SEATTLE CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Humanities & Social Sciences Division
DAVID QUINTERO Ph. D.
SPANISH 123
CREDITS:
5
QUARTER:
FALL 2012
OFFICE:
4172
Office Hours:
1:00 – 1:50 M-F by appointment only
TELEPHONE:
206-934-2920
e-mail:
david.quintero@seattlecolleges.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Text:
Experience Spanish: Un mundo sin limites. Authors: Amores - Suarez Garcia
- Morris. McGraw Hill, 2011.
This is a bundle that includes textbook, and code for access to your DVDs with an e-book, eWorkbook/Lab Manual; a metacognitive vocabulary and grammar builder called LearnSmart, and
Mundos Interactivos or your cultural on-line interactive required items.
NOTE: Bundle should be purchased in the Seattle Central Community College bookstore.
Publishing company has given our college the best possible price for bundled items. If you get
the textbook alone elsewhere, you must also buy the e-code as most of your outside of
classroom work is online assigned homework; and you need your individual code that comes with
your bundled textbook to access the Connect Web site and do this class.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed as the beginning course of Basic Spanish. The material will be presented
in an 11 week course format. Students will learn the basic grammatical structures of Spanish, and
how to use them in daily oral and written communication.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of the course is to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing Spanish
and to provide basic introduction to the Latin American/Spanish culture. During the quarter the
Spanish program also introduces you, the students, to DVD mobile interactive technology to
enhance the second language learning process.
I would like to also say few words about the exciting technology we will be using in this course. Our
course is enhanced by using a Web Platform. This platform was built as a response to the question:
How to teach Spanish in the XXI Century? The most common response was that it must integrate
the new tools or technology of the XXI Century. So, many of the required assignments on this
platform are accessible from your smart phone (smart because it has access to the internet). You
can work while in the bus, waiting for coffee, or with no book.

CONNECT is your Web Platform: It includes your e-book (same as hardcopy), an
Audio/Visual DVD series with activities; an e-workbook/lab manual; a meta cognitive online
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portal LearnSmart to build vocabulary and grammar skills; and Mundos interactivos a cultural
virtual tour of different Spanish speaking countries. All of these while supporting your textbook
applications, and reduce carbon footprint, and costs to you.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course with a 2.0 grade or better, you will be
able to:
Outcome 1:
Vocabulary material
Use an online meta cognitive software flash card bank called LearnSmart. You will be instructed
in how to use and practice different interactive vocabulary activities daily in our classroom.
Students will use a pragmatic approach to vocabulary lists that are presented in sequences such
as: Greetings, Identity, College Studies, Work, Sports, Free Time, Seasons, Chores, Family, and
Housing.
Outcome 2: Listening Comprehension Material
Comprehend basic spoken Spanish at a slower pace first, then at a normal pace. Also, instruction
will focus on skills and coping strategies for filling in gaps when comprehension is not perfect.
Outcome 3:
Speaking Communication material
Answer and ask questions on a variety of everyday topics, describe people and places, and narrate
recurring events.
Outcome 4:
Reading Material
Respond to pre-reading and after- reading comprehension questions that go from True/False
statements, to correct the false statements, and to incrementally write full sentences after reading
or doing an activity. Upon completion of this course, student will be able to have a solid basic
foundation of reading communication skills, while performing the following tasks:
Read for comprehension not translation
Follow instructions for reading proficiency techniques
Complete/answer questions after reading authentic texts
Outcome 5:
Writing material
Use “Brainstorming” techniques to build basic Subject + Verb + Object sentences first and
incrementally construe larger sentences. Writing material is also in your textbook and e-materials
workbook/lab manual.
Outcome 6:
Cultural Viewing Material
Answer pre-viewing and after- viewing DVD activities. The various cultures of the Spanishspeaking world are presented as slights of life. Using DVD/videos helps to make a visual
impression that lasts longer than the verbal ones in the minds of the majority of the students. You
will also use all your second language skills to do an interactive on-line platform activity on a
Spanish speaking country.
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What I expect of you:

That you are fully present when participating in the class

That you do the textbook grammar and other reading; daily assigned homework, and online platform assignments in a timely fashion

That, if something happens to interfere with your ability to meet your course obligations,
you tell me as soon as possible.

That you communicate professionally in all class related communications - email, text,
instant messages, etc, adhering to standard Internet rules of netiquette
(http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html).

That you do the assigned activities thoughtfully and in a timely manner.

That you have fun learning Spanish as it is one of the three major International Business
Languages in the World.
What you can expect of me

That I give you course work that is well organized and reasonable, so that you can
appropriately schedule your study time.

That I give you challenging work that allows you to explore the topic in a way that interests
you.

That I have assigned you regular graded activities so that you always know how you are
doing in the class.

That I give you advanced guidance on how things will be graded so you know my
expectations for an assignment.

That I grade the work in a timely manner and that I grade fairly.

That I give you all the support and training in the classroom and will refer you to work with
CONNECT CARE STUDENT SUPPORT when technical issues arise.

That I have fun teaching the class so that it will be fun for you to learn.
Activities
During this class, we will have several activities designed to meet the objectives of the course.
Weekly Activities:

You will read and study your textbook grammar, and do textbook homework for your own
clarification, and as required by me for your understanding of textbook activities.
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
Your will go to your on-line platform, CONNECT, and do any assigned chapter work. Within
CONNECT your will also do the following:

LearSmart (vocabulary and grammar builder),

Workbook/Lab Manual, Homework, Practices, and Exams, as per date and time due.
Quarterly Activities:

Term Project

THIS PROJECT IS FOR THE ENTIRE QUARTER. IT HAS A START DATE AND A DUE
DATE. PLEASE FOLLOW THEM ACCORDINGLY. THERE WILL BE AUTOMATIC
DEDUCTIONS FOR TURNING IN LATE PROJECTS.

EXPLANATION OF PURPOSE OF TERM PROJECT: You will do a term project which will
review the following skills in Spanish: Listening/Viewing Comprehension, Oral
Communication (recorded), reading, and writing in Spanish.

The program you will use is called MUNDOS INTERACTIVOS. The interactive format is
design to integrate you as an intern of a media station with functional projects such as
preparations for a wedding anniversary, visiting restaurants, comparing markets, etc. All
the activities will take place in different Latin American or Spanish settings, and will have
concrete instructions in English, and Spanish.
Grading
Chapter Exams
LearnSmart
Participation
Homework
Final – Oral
Final – Reading
Final – Writing (+All Skills
Term Project (Mundos Interactivos)
40% (points varied)
30% (points varied)
10%
5%
5%
5%
Total
100%
5% (points varied)
We have a 100 point grade system with 40% each for chapter exams, 30% for LearnSmart work,
10% for Participation, 5% for Homework, 5% for Oral Final, 5% for Reading Final, and 5% for
Writing Final (Term Project - Mundos Interactivos).
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Exams Scoring: Exams are worth 40% of your grade (each has different points every two
weeks). Portions of your exams are automatically graded, and others are manually graded by me.
For example, if you were asked to record or write something, I will need to listen or read it in
order to give you a grade. Exams have a due date. Also, each exam has three attempts and your
will receive the grade for your best attempt.
LearSmart Scoring: It is worth 30% of your grade. It consist of two parts, one is a vocabulary
retention builder, and the other is a Grammar retention builder. Each has different activities and
points. It is automated so will know immediately how you are doing, and it has unlimited attempts.
After achieving the maximum points possible, it will score your best attempt.
Homework: It is worth 5% of your grade. You will find in this area e-Workbook/Lab Manual,
Practice Exams, and other general homework that underlines your second language learning
process for example, verb conjugation activities. Yu will get immediate automated feedback with
the responses. In this scoring I will also look at the total time you put into this course as it will
express to me the level of your competency, proficiency, and performance in the class. Logically
it varies from student to student, but it will verify your work.
Participation: It is worth 10% of your grade. Class participation includes daily preparation, oral
and group participation, attitude and improvement. You must be in class in order to participate fully.
It means to be not only physically present but also psychologically present. The total amount of your
presence in class is divided by the possible amount of contacts days required (taking into account
holidays or other no-school days), and them multiply by the percentage. If you are new to college, or
returning to college, please read the required student conduct agreement. I will talk to you briefly
after a class when needed regarding your behavior.
Oral Final: It is worth 5% of your grade. During the last week of the quarter you will participate in
an interview, a simulation, or a skit in Spanish. You will prepare in class first for the first part of
the quarter, and then will practice outside of the classroom with your assigned group.
Reading Final: It is worth 5% of your grade. During the last week of the quarter you will bring an
SCANTRON sheet of 100 Questions (you can buy at the bookstore), and will answer True/False
reading comprehension questions.
Writing Final (Term Project - Mundos interactivos). This project is worth 5% of your grade. It
is divided into multiple activities of about 15 minutes each. It will be available after the fourth week
of the quarter to allow you have some basic know how of Spanish. Instructions are in English and
you also have multiple attempts for each activity.
Other Important Information
All the above assignments have different points, due dates, and most are included and calculated
in your Connect Platform. Some of the assignments, like your exams, term project, and other
work need to be reviewed by me, your instructor, and I will give you the points or credits
according to your performance.
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This class requires regular and sustained access to an internet-connected computer. You are
required to either access your CONNECT platform from your own home, or library; or from
Seattle Central Community College web services. You will be required to have access to a web
browser.
If you are having technological difficulties you must contact the STUDENT CARE SUPPPORT
desk in CONNECT and get A Help Desk Ticket. It will be sent to me also so that I can give you an
extension.
The information of the STUDENT CARE SUPPPORT is:
1-800-331-5094
HOURS (Eastern Time or two hours ahead of us PacificTime):
M-Th:
8:00 am to 11:00 pm
FRIDAY:
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
SUNDAY evening:
6:00 to 11:00 pm
No Extra Credit: This class moves along at a brisk pace and it is challenging. If you fall behind, I
think it is more important that you focus on doing well on what is due right now rather than using
precious study time trying to write me long personal notes explaining why you are falling behind,
and asking for extra credit.
Grade Reports: This class is designed so that each student who works diligently should achieve
a grade of 85%/3.0 or better. To assist in that effort, you have in CONNECT a “Student
Performance Report” where you can track your progress.
Professional Communications: College is like work and in that way I (and all of your instructors)
expect you to communicate professionally. That means that in all communications you must:

Identify yourself fully, including our class name (SPAN 121 DVD, fall 2012) and your first
and last name.

Use complete sentences, including proper spelling and grammar.
Communications that don't meet the two criteria above will be sent back for clarification. Also
remember that I will reply to your email within 1 business day, so look for that reply and respond if
needed.
Tutor Support: Seattle Central Community College has a College Wide Tutorial Services
(including Spanish) on site. You must come in or call the information services if more information
is needed. Please, do not call me or e-mail regarding tutorial services. I don’t have additional
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information or hours of services as it changes from quarter to quarter and sometimes from week
to week.
Mobile Access - This class is mobile friendly. Using the browser on your mobile device, you
should be able to do the following activities:

Access your e-book for course readings

Do LearnSmart and other CONNECT required assignments
Accessibility. ADA ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
Do you have a documented Disability? If you need course adaptations or accommodations
because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you
need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment
with me or just please provide me with the Letter of Accommodation from the Seattle Central
Community College Disabilities Office BE1112. Hours: Mon-Fr 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Phone: (206)
934-4183. It is your responsibility to contact the ADA office, and arrange support with them.
Policy Regarding Academic Dishonesty. Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic
dishonesty are unacceptable in my class and at Seattle Central Community and are subject to
disciplinary action by the college. Any suspect documents will be returned and no credit given.
Confidentiality. Your student records are protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA). This includes the privacy of your interactions in this class. It is important that
everyone respect the privacy of our classroom. Do not share out the work, discussion posts or
other communications of your classmates without their express permission.
TOPICAL OUTLINE AND MAJOR DIVISIONS:
Nouns, Articles, Gender, and Number
Subject Pronouns
To be: Ser & Estar
Negation
Descriptive, possessive (stressed/unstressed), Demonstrative Adjectives
Present tense of regular, irregular verbs, and stem-changing verbs
Present Progressive Tense
Reflexive and Reciprocal verb constructions
The A personal
To know, Saber versus Conocer
Formal & Informal Commands
Expressions of Obligation
Declarative & Interrogative Sentences
Hacer y Hace que time expressions
Verbs like Gustar
To be + adjectives
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ASSIGNMENT S & PREPARATION
Textbook grammar studying, reading, and activities are for your personal understanding. LearSmart
(vocabulary and grammar builder), Workbook/Lab Manual, Homework, Practices, and Exams, are
all done within the Connect Platform as per date and time due.
COMPUTER LABORATORY
We will have weekly computer lab graded sessions. If you are new to computers, please take
one of the free orientation workshops during the first weeks of the quarter. Before each lab
session, and according to your expertise with multimedia software, I will instruct in how to use
your LearnSmart, DVDs, and other technology.
COURSE DESIGN AND STUDY HINTS
This course is structured to enable you to integrate the textbook readings, exercises, with a
“hands on” experience of the second language learning process by attending to our daily class.
You are expected to work daily for at least 50 minutes in order to build your language skills. Each
lesson time will vary according to your study habits. You can start slowly the first week, and
increase your work to every day during your second and third week. By the third week and
beyond you must be doing language work four times per week for forty minutes per study
session. Learning a second language is basically a skill, like building resistance or running, like
building muscle, like playing the piano. You must start slowly and gradually increase your load
while getting the benefits of cumulative knowledge.
SCHEDULE OF STUDY: To encourage attendance, it will be given daily in class. You also
have all your chapter assignments on-line now.
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