Spanish II Syllabus
Teacher
Mrs. Pagnone
Email
mpagnone@northphoenixprep.org
Period
3rd
Classroom Location
Building E
Classroom 503
Course Overview
Bienvenidos! I am excited to have you in my Spanish II class. This course comprises a
comprehensive review of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. It will also give you an
introduction to reading beautiful literary texts in Spanish. The skills that you acquired in
Spanish I will be strengthened. We will focus in the four traditional areas: listening,
speaking, reading, and writing. You will enjoy learning about history and culture of
Spanish speaking countries. As in Spanish I, you should expect to work hard and be ready
to study daily on your own, in addition to complete all the assignments.
You should make every effort to attend each class and be on time. Your success in this
class depends not only on your grades on tests, projects, and homework but also on
participation which includes attendance, preparedness, and orderliness.
This is an immersion class so you will be asked to speak only in Spanish. In order to
improve the use of the language it is important to stay in the target language throughout
each class. To emphasize the importance of speaking Spanish, you participation grade will
be highly impacted by the amount of Spanish you use to communicate with others and
with me in this class.
If you have any question or need additional tutoring please contact me, I'll be happy to
help, we can meet during Lyceum or by appointment only before or after school.
Required Text
We will start the course with a review of what you learned in Spanish I, later we will start
using the following books:
Reflejos, Renjilian-Burgy, et al
Exploraciones en Literatura, Chastain, ed.
La Barca sin Pescador, Casona
Course Materials
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§
Textbook
Notebook (composition notebook or what you like to use to
take notes)
§ Pocket Folder
§ Pencils/pens
§ Highlighters
§ Additional materials may be required for specific projects;
students will be notified in advance.
Tips for successful participation
Ÿ Speak Spanish in class at all times. Express yourself using the grammar, vocabulary, and
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common phrases you will be acquiring.
Ÿ Volunteer to participate.
Ÿ You can ask questions, but please keep focus on the subject of the day.
Ÿ Pay attention to pronunciation, try to imitate the accent you hear from your teacher.
Ÿ Be accepting of your mistakes, is normal for a person acquiring a language to make
mistakes, this is what we are here for, be bold.
Ÿ Listen to your classmates, this will help you to answer the next question, effectively
participate in conversations, and learn from their mistakes.
Ÿ Stay on task during group work. If you finish a group activity early and you have extra
time, use it to practice your Spanish.
Course Schedule (First Semester)
When
Language
1st Quarter
Ser o estar (description)
El Dios de las moscas (Denevi)
Present tense
Los dos reyes y los laberintos
(Borges)
Comparison
Object pronouns
Literature
El Buen Ejemplo (Riva Palacio)
Gustar (what do you like)
Type verbs
Present subjunctive in nominal and adjectival clauses
Demonstratives
nd
2 Quarter
Direct Commands
Rimas (Bécquer)
Negative/affirmative expressions
El mejor lugar (Hervás Fernández)
Pero/sino (que)
Future tense
Conditional tense
Diminutives/augmentatives
Progressive tenses
Perfect indicative tenses
Prepositions
Past subjunctive
Definite articles
Perfect subjective tenses
Class Rules & Procedures
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•
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Be prepared and on time.
Be on your seat when the class starts.
Follow directions the first time.
Respect others and their space.
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•
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Pass in all assignments timely.
Participate in all classroom activities.
We will go over a more comprehensive list during the first day of class, I’ll hand-out a copy to you.
Grading and Summary of Expectations
I plan to give you many opportunities to demonstrate your work through multiple assignments. My objectives are (1) to be
fair and objective, and (2) only to grade students' work, never grade her/his self-worth. Grades are earned and are not
subject to negotiation.
Individual
Participation/classroom activities: 20%
Homework: 20%
Exams: 20%
Short Quizzes: 20%
Special assignment: 20%
Homework Policy
Daily homework will comprise of written exercises (from the textbook and paquetes), new vocabulary, and reading about
grammar. The purpose of the homework is to enhance and test your mastery of the language. Homework assignments
(paquetes) will be collected and graded. Homework is due by the beginning of the class period in which it is due and can
either be handed over or if you are going to miss a class you can email the work ahead of time (email your homework only
if you won’t attend the class). Expect to receive feedback next Monday after homework is received.
We will complete several special assignments during the school year, such as preparing presentations, preparing or
improvising skits, and working on creative writing or essays. We will read poetry, short stories, and novels, as well as one
full-length play, La Barca del Pescador, from which students will present scenes in small groups.
Additional Information
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All North Phoenix Classes are governed by the Academy Honor Code,
http://northphoenixprep.org/downloads/Academy-Honor-Code.pdf
If your parents need to communicate with me, feel free to email me. This is my preferred method of
communication, but you/they can also call the schools and leave a message. I will try my best to return your or
their call within the next 48 hours.
“Un libro, como un viaje, se comienza con inquietud y se termina con melancolía”
José Vasconcelos
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Parent/Student Signature Page
To be returned to Mrs. Pagnone
Student agreement
I have read and understand the procedures and class breakdown for Spanish II. I agree to work hard, do my best, prepare in
advance, and bring my best attitude to class.
Name (printed): ____________________________________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent agreement
I have read and understand the procedures and class breakdown for my student's Spanish II class.
Name (printed): _____________________________________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________________________________________________
&----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please, help me to get to know you better… Gracias!
Full Name: ___________________________________
Have you taken any Spanish classes before this one? What class(es) and where?
What other language have you studied/learned or speak at home? For how long?
Why did you choose to study Spanish at NPP?
Tell me something else about yourself
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