Spanish 101, CRN 55691
Linda Robertson
Syllabus & FAQ
Please read the following statement from the Disabled Students Programs and Services:
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) coordinates all academic accommodations for students
with documented disabilities at Santa Barbara City College. If you have, or think you might have, a
disability that impacts your educational experience in this class, please contact DSPS to determine your
eligibility for accommodations. DSPS is located in the Student Services (SS) Building, Room 162. Their
phone number is 805-730-4164.
If you are already registered with DSPS, please submit your accommodation requests via the ‘DSPS Online
Services Student Portal’ as soon as possible. Once submitted and confirmed please visit with me about
your specific accommodations.
Please complete this process in a timely manner to allow adequate time to provide 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.
Grading
97.5 – 100 = A+
92,5 – 97 = A
90 - 92 = A-
87.5 – 89.5 = B+
82.5 – 87 = B
80 – 82 = B-
77.5-79.5 = C+
70 – 77=C
67.5 – 69.5 = D+
62.5 – 67 = D
60 – 62 = D-
59 and below = F
70 and below = No Pass
Non-attendance after final drop date = FW
Percentages
5 written chapter tests
Lab attendance
Class participation
Final examination
50%
5%
25%
20%
FAQ
Tests
1, Do you drop the lowest test score?
NO! However, you may repeat ONE chapter test at the end of the semester.
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?
Yes, in the hour before the exam.
7. Are your exams hard?
My exams fairly reflect the material being studied. I do not allow open-book or notes during
exams. All devices must be stowed in backpacks or left on my desk while taking exams.
Academic Dishonesty includes but is not limited to:
Cheating—failure to observe the expressed procedures of an academic exercise, including but not limited
to:
• Unauthorized communicating with fellow students during a quiz or exam
• Copying material from another student’s quiz or exam
• Permitting another student to copy from a quiz or exam
• Unauthorized use of notes, either electronic or written
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? Will I be dropped if I am absent?
By prior arrangement only, without disrupting the class. / Yes, after 2 unexcused absences.
3. What do I have to do to get a high grade in class participation?
Do all homework assignments and participate in homework correction.
Write on the board during board exercises and exam review sessions.
Ask questions in class or via email messages.
Come to office hours.
Do extra credit assignments well when they are provided.
Do NOT indulge in disruptive behavior or disturb your classmates.
Please remain attentive during class lessons.
Do NOT use mobile devices at all during class unless instructed to do so.
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 protocals
1. Where is the language lab?
The staffed language lab is located in H 328. The hours will be posted on the door. Lab
protocals:
a. Check in using your SBCC ID card or K number
b. No food or drink at your computer station
c. Do NOT leave your work station or leave belongings unattended in the lab
d. When finished with your lab session, log off but do not turn off the computer.
e. Remember to check out at the desk as you leave. Your minutes will be
automatically computed.
2. What do I do in the lab?
Standing assignments: Do the exercises at http://vog.websb.net/archivo101.html
Follow the links to the Study Spanish website (new ones each chapter)
Optional: Use your QUIA/iLrn account to take sample tests and do workbook exercises
3. 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
4. How much does my time in the lab count toward my final grade?
5%. If you go overtime in the lab (up to 700 minutes), it will help your final grade. It might
hurt your course grade if you decide not to comply with the lab requirement.
5. May I do the work from my home computer or another lab on campus?
Of course, but you cannot accumulate lab minutes from home. If you attend another
lab on campus, be sure they can credit your minutes to your Spanish class.
Miscellaneous
1. Do you recommend additional books?
Yes. 501 Spanish Verbs is a very useful resource for you.
The online dictionaries at diccionarios.com are excellent
2. Do you give extra-credit assignments?
From time to time. If you choose to do them, do them as well as possible.
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 lmrobertson@pipeline.sbcc.edu
5. What are your office hours?
Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00 – 3:30.
Email me any time with your questions. I am happy to reply.
6. Any further suggestions?
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 class regularly. Many questions get answered in class.
Avail yourself of tutoring, when available.
Check your Pipeline email frequently for class updates.
Find a compatible study partner.
Don’t expect to become fluent overnight. Language learning is a process!
No food allowed in the classroom. You may bring securely covered non-alcoholic drinks.
Student Agreement – Spanish 101 CRN 55691
I have read the entire Progrma de estudios and Syllabus. I agree to abide by the terms of
conduct outlined in both documents. I understand that I must take all exams on the dates
stipulated. I acknowledge that the final examination must be taken only on the date assigned
by the college (May 11th 2016 at 2:00 p.m.)
______________________________________ __________________________________
Name in print
___________________________
Date
Signature