SPANISH 2223 (formerly 3323) - COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction to Textual Analysis and Composition
(University of Calgary equivalent: SPAN 323)
Semester: FALL 2007
Pre-requisite:
SPAN 3301
Instructor: Dr. Marcia Espinoza-Vera (E-mail: mespinozavera@mtroyal.ca)
Office: EA 3179
Office Phone: 440-7226
Department Office Phone: 440-6528
Office Hours: Monday 12-2pm; Thursday 12:30-1:30pm
Required Textbooks:
- Composición Práctica
Trinidad González & Joseph Farell.
New York, John Wiley & sons, 2001.
Recommended Materials: A bilingual dictionary as well as a Spanish dictionary (www.rae.es)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course is intended for students who have successfully completed Spanish 2211 (formerly
3301) or have the consent of the department.
The main objectives of Spanish 2223 (formerly 3323) are:
• To develop practical writing skills through the use of different techniques
• To expand the composition strategies introduced in the first year courses
• To practice the grammar and vocabulary already learned in specific writing contexts.
• To interpret and evaluate the content of a variety of texts from the Hispanic world.
CONTENT OF ASSIGNMENTS
• Written exams will have three sections: 1) vocabulary section, 2) grammar
section 3) writing section based on the material covered in class.
• Compositions’ topics will be based on reading of literary texts distributed by the
teacher in class; topics will be given ahead of time so that students come prepare to
write them in class.
Additional Information
1. It is expected that students come to class prepared with the assignments previously given
by the instructor.
2. You are responsible for all information (including, but not limited to, notes,
quiz/assignments, tests, etc.) that is presented in class. Absence from class is not an
excuse for missing class proceedings.
3. Attendance and Participation in class activities are essential for language learning. Please
read attendance and participation rules in page 2.
4. Students are expected to write all exams and hand in all written assignments. Exams and
activities which are not handed in will be given a grade of zero.
5. Only one make-up exam or composition will be allowed. A student who misses a
scheduled test or composition must send an e-mail in advance to provide an adequate
explanation to the instructor in order to be allowed a rewrite.
6. Please refer to www.mtroyal.ca/codeofstudentconduct with respect to academic
dishonesty and non-academic misconduct.
1
EVALUATION
The final grade for the course will be determined as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
40%
20%
30%
10%
Tests (4)
In-class compositions (2)
Final Exam
Attendance & Participation*
*Attendance (5%) Participation (5%) Criteria:
- 0-1 absence : 100%
- 2-3 absences: 75%
- 4-5 absences: 50%
- 6-7 absences: 25%
- 8+ absences 0%
-Always well prepared
100%
-Often well prepared
75%
-Sometimes well prepared 50%
-Rarely well prepared
25%
-Never prepared
0%
GRADING SCALE
A+
97-100%
A
93-96%
89-92%
B+
85-88%
B
80-84%
A75-79%
C+
70-74%
C
65-69%
B60-64%
D+
55-59%
D
50-54%
F
49-lower
GRADE
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
A
The learner demonstrates the ability to clearly and accurately express ideas on the topics covered specially in
written discourse. The learner can demonstrate a very good control of present, past and future tenses and of
vocabulary dealt with in class. The learner can produce connected discourse that shows some creativity at an
intermediate level. The learner can discuss cultural content and express personal opinions of some length.
The learner demonstrates the ability to express ideas, clearly and with a good degree of accuracy, on the topics
covered. The learner can demonstrate good control of present, past and future and of vocabulary dealt with in class.
The learner can produce simple connected discourse. Sometimes there is a limitation on the use of appropriate
grammar and vocabulary. The learner can discuss some cultural content and express simple personal opinions.
The learner can recall limited vocabulary and use few structures to express simple ideas on the topics covered.
There is a limitation on the use of appropriate grammar and vocabulary, but meaning is not obscured. The learner
can discuss some cultural content on the topics discussed.
The learner shows limited understanding of simple language on the topics presented in class. The learner can
express very few simple ideas in the present, past and future. The learner demonstrates very limited control of basic
grammar structures and vocabulary and meaning is sometimes obscured.
The learner shows restricted understanding of the target language on the topic areas. The learner can use very
limited vocabulary and is often unable to express ideas clearly in the present, past and future on the topics dealt with
in class. The learner has poor control of basic grammar structures and lacks the content knowledge of the topics
discussed in class.
B
C
D
F
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Although the main focus of Spanish 2223 (formerly 3323) is to expand students’ reading and writing ability at an intermediate level,
it also addresses the development of the other two skills (listening and speaking ) in an integrated way. The following will be the
outcomes for SPANISH 2223 (formerly 3323):
Listening:. Able to follow in class interaction in Spanish with classmates and instructor when carrying out tasks and projects.
Speaking: Able to participate in simple conversation on topics related to the class material and interact with peers and instructor.
Reading: Able to understand main ideas and details as well as interpret journalistic, scientific and literary texts written for native
speakers. Able to derive meaning from texts at an intermediate level applying different reading strategies.
Writing: Able to produce written material of different genres such as descriptions, narrations, reports and summaries on the topics of
the course. Able to develop ideas in more detail using a richer vocabulary, expressions and cohesive devices.
Culture: Develop a better understanding of some social and artistic features of Hispanic cultures which will be achieved through
readings and in class discussions.
ASSESSMENT
Reading: Comprehension questions, summaries and reports on the readings in the course textbook and additional printed material.
Writing: Guided compositions, paragraph writing and reports related to the topics of the course.
Culture: Content information questions and some interpretation of cultural features of Spanish speaking countries related to the
readings.
2
SPANISH 2223 (formerly 3323) - Fall 2008
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Mes
Semana
Septiembre
1 (Tu4 -Th6)
Martes
Jueves
Presentación del curso
Cap1
Cap 1
2 (Tu11-Th13)
Cap 1
Cap2
3 (Tu18-Th20)
Cap2
Cap2
4 (Tu25-Th27)
Test 1 (cap1&2)
Cap3
Octubre
5 (Tu2-Th4)
Cap3
Cap 3
6 (Tu9-Th11)
In class composition 1,v1
Cap4
Cap4
7 (Tu16-Th18)
Cap4
8 (Tu23-Th25)
In class composition 1,v2
Test 2 (cap 3 &4)
Cap6
Cap6
9 (Tu30-Th1Nov)
Noviembre
10 (Tu6- Th8)
Cap6
Cap 7
In class composition 2,v1
Cap7
Cap7
11 (Tu13-Th15)
No class
12 (Tu20-Th22)
Cap8
13 (Tu27-Th29)
Diciembre
14 (Tu4-Th6)
Test 3(cap 6&7)
Cap8
In class composition2 v2,
Cap8
Cap10
3
Cap10
Test 4 (cap 8 &10)