SPANISH I
SPAN& 121 (5 credits)
Tuesday, Thursday 03.30 p.m. – 05.10 p.m.
Instructor and Contact Information
María Luisa Gracia Camón
Señora Gracia or Luisa
Office: Building 18 Office
Office telephone number:
E-mail address: mgraciacamon@tacomacc.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays
Course Description
SPAN&121 Spanish I (5)
The first year of the beginning Spanish language sequence consists of 121, 122, and 123. SPAN&-121 is
the first quarter of the sequence. The basic tenets of communications including reading, writing,
speaking, and listening are developed in a dynamic second language acquisition environment enhanced
by technology. Grammar is used as a communication tool to express meaning as students take part in
small group discussions, cultural investigation, and presentation. Authentic materials will be focused on
in the class as well as assessment. Students should expect to be immersed in the language. English will
be used at a minimum.
Textbook and material
Plazas 4th edition by Hershberger ISBN 9781111698713
Registration code (included in textbook)
TCC e-mail account
Technology
Student will need access to a computer to complete the online workbook. Every student needs to
register to the Plazas, lugar de encuentro.
You will also need to access ANGEL in order to access additional Spanish language materials that will
enhance your language learning, classroom handouts, and reviews. Students will be able to access their
progress and grades through Angel.
Students have computers available at the Computer Lab (Building 28: Information Commons) or at the
Pearl A. Wanamaker Library.
Instructional method used
This course will promote interaction among students and with the instructor. Group
presentations, discussions and activities will be an important part of the Spanish language instruction.
Another goal is to raise cultural awareness and curiosity which is essential to better understand the
language. Every student should make sure he/she is ready for class by completing the activities and
readings as necessary, since these will reinforce the learning process. After the first week English will be
used at minimum.
Learning Objectives
The instructional goal of this course is to help the student to develop his/hers ability to
communicate in Spanish (speaking, listening, reading and writing). The errors are positive steps toward
effective communication; therefore your Spanish will not be error-free. Participation in class discussions
or activities is also encouraged.
Course Outcomes
1. Greet your partner and ask how he or she is doing
2. Introduce yourself and find out where the other person is from
3. Identify quantities if objects
4. Identify people and places and talk about the courses each of you is taking this semester and what they
are like. Find out what time some classes are.
5. Communicate about everyday activities and telling time and indicate days of the week.
6. Talk about your family and relationships.
7. Indicate ownership and possession.
8. Describe people and things and tell nationalities.
9. Talk about daily activities at home or school.
10. Express obligation or desire to do something.
11. Communicate about leisure activities.
12. Find out about each other’s likes and dislikes (favorite foods, restaurant, sports, exercises, etc.).
13 Indicate plans and intentions, share information about activities.
14. Describe to each other your house, apartment, or dorm room, naming the different rooms and their
furniture. Talk about where you live, including a description of the house or apartment
15. Give instructions to your friends and family. State locations, indicate feelings. Communicate about
actions in progress.
16. Excuse yourself, tell your partner you have to do something, and say goodbye. Begin to express oneself
in a culturally appropriate way.
17. Recognize that learning another language entails learning another culture also.
18. Comprehend some basic aspects of the target culture, such as food, festivals, artistic expressions,
history, etc.
19. Understand something of the unique worldview and way of living expressed in the language of another
group.
20. Understand one’s own language/cultural system more objectively as a result of exploring the target
language.
21. Understand elements of the target culture that influence people’s use of language in daily life.
22. Recognize cross-cultural differences in communication norms, and apply this knowledge to achieve
more harmonious interaction with speakers of the target language.
23. Recognize how one’s gender, class, or sexual identity may be expressed in the verbal and non-verbal
communication of the target language/cultural system.
Evaluation Criteria & Grading
Grades earned for this course use the following scale:
A
100-90 %
B
80-89 %
C
70-79 %
D
60-69 %
E
Less than 59 %
Your grade will be determined as follows:
Class participation and
The instructor expects all the students to attend and participate
attendance
in class on a regular basis. Students can miss a maximum of four
classes. All other absences will result in a 1 % deduction in your
final grade. Absences or tardiness (3= 1 absence) will have a
negative effect on your participation grade. Leaving the class
early will be considered tardiness.
Homework from textbook
or in class assignments
10%
The homework from the textbook will be collected at the
beginning of class. These homework assignments are specified in 10%
the Daily Schedule. Late submission will not be accepted. The inclass assignments can be individual or in small groups and they
will be due at the end of the period.
Homework from electronic Homework from electronic workbook (10%): Every student will 10%
workbook
have a personal account to an Electronic workbook. Your
instructor will assign specific activities in your Daily Schedule. You
are responsible for your own work. Your instructor checks these
electronically and may set deadlines for submission. Late
submission will not be accepted.
Quizzes and tests
There will be at least 3 quizzes. The quizzes could include any of 30%
the following sections; listening comprehension, vocabulary and
grammar activities, reading comprehension, and/or a short
writing assignment.
Oral Presentations
Every student will give oral presentations and participate in the 10%
discussions and questions at class. Oral presentations will be
scheduled ahead of time. 100 points total.
Formal Essay
One formal essay composition during the course. 400-500 words. 10%
100 points.
Final exam
The grading scale is out of 100 points. It will be a comprehensive 20%
exam and it will cover the textbook chapter 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Academic Dishonesty
“Students at Tacoma Community College are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic
endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or any other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the
learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students.”
In this course if a student is academically dishonest he/she will face the following sanctions:
1. The first time the student will receive a warning and a failing grade for the specific assignment,
quiz, or exam.
2. The second time the student will be dismissed from the course. The student accused of
academic dishonesty have the right to appeal.
The complete Administrative Process for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website at:
www.tacomacommunitycollege.com/stuonline/policies/start.htm
Classroom Policies
1. Attendance is mandatory. The instructor expects students to participate and be active in class.
2. Written work: students are expected to be honest in their written assignments and turn in their
own work. Plagiarism and dishonesty can affect negatively on your academic outcomes.
3. No late work will be accepted. The instructor expects the student to turn in the homework at
the beginning of class.
4. Cell phone/beepers and any other electronic devices will not be used in class. Every electronic
device should be turned off while the student is in class. If a student is waiting for an
“emergency” phone call, he or she should communicate it to the instructor prior the beginning
of the class or the student attendance grade will be penalized. The use of cell phones in class
will automatically be penalized. The student will receive a NON-ATTENDING day and will
receive a warning. The second time the student will be asked to leave the class room.
5. Children in class are not allowed.
6. Food in class is not allowed.
7. Manners and attire. Please be proper and remove any type of hats, caps…i.e., show manners
and respect to others when in class. Disrespectful behavior interrupts the class therefore the
student will be asked to end the disruption and ultimately will be asked to leave the class.
8. Classroom procedures should be taken seriously or your participation grade will be affected.
As a language instructor I expect students to engage in the learning process and participate in
class in order to acquire the necessary skills to be successful in the use of the Spanish language.
9. Academic support services: The Library, Media Services, Listening Language Lab, Tutoring
Center, Writing Center, CAL Lab (Computer Assisted Learning Lab) and Computer Lab provide
equipment and/or individual help and workshops for students. Check college web pages for
hours, locations and services.
Classroom Dispute Resolution
If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come to talk with me about your
concerns. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Department Chair John
Falskow. The Chair can assist with information about additional steps, if needed.
Accommodations: Students with Special Needs.
All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but these requirements may vary. If you
need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in
Building 18 (253-566-5328). They will require you to present formal, written documentation of your
disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be
made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation
documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to the instructor before the accommodation
is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Calendario del curso mgraciacamon@tacomacc.edu
Primera semana
3 Enero
Introducción al curso
Capítulo Preliminar: Introducciones Pg: 2-3
Segunda semana
8 Enero
10 Enero
Capítulo Preliminar. Estructura 1: Verbo SER Pg: 10
Capítulo Preliminar. Estructura 2. Palabras Interrogativas Pg: 14
Capítulo 1. Introducción
Capítulo 1. Estructura 1. Artículos Pg: 26
Capítulo 1. Estructura 2. Verbos –AR Pg: 34-35
Tercera semana
15 Enero
17 Enero
Capítulo 1. ¡Así se dice! La hora Pg: 38
Capítulo 1. Repaso Pg: 46-47 Completar ILRN “Capítulo 1”
QUIZ # 1 “Capítulo Preliminar y Capítulo 1”
Capítulo 2. Vocabulario y Estructura 1: Posesivos Pg: 56
Cuarta semana
22 Enero
24 Enero
Capítulo 2. Estructura 2: Verbo SER Pg: 58
Capítulo 2. Estructura 3: Descripciones Pg: 60-61
Capítulo 2. Vocabulario: Nacionalidades Pg: 66
Capítulo 2. Estructura 4: Presente Simple –ER/-IR Pg: 68
Quinta semana
29 Enero
31 Enero
Sexta semana
5 Febrero
7 Febrero
Capítulo 2 Estructura 5: Verbo TENER Pg: 70
Capítulo 2. Repaso Pg: 80-81
QUIZ # 2 “Capítulo 2” Completar ILRN “Capítulo 2”
Capítulo 3. Vocabulario: Los pasatiempos Pg: 84-85
Capítulo 3. Estructura 1: Verbo GUSTAR Pg: 90
Capítulo 3. Vocabulario: Los lugares Pg: 94
Capítulo 3. Estructura 2: Verbo IR Pg: 96
Capítulo 3: Estructura 3: Verbos irregulares Pg: 98
Séptima semana
12 Febrero
14 Febrero
Capítulo 3: Estructura 4: Verbos SABER o CONOCER Pg: 100
Capítulo 3: ¡Así se dice! El tiempo: HACER y ESTAR Pg: 102
Capítulo 3. Repaso Pg: 110-111
Octava semana
19 Febrero
QUIZ # 3 “Capítulo 3” / Pres. Oral Completar ILRN “Capítulo 3”
21 Febrero
Capítulo 4: Vocabulario la casa Pg: 114-115
Novena semana
26 Febrero
Capítulo 4: Estructura 1: Verbos irregulares Pg: 120
28 Febrero
Capítulo 4: Vocabulario: los quehaceres domésticos Pg: 126
Capítulo 4: Estructura 2: Mandatos informales Pg: 128
Décima semana
5 Marzo
Capítulo 4: Estructura 3: Verbo ESTAR Pg 130
Capítulo 4: Estructura 3: Presente Progresivo 131
Capítulo 4: Repaso Pg: 142-143 Completar ILRN “Capítulo 4”
7 Marzo
Décima primera semana
12 Marzo
QUIZ # 4 “Capítulo 4” / Pres. Oral
14 Marzo
Repaso final
19 DE MARZO
Examen Final
This syllabus will be subject to changes at any time. The changes will be announced at class. It is the student responsibility to
find out the changes. Please contact the instructor if necessary. In case you can not attend class, please e-mail your homework
(word and pdf are accepted).