DEPARTMENT OF SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE STUDIES
Spanish Grammar and Composition 1
Summer B, 2013, Section 41 00
Instructor: Ximena Moors
Cell Phone #: (352) 262-3549
Skype #: 661 748 0240
Office: Dauer Hall 3B
e-mail: xmoors@ufl.edu
Virtual Office Hours on Skype: Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday: 8:00-9:00 A.M.
Thursday and Friday: 9:00-10:00 Or
by App.
TEXT
Bleichmar, Guillermo, and Paula Cañón. Taller de escritores: Grammar and Composition for
Advanced Spanish. Vista Higher Learning, 2012.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
1) Taller de escritores Supersite, vhlcentral.com
Supersite Code Access: Included in the package and required to register in Supersite. For
instructions go to or read the instructions in this syllabus. 2) Spanish Grammar Supersite,
vhlcentral.com
The students can only order the code directly through VISTAS’ online store:
www.vistahigherlearning.com/store<http://www.vistahigherlearning.com/store
ISBN: 978-1-61767-098-5
3) Laptop and Internet Access: Both are indispensable for this course.
ABOUT THE TEXTBOOK AND SUPERSITES
1) Taller de Escritores Texbook
The textbook is organized in six lessons, in which you will find most of the required readings,
grammar explanations, and additional practice.
2) Taller de Escritores Supersite
It is composed of TWO different areas: PRACTICE and ASSESMENTS
PRACTICE: It is also organized in six lessons, each one of them divided in the following
sections: Lectura, Léxico, Estructuras, Ortografía y Puntuación, and Taller de Escritura.
Here you will find the assigned activities for every lesson.
ASSESMENTS: Here you will find the quizzes assigned for every lesson.
3) Spanish Grammar Supersite
There are NO assigned activities in this SUPERSITE, but the students are strongly recommended
to expand their practice of the grammar points presented in TALLER DE ESCRITORES, by
working with the corresponding chapters (under PRACTICE) of this Supersite. The
corresponding chapters are listed on the first page (bottom right) of each TALLER DE
ESCRITORES (textbook) lesson.
EARLY SUPERSITE ACCESS
It is VERY IMPORTANT to have accessed both Supersites BEFORE July 1st, so you can be
ready to start the first week of classes.
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PREREQUISITES
• SPN 2240 previously approved.
• SPN 2240 simultaneously.
• Right Score on placement exams) (Read the scores on the last two pages of this syllabus)
• A similar course in another university, wirh the approval of Professor Greg Moreland,
Spanish Undergraduate Adviser, Moreland@ufl.edu, or Professor Ximena Moors, SPN
3300-3301 Coordinator, xmoors@ufl.edu.
Atención: These courses are not open to bilingual students, who should contact Professor
Susana Braylan, sbraylan@ufl.edu
COURSE CORE GOALS. By the end of the course, students should develop:
1.Advanced writing proficiency in Spanish in a variety of formats, such as essays, short stories
and film reviews, interviews, cover letters, etc.
2. Ability to follow a process approach to writing that covers description, narration, exposition,
and argumentation.
3. Advanced proficiency in expository and argumentative writing.
4. Advanced knowledge of Spanish grammar.
5. Advanced proficiency in reading Spanish in order to become a better writer.
6. Knowledge of advanced spelling and punctuation rules in Spanish.
7. Ability to discuss reading topics and express opinions.
COURSE COMPONENTS AND METHODS OF EVALUATION
1) Taller de Escritores Supersite Practice (They are posted on Supersite ) 25% Supersite activities.
30% -Taller de escritura. Writing activities (16) are also posted on Supersite. There are
THREE COMPOSITIONS per module, from module ONE to FOUR. There are ONLY
TWO compositions per module, from modules FIVE to SIX. You can submit these texts
via the Taller de escritores Supersite.
2) Taller de Escritores Supersite Assesment
30%- Quizzes (14). (They are posted on Supersite. The TWO lowest grades will be
dropped) You will be quizzed on the Léxico, Estructuras, and Ortografía y Puntuación
on lessons ONE and THREE; you will be quizzed on the Léxico and Estructuras ONLY
on lessons TWO, FOUR, FIVE and SIX.
3) 15% Sakai Discussion Board: You will actively contribute to group discussions via
Discussion Board, both by asking and by answering questions; always using the language
of the course, i.e., Spanish.
EXAMS: THERE ARE NO PARTIAL NOR FINAL EXAMS FOR THIS COURSE.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Diccionarios
Oxford Spanish Mini Dictionary/wordreference.com: en TALLER DE ESCRITORES
SUPERSITE
Diccionario de la Real Academia de la Lengua: http://www.rae.es/rae.html
http://www.spanishdict.com/
PRENSA
http://www.periodistadigital.com
http://news.google.es/ http://www.elperiodico.com/
http://www.miami.com/mld/elnuevo/
http://www.prensaescrita.com
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OTROS RECURSOS
Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes
http://www.cervantesvirtual.com/
www.elcastellano.org Biblioteca Digital
Ciudad Seva
http://www.ciudadseva.com/bibcuent.htm
Cláusulas Restrictivas//No Restrictivas:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/eduweb/grammar/course/punctuation/3_4c.htm
http://www.kentlaw.edu/academics/lrw/grinker/LwtaClauses__Restrictive_and_Nonrest.htm La
voz pasiva http://roble.pntic.mec.es/acid0002/index_archivos/Gramatica/voz_pasiva.htm
GRADING SCALE
Outstanding work receives an A; outstanding work far exceeds what is expected (superior).
A- 93 – 90
Excellent work receives a B; excellent work exceeds what is expected (above average). B+
= 87 B = 83 B- = 80
Good work receives a C; good work basically meets expectations (average). C+
= 77 C = 73 C- = 70
Acceptable work receives a D; acceptable work is not particularly good, but is not failing (below
average).
D+ = 67 D = 63 D- = 60
Unacceptable work receives an F; unacceptable work demonstrates poor effort and/or
understanding (failing).
F = 59 and below
Should you have any complaints with your experience in this course please visit
http://www.distance.ufl.edu/student-complaints to submit a complaint.
GRADING RUBRICS
COMPOSITIONS RUBRICS (LATE COMPOSITIONS DO NOT GET CREDIT)
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Demonstrates excellence in written expression
Control of complex syntax and good use of verbs, although a few errors may occur.
A (15)
Rich, precise idiomatic vocabulary; ease of expression. Very good command of
A minus (14-13) conventions of the written language (orthography, sentence structure, paragraphing and
punctuation).
B plus (12) B
(11-10)
B minus (9-8)
C plus (7)
Demonstrates very good command in written expression
Evidence of complex syntax and appropriate use of verbs, although more than a few
grammatical errors may occur; very good control of elementary structures.
Considerable breadth of vocabulary. Conventions of the written language generally
correct.
Demonstrates a basic to good competence in written expression
Control of elementary structures and common verb tenses; frequent errors may occur in
complex structures. Vocabulary appropriate but limited; occasional second language
interference. May have frequent errors in orthography and other conventions of the
written language.
C(6)
C minus (5-4)
Suggests lack of competence in written expression
Numerous grammatical errors even in elementary structures; there may be an
occasional redeeming feature, such as correct advanced structure. Limited vocabulary,
significant second language interference. Pervasive errors of orthography may be
present.
D (3-1)
Demonstrates lack of competence in written expression
Constant grammatical errors impede communication. Insufficient vocabulary; frequent
second language interference. Severe problems with orthography may interfere with
written communication.
CATEGORY
DISCUSSION BOARD RUBRICS (LATE POSTS DO NOT GET CREDIT)
15-12 points
11 - 8 points
7 - 4 points
3-1 points
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Contributions/Content Routinely
provides useful
ideas when
participating in
the group
discussion. A
definite leader
who contributes
a lot of effort.
Working with Others
Quality of Work
(Sentence Structure,
Spelling, Punctuation,
Vocabulary)
Usually
provides useful
ideas when
participating in
the group
discussion. A
strong group
member who
tries hard!
Sometimes
provides useful
ideas when
participating in
the group
discussion. A
satisfactory
group member
who does what
is required.
Almost always
Usually
Often
acknowledges,
acknowledges, acknowledges,
shares with, and shares with,
shares with, and
supports the
and supports
supports the
efforts of others. the efforts of
efforts of
Tries to keep
others.
others, but
people working
sometimes is
well together.
not a good
team member.
Provides work of Provides high Provides work
the highest
quality work.
that occasionally
quality.
needs to be
checked/redone
by other group
members to
ensure quality.
Rarely provides useful
ideas when participating
in the group discussion.
May
refuse
to
participate.
Rarely acknowledges,
shares with, and
supports the efforts of
others. Often is not a
good team player.
Provides work that
usually needs to be
checked/redone by
others to ensure quality.
COURSE POLICIES:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic honesty and integrity are fundamental values of the University community. Students
who enroll at the University commit to holding themselves and their peers to the high standard of
honor required by the Honor Code. Any individual who becomes aware of a violation of the
Honor Code is bound by honor to take corrective action. Violations of the honor code include,
but are not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, bribery, misrepresentation, fabrication, and
conspiracy. Such violations may result in the following: lowering of grades, mandatory 0 on
assignments, redoing assignments, a final failing grade in the course, expulsion from the course,
referral to the student-run Honor Court. The Honor Code: “We, the members of the University of
Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty
and integrity.” On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the
following pledge is either required or implied: On my honor, I have neither given nor received
unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.
For more information, refer to: http://www.dso.ufl.edu/Academic_Honesty.html and
http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/honorcodes/conductcode.php
COUNSELING AND WELLNESS
A variety of counseling, mental health and psychiatric services are available through the UF
Counseling and Wellness Center, whose goal is to help students be maximally effective in their
academic pursuits by reducing or eliminating emotional, psychological, and interpersonal
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problems that interfere with academic functioning. The Center can be found online at
http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc or reached by phone at 392-1575.
SETTING UP YOUR TALLER SUPERSITE ACCOUNT AND ENROLLING IN
YOUR INSTRUCTOR COURSE.
Overview
In order to see and submit your assignments, receive important announcements, and
communicate with your Instructor, you will need an account, a Supersite code, and you will need
to enroll in your Instructor's course.
RETURNING STUDENTS
If you have an existing account for VHLCentral, for your textbook's Supersite, or for another
Vista Higher Learning textbook, complete these steps:
 Go to VHLCentral (the link will open in a new window): vhlcentral.com.
 Log in using your existing account information.
 To redeem a new Supersite code, click the "Redeem a code" link. Then complete the items
below in "Step 3 - Activate Code" of the NEW STUDENTS section.
 To enroll in your Instructor's course, click the "Enroll in a course" link. Then complete the
items below in "Step 5 - Select a Course/Class" of the NEW STUDENTS section.
NEW STUDENTS
If you are new to Vista Higher Learning, complete these steps:
Step 1 - Go to VHLCentral
To begin, go to vhlcentral.com (the link will open in a new window).
Step 2 - Create an Account
 In the "Login Information" section of the account creation page, enter a username of your
choice.
 Enter the email address you would like to associate with your account.
 Enter and confirm a password of your choice.
 In the "Personal Profile" section, enter your first and last name as you wish them to appear
in your Instructor's roster.
 Select the year of your birth from the drop down list.
 Enter a student ID (optional).
 In the "Security Information" section, you will provide the answer to a secret question,
which may later be used to help you access your account if you forget your password.
 After you enter all of the information, click "create an account."
 Click "agree." (Before your account is created, you must agree to the terms and conditions
of use policy.)

Step 3 - Activate Code
 On the code activation screen, enter your Supersite code.
 Click "activate code" to continue.
 Look for a flash alert confirming that the code was successfully redeemed.

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Step 4 - Select a School
 Locate your school by typing your school’s name. To narrow the search results, include the
city and state (or country, if outside of the USA) in which your school is located.
 Click "find." If the terms you entered did not result in a successful search, follow the
onscreen tips to revise your search.
 Select your school from the list by clicking the radio button next to the school name.
 Click "select school" to add the school to your account.
 Look for a flash alert confirming you successfully added the school.

Step 5 - Select a Course/Class
 From the list of available classes at your school for your textbook's Supersite, look for your
Instructor’s name and the course "SPANISH GRAMMAR & COMPOSITION 2" taught
between
 July 1st – August 9th, 2013.
 Click the radio button for the course section. If more than one class is listed for your
Instructor, click the information icons in the class listings until you locate the section. Click
Save. You should see a confirmation that you successfully enrolled in your instructor's
course.
Department of Spanish & Portuguese Studies
Lower Division Spanish Program
Student Placement Information
• Students must have placement score to enroll in any course above the 1000-level.
• Students who took Spanish previously CANNOT take SPN 1130 or 1131.
• Scores marked with a * do NOT fulfill the LAS language requirement.
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AICE
If your score is …
Then you have credit
And should enroll in
for…
…
UNGRADED/NOGRADE (0)
--
SPN 1134
A-E (A level)
SPN 2200 and SPN 2201
SPN 2240
A-E (AS level)
SPN 2200
SPN 2201
Advanced Placement (AP) [Language or Literature]
If your score is …
Then you have credit
And should enroll in …
for…
1*
--
SPN 1134
2*
--
SPN 2200
3
SPN 2200
SPN 2201
4
SPN 2200 and SPN 2201
SPN 2240
5
SPN 2200 and SPN 2201
SPN 2240 or SPN 3300+
+See
CLEP
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G. Moreland in 1B Dauer
If your score is …
Then you have credit
And should enroll in
for…
…
50*
--
SPN 1134
54 *
SPN 0301
SPN 1134
other
See A. Gil in 160 Dauer
International Baccalaureate (IB)
If your score is …
Then you have credit
And should enroll in …
for…
3*
--
SPN 2200
4
SPN 1131
SPN 2200
5
SPN 1131 and 2200
SPN 2201
6
SPN 1131 and 2200
SPN 2201
7
SPN 1131 and 2200
SPN 2201
SAT II
If your score is …
You should enroll in …
Notes
0*-420*
SPN 1134
Successful completion fulfills the LAS
language requirement
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430-560
SPN 2200
LAS language requirement completed
570-690
SPN 2201
LAS language requirement completed
700+
SPN 2240 or SPN 3300
See G. Moreland in 1B Dauer
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