SPANISH FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONS SYLLABUS
Teacher’s name: Srta. Twohig
Course Name: Spanish for Medical Professions
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III or teacher approval
Course number: 01390
Course description:
Spanish for Medical Professions is a course designed for advanced level Spanish students who wish to broaden their vocabulary
skills while using everyday practical situational Spanish. The content of this course focuses on language used in medical
professions as well as cultural situations, which doctors, technicians, nurses, and EMTs may experience. Students will gain a
vast knowledge of medical Spanish terms, cultural aspects of medicine, and a confidence in using Spanish both spoken and
written.
Essential Learnings:
1) Students will be able to carry on conversations in various tenses using the appropriate grammar structure and
vocabulary.
2) Students will be able to use appropriate medical terms in the appropriate situation.
3) Students will have a cultural understanding of medicine in the Spanish-speaking world.
4) Students will become more culturally aware of the Spanish-speaking wold.
Course expectations/respect/responsibility:
1) Students will be expected to participate cooperatively in classroom activities in the target language.
2) Students will have assignments completed on time and to the quality specifications that the teacher establishes.
3) Students will have required materials in class every day.
4) Students will keep an open mind when discussing culture and cultural viewpoints.
5) Students will display originality in answering questions. Students may work together, but identical answers will not be
accepted.
6) Students are strongly cautioned to refrain from the use of translation websites in the completion of work for student
credit. (See student code of conduct re: plagiarism/cheating)
7) Students will actively listen when others are speaking.
Grading scale
97-100: A+
93-96: A
90-92: A-
87-89: B+
83-86: B
80-82: B-
Grades will be based upon:
77-79: C+
73-76: C
70-72: C-
0-69: NC
27%: oral performance
27%: daily work (in class and homework)
36%: tests & quizzes
10% exams
Required materials: You will need the Basic Spanish Grammar book, the Spanish for Medical Professions workbook, a
Spanish-English dictionary approved by the teacher, a notebook, loose-leaf paper, a pocket folder or binder, a blue or black pen,
and a pencil with an eraser.
Assignments and class work: To receive full credit, all assignments and class work must be completed on time and must meet
the quality standards as specified by the teacher. Work will not be accepted as a result of unexcused absences.
Absences and Tardies: Equivalent to the BHS policy.
Test retakes: These will be after school only and by appointment. If a student receives below a 79% on a test, he or she may
retake that test once. The highest possible grade on a re-take will be a C+. The higher grade between the two tests will be the
final grade on that test. It is the student’s responsibility to put forth the effort to complete a retake. This offer is null and void
after one week. Students may not retake quizzes.
Course content:
Grammar & Vocabulary
We will review many of the tenses and grammar concepts studied thus far in Spanish I, II, and III. Additional work on the
subjunctive tenses will be a focus. The Spanish for Medical Professions workbook will be our guide for medical terms.
Cultural Content
Cultural topics will include: greetings, colloquial terms and phrases used by people in Latino countries, cultural beliefs
regarding medicine, el mal de ojo, parteras, curanderas, and cultural sensitivity.
Assessment and Evaluation:
Grammar and Vocabulary
Daily class work & assignments
Oral participation
Quizzes and chapter tests
Final Exam
Listening and Reading comprehension
We will have ongoing listening and reading exercises in class to address and enhance studied concepts, beliefs, and vocabulary.
Speaking and Vocabulary
Class participation is a must. The only way to become fluent in a language is to use the language as much as possible.
Various orals are presented throughout the year, which may include hospital registration, consultations with various medical
personnel including the dentist, the gynecologist, the cardiologist, the oncologist, the dietician, the pediatrician to name just a
few. Projects and topics may vary depending on time and student needs.
Because of the topic of this class, many useful and practical situations may present themselves. We hope to participate in field
situations, which will enable you to use what you’ve learned. This class is an ever-evolving class. Feel free to contact me if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Srta. Twohig
rtwohig@basd.k12.wi.us
(262) 763.0200 x4219