Western Illinois University
Department of Foreign Languages
SPAN 223/Intermediate Spanish
Fall 2010
Instructor: Prof. Munia Cabal-Jiménez
Class Schedule: M, W, F. Section 061: 9-9:50 a.m.
Section 062: 10-10:50 a.m.
Office: 305 A
Office hours: M, W, F 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Email: M-Cabal-Jimenez@wiu.edu
Credit Hours: 3 hours
Pre-requisite: SPAN 122 or two years of high school Spanish taken recently with a grade of B or better.
It is your responsibility to fully read this syllabus
I.
Course Description:
This course is designed for students with a previous basic knowledge of Spanish (see pre-requisite). The
general goal of this course is to continue building the four basic language skills (reading, writing,
listening and speaking). Students will engage in a variety of interactive activities that encourage authentic
communication such as listening to songs, watching and discussing short movies and video-clips, working
in groups, reading and analyzing different aspects of the Hispanic culture.
II.
Course objectives (based on ACTFL):
The following course objectives follow those described by the American Council of Teaching of Foreign
Languages. These are the objectives the student should reach at the end of the semester. Based on the four
skills, for SPAN 223 the course objectives will be:
Listening: To be able to understand sentence-length utterances consisting of recombinations of
learned utterances on a variety of topics that refer to personal background and needs, social
conventions and more complex tasks such as transportation and some personal interest and
activities, instructions and directions.
Speaking: To be able to successfully communicate in basic tasks and in basics social situations
beyond the most immediate needs (e.g. personal history, leisure time activities, talk about self and
family members) and the student will be also able to ask and answer questions and participate in
simple conversations.
Reading: To be able to read with increased understanding texts connected to a variety of topics
related to basic needs and social and cultural topics. The texts are still linguistically noncomplex
and the reader will be able to make minimal suppositions and bring personal interest or
knowledge. Texts may include descriptions written for a wide audience.
Writing: To be able to meet most practical basic writing needs, from taking notes on familiar
topics to respond in writing to personal questions. Can write brief synopses and paraphrases,
summaries on biographical data, work and school experience.
III.
Textbook and other instructional materials
1. Textbook: Caycedo-Garner, Lucía; Domínguez, Marcela; Rusch, Debbie. Fuentes. Conversación
y Gramática. Fourth Edition. Heinle. Cengage Learning.
2. Electronic Workbook. Fuentes. Conversación y gramática. (You will have access to it through
the Fuentes Website). You don’t need the printed version of the workbook.
3. Website for the electronic textbook activities and electronic activities manual (workbook) of
Fuentes, available on http://ilrn.heinle.com/index.html You have to create and set up an account,
under the “Student” option. In order to create your account you need the book key that comes
with your textbook and a Code that will be provided by your professor. If you are using a used
textbook, you should be able to buy the book key online on the iLrn website of Cengage.
4. You need to set up the account on iLrn the first week of instruction.
5. Western Online. The course website on Western Online will have an electronic gradebook where
the grades will be posted periodically. The grades for the online portion will be available at the
gradebook on the website of Fuentes. At the end of the semester, your professor will average
your grade and put the average grade on Western Online. The course website will be used also for
announcements and other necessary information.
IV.
Class work.
SPAN 223 relies significantly on your work online. There are many advantages to taking a class
that is technologically enhanced.
1. You can do your homework anytime, anywhere, as long as you do it before the deadlines.
2. The website will grade your homework immediately and it will tell you which exercises are
wrong and it will allow you to redo the exercise.
3. The system will allow you to redo the exercise up to 5 times, in order to allow you to earn the
grade you want. After your fifth attempt, you will not be able to do the exercise anymore, but the
system will keep your best score.
4. You can do your homework from any computer with internet access and with a reliable browser.
As a general recommendation though, don’t wait until last minute to do your homework.
Computers can fail, connections can get lost, servers stop working. Do you homework at least
12/24 hours before the deadline. Technical failures are not valid excuses; there are many
computer labs around campus. For locations of the 26 computer labs in campus (staffed and
unstaffed) check http://www.wiu.edu/university_technology/labs.php.
Class time will be dedicated to communicating in Spanish using the structures and vocabulary
that you have practiced on the computer prior to class. The role of the instructor in the classroom
is to facilitate communication, which means that your instructor will not dedicate a significant
amount of class time to explain grammar. This is the role of technology and your interaction with
it. If you need help with grammar and/or vocabulary please see your Instructor during his/her
office hours. You are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. However, please do not
expect your instructor to repeat for you a class that you missed nor answer questions about
material on-line which you have never covered yourself. Do this work first and then see your
instructor if you have doubts/questions.
The deadline for homework and exercises from the textbook is always
exercises and homework from the workbook are due after class.
before class;
Note: Do not try to navigate the iLrn Heinle Learning Center through the Western Online site, it
may cause the system to crash or it won’t open heavy files such as video or audio.
V.
Grades
The following grading scale will be used to evaluate assignments, tests and the final grade.
VI.
A (=93-100)
A- (=90-92)
B+ (=87-89)
B (=83-86)
B- (=80-82)
C+ (= 77-79)
C (=73-76)
C- (=70-72)
D+ (= 67 -69)
D (63-66)
D- (= 60-62)
F (0-59)
Evaluation
Attendance and class participation
Exams (exam 1 10%, exam 2 10%, final exam 10%)
Quizzes (five quizzes)
Electronic textbook activities
Electronic Activities Manual
10%
30%
20%
20%
20%
Quizzes will be scheduled (see calendar). Exam 1 and Exam 2 will be given during regular class
time (check the calendar). The dates for the online homework on iLrn are specified on the iLrn
calendar.
Grades will be posted periodically on the class website on Western online. It is recommended to
save all assignments after they are graded and returned. Mistakes can inadvertently be made
during grade recording; if there is a question regarding your grades, it will be easier to resolve if
all returned work is saved until after the course is completed.
VII.
Attendance policies
Class attendance, preparation and participation are essential to success in language acquisition.
1) You may miss up to three (3) classes and no questions will be asked. Be aware, however, that
the three cuts allotted include EVERYTHING (weddings, funerals, etc.) The course grade will be
lowered by 1% for each additional absence (3 tardy arrivals=1 absence)
2) It is YOUR responsibility to sign the attendance sheet each day of class, at the beginning of the
class. If your signature is not there you will be considered absent.
VIII. Students with disabilities
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), students
who require special accommodations due to a disability, or any other medical reason, are
encouraged to discuss this matter with the instructor.
VIII.
Students rights and responsibilities
Please become familiar with the Western Illinois University - Student Rights and Responsibilities
document, available at http://www.wiu.edu/provost/student.
*The use of cellular telephones during class is not acceptable. Please, turn your cell off
before entering the classroom. Use of the cell during class time (using it as a dictionary, or
texting) will automatically imply a zero in participation. If we do some activity in the
computer lab and you use the computer for other activities such as facebooking, or checking
email, register/drop classes, activities that are not related to the course, you will also
receive a zero in participation. The use of electronic devices (cell, Ipod) or facebook/email,
interferes with your use of Spanish in class and takes away your attention from the task at
hand.
IX.
Participation criteria
Every week students will receive one of the following grades depending on their participation in
class. A maximum of 10 points can be earned per week. The participation grade in GradeBook
will be an average of the weekly scores.
Very Good: 8-10 points
Arrives to class on time.
Comes to class prepared with all assignments completed.
Speaks only in Spanish.
Participates in all activities with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
Contributes actively during entire class and small group activities; initiates interactions.
Asks and responds to questions during follow-up sessions.
Always listens attentively while others speak.
Frequently asks a question when something isn’t clear.
Greets people and takes leave using Spanish expressions.
Satisfactory: 6-7 points
Arrives to class on time.
Comes to class prepared with all assignments completed.
Speaks only in Spanish.
Participates in all activities, usually with enthusiasm.
Contributes voluntarily during whole class activities.
Only rarely doesn’t listen while others speak.
Sometimes asks a question when something isn’t clear.
Greets people and takes leave using Spanish expressions.
Unsatisfactory: 4-6 points
Arrives no more than 5 minutes late.
Comes to class semi-prepared.
Sometimes uses English during small group activities but always uses Spanish during class
discussion.
Participation is often limited to answering instructor’s questions.
Is usually an active listener while others talk.
Sometimes contributes actively during small group activities.
Unacceptable: 0-2 points
Arrives 10 minutes (or more) late.
Comes to class unprepared.
Uses more English than Spanish when speaking with instructor or classmates.
Doesn’t listen while others talk.
Doesn’t contribute much to getting the task done in small group work.
Works on assignments for other classes, sleeps, or otherwise doesn’t pay attention.
Uses a cell phone in class
Note: Merely showing up for class does not guarantee you will receive participation points.
X.
Make up policy
The make-up policy covers the option to make-up homework, quizzes, exams (midterms, final
and conflict exams)
A. Homework:
The course calendar on the website specifies the dates for homework for both the textbook and
the workbook.
No late homework will be considered without written documentation for your absence.
(Examples of written documentation include: a doctor’s note, a note from Beau Health Center
with clear specification of the inclusive dates you were ill or a letter from your advisor providing
explicit documentation for all the days you were absent.)
To request consideration for make-up work:
• Submit your written documentation along with a form that can be obtained on the
wall outside of 305 A Morgan Hall within one week of returning to class.
• After submitting your documentation and your form to your professor, you will be
notified by email within 3 business days whether your request will be accepted or not,
along with details about the new due date for your homework. It is your responsibility
to watch your e-mail account for this information.
B. Exams/Quizzes:
Exams and quizzes dates are specified in the course calendar from the very beginning of the
semester. If you are planning to travel, plan according to the calendar so you don’t miss quizzes
or exams.
If you are absent from a quiz:
You should email your instructor/professor within one working day (24 hours). Your instructor
will arrange with you a time to make-up the missed quiz, but it should not be taken later than a
week after the original date.
If you are absent from a midterm exam, you must:
1. Email your instructor (XXXXX@wiu.edu) within 24 hours of the missed exam date.
2. Fill out a form to request a make-up exam. Provide written documentation for your absence in
order to take a make-up exam without penalty.
3. Attach the necessary written documentation (examples of written documentation include a
doctor’s note, a note from Beau Health Center, a letter from your advisor, a note from
Counseling Center or from Court ,among other type of documentation).
4. You will be notified during the next 24-36 hours if your request is approved.
5. Students who miss an exam without an excused absence must contact their instructor
immediately. They may take the exam with a 15% deduction provided that they take it within 24
hours from the original exam date.
6. There will be just one date and time to make up exam 1 and exam 2, for all students that request it
and get approval. Since SPAN 223 is taught M, W, F, the make up test will be the next Tuesday
or Thursday, at 8 a.m.
Note: If you do not follow this procedure, you will not be allowed to take a make-up test.
Extraordinary circumstances may apply and they will be considered under the discretion of
your professor.
C. Conflict exam:
If you have a conflict on the day of an exam, you must file a petition to take a conflict exam.
Valid reasons for a conflict exam are: another class or exam at the same time, serious illness (
examples are hospitalizations, medical treatment in a hospital, surgery), or religious observance.
To file a petition to take a conflict exam:
* Go to room 305 A Morgan Hall and pick up a conflict petition form from the envelope at the
door.
* Fill out a Conflict Petition Form, attach a copy of your class schedule (from a university source)
to the form, and return the form to the appropriate box in 305 A Morgan Hall.
* The names of the persons approved for the conflict exam will be posted outside 305 A Morgan
Hall and in Western Online. It is your responsibility to check this list to see whether you have
been approved to take the conflict exam. Your professor may or may not notify you. It is
your responsibility to find out if your petition is approved.
* Conflict Petitions should be filed five working days prior to the regularly scheduled exam. If
you do not request the conflict early, or are not approved, you must attend the regularly
scheduled exam or accept a 10% deduction from your conflict exam grade.
The conflict exam will be scheduled by the professor for all students that request and get
approval to take the conflict exam. There will be just one date and time for conflict exam for all
students of all sections. For SPAN 223 the date of the conflict will be Tuesday or Thursday the
week after the exam, at 8 a.m. If you request a conflict exam for the final and cannot make the
conflict exam due to additional scheduling problems, you should provide documentation from a
university source that you have a conflict that prevents you from taking the regular final exam
AND, simultaneously, prevents you from taking the conflict exam at its scheduled time and
date. Your instructor will then make arrangements for an alternate time to take the conflict
exam. If you are not approved in advance for the conflict exam, you MUST take the regular
final. NO EXCEPTIONS.
General Calendar
SPAN 223 Fall 2010
This calendar is subject to change.
Week/ Date
Week 1 Aug. 23- Aug. 27
Week 2 August 30-September 3
Week 3 Sept. 6- Sept 10
Week 4 Sept. 13- Sept 17
Week 5 Sept 20- Sept 24
Week 6 Sept. 27- Oct. 1
Week 7 Oct. 4- Oct. 8
Week 8 Oct. 11- Oct. 15
Week 9 Oct. 18- Oct. 22
Week 10 Oct. 25- oct. 29
Week 11 Nov. 1- Nov. 5
Week 12 Nov. 8-Nov.12
Week 13 Nov. 22- Nov. 26.
Week 14 Nov. 29-Dec. 3
Week 15 Dec 6-Dec. 10
Week 16 Dec. 13-Dec. 17.
Chapter
Introduction.
Capítulo preliminar. La vida
universitaria.
Capítulo preliminar “La vida
universitaria”.
Capítulo 1 “Nuestras
costumbres”.
Capítulo 1 “Nuestras
costumbres”.
Capítulo 2 “España: pasado y
presente”.
Capítulo 2 “España: pasado y
presente”.
Capítulo 2 “España: pasado y
presente”./ Capítulo 3 “ La
América precolombina”
Capítulo 3 “ La América
precolombina”.
Capítulo 3 “ La América
precolombina”.
Capítulo 4 “Llegan los
inmigrantes”.
Capítulo 4 “Llegan los
inmigrantes”.
Capítulo 4 “Llegan los
inmigrantes”./Capítulo 5 “Los
Estados Unidos: sabrosa fusión
de culturas.
Capítulo 5 “Los Estados Unidos:
sabrosa fusión de culturas”.
THANKSGIVING BREAK.
Capítulo 5 “Los Estados Unidos:
sabrosa fusión de culturas”./
Capítulo 6 “ Nuevas
democracias”.
Capítulo 6 “ Nuevas
democracias”.
FINAL EXAMS.
Quizzes/Exams
Quiz 1
Sept. 6 Labor Day. No classes.
Classes resume Sept. 7
Quiz 2
. EXAM 1.
Quiz 3
Quiz 4
”. EXAM 2.
Quiz 5.
EXAM 3.