Course Description

SPAN 1412 Beginning Spanish II

SPANISH 1412, Beginning Spanish II, is the second 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

Successful completion of Spanish 1411, CLEP placement, or three years of High School Spanish. (If you obtained a grade of D for Spanish 1411, we recommend you repeat that course)

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

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 (Intermediate-Low)

Comprehend statements and questions in standard spoken language using recombinations of learned vocabulary and expressions. Understand conversations or comments on familiar topics relating to personal information, daily activities and practical, everyday situations and social exchanges. Students will be able to follow the course of the conversation without necessarily understanding everything said.

2. Speaking (Novice-High)

Speak, using words, phrases and short sentences to give information, ask and answer questions, initiate or participate in conversations. Speech will consist of learned utterances, with some ability to recombine elements. Topics will generally relate to personal identity, family, daily life, leisure activities, everyday needs. Students will be most comfortable speaking about activities using the present tense and have limited ability to speak about past or future activities. Students will still make frequent errors. Basic elements of pronunciation of the foreign language will be apparent but there may be a strong influence from the first language.

3. Reading (Intermediate-Low)

Understand the main ideas and some facts and details in short, uncomplicated written passages relating to familiar topics. Students will need rereading and/or assistance from instructor. Students will be able to extract information from authentic texts that deal with familiar context.

4. Writing (Intermediate-Low)

Write sentences, and short paragraphs which describe, relate information, ask and answer factual questions, express in a limited way feelings and thoughts about familiar topics.

5. Cultural Awareness

 1. Be able to identify regions of the world and name countries where Spanish is spoken.
 2. Demonstrate knowledge of a few basic facts about Spanish - speaking countries or regions.
 3. Show understanding of Spanish customs relating to introductions and initial social contacts, interaction in public places, dining, interaction between family and friends.
 4. Show some understanding of issues in intercultural communication and cultural misunderstanding.
 5. Acquire and demonstrate cultural awareness and understanding of Spanish - speaking

Core Curriculum
Spanish 1412 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

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED

1. Puntos de Partida,  Knorre, Dorwick, et al (5th edition, 1997); (Required)
   

2. Workbook for Puntos de Partida, (5th edition, 1997); (Required)
   

3. Laboratory Manual for Puntos de Partida, (5th edition, 1997); (Required)
   

4. Supplementary Materials, Foerster, Miller (5th edition, 1993); (Required)

Note. For the Spring of 2002 we will be using the 6th edition of Puntos de Partida

Lab Requirements (if any)

The class includes dialogues, tapes, oral and written exercises, role-playing, partner work and laboratory exercises

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. Faculty are only authorized to provide 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.

Attendance and Withdrawal Policies

Attendance is essential. 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. As per HCCS policies, stated in the Student Handbook, 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.

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. Class participation: 15%

2. Homework, workbook, lab, quizzes: 15%

3. Chapter Tests: 40%

4. Final Exam: 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.

Class participation
Homework, workbook, lab, quizzes
6 Chapter Tests
Final Exam

Make-up 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. You will be expected to take the exams even if you have been absent prior to the day of the exam.

Course Content

Vocabulary, language patterns and grammar are introduced and applied in the context of practical communication such as talking about the home, seeking lodging, expressing interests and feelings, making requests, talking about daily routine, relating past activities, describing your state of health, consulting a doctor, etc.

Course Calendar with Due Dates for Assignments and Testing

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

LAB TAPES

Students may obtain copies of lab tapes by providing new or used cassette tapes to the library (Main Library in SJAC) and filling out a request form. It may take up to a week to get the copies back. Be sure to write your name and Central College on the request form.

Puntos de Partida, 5th ed. Chapters 7-13  6     90-minute tapes
Repaso 3&4

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers before class.

Web site: www.mhhe.com/Puntos.

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.