FORSYTH COUNTY COURSE SYLLABUS
2013-2014
COURSE TITLE: Spanish IV / IB
EMAIL: mgustavus@forsyth.k12.ga.us
PHONE: 770-781-2264 EXT. 101615
TEACHER NAME: Maggie Gustavus
ROOM #: 1615
Course Description: IB Spanish is a language acquisition course developed at two levels—
standard level (SL) and higher level (HL)—for students with some background in the target
language. Spanish IV / IB is the first year of this course. While acquiring a language, students
will explore the culture(s) connected to it. The focus of these courses is language acquisition and
intercultural understanding. IB Spanish approaches the learning of language through meaning.
Students build the necessary skills to reach the assessment objectives through the expansion of
their receptive, productive and interactive skills. This class is taught exclusively in Spanish and
students are expected to use Spanish at all times when addressing others.
Standards: Information that is more detailed can be obtained by referring to the guide for this
subject, which is available on the subject page of the IB online curriculum centre (OCC) website
http://occ.ibo.org
Learning Resources: With the emergence of technology as a tool for learning, we will be
utilizing various resources to assist with instruction, including online textbooks, recordings and
interactive websites. Students are encouraged to bring their laptops or electronic tablets to class.
I-pod or other listening device use is prohibited. Electronic translators are not allowed for any
assignment. Please purchase a good print Spanish dictionary if you should require assistance in
this area.
We will use authentic text in printed and electronic form and authentic language audio/video
with different Spanish accents and regional linguistic characteristics. In addition to web based
instructional tools, this course will also have several classroom sets of grammar and literature
textbooks and IB test practice textbooks.
Should you wish to purchase your own Spanish IV textbook copies, both are available (new and
used) for purchase on-line from numerous sources.
Repaso: Review Workbook of Grammar (2004) ISBN: 0078460506
España y su civilización (2004) ISBN: 0072558431
Should you wish to purchase your own IB test practice textbooks for more extensive practice
during the next two years, they are available for purchase on-line from numerous sources.
Mañana (2011) ISBN: 0956543103
Spanish B (2011) ISBN: 0199151237
Required Assignments: Each unit of study will include written summative and oral assessments
as well as formative written and oral assessments. Students will be given advance notice in order
to prepare for them.
Homework: Students are encouraged to study and prepare for the class on a daily
basis. Homework assignments may include reading, writing and web-based assignments,
language practice, and studying for formative and summative assessments. This is a rigorous
class. Students must dedicate the necessary time to the class if they are to pass the IBO
examinations. All homework assignments and formative/summative assessment dates will be
posted on ItsLearning. Students should get into the habit of checking it daily for notes and/or
announcements for the class.
Retake policy: Formative assessments may be retaken once in preparation for the summative
assessment of the unit and must be completed prior to the summative assessment of the same
unit. Formative assessment retakes will only be allowed if a student has attended a minimum 30
minute tutoring session. Retakes of summative assessments will not be allowed.
Availability for Extra Help: We offer multiple opportunities for assistance with teachers of
intermediate and advanced level students. Please check on-line or in-class for the most current
schedule.
Makeup Work: All missed work and assessments are the responsibility of the student when
they are absent from school. Make up work is defined as work assigned during a student's
absence, not work assigned prior to an absence. The student has five (5) school days upon
returning to school to complete make-up work. The teacher has the discretion to grant a
longer period to make up work, if there are extenuating circumstances.
Grading Calculations:
Non-EOCT Course Average = 50% (1st Sem. Course Work) + 50% (2nd Sem. Course Work)
1st and 2nd Semester Course Work = 75% Summative + 25% Formative
Grading Policy:
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
Failing = Below 70
*Formative Assessments include, but are not limited to homework, class work, practice tests,
rough drafts, and sections of projects/ research papers/presentations.
*Summative Assessments include, but are not limited to unit tests, final projects, final essays,
final research papers, and final presentations.
Spanish IV – IB Course Plan 2013 – 14
The IBO standards for Spanish mandate that the curriculum for the class consist of three core
topics: Communication and media; Global Issues; Social Relationships; and two of five options:
Cultural Diversity; Customs and Traditions; Health; Leisure; Science and Technology. Each of
these core and optional topics must have two distinct aspects (subtopics) taught.
Please be prepared to read and write a significant amount in this class. We will learn 13 different
formats of formal and informal writing in Spanish to prepare you for the IBO external
assessments Written Assignment and Examination Paper 2. All your summative written
assignments will be done in class under timed conditions, in blue or black ink, with a total word
count at the bottom of the document, and graded with IBO rubrics. You will be expected to make
corrections to your writing and resubmit a clean, corrected copy. All work created for this class
(presentations, homework, and essays) MUST be your own. Cutting and pasting from websites
or writing in English and then using an electronic translator is NOT creating your own work; it is
plagiarism. This action will generate an automatic zero for the assignment and a possible referral
to the IB Coordinator and/or grade-level Administrator for disciplinary action.
Students often experience a significant amount of stress over the IB Examinations. Please be
assured that we will practice extensively in class and through homework assignments to prepare
for these assessments. My goal is to make this a process in which you are successful.
You are expected to seek opportunities to read, speak and hear Spanish outside of the classroom.
You will keep a monthly log of time (Diario) spent reading, speaking, and listening to Spanish
outside of classroom activities. You must spend at least ten (10) hours using Spanish each
month. Diarios are due the last Tuesday of every month. You may be asked to provide
documentation to support the work you claim on your Diario on a random basis.
Students in IB Spanish classes are expected to be at an Intermediate (SL) or IntermediateHigh (HL) level of language proficiency according to ACTFL and Georgia Standards. We will
recycle earlier vocabulary learned and expand your vocabulary during the year in order for you
to be successful in IB given the reading and writing expectations. You should anticipate weekly
vocabulary lists and quizzes to check for spelling and comprehension.
Course Outline:
Introducción y
repaso
Conozcamos España
– Parte I
Repaso de gramática básica
Conozcamos España
– Parte II
Hasta la Reconquista
El Siglo de Oro y el Imperio
Español
Guerra Civil
España en Transición
Diferentes países, diferentes
culturas
Civilizaciones indígenas
Historia, Política y Economía
Actualidades
Conozcamos
Latinoamérica –
Parte I
Conozcamos
Latinoamérica –
Parte II
España y las Españas
Arte y Arquitectura
Celebraciones y Tradiciones
IB Core: Social Relationships
IB Core: Communication and
Media
IB Option: Cultural Diversity
IB Option: Culture & Traditions
IB Core: Global Issues
IB Core: Social Relationships
IB Option: Cultural Diversity
IB Option: Culture & Traditions
IB Core: Global Issues