Course Description

SPAN 1411 Beginning Spanish I

SPANISH 1411, Beginning Spanish I, is the first semester of a comprehensive beginning Spanish course in which you will listen to, speak, read and write Spanish. It is a four credit-hour course which meets five hours per week. The course transfers to universities as foreign language credit. It also satisfies the cross-cultural component of the HCCS core curriculum.

Prerequisites

No prerequisite

Course Goals (includes core competencies, incorporation of SCANS, etc.)

COURSE OBJECTIVES
These descriptions reflect what most students will be able to do by the end of the course. The terms given in parentheses are descriptive terms of proficiency in foreign language based on a classification developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages:

1. Listening comprehension (Novice-High)
   Comprehend words, phrases and sentences in standard spoken language where the context is familiar, mainly simple sentences using high frequency vocabulary.
   
2. Speaking (Novice-Mid)
   Speak using words, phrases and short sentences in a number of familiar contexts.
   
3. Reading (Novice-High)
   Read and comprehend language about practical everyday situations.
   
4. Writing (Novice-High)
   Write short simple sentences using learned vocabulary and grammatical structures within familiar contexts.
   
5. Cultural Awareness
   a) Be able to identify regions of the world and name some countries
   where Spanish is spoken.
   b) Demonstrate knowledge of a few basic facts about several Spanish-speaking
   countries or regions.
   c) Show understanding of Spanish customs relating to introductions
   and initial social contacts, interaction in public places, dining, interaction
   between family and friends.
   d) Show some understanding of issues in intercultural communication
   and cultural misunderstanding.
   e) Acquire  and demonstrate cultural awareness and understanding
   of Hispanic countries and peoples.

Core Curriculum
Spanish 1411 fulfills the six basic intellectual competencies of the Core Curriculum.

READING: Reading material at the college level means having the ability of analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials, books, articles, and documents.

WRITING: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become familiar with the writing process, including how to discover a topic, how to develop and organize it, and how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities are acquired through practice and reflection.

SPEAKING: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.

LISTENING: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.

CRITICAL THINKING: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternatives strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address an identified task.

COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of the technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies ad they become available. (Houston Community College System 2000-2001 Catalog, 35)

Instructor Information

Textbook Information

1. Puntos de Partida,  Knorre, Dorwick, et al (6th edition, 2001); (Required)
   
2. Workbook for Puntos de Partida, (6th edition, 2001); (Required)
   
3. Laboratory Manual for Puntos de Partida, (6th edition, 2001); (Required)
   
4. Supplementary Materials, Foerster, Miller (5th edition, 1993); (Reqd)
   NOTE: All students must have their books by the second day of classes. Books can be bought at any HCCS bookstore.

Lab Requirements (if any)

Students will use the audio lab as well as the computer lab to reinforce what has been learned in the classroom.

Students with Disabilities

Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to Room 102 SJAC, or call (713) 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements. Instructors are authorized to provide only accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.

Academic Honesty

Students engaged in any scholastic dishonesty: cheating, plagiarism or collusion, as described by the Student Handbook may be penalized as specified in the Student Handbook (pp. 28-29)

Attendance and Withdrawal Policies

Class will begin at the scheduled time. Please be on time, as coming and going is disruptive. The class roll will be called every day at the beginning of class. Students are expected to attend classes every day and will be responsible for materials covered during their absence, as per the course lesson plan and additional materials assigned by instructor. Students will lose points on the participation grade for every class missed. As per HCCS policies, stated in the Student Handbook (P. 2), the instructor has full authority to drop a student after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 10 hours, including lecture and laboratory time. However, it is recommended that the student be responsible for dropping the course if he/she has been absent more than 10 hours of class. This policy will be strictly enforced, particularly for veterans. If a student is late by more than 10 minutes or leaves class 15 minutes before the class ends, the student will receive one 1/2 absence. After 2  of these absences the student will get one full absence. Attendance is essential. In accordance with HCCS official policy, a student may be dropped after missing more than two weeks of class (10 hours).
Absences will be counted from the first class day of the semester, no matter when the student registers or first attend.

Grading Policy

The student is expected to do all assignments and tests. Students who fail to turn in an assignment or take a make up test for a test missed will receive a grade of 0 for the assignment or test. Students will be evaluated as follows:

1. Oral participation (taking into account effort, attendance, and tardiness): 15%
2. Written homework and quizzes:                 15%
3. 6 Chapter Tests?oral and written portions:  40%
4. Final Exam?oral and written portions:     30%
    

GRADE DISTRIBUTION

100-90: A  89-80: B  79-70: C  69-60: D  59-0: F

Course Requirements for example: Testing, Projects, Assignments, Portfolios, Service Learning, Internships, etc.

1. Oral participation
2. Written homework and quizzes
3. 6 Chapter Tests?oral and written portions
4. Final Exam

A graded composition per chapter (based on the ?Mi diario? section of the WB) must be turned in before taking the correspondent chapter exam, otherwise it will not be received for credit, and the grade on it will be 0 .

Make-up policy

MAKE UP TEST POLICY
Students are responsible for material covered during their absences. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the instructor for make-up assignments. Exchanging phone numbers with one or two other students for times when you miss a single class is a good idea. Make-up exams will not be given except in well documented dire circumstances. Only one major exam will be made up per semester. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Course Content

In Spanish 1411, vocabulary, language patterns and grammar are introduced and applied in the context of practical communication such as greeting others and getting acquainted; identifying yourself, your family, your studies; talking about your activities; shopping; ordering something to eat and drink. The class includes dialogues, tapes, oral and written exercises, computerized practice, role-playing, partner work and laboratory exercises. You will also learn cultural information about values, beliefs and practices related to the above situations and to speakers of Spanish. In a more general sense, you will learn about the cultural contexts of the Spanish language.

Course Calendar with Due Dates for Assignments and Testing

Other Student Information (clubs, tutoring, web resources, student services, etc.)

LAB TAPES

Students may take to the library six (6) 90 minute blank audiocassette tapes of good quality to have their tapes duplicated so that they can prepare the lab exercises ahead of time. This can be done in the Central Library, SJAC Building. Be sure to write your name and College on the request form. (Required)

In addition, students have the option of purchasing the McGraw-Hill Spanish Tutor to accompany Puntos de PartIda, 6th edition, software for use at home. (Optional, not required

Web site: www.mhhe.com/Puntos.

CELLULAR PHONES AND BEEPERS MUST BE TURNED OFF. PLEASE DO NOT WEAR HATS OR CAPS TO CLASS.
EATING AND DRINKING ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CLASS.

There is free tutoring for students who are taking Spanish. Please consult the department for a schedule.