Spanish 101
Linda Robertson
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read the following statement from the Disabled Students Programs and Services:
“SBCC students with disabilities who are requesting accommodations
for classes, college activities or tests should use the following SBCC
procedure. (NOTE: This procedure also includes student requests to bring
into classes personal service attendants who are not SBCC employees. This
procedure also includes student requests to bring service animals into
classes.)
[1] Contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS).
[2] Submit documentation of your disability to the DSPS office.
[3] Communicate with a DSPS counselor regarding options for services and
accommodations.
[4] Reach written accommodation agreement with the DSPS counselor and
your instructor.
Contact: DSPS office (805) 965-0581 x 2364, SS Building, room 160,
dspshelp@sbcc.edu
SBCC requests you complete this process at least ten working days before
your accommodation is needed, in order to allow DSPS staff time to provide
your accommodation.”
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
The goal of the first year Spanish program at SBCC is to develop proficiency in the Spanish
language. By the end of this course (101-102) students will be able to:
1. Write in Spanish using rudimentary phrases and sentences, with minimal degree of
accuracy, employing grammatical structures and high frequency vocabulary used in
everyday tasks.
2. Speak in Spanish with limited accuracy and communicative skills.
3. Comprehend a short and simple reading passage and / or conversation in Spanish.
4. Identify major cultural traits of Spanish-speaking peoples.
Tests
1, Do you drop the lowest test score?
NO!
2. Do you allow make-up exams?
Only if you contact me before or immediately after missing an exam. Showing up in
class announcing “I missed the exam” will no longer be honored. I can be reached via
email, which I check regularly.
3. What do we need to bring to an exam?
Only a writing instrument.
4. What happens to cheaters?
Nothing pleasant. The offense will be reported to the Dean, who will deal
with the issue before the student is permitted to return to class.
5. Do you ever give pop quizzes?
Never. I don’t like surprises either.
6. Will we have a review class before each exam?
Always. It is a mistake to miss this class.
7. Are your exams hard?
My exams fairly reflect the material being studied. I do not give open-book
exams.
Class participation:
1. Does attendance matter?
Of course it matters but your grade is not based on your attendance. Bear in mind, however
that you cannot participate if you are not in class.
2. May I arrive late or leave early?
By prior arrangement only, without disrupting the class.
3. What do I have to do to get a high grade in class participation?
Speak up during homework correction sessions.
Write on the board during board exercise and exam review sessions.
Ask questions.
Come to office hours.
Do extra credit assignments when provided.
Do NOT indulge in disruptive behavior or disturb your classmates.
4. What if I am a shy person?
Sit in the front row and participate early in the class period.
Get acquainted as soon as possible with those sitting near you.
5. What if I give the wrong answer when I do participate?
Stuff happens! If you had all the answers, you wouldn’t need this class.
The language lab
1. Do I have to go to the lab? I don’t really have the time or inclination.
I believe that lab attendance is vital to your performance in the class. Part of your chapter
tests must be taken online, and the lab is the best environment in which to fulfuill this
requirement.
2. May I do the work from my home computer?
Not if you want the work to count toward your lab minutes.
3. What do I do in the lab?
Suggestions and assignments will be posted on your class web page from time to time
Always check your class web page at http://vog.websb.net/span101.html
Read and obey lab rules. You will be expelled from the lab if you do not comply.
4. How much time am I expected to spend in the lab?
350 minutes per semester, which is an average of 50 minutes per chapter + the final exam
5. How much does my time in the lab count toward my final grade?
5%. If you go overtime in the lab, it will help your final grade. It might hurt
your course grade if you decide not to comply with the lab requirement.
Miscellaneous:
1. Do you recommend additional books?
Yes. 501 Spanish Verbs is a very useful resource for you.
My favorite Spanish / English dictionary is The American Heritage Spanish
Dictionary.
2. Do you give extra-credit assignments?
From time to time.
3. Do you collect homework?
We go over it in class together. Those who come prepared do very well in class
participation. I am always happy to correct any exercises that you hand in, however.
4. How can I contact you?
By email: robertson@sbcc.edu or lrobertson@pipeline.sbcc.edu
5. What are your office hours?
A half hour before class time, on class days or by appointment.
Email me any time with your questions. I am happy to reply.
6. Any further suggestions?
Be very punctual in taking in-lab exams. Non-compliance will hurt your grade.
Keep up! If you fall behind, you will have a hard time catching up.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The only “stupid question” is the one you
failed to ask.
Attend regularly. Many questions get answered in class.
Avail yourself of tutoring, when available.
Find a compatible study partner.
Don’t expect to become fluent overnight. Language learning is a process!
Remember to respect the rights of your classmates by not disrupting class.
No food allowed in the classroom. You may bring securely covered non-alcoholic drinks.
Last but definitely not least, leave those cell phones OFF in the classroom!!