HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador
Course Syllabus
HU 3292 Level II B Spanish Language & Culture
College of Science and Arts
Department of Humanities
Fall 2015
Instructor Information
Instructor:
Office Location:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Carlos M. Amador, PhD
Assistant Professor of Spanish and Culture Studies
Please call me Prof. Amador, Profesor, or Profe.
322 Walker Arts and Humanities Center
Office –(906) 487-3257
cmamador@mtu.edu
TR 10:00am – 12:00pm or by appointment
Course Identification
Course Number:
Course Name:
Course Location:
Class Times:
HU 84637
HU 3292 Level II B Spanish Language & Culture
Rekhi G009
T/TH 14:05-15:20
Course Description/Overview
Spanish IIB is an advanced (2nd year, 2nd semester) Spanish language and culture course
that focuses on developing significant increases in comprehension, written and oral
expression, and cultural literacy. This course works with authentic texts, films, and
recordings so that students operate within a model that unites comprehension,
communicative production, and grammar based activities. This course also contains an
added component of activities requiring that students connect their Spanish with their
intended professional discipline.
Course Learning Objectives
Spanish IIB has 5 principal course learning objectives adapted from the ACTFL Standards
for Foreign Language Learning. Note: These are standards -- frameworks for understanding
what there is to learn -- and not evaluations of achievement. No one student will achieve all
standards with equal success. However, they outline what kinds of learning each student will
engage in and improve upon by the end of the course. .
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador
1. Learners will improve their communication across a variety of registers. Activities will
focus on interpretation, interpersonal communication, and presentation of Spanish for
specific communicative purposes.
2. Learners will use the language to critically reflect on culture, focusing on using the
language in an engaged role for understanding and presenting information about culture,
especially information drawn from sources intended for native speakers.
3. Learners will use the language to make interdisciplinary and transcultural connections,
using Spanish as a critical thinking tool.
4. Learners will make informed cultural and linguistic comparisons in Spanish, using the
language as tool of personal reflection about similarities and differences between their own
culture and Hispanic cultures.
5. Learners will use the language as a tool to join communities. Successful completion of
this course will allow students to grow and develop relationships with individuals and
various groups (for specific professions, interests, or regions) across the Hispano-phone
world.
MTU University Student Learning Goals
HU3292 satisifies University Student Learning Goal #3-Global Literacy. Students will be able
to interact in meaningful ways with people from other Hispano-phone cultures and reflect
upon cultural connections and divergences in Spanish and English. This will be
accomplished by acquisition of global knowledge and competencies through the study of
language and culture.
For more information on Global Literacy, please refer to: Goal 3_Global Literacy & Human
Culture Rubric
Course Resources + Required Text
Required Course Text
MAS. 2nd edition. Perez-Girones, Adan-Linfante. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2014.
Connect Access for MAS. Perez-Girones, Adan-Linfante. New York: McGraw-Hill.
ISBN: 0078049040 / 9780078049040-MAS CNCT+ © 2014, 2nd edition
Course Website(s)


Canvas http://www.courses.mtu.edu
http://connect.mheducation.com/class/c-amador-span-2b
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador
Course Communication
All communications should be done through email. Any announcements pertinent to course as
a whole will be made through canvas. All communication shall be written in the appropriate
register and tone between a university student and the professor. Should you have any
questions about how to email your professor, please consult the following link:
http://www.cwu.edu/~glasbys/EMAIL
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR MICHIGAN TECH EMAIL ACCOUNT IS CURRENT. It is the student’s
responsibility to maintain a working email account and use the Michigan Tech address for all
official correspondence.
Assignments and Grading Policy
Grade Breakdown
Connect + Other Homework
10%
Chapter Exams (6-7) (8-9) (10-12)
30%
Oral presentations/Creative
Presentations
15%
Class attendance (sign-up sheet)
/conversation days/ + TA meetings
15%
6 Compositions + Corrections
30%
Total
100%
Assignments and Examinations:




Connect + Other Homework (15%): Homework is assigned on your Connect page
and is assigned by chapter. Please ensure that you have access to a working
computer. Very occasionally, homework that is not available on Connect will be
assigned.
Chapter Exams (30%): Chapter exams will include listening, writing, reading, and
grammar sections taken from your textbook and course instruction. There will be
two exams covering three chapters each.
6 Compositions + Corrections (30%): These are short essays done in class that
contain a peer review component.
Class attendance (sign-up sheet) /participation /Conversation days (15%)—Several
times during the semester, we will have days where we will take for at least twenty
minutes on a topic that you will prepare beforehand. Working from notes and with
your colleagues, you will be graded on USE of Spanish in class, not correctness.
¡Habla por favor!
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador

Oral Presentations/Final interviews (15%): You will present on a cultural topic for
5-7 minutes in Spanish with the use of visual presentation software, or you may opt
for a creative video. If you choose the video portion, you must present a five minute
discussion in class discussing several aspects of the project in Spanish.
Late Assignments Policy




Connect homework is due on the dates listed on your Connect site. Late work will
have a 15% deduction for each day late. This is automatically programmed into
Connect
To receive full credit for an In-Class writing assignment you must be present in
class.
There will no makeup quizzes or tests for unexcused absences.
Unless there is an authorized university activity, attendance is mandatory during
the final presentations. Unexcused absences during this period will result in a 10%
percent reduction of your oral presentation grade.
Grading Scheme (All assignments and final course grade)
Grading System
Letter
Grade
A
AB
B
BC
C
CD
D
F
I
X
Grade
Percentage
points/credit
Rating
93% & above
4.00
Excellent
87% – 92.9%
3.50
Very good
82% – 86%
3.00
Good
76% – 81%
2.50
Above average
70% – 75%
2.00
Average
65% – 69%
1.50
Below average
60% - 64%
1.00
Inferior
59% and below
0.00
Failure
Incomplete; given only when a student is unable to complete a segment of
the course because of circumstances beyond the student’s control.
Conditional, with no grade points per credit; given only when the student is
at fault in failing to complete a minor segment of a course, but in the
judgment of the instructor does not need to repeat the course. It must be
made up by the close of the next semester or the grade becomes a failure
(F). A (X) grade is computed into the grade point average as a (F) grade.
Attendance and Participation
Each day, I will circulate attendance quizzes (one point for correctness, one for
completeness) that determine 7.5% of your grade. Questions will be taken from the
grammar or vocabulary for that day. Active participation in class in Spanish will determine
the rest of your participation grade. On your Canvas site you will receive weekly feedback
and grades for your engagement with the course and use of Spanish in class. The remaining
7.5% of your participation grade is based on:
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador

Use of Spanish in class. It is essential that you make the effort to express yourself at
all times in Spanish, this includes during group work and speaking with your classmates

Willingness to volunteer in whole class activities and to participate and cooperate in
pair and group work.
Level of preparedness. It is mandatory that you come to class on time and prepared,
with assigned pages read in advance and assignments completed.

Students who miss more than three classes without university-approved excuses will
lower their final grade by half a grade; those who miss more than four will lover their
grade by a full grade. There will be no passing grade for students who miss more than 30%
of classes. Any student with 7 unexcused absences will not be allowed to take the Final
Exam. Excessive tardiness will also result in a grade reduction. Tardiness is defined as
being 15 minutes late to class. Adjustments to this policy fall under my discretion
and will only be given under extraordinary circumstances.
A simple email note or a verbal communication does NOT qualify as an officially
excused absence. An OFFICIALLY EXCUSED absence is one that is authorized in
writing by a doctor, another instructor or coach for a university-sponsored event, a
university program director, a work supervisor, or the Dean of Students. If you know
in advance that you will not be able to attend class or complete an exam or quiz, it is
your responsibility to make prior arrangements with me and to complete the
required assignments in a timely manner. No exam make-ups allowed for anyone
without a university-approved (official) excuse.
Collaboration/Plagiarism Rules/Class Conduct
Most of the in-class work done in HU3292 will be collaborative; it is imperative that you
come prepared to work with your classmates. Plagiarism will be strictly dealt with
according to the Academic Integrity Code of Michigan Tech. Please consult the following
link for information: http://www.admin.mtu.edu/usenate/policies/p109-1.htm
Cell phones, Blackberries, iPods, PDAs, or any other electronic devices are not to be used in
the classroom. Information exchanges on these devices during class are also prohibited and
violate the Academic Integrity Code of Michigan Tech.
University Policies
Student work products (exams, essays, projects, etc.) may be used for purposes of
university, program, or course assessment. All work used for assessment purposes will not
include any individual student identification.
Michigan Tech complies with all federal and state laws and regulations
regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For more
information about reasonable accommodation for or equal access to education or services
at Michigan Tech, please call the Dean of Students Office, at (906) 487- 2212 or go to
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador
http://www.mtu.edu/provost/faculty-resources/syllabus-policies/ or the Student
Disability Services Office http://www.mtu.edu/deanofstudents/students/disability/
Please submit any disability services documentation by September 12th, 2014. Any
documentation received after that date will be accepted on an individual basis. Please
contact me via email or come to my office hours to discuss accommodations.
Office Hours and Grade Appeals
I am always available during office hours or by appointment to discuss any aspect of the
course. You may appeal your grade for any reason. Grade appeals are to be done during
office hours or by appointment exclusively. Reevaluation of your work does not guarantee
a higher grade, but can also result in a lowering of your assignment grade.
Note: Any portion of the syllabus and course schedule may be revised
during the semester to accommodate the needs of students or the
instructor.
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador
Course Calendar
FECHA
TAREA y Actividades En
Clase
Contenido de libro y pruebas
septiembre
Semana 1:
martes 1
Tarea de Connect
Diagnóstico-Escribe un párrafo sobre lo que
hiciste durante el descanso veranal
fecha límite 14 de septiembre
Presentaciones personales
jueves 3
Mini-lectura, Mini-escritura en
grupos
Preparación para la literatura
martes 8
Semana 2
CAPITULO 7: Nos-otros
Seguir con capítulo 6
Mini-lectura: <<dos idiomas, múltiples beneficios>>
Cortometraje: <<Camión de carga>>
jueves 10
PALABRAS
 La identidad nacional
la experiencia en otro país CULTURA
La lengua española: El gran vínculo
América
<<El año que viene estamos en Cuba>>
ESTRUCTURAS 17 Y 18
17 Palabras indefinidas, negativas y positivas
18 El indicativo y el subjuntivo en cláusulas adjetivales
martes 15
Semana 3
CULTURA
Taki-Kuni: música popular en Latinoamérica
Tertulia: La música
jueves 17
Connect Chapter 7 fecha limite
Lectura en clase
Composición 1 en clase
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador
Semana 4
martes 22
CAPITULO 8: Nuestro mundo pequeño
Mini lectura: <<Cambio climático, Greenpeace Argentina>>
De entrada
Cortometraje
jueves 24
martes 29
PALABRAS
 El medio ambiente
 La ciudad y los servicios urbanos
 El desarrollo y la economía
Semana 5
CULTURA
 El medio ambiente
 La ciudad y los servicios urbanos
 El desarrollo y la economía
ESTRUCTURAS 19
El futuro y el futuro perfecto en el indicativo
ESTRUCTURA 20
El indicativo y subjuntivo en cláusulas adverbiales
Google ngrams activity
octubre
Capítulo 8—Tarea de Connect
fecha límite
Composición en clase
martes 6
Semana 6
Prueba #1
jueves 8
Debate
CAPITULO 9: EN BUSCA DE IGUALDAD
«La ONU declara el acceso a Internet como un derecho
humano»
PALABRAS
 El individuo
 Para hablar de temas sociales
 Para expresar opiniones
Martes 13
Semana 7
ESTRUCTURAS 21
Tarea de Connect fecha límite
12 octubre
El presente perfecto del subjuntivo
jueves 1
ESTRUCTURAS 22
Los pronombres relativos
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador
jueves 15
Fecha límite--Connect
Chapter 9
Introducción al CAPITULO 10: Los tiempos
precolombinos
PALABRAS
 Para hablar de la historia
 El paso del tiempo
CULTURA
Culturas indígenas
España precolombina
Semana 8
martes 20
Repaso para la primera prueba
jueves 22
ESTRUCTURAS 23
El imperfecto del subjuntivo
ESTRUCTURAS 24
El condicional
ESTRUCTURAS 23
El imperfecto del subjuntivo
ESTRUCTURAS 24
Composición en clase
martes 27
Semana 9
Lectura: << Mi tierra>>
Cortometraje: <<El último viaje del almirante>>

jueves 29
Día de conversación
CULTURA
El machismo
El feminismo
Composición #3 en clase con revisión--¿Qué significa
el feminismo
Preparación para la prueba
Debate sobre machismo/feminismo
Semana 10
Prueba # 2
noviembre
martes 3
jueves 5
Debates culturales
Manifiestos feministas
Manifiestos machistas
martes 10
Capítulo 11
Conferencia sobre culturas
indígenas/pequeño informe
sobre una cultura indígena
Introducción al CAPITULO 11: Los tiempos coloniales:
Después del encuentro…
Mini lectura: En busca del nuevo mundo
Bartolomé de las Casas
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HU3292 Lev. II-B Spanish Language and Culture – Fall 2015– Syllabus—Prof. Amador
jueves 12
Semana 11
Tarea de Connect
fecha límite 9 de de noviembre
Película--La otra conquista
Textos de Guamán Poma
martes 17
jueves 20
Cortometraje
ESTRUCTURAS 25
El pasado perfecto o el pluscuamperfecto del subjuntivo
Película--La otra conquista
El barroco (documental)
http://www.kb.dk/permalink/2006/poma/info/en/frontpage.htm
Semana 12
Tarea de Connect
ESTRUCTURAS 26
El condicional perfecto
fecha límite 22 de noviembre
Composición 5 en clase
Google ngrams instruction
martes 24
Día de acción de gracias
Vacaciones
jueves 26
Día de acción de gracias
Vacaciones
diciembre
Hablar del documental del
barroco
Lectura: <<el Eclipse>>
Semana 13
Introducción al CAPITULO 12: La democracia:
¡Presente!
martes 1
jueves 3
Composición #6 due in-class
Composición #6 ¿Democracia o oligarquía? Respuesta
política
Presentaciones orales/
martes 8
Jueves 10
Prueba #3
10