Department: Foreign Languages
Course Number: 300
Number of Credits: 4
Date of Revision: February 2010
Course Title: Spanish Linguistics
Frequency of Offering: Every 2 years
Course Description
Textbook: Hualde, Jose Ignacio y Antxon Olarrea. Introducción a la lingüística hispánica.
Cambridge UP: Cambridge, 2001
1. Catalog Description
This course introduces students to Spanish as a linguistic system. Students will practice
how sentence structure, word formation and sound work in Spanish. They will also contrast those
patterns with those of English, as well as how variations due to regional, national and
socioeconomic differences inform changes in the structure of Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or
equivalent. Offered every 2 years.
2. Statement of student outcomes
This course is an introduction to Spanish Linguistics. The student taking this class will:
a) Recognize and understand characteristics and syntactic patterns of the Spanish
language.
b) Recognize and understand the processes involved in Spanish word formation
c) Be introduced to Spanish sound formation and patterns.
d) Learn syntactic, morphological and phonetic contrasts between Spanish and
English.
d.) Learn about the national and regional varieties present in the Spanishspeaking world
e) Learn how linguistic differences create, among others, geographical, racial,
class and age distinctions.
3. Basic instructional plan and teaching methods utilized
A variety of instructional methods will be used including:
a) class discussion
b) class and lab activities
c) media presentations
d) lecture/questioning
e) collaborative learning activities
4. Course Requirements
a) active oral participation in classroom discussions
b) assigned classroom and lab exercises
c) 2 exams
d) a comprehensive final exam
5. Academic dishonesty policy: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and disciplinary
measures will be enforced according to school policy. The first offense will result in an F on the
project in question, and a subsequent infraction will result in a failing grade for the course (or
worse). Online dictionary use is permitted only to look up definitions of words or phases.
Translation programs are not to be used on complete English sentences, paragraphs, or entire
compositions.
6. Grading
The final grade will be comprised of the following elements:
Attendance, class preparation and participation
Homework assignments
Exams
Final exam
15%
15%
40%
30%
Grade Scale:
A 100-90%
F 59-0%
B 89-80%
C 79-70%
D 69-60%
Note to students with Disabilities: If you have special needs related to a disability that may affect your
performance in this course, please arrange an appointment as soon as possible to discuss your needs
privately. This includes students who require special circumstances for test taking, as well as students
whose health may hinder their class attendance.
COURSE STANDARDS AND POLICES
1. Class preparation and participation: Every meeting day the topic for the next class will be
announced. Students should anticipate classroom activities not only by reading assignments carefully and
completing any questions assigned, but also by planning in advance comments or questions about the
material along with the proper vocabulary. Absences do not excuse you from work missed and it is your
responsibility to inform yourself of any work that is due. All homework assignments will be posted on the
class page on D2L. If you are not familiar with this program, talk to the professor as soon as possible to
learn how to access this information.
2. Attendance: Since exposure to the language is necessary to achieve a good command of the language,
class attendance, participation, and daily preparation are essential. Unexcused absences of more than 2
classes will result in a drastic reduction of your final participation grade. Absences of more than 2
consecutive classes could result in failure of the course. In case you are forced to miss a class, please be
sure you find out any assignments for the next day and consult the syllabus and D2L regarding the next
day’s topic in class. If a sudden illness or emergency circumstance results in your inability to attend class in
the following circumstances: 1) for more than two consecutive days 2) you have already exceeded the total
of 2 unexcused absences for the semester 3) you will be missing a quiz, test, presentation, or handing in of
assignments, it is imperative that you contact me at that time to make arrangements regarding missed
classes and late work. Lack of communication with the professor could result in failure of the course.
3. Late work: Students are expected to turn in assignments and take tests on the date specified.
Assignments are due in class the day of the deadline. If you are not in class, it is your responsibility to get
the assignment to me via another student or my mailbox in Somsen 320 prior to the class. Turning in late
work will result in one grade less than would have been given for that assignment. (An A will become a B,
etc.)
4. Tests: There will be two exams throughout the semester as well as a final exam at the end of the
semester. NO MAKE-UP exams will be given, unless you provide your instructor with a verifiable medical
excuse. All make-up exams must be taken within a week of the original scheduled date, or the student will
receive a zero for that test.