Department of Foreign Languages
http://www.foreignlanguages.hss.kennesaw.edu
Students are responsible for reading and
referring to this document for all class activities and assignments
SPRING 2013
I. COURSE: SPANISH 3302/2: Practical Conversation
CRN: 11513
II. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ernesto Silva
OFFICE: SO 2005/2013
HOURS: MW 4-5 PM, or by appointment
E-MAIL: esilva@kennesaw.edu
III. CLASS MEETINGS: MW 11:00-12:15
LOCATION: SO 2023
III. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Prerequisite: Spanish 2002. This Spanish course stresses the expansion
of effective listening comprehension and speaking skills through culturally and linguistically
appropriate activities.
IV. CAVEAT SPECTATOR: The films and reading materials used in this course are part of the current
curriculum on representations of Hispanic culture on film. However, they may contain images,
information, ideas, etc. that may be offensive to your personal beliefs or taste. These materials
are intended for educational purposes and presuppose a mature audience. If you think it is possible
that you may be offended by any of the materials in this course, please talk to me at your earliest
convenience.
V. OPTIONAL TEXTS:
TITLE: 501 Spanish Verbs: Fully Conjugated in All Tenses
AUTHOR: Christopher Kendris and Theodore Kendris
PUBLISHER: Barron’s Educational Series, Sixth Edition, 2007
ISBN: 0764179845
TITLE: Diccionario Larousse del español moderno
AUTHOR: Ramon Garcia Palayo y Gross
PUBLISHER: Signet, 1983
ISBN: 0451168097
TITLE: Diccionario de sinónimos, antónimos e ideas afines
AUTHOR: Aaron Alboukrek and Gloria Fuentes S.
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PUBLISHER: Larousse Mexico, 2002
ISBN: 970220027X
NOTE: There are no required texts to accompany the films to be seen as part of this class; instead,
students will use study guides prepared by faculty. Any additional materials, such as grammar
handouts, exercises, and informational/theoretical readings will also be provided by the professor.
Students MUST check their KSU D2L account on a daily basis for the latest updates and homework.
VI. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will contribute to the attainment of the following
general (GSLO) and specific (SSLO) student learning outcomes of the B.A. in Modern Language &
Culture (ML&C):
GSLO ML&C 1: LANGUAGE, LINGUISTICS, & COMPARISONS
Learners are proficient in using the target language, are familiar with the target language system,
and seek opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes)
SSLO ML&C 1a: Demonstrating Language Proficiency.
Learners demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the target language, and they seek
opportunities to strengthen their proficiency. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes)
To address this outcome, learners will improve their speaking skills by participating in ongoing inclass discussions about pertinent topics dealing with societal issues in Spanish-speaking countries.
Upon completion of the major in Modern Language & Culture, learners are expected to have
achieved an Advanced-Low level on the ACTFL scale.
Assessment:
● recorded interviews students will analyze
● participation in classroom discussions
To address this outcome, learners will improve their listening skills by participating in different
activities during the semester where learners will be required to understand different modalities of
speech (a phone message, a news report, a conversation, presentations by peers, movie dialogues,
input from instructor, oral presentations, and cultural events).
Assessment:
● listening activities
● interviews
To address this outcome, learners will improve their writing skills by participating in an online
discussion of the films in which learners will express their opinions and respond to entries from
their peers.
Assessment:
● event critiques
SSLO ML&C 1.b.: Understanding Linguistics.
Learners know the linguistic elements of the target-language system, recognize the changing
nature of language, and accommodate for gaps in their own knowledge of the target-language
system by learning on their own. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes)
To address this outcome, learners will review structures needed for certain speech functions such
as describing, narrating, and influencing others. Students will also engage in a variety of thought2
provoking reading selections organized around thematic units. Each unit includes a vocabulary
section, highly used Spanish words, false cognates, and creates situations to use those words in
paired, small and big group discussions, where students are expected to participate and develop
understanding of the structure of Spanish.
Assessment:
● assignments
● analysis of recorded interviews
VII. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
1. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. The ONLY way to improve your speaking ability is by practicing,
and to do that you must be in class. Thus, students are expected to attend all classes throughout
the entire semester. All absences, excused or unexcused, will be counted as absences. Each
absence will result in your final grade being lowered by TWO points. If you must be absent from
class, it is your responsibility to find out what the assignment was for that day and to turn your
homework in on time. Should you be absent, find out what transpired in class by contacting a
classmate:
NAME: ______________________; PHONE: ___________________; E-MAIL: ______________________
NAME: ______________________; PHONE: ___________________; E-MAIL: ______________________
2. Because of the inherent requirement of watching a film, classes will start on time. If for some
reason you find it necessary to arrive late, you will be responsible for all the information, including
announcements about changes in the syllabus, etc. Your opinion matters, so does the opinion of
each and every one of your peers. Exercise patience by welcoming the opinion of others, even if
you may be in disagreement with what is being said. Any behavior deemed disruptive by the
instructor will result in your being asked to leave class at once. Such an event will be counted as an
unexcused absence, and the student may be referred to the Dean of Students for further
disciplinary action.
3. Since most, if not all, that is required for this class will take place in the classroom, we will be
devoted to practicing the four basic language-learning skills (listening comprehension, speaking,
reading comprehension, and writing). There is also an essential cultural component. However,
special emphasis will be placed on speaking; thus, you must be willing to participate in class
discussion in Spanish. You are expected to study and practice what you learn at home as part of
your daily preparation. For best results, you should study and practice Spanish at least one hour
daily.
4. All assignments, whether written or oral, are to be finished individually before class begins. No
late homework will be accepted. No make-ups of any kind will be given for any assignments or
exams. Emergencies will be handled on an individual basis. Come to class prepared by completing
the assigned readings. If you are not prepared to engage in dialogue, you may be asked to leave
the classroom. Note: NO assignments sent via email will be accepted.
5. Before class begins, be sure to turn OFF and PUT AWAY all electronic equipment, including
computers, cell phones (may be muted or set on vibrate), MP3s, iPods, video games, and so on. Put
away books and homework from other classes, as well as agendas or handouts. No IM-ing or texting
will be tolerated under any circumstances. No food will be allowed in the classroom. Note: The use
of laptops and taping devices for any purpose is strictly prohibited.
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VIII. KSU STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM & CHEATING: From The KSU 2009-2010 Online Undergraduate
Catalog: “No student shall receive, attempt to receive, knowingly give or attempt to give
unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any work required to be submitted for credit as part
of a course (including examinations, laboratory reports, essays, themes, term papers, etc.).” When
direct quotations are used, they should be indicated, and when the ideas, theories, data, figures,
graphs, programs, electronic based information or illustrations of someone other than the student
are incorporated into a paper or used in a project, they should be duly acknowledged. For more
information, please visit https://web.kennesaw.edu/scai/content/ksu-student-code-conduct.
IX. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: It is the purpose of the institution to provide a campus environment,
which encourages academic accomplishment, personal growth, and a spirit of understanding and
cooperation. An important part of maintaining such an environment is the commitment to protect
the health and safety of every member of the campus community. Belligerent, abusive, profane,
threatening and/or inappropriate behavior on the part of students is a violation of the Kennesaw
State University Student Conduct Regulations. Students who are found guilty of such misconduct
may be subject to immediate dismissal from the institution. In addition, these violations of state
law may also be subject to criminal action beyond the University disciplinary process. The
University has a stringent policy and procedure for dealing with behavior which disrupts the
learning environment. Consistent with the belief that disruptive behavior can interrupt the learning
of others, behavior which fits the University definition of disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
X. HUMAN DIGNITY: The University has formulated a policy on human rights which is intended to
provide a learning environment which recognized individual worth. The activities of this class will
be conducted in both the spirit and the letter of that policy.
XI. KSU DIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT: It is our vision to create a strong multicultural and diverse
educational environment at KSU in order to increase student satisfaction and to promote an
understanding and awareness of people from various backgrounds upon graduation. In this way, KSU
students will be educated for, and can effectively compete in the global society. (KSU
Undergraduate Catalog/Interpersonal Relations and Non-Discrimination Position Statements and
Policies)
XII. DISABILITY POLICY: Kennesaw State University provides program accessibility and reasonable
accommodations for persons identified as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A number of services are available to help the
disabled. Students must visit the Office of DisAbled Student Support Services or call 770.423.6443
to arrange an individual assistance plan. In some cases, certification of disability is required. All
discussion will be kept confidential.
XIII. SCHEDULE: (Subject to change)
Fecha/Tópico
SEMANA
SEMANA
SEMANA
SEMANA
SEMANA
1 INTRODUCTION
2 INTRODUCTION
3 El Norte (1983)
4 El Norte (1983)
5 El Norte (1983)
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SEMANA 6 Sugar (2009)
SEMANA 7 Sugar (2009)
SEMANA 8 Sugar (2009)
SEMANA 9 SPRING BREAK
SEMANA 10 MIDTERM INTERVIEW
SEMANA 11 MIDTERM INTERVIEW
SEMANA 12 Rabia (2010)
SEMANA 13 Rabia (2010)
SEMANA 14 Rabia (2010)
SEMANA 15 FINAL INTERVIEW
SEMANA 16 FINAL INTERVIEW
SPRING BREAK: MAR 4-8
LAST DAY OF CLASS: W, MAY 1
LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT ACADEMIC PENALTY: W, MAR 13
XIV. ASSESSMENT OF COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Interviews (midterm 20%, final 30%)
2 Written Film Event Critiques (10% each)
2 Written Cultural Event Critiques (10% each)
FLRC/Conversation Table/
50%
20%
20%
10%
____
TOTAL 100%
NOTE: Students are expected to attend a total of FOUR EVENTS (2 film & 2 cultural) during the
semester. For each event you attend, you will receive a coupon as proof of attendance. This
coupon must be stapled to your critique at the time you turn it in. Critiques without proof of
attendance will not be accepted.
XV. GRADE SCALE: A: 90-100% B: 80–89% C: 70–79% D: 60–69% F: 0–59%
WARNING: Failure to turn in the interview review will result in a final course grade of “F.”
XVI. ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments are to be turned in when due in class or as arranged by the
instructor. No homework will be accepted under ANY circumstances if sent via email.
INTERVIEWS: Because of the nature of this course, there will be two recorded personal interviews
conducted in my office. Students will be given an appointment which must be kept; the length of
the interview may range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how engaging the conversation turns
out to be. The interviews will be about the student’s life; other topics will be selected from the
films watched in class, as well as from discussions about other films or about other Hispanic/USA
cultural products. Students must bring a recording device of their choosing. After carefully
listening to the interview, students are required to write a typed, double-space critique, which is
due one week after the interview. The precise format of the interview review will be discussed in
class prior to the interviews. All language major and minor programs in the Department of Foreign
Languages are proficiency-based; therefore, you are supposed to demonstrate your progress in
achieving spoken proficiency in Spanish. All students at the 3000-level are expected to be at the
Intermediate Level of proficiency, according to the ACTFL guidelines. If you do not reach the
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Intermediate-Mid level by your final interview in SPAN 3302, you will not receive an “A” in the
course.
CULTURAL EVENTS: Students are required to attend a total of TWO cultural events. Each week I
will invite the class to participate in a number of cultural events taking place on campus or beyond
it. It isn’t mandatory to attend ALL the events announced, but students MUST make an effort to
attend at least TWO as part of class requirements. NOTE: The cultural events are different from
and cannot be used as replacements for the film events.
FILM EVENTS: Students are required to attend a total of TWO film screenings on or off campus. To
fulfill this assignment, you are required to attend the film screenings at the High Museum. For
more info, check http://www.high.org/Programs/Programs/Films-at-the-High.aspx. NOTE: The
film events are different from and cannot be counted as the cultural events.
PARTICIPATION/FLRC: Although you are encouraged to do more, there is a mandatory minimum of
SIX (6) hours of work/practice at the FLRC, which you must complete by the Midterm Interview. An
alternative way to practice Spanish is to attend the Spanish Conversation Table meetings, which
will take place a couple of days a week. More information about this last option (and others) will
be given later on. For now, please sign up for the Spanish Club for updates on upcoming Spanishrelated events: http://www.facebook.com/groups/kennesawspanishclub/?notif_t=group_r2j. If you
are not familiar with the FLRC—and even if you are—please check out their orientation video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG-02fQs01U&feature=youtu.be. The objective in going to the
FLRC is for you to practice Spanish with others who also want to practice and are willing to engage
in conversation. Please DO NOT visit the FLRC simply to sit around, socialize, check your email, or
do other activities. NOTE: Do not wait until the last minute to visit the FLRC or attend the Spanish
Conversation Table meetings. There are NO substitutions for this all-important assignment.
CRITIQUES: After attending a cultural or film event, students MUST turn in a typed, double-spaced,
two-page critique containing well-thought-out reflections relative to the event. All critiques MUST
be written in Spanish. It is important to remember that these critiques are due no later than ONE
WEEK after attending the cultural or film event. The format and specific content of the critiques
will be explained more at length in class. Please notice that the total number of critiques to be
written and turned in for this class is FOUR (2 for the cultural events & 2 for the film events).
NOTE: NO CRITIQUES will be accepted without proof of attendance.
XVII. FOREIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCE COLLECTION: This is a place where you should be spending
considerable time practicing Spanish with the available tutors. They are outstanding and ready to
assist you, so make an early appointment before their agendas fill out. Also, the FLRC is an
excellent place to meet and practice Spanish with people with similar interests. It is located in the
Pilcher Building, room 134. If you need any additional information or guidance, contact Ms. Patricia
Tilbian, FLRC Coordinator, at 678.797.2197, ptilbian@kennesaw.edu. Hours of operation for the
FLRC are posted on their Webpage: http://www.kennesaw.edu/foreignlanguage/flrc.html.
XVIII. UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING CENTER (UAC): The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is
pleased to offer academic advising to students in the Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC). The
UAC is located in Pilcher 129, on the first floor near the Foreign Language Resource Center. Their
hours are Monday-Thursday 8 am-6 pm, and Friday 8 am-5 pm. Students are strongly encouraged to
make appointments using the website, http://www.kennesaw.edu/hssadvising/appointments.php,
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or by calling the Center during office hours at 770-794-7728. For more information, visit the UAC
website: http://www.kennesaw.edu/hssadvising/home.php.
XIX. INFOTAINTMENT: Here is a bit of info you may find useful as you start a new semester:
http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/12/31/earnings-widen-between-collegeand.html?ana=RSS&s=article_search
http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/12-great-motivational-quotes-for-2013.html
You can do it; I will help you!
Let us have a great semester!
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