Pittsburg State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Modern
Languages and Literatures
WF 2013
Course Number and Title: 356-01 Conversation
II
Department: Modern Languages and Literatures
Credit Hours: 2
Pre-requisite: MLL 252 and 254
Co-requisite: MLL 358
Meets: Grubbs Hall 103, 11:00-11:50 MW
Course Delivery Method: In person (not online,
not hybrid)
Faculty Member
Grant D. Moss
Assistant Professor of Spanish and Portuguese
Modern Languages and Literatures
Office: 411 Grubbs Hall
Office Hours WF 2013: 10-11 MW, 1-2 M, 12-2 W,
11-12 TTH, 3-4 T, 2-4 TH, or by appointment
Telephone: 620-235-4713
E-mail: gmoss@pittstate.edu
Textbook
Tuten, Donald N., Lucía Caycedo Garner, and
Carmelo Esterrich. Fuentes. Lectura y Redacción.
4th Edition. New York: Heinle, Cengage Learning,
2011.
Resources
Spanish-Spanish Dictionary and Spanish-English
Dictionary
Course Description
This course is based on conversational activities
intended to continue the development of oral
proficiency as defined by the American Council on
the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Topics of
readings and discussions include history,
entertainment, travel, politics, the environment,
popular culture, the arts, and Hispanic families
today. Readings consist of informative articles,
essays, short stories, and poems. Discussions lead to
further appreciation of the target cultures. Spanish is
the language of instruction. This course is not a
lecture course.
Anticipated Learning Outcomes and Methods of
Assessment
Students will increase Spanish proficiency in five
areas: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and
culture. However, the overall results in these areas
depend primarily on the efforts of the student to
speak, listen, read, and write in Spanish. Students
will: (1) speak informally about a variety of topics
and offer formal presentations for four to five
minutes about specific themes without notes; (2)
listen to native speakers of Spanish and respond
appropriately; and (3) read texts in Spanish and
discuss/summarize their findings through writing
and speaking exercises.
The methods of assessment follow.
Components of the course evaluation
Oral Interview (20%)
Presentations (20%; 2 presentations x 10%)
Conversation Partner Sessions (20%)
Homework/In-Class Quizzes (20%)
Class Participation/Attendance (20%)
Oral Interview (20%)
Students will participate in an oral interview either
during the week before finals week or during finals
week. During these individual interviews with the
instructor (in his office), students demonstrate their
speaking proficiency. These interviews will be
recorded in order to trace students’ progress. No
make-up interviews are possible without
documentation (see Class Attendance policy for
examples of legitimate documentation).
Presentations (20%; 2 presentations x 10%)
Students will give two presentations; each must last
between four (4) and five (5) minutes in length no
more, no less. Students will earn their grade through
quality organization, non-repetitive coherence, and
their oral proficiency. You can find possible topics
in your textbook. Your goal is to take a stance and
defend that stance (whether you agree or not with
that view). See “Presentation Advice” at the end of
this syllabus for more information. At the end of
each presentation day, the class period will end with
a short quiz and question and answer period.
Conversation Partner Sessions (20%)
Students are required to engage in 30 minutes of
conversation in Spanish with a native speaker
outside of class each week (week 3-week 14). This
program is called “Conversation Partners.” The
Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
employs native speakers for this purpose. Their
hours of availability will be posted during the first
week of classes. Students will sign up for one of the
available time slots and then they will meet with
their conversation partner on a weekly basis. This is
a unique opportunity for students to improve their
oral proficiency. Students are expected to arrive to
their appointments on time, actively engage the
native speakers in conversation en español, and
speak about the topics discussed in class.
Homework/In-Class Quizzes (20%)
The homework grade consists primarily of two
assignments: hojas informativas and estudios en
Internet. For the hojas informativas, you will write
a brief 100-120 word summary en español of each
your sessions (weeks 3-14) with your conversation
partner. The format for these hojas is: Times New
Roman 12 point font, double-spaced, left aligned,
with a creative title (not “hoja 1” for example).
There should be an extra space between the title and
the body of the paragraph. Your header should be
left aligned (except for the title which you should
center) and contain your name, the class (MLL
356), and “hoja informativa #” each on a separate
line, single-spaced. You will turn in each hoja
informativa on Canvas in the corresponding drop
box as an attachment (your name hoja informativa
#.doc or .docx) before the class period when it is
due (see tentative calendar below). For example, if
my name were David Villa, then my hoja
informativa first document would be “David Villa
hoja informativa 1.doc”).
For the estudios en Internet, you will find an article
en español in on-line version of a newspaper from
the Spanish-speaking world (not from Wikipedia)
that refers to the theme for the week. For example
in week 14, you will find an article about art or a
work of art. In a word document, you will include
the link to your article and type five (5) main ideas
from it. The format for these estudios is: Times
New Roman 12 point font, double-spaced, left
aligned. There should be an extra space between the
link and the body of the paragraph. Your header
should be left aligned and contain your name, the
class (MLL 356), and “Estudio en Internet #” each
on a separate line, single-spaced. You will turn in
each estudio en Internet on Canvas in the
corresponding drop box as an attachment (your
name estudio en internet #.doc or .docx) before the
class period when it is due (see tentative calendar
below). For example, if my name were David Villa,
then my estudio en Internet document for week 2
would be “David Villa estudio en internet 2.doc”).
Then you will bring a hard copy or a digital copy to
class (after you have turned it in) to share with the
group on the day it is due. Please check to make
sure that your hojas informativas and your estudios
en Internet have posted correctly with the correct
file name as mentioned above. You are responsible
to make sure that assignments are turned in on time,
not Canvas. I recommend that you do not wait until
right before class to post as sometimes technology
is unreliable. Double check to make sure that the
technology functions properly. No late hojas
informativas or estudios en Internet will be
accepted without documentation, even if you post
the document late anyway.
At the end of each presentation day, the class period
will end with a short quiz and question and answer
period. Quizzes are given at the end of class unless
otherwise indicated. No make-up quizzes will be
given to students that miss class or leave before the
quiz unless they have documentation. See Class
Attendance and Participation Policy below for more
information.
Class Participation/Attendance (20%)
Students will earn weekly grades for participating in
class discussions. Participation is not the same as
attendance. If the student attends class but does not
participate in the class discussions or in the assigned
group work en español (see the Spanish-Only
Promise below), he or she will not earn a high
participation grade for that day. Participation points
cannot be made-up at a later date due to unexcused
absence. See Class Attendance and Participation
Policy below for more information.
Class Attendance and Participation Policy
This class includes numerous activities that require
you to engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and
evaluate. You are expected to be involved and stay
involved. Each meeting will add some new
dimension to your knowledge of the language and
its related cultures. Regular attendance and
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participation in class activities are essential to be a
successful language learner. You must prepare
carefully for class, complete all assignments in
advance and participate in class. Every day you will
earn a grade for individual, pair, and/or group
activities. In-class participation en español (see the
Spanish-Only Promise below) is essential for your
success in this class. Come ready to talk about the
text for that day! Every day that you do not attend
will affect your participation grade because you are
not in class to participate! If you do miss a class,
makeup work will be permitted only when the
instructor is presented with acceptable
documentation. Legitimate excused absences
include the following: participation in a scheduled
activity of an official University organization,
verifiable confining illness, serious verifiable family
emergencies, subpoenas, jury duty, and military
service. It is the student's responsibility to notify
his/her instructor of any excused absence as far in
advance as possible. Makeup work must be made
up in a timely manner (e.g. before the next
scheduled evaluation). Documentation for excused
absences must be presented as soon as possible. No
documentation (and by extension no makeup work)
will be accepted after the last day of regularly
scheduled classes. After two absences, each
additional undocumented absence will result in a 2
point reduction of your final grade per absence, i.e.,
2 unexcused absences (beyond the two "grace"
days) will reduce your final grade by 4 points. For
example if your overall average is 93% and you
have four unexcused absences your final grade will
be 89%. Absences are counted from the first day of
the quarter. Chronic lateness to class will also
reduce your grade. Three tardies equal one absence.
The instructor will not drop students from this
course for nonattendance or excessive absences. If
you do not attend class or have excessive absences
you should consider withdrawal from the course or
should consult with the various offices on campus.
Final Grades will be rounded to the nearest whole
percent. For example, 89.5% = 90% and 89.4% =
89%.
Grading Scale
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 0-59%
Study Abroad!
The department strongly recommends that all
Modern Languages and Literatures majors and
minors participate in accredited study abroad
programs. PSU offers study abroad scholarships as
well as assistance with other financial aid. To learn
Spanish-Only Promise
“I _______________ (insert your name here)
solemnly promise to speak Spanish and only
Spanish during class. I know that proficiency
depends on me; I must take responsibility for my
own learning and I must speak, listen, read, and
write in Spanish in order to improve my skills.”
Signed ___________________ Date_________
Your signature (electronic)
Sign the promise electronically on Canvas before
the second day of class.
Syllabus Agreement
“I certify that I have read the syllabus document in
its entirety and understand the principles therein. I
recognize that if I have any questions about the
syllabus, I will contact the instructor as soon as
possible knowing that an electronic response to my
inquiry may take 48 hours.”
Signed ___________________ Date_________
Your signature (electronic)
Sign the agreement electronically on Canvas before
the second day of class.
E-mail policy
The instructor may communicate with you through
Pittsburg State e-mail and/or Canvas. You should
check your Pitt State e-mail/Canvas daily for
updates from the instructor. The instructor will
check his e-mail at least once daily during regular
business hours (from Monday to Friday) and he will
usually respond to any e-mail inquiries within 24
hours. If you have questions about what the
homework is, you should ask a classmate or check
the calendar just in case our e-mail checks do not
coincide! No assignment will be accepted through
e-mail unless otherwise indicated.
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about accredited programs, contact Megan
Corrigan, Study Abroad Coordinator, at 235-4221
or visit 118C Whitesitt Hall. For information on
transfer credits, consult with Judy Berry-Bravo,
Chair of Modern Languages and Literatures, at 2354708 or visit 429 Grubbs Hall.
Student Conduct Code
According to the Student Conduct Code,
“Disruption of classes, seminars, research projects,
activities or operations of the University”
(http://www.pittstate.edu/audiences/currentstudents/policies/rights-and-responsibilities/studentconduct-code.dot) will not be tolerated. This
instructor does not permit the misuse of cell phones
or other electronic devices in class. Exceptions will
be made for assistive technologies for the vision-or
hearing-impaired in consultation with the Center for
Student Accommodations.
Center for Student Accommodations
If you feel that you may need an accommodation
based on the impact of a disability, you should
contact your instructor privately to discuss your
specific needs. Students with disabilities that have
been certified by the Center for Student
Accommodations will be appropriately
accommodated, and should inform the instructor as
soon as possible of their needs. The Center for
Student Accommodations is located in the Bryant
Student Health Center, telephone 620-235-4309.
Retro-credits
The Department of Modern Languages and
Literatures has a retro-credits program designed to
reward students who have already spent years
learning languages in high school. Students must
sign up for the program in 428 Grubbs Hall with
Kathy Dyer, Departmental Secretary, during the
first three weeks of the semester in which they take
their first language course at PSU. That course
determines their entry level and the maximum
credits they can earn through retro-credits. For more
information on retro-credits visit our webpage at
www.pittstate.edu/flang. Transfer students who
took language courses at another university or
college are not eligible. The Department encourages
students to seek faculty advice to determine their
best entry level.
Ike Certificate
This course can count towards the academic
component of the IKE Certificate of International
Knowledge and Experience. The IKE Certificate
may be earned by students in any major. The
academic component consists of five courses - two
semesters of a foreign language, and three courses
with international content in three different
disciplines. To receive the certificate, students must
also complete a second component, either by
studying abroad, or by participating in co-curricular
activities on campus. Completion of the IKE
certificate as an undergraduate is noted on a
student’s PSU undergraduate transcript, although
graduate students may also earn the certificate. To
be added to the IKE Canvas group and start tracking
your progress towards the certificate, please e-mail
your GUS number in a request to ike@pittstate.edu.
More information on the IKE program is available
online at
http://www.pittstate.edu/department/ike/internationa
l-knowledge-and-experience/index.dot.
Linguafolio
Linguafolio is an assessment tool that encourages
students to recognize and record their proficiency
level at various times during their study of a foreign
language. The program encourages each student to
create a personal checklist; this list helps the student
to focus on the skills that he/she must develop in
order to achieve a higher level of proficiency. If
used appropriately, this tool can increase a student’s
ability to identify his/her strengths and weaknesses
in the language in order to improve. For more
information see your instructor or the Canvas page
for our course.
ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of
Foreign Languages) 2012 Proficiency Guidelines
Speaking Writing, Listening and Reading
http://www.actfl.org/files/public/ACTFLProficiency
Guidelines2012_FINAL.pdf
Spanish Table
WF 2013: Mondays 12:00-1:00 at Gorilla Crossing
4
Other important Pittsburg State information
See the end of this syllabus (after the tentative
calendar) for other pertinent information or visit
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/forms.dot.
Tentative Course Schedule (Subject to change)
Semana 1
19 de agosto
En clase: Introducción, Capítulo 1: Los hispanos
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Study the syllabus
and complete the Syllabus Agreement on Canvas
before the beginning of our next class. Read and
sign the Spanish-Only Promise on Canvas before
next class, too.
21 de agosto
En clase: Capítulo 1: Los hispanos
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Estudiar capítulo
1/Fill out Linguafolio documents found on Canvas
and submit them
Semana 2
26 de agosto
En clase: Capítulo 2: Historia de España
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Sign up for your
conversation partner
28 de agosto
En clase: Capítulo 2: Historia de España
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Tarea para la
siguiente clase: Estudio en Internet 1 en Canvas
antes de la próxima clase
Semana 3
2 de septiembre
Día de trabajo: NO HAY CLASE
4 de septiembre
En clase: Capítulo 3: La América indígena: Ayer y
hoy
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 1 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
Semana 4
9 de septiembre
En clase: Capítulo 3: La América indígena: Ayer y
hoy
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar Estudio en
Internet 2 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
11 de septiembre
En clase: Capítulo 3: La América indígena: Ayer y
hoy
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 2 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
Semana 5
16 de septiembre
En clase: Capítulo 4: África en América: el Caribe
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar Estudio en
Internet 3 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
18 de septiembre
En clase: Capítulo 4: África en América: el Caribe
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 3 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
Semana 6
23 de septiembre
En clase: Capítulo 4: África en América: el Caribe
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar Estudio en
Internet 4 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
25 de septiembre
En clase: Capítulo 5: Latinos Americanos
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 4 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
Semana 7
30 de septiembre
En clase: Capítulo 5: Latinos Americanos
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar Estudio en
Internet 5 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
2 de octubre
En clase: Capítulo 5: Latinos Americanos
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 6 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
Semana 8
7 de octubre
En clase: Capítulo 6: Dictadura y democracia
5
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Preparar tu
presentación 1
9 de octubre
En clase: Presentaciones; Prueba 1
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 7 en Canvas antes de clase el lunes;
Preparar tu presentación 1
Semana 9
14 de octubre
En clase: Presentaciones; Prueba 2
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Preparar tu
presentación 1
16 de octubre
En clase: Presentaciones, Prueba 3
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 8 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
Semana 10
21 de octubre
En clase: Capítulo 7: La crisis ecológica
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar Estudio en
Internet 6 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
23 de octubre
En clase: Capítulo 7: La crisis ecológica
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 9 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
Semana 11
28 de octubre
En clase: Capítulo 7: La crisis ecológica
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar Estudio en
Internet 7 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
30 de octubre
En clase: Capítulo 7: La crisis ecológica
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 10 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
Semana 12
4 de noviembre
En clase: Capítulo 8: En busca de seguridad
económica
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar Estudio en
Internet 8 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase
6 de noviembre
En clase: Capítulo 8: En busca de seguridad
económica
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Entregar hoja
informativa 11 en Canvas antes de la próxima clase;
Preparar tu presentación 2
Semana 13
11 de noviembre
En clase: Capítulo 9: Arte, identidad y realidad
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Preparar tu
presentación 2
13 de noviembre
En clase: Presentaciones; Prueba 4
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Preparar tu
presentación 2
Semana 14
18 de noviembre
En clase: Presentaciones; Prueba 5
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Preparar tu
presentación 2
20 de noviembre
En clase: Presentaciones; Prueba 6
Tarea para la siguiente clase: Preparar para tu
entrevista oral
Semana 15
25 de noviembre
NO HAY CLASE
27 de noviembre
Vacaciones del día de acción de gracias: NO
HAY CLASE
Semana 16
2 de diciembre
Entrevistas orales
4 de diciembre:
Entrevistas orales
Semana de exámenes finales (del 9 al 13 de
diciembre)
Entrevistas orales
6
Other Important Pittsburg State Information
IMPORTANT DATES
8/19.........................................................................................Classes begin
8/26.............................................................................................Tuition due
8/26....................................Last day for full tuition refund if withdrawing
8/26........................Last day to add classes w/o permission of instructor
8/30..........................................Final day to drop w/o transcript notation
9/2....................................................................................Labor Day Holiday
9/23.....................................................Last day for half refund if withdrawing
10/10-10/11...................................................................................Fall Break
10/14.................................Mid-term D and F grades available after 5:00 pm
11/4.............Final day to drop a course unless withdrawing from all classes
11/27................................................................Thanksgiving Holiday begins
11/27....................................................Last day to withdraw from all classes
12/9......................................................................Finals week through 12/13
12/13...Deadline to remove/extend IN grades for 2013 SP and SU semester
12/16......................................................................Grades due from faculty
DROPPING A COURSE OR WITHDRAWING FOR
THE SEMESTER
Beginning the 12th week through the 16th week of full-term courses, individual
courses cannot be dropped.
A student who does not officially withdraw from a course or from the
university will be assigned an “F” grade in the course or courses concerned.
These “F” grades will be included in the computation of the grade point
average.
The dates for dropping courses that run fewer than sixteen weeks are
proportionate to the length of the course (e.g. the last day to drop an eight
week course would be the end of the sixth week). Consult your instructor or
the Registrar’s Office for questions about a specific course. For students who
wish to withdraw from all classes after the 12th week of the term, the instructor
must assign a grade of W or F.
To drop a course after the 5th day of class or for clarification on drop/add
policies, contact the Registrar’s Office, 103 Russ Hall, 620-235-4200 or
registrar@pittstate.edu.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Office of Student Financial Assistance is required to recalculate financial
aid eligibility for students who withdraw, stop attending or are dismissed prior
to completing 60 percent of a semester. This calculation applies to students
receiving Title IV funds including:
Federal Pell Grant
Stafford Loan
ACG – Academic Competitiveness Grant
SMART Grant for math and science
TEACH Grant for education majors
Parent PLUS Loan
Federal financial aid is returned to the federal government based on the
percent of unearned aid disbursed toward institutional charges for tuition, fees,
and on-campus room and board. Students may be required to repay a portion
of the aid funds received.
When aid is returned, the student may owe a debit balance to the University
and/or Department of Education Title IV Programs.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
International students studying on F or J visas must be in proper immigration
status and are required to always be in full time enrollment (minimum 12
hours undergraduate. or 9 hours graduate). For additional information
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/international/internationalstudents/
immigration.dot
CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students at Pittsburg State University are expected to attend class regularly
and participate fully in class activities. It is the responsibility of the course
instructor to set the attendance policy for his or her courses and communicate
that policy to students in the course syllabus. The syllabus should address
whether and how attendance affects the course grade, the issue of excused
absences, and whether students will be dropped for nonattendance or
excessive absence.
Students who have not attended or who have been excessively absent from a
class may be dropped from the course by the instructor. In such instances, this
policy must be clearly stated in the syllabus and uniformly enforced.
Students may be dropped at anytime in the semester based on course policy.
Instructor drops after the beginning of the 12th week of a full semester class
will result in a grade of “F” for the course.
Regardless of the faculty prerogative to drop a student for nonattendance or
excessive absence, the ultimate responsibility for monitoring and maintaining
up-to-date course enrollment rests with the student.
SEVERE WEATHER INFORMATION
If forecasts or weather conditions suggest that travel in the area could become
hazardous a policy is in place to determine if classes or other University
activities will be cancelled. This policy and notification process can be found
at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/president/policies/severeweatheremergency-plan.dot Notification methods typically include the PSU website,
local news media, and text messaging for those who subscribe to this service.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Academic dishonesty by a student is defined as unethical activity associated
with course work or grades.
It includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Giving or receiving unauthorized aid on examinations.
(b) Giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the preparation of notebooks,
themes, reports, papers or any other assignments.
(c) Submitting the same work for more than one course without the
instructor’s permission, and,
(d) Plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as using ideas or writings of another and
claiming them as one’s own. Copying any material directly (be it the work of
other students, professors, or colleagues) or copying information from print or
electronic sources (including the internet) without explicitly acknowledging
the true source of the material is plagiarism. Plagiarism also includes
paraphrasing other individuals’ ideas or concepts without acknowledging their
work, or contribution. To avoid charges of plagiarism, students should follow
the citation directions provided by the instructor and/or department in which
the class is offered. The above guidelines do not preclude group study for
exams, sharing of sources for research projects, or students discussing their
ideas with other members of the class unless explicitly prohibited by the
instructor. Since the violation of academic honesty strikes at the heart of the
education process, it is subject to the severest sanctions, up to and including
receiving an “F” or “XF” (an “XF” indicates that “F” was the result of
academic dishonest) for the entire class and dismissal from the university.
For a full copy of this policy refer to the on-line catalog found on the
Registrar’s website at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/. Within the
catalog, click on Student Rights and Responsibilities and then click Academic
Integrity.
MID-TERM GRADES
After the eighth week of the fall and spring semester, mid-semester “D” and
“F” grades submitted by faculty are reported by the Office of the Registrar to
the dean of the college in which you are majoring. All “D” and “F” grades
submitted by faculty will be reported by the Registrar to you and your
academic advisor through the on-line student information system (GUS). No
mid-semester report of “D” and “F” grades are distributed for the summer
session.
INCOMPLETE GRADES
Incomplete grade may be assigned in rare instances when a student is unable
to complete a course due to circumstances beyond his/her control. You must
have completed a majority of the coursework to be eligible for this
consideration. Unless granted an extension by the instructor, students have
only one semester to complete the work.
If you feel like you qualify for an Incomplete grade, you should visit with
your instructor and not assume an IN grade will be assigned automatically.
FINAL GRADE REPORTS
7
Final grades are reported to the Registrar’s Office at the conclusion of the
course. You may access your grades in GUS immediately upon grade posting.
GRADE APPEALS
Final course grades are to be awarded upon criteria communicated to the
student at the beginning of the semester. Additional work after a final grade
was submitted cannot be used to change the grade.
If you believe that an error has been made in the assignment or recording of a
final grade, you should first confer with the instructor. If such a conference
does not resolve the problem, a grade appeal form must be submitted to the
head of the academic department that offers the course in question. This
appeal form must be submitted no later than six weeks after the beginning of
the fall or spring semester immediately following the semester in which the
grade being appealed was received.
The appeal form is available online on the Registrar’s Office and Graduate
School’s webpage under forms.
DEAD WEEK POLICY
No tests or major assignments will be presented during the week prior to final
examination week, unless identified in the course syllabus presented at the
start of the semester.
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Final examinations will be given according to the schedule of examinations
available at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/final-exam-schedule.dot
FINAL EXAM OVERLOAD POLICY
If you have three or more final exams officially scheduled for a single day you
are entitled to arrange with the faculty member instructing the highest
numbered course (the 3 digit number following the department code) a
different day for the exam. If two courses have the same number, the course
with the lower enrollment would be rescheduled.
Students requesting accommodation should submit their request on the form
found at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/forms.dot along with a copy
of their class schedule, at least two weeks prior to the beginning of final exam
week. The faculty member has until the Monday of pre-finals week to arrange
a mutually convenient time for administration of the final exam. If the matter
cannot be resolved between student and faculty member, you may take the
request to the Office of the Provost, 220 Russ Hall, no later than the
Wednesday of dead week.
WHERE TO GO FOR ASSISTANCE
Pittsburg State administration, faculty, and staff are here to assist you in your
academic success. If you have questions or concerns that affect your academic
success, it is important that we hear from you.
Your Instructor
Faculty members usually include their office hours and contact information in
the class syllabus. If not, set a time to meet with your instructor by speaking
with him/her prior to or immediately following your class session or check
with the departmental office for instructor availability.
Writing Assistance
The Writing Center offers free writing consultations for students at any stage
of the writing process for any writing project. Writing Center consultants are
experienced writers who are committed to helping you achieve your writing
goals.
Dr. Don Judd and Dr. Janet Zepernick, Directors, Writing Center
Telephone: 620-235-4694
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/writing_center/
Library
The Axe Library provides comprehensive services and materials including
both physical and online books, periodicals, and interlibrary loan. Also
available to students are a computer lab, with color printing, scanning and
faxing capabilities.
Telephone: 620-235-4880
http://axe.pittstate.edu/
Tutoring
Tutoring programs related to general education classes are available.
Whether you are studying for a test, writing a paper or preparing a
presentation, tutors can help you sharpen your skills and increase your
knowledge. If you are struggling with a class, then a tutor can help you get
back on track. Use tutoring to get better grades!
Ashley Conyers, Student Success Counselor, Student Success Center
Telephone: 620-235-4951
E-mail: aconyers@pittstate.edu
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/exploratory-studies/tutoring.dot.
Computer/Technology Assistance
Gorilla Geeks Help Desk is responsible for assisting students with various
technology needs. Services available include help with GUS and GusPINs,
PSU email, assistance with campus system problems and support of the
campus wireless network. In addition the center will help you with technology
needs that are essential for academic success. Services include assistance with
educational software packages used on campus including Microsoft OS,
Office applications, basic Canvas support and other campus applications; help
with computer hardware or software problems; wireless connectivity; and
configuring new computers.
Gorilla Geeks Help Desk
Telephone: 620-235-4600
E-mail: Geeks@pittstate.edu
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/gorilla-geeks/
Services for Students with Learning Disabilities
Allison Adams, Coordinator, Center for Student Accommodations
Telephone: 620-235-6584
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/counseling/center-for-studentaccommodations.
dot
Services for Students with Physical Disabilities
Cindy Johnson, Director, Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action
Telephone: 620-235-4189
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/eoaa/
Student Health Center
Telephone: 620-235-4452
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/health/
University Counseling Services
Telephone: 620-235-4452
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/counseling/
General Questions
If you have questions about university policies or procedures, need assistance
with academic success skills (such as note taking, effective reading
techniques, and test taking strategies), or have general questions about your
academic progress, Enrollment Management & Student Success can assist or
refer you to the appropriate office.
Enrollment Management & Student Success
Telephone: 620-235-4109
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMATION
Pittsburg State University is committed to a policy of educational equity. Accordingly, the
University admits students, grants financial aid and scholarships, conducts all educational programs,
activities, and employment practices without regard to race, religion, color, sex, disability, national
origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity or
gender expression.
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Presentation Advice
Many might argue that presentational skills and conversation go hand-in-hand. If one cannot present
his/her ideas clearly when he/she presents, then that might suggest that he/she cannot converse intelligibly or
the reverse may be true: he/she might not converse appropriately therefore his/her presentational skills might
not be up to par. In other words, if one were to develop his/her presentational skills, his/her conversational skills
could also grow. The purpose of this document is to lay out a successful outline for presentations and provide a
framework to obtain a high level of success during your presentations. You should use this document as a
flexible guide to plan what you present. From another perspective, you could use this list of introductory
elements as a guide, as you search for a viable argument, for the kinds of questions that you need to be able to
answer before you present. If you can include the following elements in the presentation, you are well on your
way to an excellent talk. You will capture the attention of your listeners; you will convince him/her that your
idea is creative and relevant; he/she will continue to listen; and he/she will understand the goal of your
presentation.
1.
Hook
Persuade listeners that this is an unavoidable topic. This will often be some kind of original lead-in to the
subject.
2.
Thesis
Articulate the essence of your argument clearly. This should intrigue and attract your listeners (listeners don’t
want to hear that you are going to spend five minutes proving something that they already think they
understand). Your thesis can be complex and suggestive, but it must be clear: “el propósito de esta presentación
es…” or “en esta presentación quiero demostrar…” are excellent examples of what you want to do in your
speech.
3.
Who cares? / ¿Y qué?
You should always ask yourself this question and be able to answer it; it refers to the broader implications of
your presentation.
4.
Other hints for your presentational skills in general and for your presentaciones in class
A. Avoid the present progressive and gerunds. Examples: estoy pensando, estaba haciendo, etc. In fact, one
might recommend that speakers avoid estar in general.
B. Avoid the word “Esto.”
C. Be careful with the word discutir.
D. Avoid use of the word interesante.
E. Avoid gustar.
F. Avoid importante.
G. Avoid rhetorical questions. Examples: ¿Es redonda la tierra?
H. Avoid biographical information (about yourself or the author). Examples: Grant Moss nació en Utah.
I. Avoid summarizing a text too much (usually one or two sentences will do). If you summarize too much, you
lose your voice and you dilute your argument.
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