IMPORTANTE! Online classes are flexible, but require daily attention – even on
weekends and during College holidays. Attendance is critical. Your success in this course will be
the direct result of your frequently accessing the online course environment and actively
participating throughout the course. Remember that you are accountable to your classmates, to
yourself and to me. You should know that your virtual presence and contribution matters.
No longer attending or participating in this class does not constitute withdrawal from this course,
nor does the student’s notification to the instructor that the student wishes to be dropped. It is
the student’s responsibility to fill out a “schedule change form” to officially drop this class.
Failure to do so may result in the grade of “F”
Eagle Online 2.0 is the platform where you can see all lessons and assignments on a weekly
basis. Also you will see the due dates and any links or attachments related to the assignment.
Announcements (News) have updated news from instructor. Please check them out each time
you log in to in Eagle online.
Modules are where I will give all lectures for this class. As you follow along with syllabus, be sure
to read and study all content in the module for the week. After you have covered the content in
Module, then go to CONNECT to watch the grammar tutorials and complete activities.
Assignments: Homework will consist of online workbook and lab exercises, supplementary
workbook exercises, readings, textbook exercises, worksheets, short compositions or web
activities. Students are expected to do all of the homework and to turn it in on time. Late
homework is NOT ACCEPTED. The only way to learn is to practice. Much of the material assigned
will appear on the quizzes and exams. Students are encouraged to see the instructor right away if
they are having problems with any of the assignments so as not to fall behind.
NOTE: The homework that you will be doing for this class (CONNECT activities) is worth 30% of the
final grade. It is sometimes common for students to simply not do the homework. Please be
aware that if you fail to do the homework, your grade will be at least one letter grade lower at the
end of the semester.
Make-up policy: The weekly deadlines are posted in the class Syllabus, Connect, at the beginning
of each chapter module and on the course calendar. It is the student’s responsibility to pace
him/herself so as not to fall behind. If a student misses a homework deadline (CONNECT activities,
Oral Recordings, or Supplementary Materials workbook quizzes), he/she won’t be able to complete
it. There are no makeups also on Chapter tests or exams. Chapter discussion posts made after the
deadline will not be graded. Discussions are due the same day of each chapter test. Students will
not be able to make up missed quizzes, chat sessions, discussions, Exams, Final Exam or homework
assignments.
Distance Learning
Assistance – There are two places to go for help if students are struggling with the class:
1. For help related to Eagle Online (downloading files, navigating through the online
class, getting audio files to play, etc.) contact the the HCC IT Help Desk at (713)
718-8800, option 1, for AD / Email assistance.
2. Support center:
http://bbcrm.edusupportcenter.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8513
3. Student help form: http://de2.hccs.edu/eo2help/
4. For help related to the academic portion of the class (compositions, workbook
instructions, comprehending the audio recordings, etc.), contact the instructor
through the online class email. Don’t wait until it is too late!
Connect Support: It is IMPERATIVE that students contact Tech Support 800-331-5094. It might be
a browser or a plug in. They can help you.
Academic Integrity: It is expected that students will abide by the District's policy on Academic
Integrity. This requires that students act with integrity and honesty by producing their own work
and/or giving appropriate credit to the work of others. No fabrication of sources, cheating, or
unauthorized collaboration is permitted on any work submitted. In this class, use of translators,
friends or native speakers to complete assignments or tests is NOT permitted. (Dictionaries are
OK.) Please be aware that there is a fine line between HELPING you and DOING the work for you.
(i.e. Someone who HELPS you will give you the infinitive of the verb and you will conjugate it.
Someone who DOES the work for you will give you the conjugated form of the verb. It is obvious
you are getting someone to DO your work when you submit work with verbs conjugated in tenses
we haven't ever studied. Be careful!) If it is questionable whether or not a student is submitting
his/her own work, the instructor may require additional work or may require that the student
meet in person to prove that it is indeed his/her own work. Until a student proves his/her work,
there may be partial or no credit given for the assignment in question. If it is discovered that a
student DID violate the policy on Academic Integrity, he/she will receive a grade of "0" on the
assignment or exam with NO chance for make-up. If multiple incidents of cheating occur within
the course, the student may fail the course. The ultimate decision of whether or not a student
fails the course will be up to the instructor.
GRADE DETERMINATION:
Your grade will be
determined by the
following
Details
Points
(if
applicable)
Percent
of Final
Average
Distance Learning
Your homework will consist of:
CONNECT ACTIVITIES:
your assignments will consist of
Homework

e-book exercises, online workbook
assignments, and online lab manual (listening
and comprehension) assignments.

Learn Smart

Mundo Interactivo
20
All are submitted through CONNECT. You do not
need to “submit” your assignments in Eagle online.
Your instructor will transfer the grade from Connect
to Eagle Online. Please see the CONNECT registration
instructions for instructions on how to access
activities.
Tests
There will be 6 chapters Test. The tests will be over
the vocabulary and grammar of the chapter. You will
be allowed to use notes and book, but the tests are
timed so it is best to be prepared. Please see the due
dates of each chapter in Connect. At the end I will
drop the lowest chapter test grade.
40
Discussions / Chats
Participation
Discussions Forums: Students are expected to
participate in online discussions and chats. There will
be 1 discussion topic per chapter in Spanish.
Live Chats: Once the semester has begun, the
instructor will set up chat sessions each week for
students to get together with the professor and
“talk”. Typically we discuss homework or other
concepts that students do not understand. Students
must attend at least 6 chats throughout the
semester. Chat dates/times will be posted under
Announcements in Eagle Online.
20
Distance Learning
The final exam (20%) has two parts:
Oral: MUST BE TAKEN Via Skype with the professor
(10%)
Written: MUST BE TAKEN in CONNECT (10%)
Exam
20
Total:
100%
LETTER GRADE ASSIGNMENT:
LETTER GRADE
Final Average in Percent
A
B
C
D
F
90-100
80-89
80
70-79
60-69
59 and below
Tentative Instructional Outline:
Assignments:
Go to: http://connect.mheducation.com/class/i-dortolina-hcc_span-1411---fall-
2015online
to register and for activities assigned
a. Course: Beginning Spanish I-SPAN-1411-2015
c. Books: Puntos de Partida: 9th Ed.
Weeks
Lessons
Week 1
08/30
Getting Started
Week 2
CH 1
09/06
To do in Eagle Online 2.0
 Read syllabus and other introductory
material
 Post to Discussion – “Introductions”
 Review Lesson module – “Ch 1”
 Post to Discussion – “Ch 1”
To do in Connect
 Register in Connect
 Tarea – CH 1 Repaso
 LS CH 1 Ante todo Vocabulario
 LS CH 1 Ante todo Gramática
Distance Learning
 Chat
 Start working in Mundo
Interactivo
 Chapter 1 Test
CH 2

Week 3
Review Lesson module – “Ch 2”
 Post to Discussion – “Ch 2”
 Chat
09/13
Week 4
09/20
Week 5
CH 3



Review Lesson module – “Ch 3”
Post to Discussion – “Ch 3”
Chat
09/27
Week 6
10/04
CH 3
 Review Lesson module_”Ch 4”
 Post to Discussion – “Ch 4”
 Chat
Week 7
10/11
CH 4
Week 8
 ebook practice
 LS CH 2 En la Universidad
Vocabulario
 LS CH 2 En la universidad Gramática
 Tarea 2-2
 Tarea – Ch 2 Repaso
 Chapter 2 Test
 Mundo interactive due for chapters 1
&2
 Ebook Practice
 LS CH 3 La familia Gramática
 LS CH 23 La familia Vocabulario




Tarea 3-1
Tarea 3-2
Tarea Repaso
Chapter 3 Test







ebook practice
LS Ch 4 De compras Gramática
LS Ch 4 De compras Vocabulario
Tarea 4-1
Tarea 4-2
Tarea 4 - Repaso
Chapter 4 Test
10/18
Week 9
10/25
 Mundo Interactivo is due for chapters
3&4
October 30th, 2015 Last day to drop with "W"
Distance Learning
Week 10
11/01
 Review Lesson module_”Ch 5”
 Post to Discussion – “Ch 5”
 Chat






 Review Lesson module_”Ch 6”
 Post to Discussion – “Ch 6”
 Chat
 LS Ch 6 Las estaciones y el tiempo
Gramática
 LS Ch 6 Las estaciones y el tiempo
Vocabulario
 Tarea 6-1
CH 5
Week 11
LS Ch 5 En casa Gramática
LS Ch 5 En casa Vocabulario
Tarea 5-1
Tarea 5-2
Tarea 5 – Repaso
Chapter 5 Test
11/08
Week 12
CH 6
11/15
 Tarea 6-2
 Tarea 6 Repaso
 Chapter 6 Test
Week 13
CH 6
11/22
Week 14
Review
 Final Exam Review
 Review for Written Final Exam
11/29
IMPORTANT!
Time to sing in to take the oral final exam.
Week 15-16
Final Exam
December 1st.
to December Comprehensive
10th.

Oral Exam: Via Skype (my username: spanishclasses.dortolina)
 Written final exam must be taken in Connect
by 5 p.m. on December 10th, 2015.
Instructional Methods
As an instructor, I want my students to be successful. I feel that it is my responsibility to provide you with
knowledge concerning the field of education, strategies for promoting children’s cognitive, and socialemotional growth, and to connect the information that you learn in this course to the real world of
education.
As a student wanting to learn about the field of education, it is your responsibility to read the textbook,
submit assignments on the due dates, study, participate in discussions, and complete activities. I hope you
enjoy yourself while experiencing the real world of education.
Student Assignments
Assignments have been developed that will enhance your learning. To better understand a topic, you will
be given assignments on key information that you will need to remember for your success in your career as
an educator that will consist of short answers, essays, discussion forums, and a culminating exam that will
assess your overall knowledge of what you read and learned in this module. Students will be required to
Distance Learning
successfully complete the following:
HCC Policy Statement: ADA
Students with Disabilities: Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric,
vision, hearing, etc) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the appropriate HCC
Disability Support Service (DSS) Counselor at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Students who are requesting special testing accommodations must first contact the appropriate (most
convenient) DSS office for assistance:
Disability Support Services Offices:
System: 713.718.5165
Central: 713.718.6164 – also for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Students Outside of the HCC District
service areas.
Northwest: 713.718.5422
Northeast: 713.718.8420
Southeast: 713.718.7218
Southwest: 713.718.7909
Virtual Classroom Behavior
You are required to follow all HCC Policies & Procedures, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student
Handbook, and relevant sections of the Texas Education Code when interacting and communicating in a
virtual classroom with faculty and fellow students. If you violate these policies and guidelines you will be
subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access to course-related email, discussion groups,
and chat rooms or being removed from the class.
Instructor Requirements
As your instructor, it is my responsibility to facilitate effective learning by responding to your email
questions and participating in all forum discussion. This course is a foundation for your continued success
as an effective teacher.
To be successful in this class, it is your responsibility to complete the topics in numbered order within the
20-day timeframe, and to ask questions and comment as needed via email to the instructor and in the “All
Topics Discussion Forum” to all participants. Complete all assignments and the Module 1 Quiz when the
assignment is due. No work is accepted after the module closes. All work is due the end of the last day
(midnight).
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is by definition not showing that the coursework has been
learned, and that student is claiming as advantage not available to other students. I am responsible for
measuring your achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus,
in our system I have teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the
university’s policy on academic honesty found in the catalog. What that means is that you are charged with
conducing yourself in a manner befitting an educator. Will it be OK for your future students to cheat? If it is
not acceptable for them, it is not acceptable for you. If you are charged with an offense regarding cheating,
pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. You are responsible for conducting yourself with honor
and integrity appropriate for those entering the education profession. Penalties and or disciplinary
proceedings may be initiated by Houston Community College against a student accused of scholastic
dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty is defined as you cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. This list is
not limited to the following items and may include other definitions.
 Cheating on a Test includes:
Distance Learning
o
o
o
o
Copying rom another student’s paper
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered
o Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered
 Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation
of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit
 Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of a 0 or F in the particular assignment,
failure in the course, and or recommendation for probation or dismissal from Houston Community College.
HCC Policy Statement: Class Attendance
You will be attending this course online. It is important that you participate in class. This is how you will be
graded for attendance. Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in this course. If you are not
logging into the course, you are not learning the information. Poor participation tends to correlate with
poor grades. You are responsible for all work in each module. Try to keep current in all due assignments.
Class participation equals class success.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete the module or course you will need to contact me. The reason why is
that you must complete all modules of this course. When you do not complete a module, it will affect your
passing this course. Withdrawals will be dealt with on a person-to-person basis.
HCC Policy Statements
Access Student Services Policies on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
Access DE Policies on their Web site:
All students are responsible for reading and understanding the DE Student Handbook, which contains
policies, information about conduct, and other important information. For the DE Student Handbook click on
the link below or go to the DE page on the HCC website.
The Distance Education Student Handbook contains policies and procedures unique to the DE student.
Students should have reviewed the handbook as part of the mandatory orientation. It is the student's
responsibility to be familiar with the handbook's contents. The handbook contains valuable information,
answers, and resources, such as DE contacts, policies and procedures (how to drop, attendance
requirements, etc.), student services (ADA, financial aid, degree planning, etc.), course information, testing
procedures, technical support, and academic calendars. Refer to the DE Student Handbook by visiting this
link:
http://de.hccs.edu/de/de-student-handbook
Access CE Policies on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines
HCC Policy Statements
Access Student Services Policies on their Web site: http://hccs.edu/student-rights
Virtual Classroom Conduct: All students are required to follow all HCC Policies & Procedures, the Student
Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, and relevant sections of the Texas Education Code when
Distance Learning
interacting and communicating in a virtual classroom with faculty and fellow students. Students who
violate these policies and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access
to course-related email, discussion groups, and chat rooms or being removed from the class.
Student Work/Academic Dishonesty: Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and
integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by the college system
against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Penalties can include a grade of “0” or “F” on the
particular discussion question or assignment, failure in the course, academic probation, or even dismissal
from the college. See Student Handbook for further details. All answers to the projects and discussion
questions will be original, not copied from the internet or textbook. If you are using a reference from the
text, put it in quotes and limit it to one sentence.
Syllabus Modification
I will make every effort to adhere to the requirements in this syllabus during the semester. I reserve the
right to make any necessary changes. Students will be notified in a timely manner of any such change by
Eagle Online eMail.
REPEATED COURSE FEE:
Students who repeat a course for a third time or more may soon face significant tuition/fee increases at
HCCS and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your professor/counselor about
opportunities for tutoring or other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are not
receiving passing grades.
IMPORTANT DATES THIS SEMESTER AND WITHDRAWAL INFORMATION:
a. Classes begin: Monday, August 24th, 2015
b. Last day to withdraw from this course: October 30th by 4:30PM
c. Holidays: Thanksgiving break –NO CLASSES- Thursday, November 27th toward November
29th.
d. Instruction ends: November 30th.
e. Day of final examination: Between December 1st to December 10th.
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Free tutoring available inside the campus library in the tutoring room. Check schedule at the library front
desk.
SCHOOL CLOSING:
Please check the local radio and TV stations for information regarding school closing due to inclement
weather. . You can also check the following web site: http://www.school-closing.net
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
Distance Learning
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to
improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online
survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will
be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction.
Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end
of the term.
Go to www.hccs.edu/eagle3