SPANISH 123 Primavera 2012
INSTRUCTOR: Felipe Montoya
EMAIL: fmontoya@clark.edu
OFFICE LOCATION: TBG 135
OFFICE TELEPHONE: 699 2717
OFFICE HOURS: TTh 11AM – 6PM or by appointment
LANGUAGE LAB AND TUTORING: Bauer Hall 101 (see this link: http://www.csci.clark.edu/~enl)
CLASS TIME AND LOCATION: Daily 1-1:50pm in 107 HHL
TEXTBOOK SUPERSITE: http://www.vhlcentral.com/
PRE-REQUISITES: Spanish 122 or the equivalent, including three years of recent high school Spanish. Talk with
your professor or take the S-cape placement test in the assessment center of the Penguin Union Building to
find out what class you should take if you have doubts.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: YOU NO NOT NEED TO BUY THE TEXTBOOK/SUPERSITE ACCESS CODE IF YOU HAVE
ALREADY TAKEN SPANISH 121 OR 122 AT CLARK COLLEGE.
1) Option #1: AVENTURAS, 3rd Edition. Student Edition w/ SUPERSITE passcode (isbn 978-1-60007-921-4)
from Vistas Higher Learning. Available for purchase at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall
$139.05. The Aventuras and the passcode will be used for Spanish 121, 122 and 123 and all codes give
you access to the program for 36 months. You may also purchase this directly from
www.vhldirect.com
Option #2: You may RENT the textbook AVENTURAS, 3rd edition from the Clark College Bookstore for
one term for $40.75 and BUY the SUPERSITE passcode separately either from the Bookstore $55.60 or
directly from www.vhldirect.com * if you are planning on taking only one term, this may be the best
option. (Total $96.35)
Option #3: You may buy a used copy of AVENTURAS, 3rd edition $56 either at the Clark College
Bookstore or search the internet for used copies. You will need to buy the SUPERSITE passcode new at
the bookstore for $55.60 or directly at www.vhldirect.com (total $111.60).
2) A FULLY FUNCTIONING WINDOWS OR MAC BASED COMPUTER SYSTEM with Internet. You should also
identify a back-up system (another computer you may use in the event that yours is experiencing
technical difficulties. “My computer crashed” will not be accepted as an excuse for delay in completing
assignments. You are more than welcome to use computer labs on campus.
3) A Green Book Examination booklet for writing assignments. .35 cents at the Clark College Bookstore.
CLARK COLLEGE COMMUNICATION AND HUMANITIES OUTCOMES
Clark College Outcomes
 Locate information applicable to task, discipline, and/or occupation.
 Synthesize information appropriately.
 Present information effectively through written and/or oral communication.
 Demonstrate how a discipline in the humanities influences or reflects cultures.
 Explain why the humanities are important to cultures, communities or individuals.
Student Outcomes for SPAN 123
Speaking
I can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an
area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into
conversations on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or
pertinent to everyday life (ex. Family, hobbies, work, travel). I can
connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences.
I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and
describe my reactions.
Listening
I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on
familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure,
etc. I can understand the main points of many radio or TV
programs on current affairs or topics of personal or professional
interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
Reading
I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency
everyday or job or school-related language. I can understand the
description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.
Writing
I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or
of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing
experiences and impressions.
Culture
I can identify and explain some differences and similarities
between the target culture(s) and US culture.
Assessment Tools
Speaking Tests:
- Midterm oral
- Final oral
presentation
Written Tests
(Listening
Section)/Homework
(Listening Section)
Written Tests
Homework
Quizzes
Written Tests
Homework
Green books
Quizzes
Written Tests
Speaking Tests
Homework
Final Presentation
COLLEGE-WIDE ABILITIES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Clark College has identified six campus-wide abilities that form the foundation for our educational emphasis:
1) Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: The ability to formulate, evaluate and synthesize facts, data,
assumptions, values and points of view. We will do this on a very basic level by listening, understanding and
re-telling.
2) Information Technology: The ability to identify resources, retrieve and manage data, interpret and evaluate
and use information, and adapt to changing technologies.
3) Communication: The ability to understand and deliver written, spoken and visual communication clearly
and accurately.
4) Life-Long Learning: The ability to set and revise goals, access resources and assume responsibility for one’s
own learning.
5) Effective Citizenship: The ability to identify community issues, evaluate and respect various opinions and
values, and articulate one’s own perspective.
6) Global/Multicultural Awareness: The ability to identify, analyze and demonstrate how culture shapes world
perceptions, values and behaviors.
We will involve aspects of all of these abilities during the quarter.
REQUIREMENTS MET BY THIS COURSE:
 Partial fulfillment of the Humanities distribution requirement and/or Humanities electives for the
Associate of Arts transfer degree.
 Partial fulfillment of the core requirements for the Certificate of International Education.
 Partial fulfillment of the foreign languages entrance/exit requirements at WSU, U of W and many other
4-year colleges and universities.
☻COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
 COMMITT to spending the necessary amount of time on this class in order to succeed and help your
classmates to succeed as well. We will meet 5 times per week, time meant to be used practicing what
you are learning. Most in-class activities will involve group work and conversation, sooooo if you are
not prepared, it will affect the whole class. This means you should be spending one to two hours for
study and assignments per hour of class. Be prepared for 5 hours in-class and 5-10 hours a week
outside of class for this 5-credit course.
 STUDY for shorter periods every day if you can rather than all five hours or more at once!
 PREPARE for class so that you feel ready to participate, this will boost your confidence and enhance
your learning.
 DISCOVER your own and personal learning style and strengths.
 BE REALISTIC about your expectations: No one learns to speak a language fluently in one term (or one
year). Acquiring proficiency in a foreign language requires a lot of time and hard work.
 BE PATIENT. It is normal to experience frustration at the beginning, when a student feels unable to
communicate complex ideas, or feels that s/he does not understand what is being discussed. This is a
normal period that most students overcome, but it does take a lot of study and PATIENCE to get over
this initial stage.
 BE RESPECTFUL of others in all of your interactions. Learning a new language is a very difficult process
and adults can feel very vulnerable or embarrassed at times. This MUST be a safe place for everyone
to express themselves the best that they can. You will all learn more if you feel comfortable.
 TAKE RISKS AND MAKE MISTAKES. Trial and error is the process for learning just about anything.
 SPEAK, INTERACT AND COMMUNICATE with your classmates and your professor in-class in Spanish.
This is how you participate and get the necessary practice you need in order to learn.
 LISTEN carefully and guess meaning from context.
 ASK when you don’t understand.
 DO YOUR OWN WORK on all assignments, projects and tests. Cheating is a violation of the Student
Code of Conduct of Clark College, with specific and serious consequences, including an “F” on your
transcript. Passing written work by a third party (native speaker or otherwise) for correction is a form
of cheating—turn in your own work, written at your level. The professor will be able to tell
immediately if the work is not your own and a “0” will be assigned on all work that is not original or is
translated. DO NOT use any kind of on-line translator EVER.
 NOTICE ALL OF THE SPANISH AROUND YOU. There are as many resources as you are willing to find!
Keep your eyes open! Lots of ads in newspapers and magazines are printed in both languages,
instructions on packages and weekly newspapers that you can pick up from places in the community,
simplified Spanish books for children, radio stations in Spanish and youtube.com! Go to any Spanish or
Latin American cultural events in the community or on campus. Watch films from Latin America or
Spain (read English, hear Spanish or better yet- read Spanish hear Spanish!) Set the subtitles to Spanish
when you watch a DVD on the weekend. Remember that the more exposure you have to the
language, the easier and more you will learn.
 PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE AND ABOVE ALL HAVE FUN!
GRADING AND EXPECTATIONS:
*The Academic Early Warning System may be used in this course to let you know if she has concerns about
your academic performance early enough to give you time to improve. If your instructor uses AEW to let you
know what you need to work on, a letter will be sent to your home along with a list of free campus services
that can assist you.
*Calificación y evaluación:
The computer uses the following as grade cut-offs in elementary Spanish classes.
93% A
80% B67% D+
90% A77% C+
63% D
87% B+
73% C
60% D83% B
70% CThe Final Course Grade YOU EARN depends on your grades in each of these categories: All areas emphasize
demonstration of your abilities in reading, writing, listening and speaking of Spanish
TESTING
Pruebas de Lección
Pruebitas de sorpresa
Exámenes orales
Proyecto final
20%
10%
15%
15%
PREPARACION Y PARTICIPACION
Supersite Practice Exercises
Composiciones/libretas verdes
Daily participation
20%
10%
10%
Pruebas de Lección: tests will be given, one at the end of every chapter. NO MAKE-UP TESTS will be
given unless you have notified me immediately before the class period and have a documented excuse of
a real emergency from a doctor, etc., stating why you have missed the class; it should be dated, signed
and stamped. If you have other appointments you will need to reschedule them, as the tests take top
priority.
1) Pruebitas de sorpresa: There will be surprise QUIZZES on various days that cover vocabulary and
grammar studied on your Supersite. Stay up with your homework and vocabulary from your text book
and Supersite and you will do well. Be on time to class as they will usually begin at the beginning of
class. There are no make-up quizzes.
2) Exámenes Orales: are oral assessments in which you will show me what you are learning to say and
ask in Spanish. You will have a lot of listening and speaking practice in class and the supersite
homework also prepares you for the oral exams. I recommend that you attend the Mesa Redonda
(conversation group in Bauer Hall 101), see a tutor and/or come see me for additional practice. The
more you practice, the more comfortable you will be during the oral evaluations!
3) Proyecto y presentación: Each student will work on a final project and present the finished product to
the class. A rubric will explain the guidelines of this final project and presentation.
4) Supersite Practice Exercises: You will find your weekly homework on the Supersite under Assignments.
You will be accessing your Supersite daily (or almost daily) to complete listening, reading, writing,
speaking and cultural activities. Your will be given 2 chances to complete each activity and then you
will be assigned the final grade for your work, which will then be recorded in my grade book. Some
exercises will be graded by the computer, and others will need my review and will receive comments.
No late supersite assignments accepted.
5) Composiciones/Libretas verdes (green book): You will write 4-5 compositions during the term.
Libretas verdes writing assignments will be done during class and in groups of 3 of 4 students. Students
with the help of your professor will make corrections during class.
6) Classroom participation: Classroom participation is an important component of the grade. Since the
emphasis is on development of oral abilities in Spanish, you must be in class to acquire those skills. Don't sit
back and wait to be called on. Volunteer a response to a question. No penalty is attached to a wrong
answer. Make a serious effort to participate willingly. There will occasionally be bonus-point rewards for
voluntary participation. At the end of the quarter, bonus points will be added in the homework/quiz
category points. Daily participation is calculated based on your participation in class discussions, dialogs,
interviews etc. You need to be in class in order to earn these points! I will be giving you a selfassessment to help me evaluate you in this category. Keep in mind: Good attendance is very
important to in order to improve. (See attendance policy below).
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Please check www.clark.edu, under quick links, “classes today” in order to see any class
cancellations for the day. These will be posted daily. I will also communicate directly through
Blackboard whenever possible.
Partial attendance is counted as an absence (i.e., excessive late arrivals, early departures)
Attendance policy: Attendance and punctuality are essential for success. You are expected to attend
ALL class sessions and be prepared. Attendance is taken daily and at the beginning of class. If I don’t
hear from you, your absence represents an “unexcused” absence. Any student missing one week
consecutive classes in total (not counting “official absences”) would be recommended to drop the class.
An absence will be considered as “excused” if written verification is received before the next class
session or an e-mail is received on the day of the missed class session. Written verification may include:
emergencies and a doctor’s note, etc. If you miss one class, your instructor will not penalize your total
grade. However, be aware that any absences will impact your grade. See chart below.
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Daily Classes---If you are absent more than five hours, 2 percent will be subtracted from your
final percentage in the class for each additional class you miss (after the 5 th absence).
MWF Classes---If you are absent more than three classes, 3.3 percent will be subtracted from
your final percentage in the class for each additional class you miss (after the 3rd absence).
T/Th or M/W classes--- If you are absent more than two classes, 5 percent will be subtracted
from your final percentage in the class for each additional class you miss (after the 2nd
absence).
Late arrivals/early departures—you are expected to arrive on time and stay for the entire class
period. Frequent late arrivals/early departures will be counted as absences.
OPEN LABS:
Labs at Clark College are open during certain hours each day, including Saturdays and Sundays, if you need to
have access to a lab on campus to complete your assignments. The Language Lab in Bauer Hall 101 is a good
place for you to go because we also have tutors available at many different times during the week to help you
with your work and answer questions. The links to the Language Lab and other computer labs associated with
Clark College can be found under the Helpful Websites button on your navigation menu on Blackboard.
CLASSROOM RESPECT AND CONDUCT: Again, this class will be very student-centered: you will be doing a lot
of pair and group work. Daily or weekly, you will be asked to work with different partners. In all likelihood,
this will require that you gather your things and move to a different area in the classroom. When your
instructor ask you to find a different partner, please don’t smack your lips, roll your eyes or show disrespect
with body language. Your courtesy and cooperation in this regard is appreciated and expected.
Prior to each paired or grouped activity, the instructor will provide a model in Spanish, and following each
activity, there will be a report-back in Spanish led by the instructor. Again, remember that this class is taught
through total immersion in the Spanish language. Therefore, your instructor will speak Spanish 100% of the
time. English will be spoken only when there are grammatical rules to explain. Therefore, please give the
instructor your complete attention. In other words, when your instructor is talking, you are not! In order to
maximize our time in class, it is very important that you show the instructor and your fellow classmates this
courtesy. If you do not, you may be asked to leave.
Every day your instructor will greet you in Spanish: ¿Buenas tardes? ¿Cómo estás? Please return this courtesy
by answering in full sentences and asking back the same questions in Spanish. Buenas tardes. Yo estoy bien y
¿Ud.? And always say gracias, de nada, ¿Cómo se dice? and más tiempo por favor. When necessary, you
may ask to speak English by saying: ¿Puedo hablar inglés, por favor? If you would like something to be
repeated, just say: otra vez, por favor. If you instructor feels you are capable of communicating the
information or asking for it in Spanish, he will encourage you to do so.
* Turn off all cell phones, laptops or other electronic devices before entering the classroom.
Students may not leave the classroom to answer any incoming calls. No phones are allowed on your
desk, they must be off and inside your backpacks or purses. No text messaging is allowed. If you do
not follow these recommendations, you may be asked to leave the classroom.
* Students who experience sexual harassment in the academic environment (by a faculty member,
administrator, campus visitor or other student) are urged to report such conduct to the Dean of Students.
* Misconduct for which students are subject to disciplinary action fall in the following general areas:
1) Any form of academic dishonesty, cheating (or the appearance of it), fabrications, or plagiarism on
examination, written assignment etc.
2) Actions of verbal statements which threaten the personal safety of any faculty, staff, student or others
assembled on campus, or any conduct which is harmful, obstructive, disruptive to or interferes with the
educational process or institutional functions. Disruptive students will be asked to leave the classroom
and/or drop.
3) To learn more about violation of the college statutes, and/or regulations and policies go to:
http://www.clark.edu/about_clark/policies_index.php and click on under the Student Code
of Conduct heading.
DROPPING AND WITHDRAWING:
If you need to drop this course, please see the drop dates on the course calendar and follow the appropriate
steps to drop a course at Clark College. Between weeks four and the end of week seven you will need to
complete the college’s withdrawal process. For complete information go to the Advising and Registration
page at http://www.clark.edu/admissions_fin_aid/registration/withdrawls_refunds.php
If you stop attending and do not withdraw formally from the class, you will receive and F on your transcript.
AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATIONS: If you have emergency medical information that
should be shared, or if you require assistance in case the building should be evacuated, please make an
appointment to see me during the office hours indicated in this syllabus. Any student with a disability who
may require some consideration or assistance in order to fully participate in this class should contact the
Disability Support Services Office at 992-2580 or 992-2835 (TTY) or Gaiser Hall 142.
IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCIES:
1. Inclement weather or Emergency Information: Go to www.clark.edu or call (360)992-2000 as your first
means of getting information. The college does send notices to radio and t.v. stations, but the college
website and switchboard are the official platforms for the most accurate and up to date information.
With the exception of wide-area electrical outages that making a computer impossible, there will be no
adjustment in the on-line portion of this course schedule for inclement weather. If we have inclement
weather on the day of one of our face-to-face meetings, we may need to cancel class.
2. Immediate Emergency Communication Alert: To receive immediate notice of emergencies, you can
register your cell phone and email to receive messages. To do this, go to www.flashalert.net. Select
“subscribe” on the left and then follow instructions. Mass communications will also be sent to all
college employee phones and computers.
3. Fire Alarm: If you are on campus, evacuate the building through the closest exit; evacuation maps are
located in the hallways or by the doors in your classrooms. Notify others of evacuation. Do not reenter the building until instructed to do so.
4. Parking Lot Identifiers: colors and numbers have been assigned to all Clark College parking lots. If you
are having an emergency, please use these to help security personnel locate you.
5. Security Escort: You may request an escort from a Clark College Security official by calling 360-9922133.
Disclaimer Statement:
This syllabus is intended as a guide only. Requirements may change as circumstances warrant. The instructor
has the right to change assignments, dates and presentations as needed. Students who have concerns or
questions about the syllabus should see the instructor during the first couple of days of the session.