Spanish 202

Edgewood College

Spring 2008

MTWF 1:00-1:50PM

Instructor: Ian Davies

Office: DeRicci 328

Office telephone: 663-2861

Office hours: MW 10:00a.m. TF 11:00a.m., or by appointment

Email: idavies@edgewood.edu

Course Goals:

Spanish 202 is the second half of the intermediate level course intended for students who have successfully completed third semester (201) at Edgewood College, or its equivalent. The overarching goal of the course is to develop students’ communicative abilities in the target language. For this purpose, class activities will center on the four main skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on reading comprehension, vocabulary building, composition, and conversation. Our textbook covers diverse topics from around the Spanish-speaking world. In addition, we will include a variety of supplementary cultural activities to learn more about those countries and cultures where Spanish is spoken, in particular through newspaper and magazine readings, satellite television, and the internet.

Specific objectives:

• to review and expand upon grammar and vocabulary learned in previous courses;
• to become active producers of the language by participating in real communication, and especially to develop the ability to communicate increasingly complex ideas in Spanish through conversation practice;
• to improve reading comprehension through the study of cultural, literary and media texts;
• to develop the capacity to discuss contemporary cultural topics, furthering student appreciation and understanding of the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world;
• to improve writing ability through composition.

Required texts:

Pasajes: Lengua. Mary Lee Bretz, Trisha Dvorak, C. Kirschner, R. Bransdorfer. McGraw Hill,

6^th ed., 2006.

Pasajes: Cuaderno de práctica (Workbook/Lab Manual to accompany Pasajes: Lengua). Bretz, Dvorak,

Bransdorfer. McGraw Hill, 6^th ed , 2002.

Class requirements:

Conversations: Spanish will be the principal language used in class. Through readings, discussions, and video we will discuss many current topics of general interest. Students will be encouraged to give short presentations to the class in Spanish. In addition, the grammar exercises will lend themselves to communicative-type activities.

Writing Assignments: Throughout the semester there will be several readings which will develop into composition assignments, meant to expand your use of vocabulary and grammar structures and increase your ability to communicate in Spanish.

Grammar assignments: Through use of the textbook, workbook, and supplementary handouts, students will complete homework assignments in order to re-enforce and build upon the grammar points being reviewed in class.

Exams and Quizzes: There will be regular chapter exams to test comprehension of the grammar, readings, and other material covered in that unit. There may also be a few short quizzes during the semester to test reading comprehension, grammar, and writing.

Important Notes:

• You are expected to prepare for and attend class every day, paying particular attention to assignments from the Pasajes: Lengua textbook and the Cuaderno.
• Student attendance and participation is essential in language learning. More than 4 absences may result in a lower course grade.
• It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed in the case of absence. Homework assignments must be turned in on time. Assignments are listed at the Blackboard site: http://edgecms.edgewood.edu
• Chapter exams must be taken at the appointed time. No make-up exams will be given unless approved by the instructor in advance.

Tutoring and study skills:

• Free Spanish tutoring will be available in the language laboratory, DeRicci 309 after the second week of classes. Check schedule posted on lab door for times.
• Learning Support Services provides academic support for students. Peer tutoring is available in some introductory-level undergraduate courses. Individual assistance in time management, study skills, and test-taking skills is also available. Please contact Learning Support Services at 663-2281 for more information.

Course Evaluation:

Chapter Exams (5) 50%

Reading/Writing Assignments 15%

Oral Presentation 15%

Participation 10%

Attendance 10%

Grading Scale:

A = 93-100% B = 83-88% C = 73-78% D = 64-68%

AB = 89-92% BC = 79-82% CD = 69-72% F = 63% and below

College Academic Honesty Policy:

As members of a scholarly community dedicated to healthy intellectual development, students and faculty at Edgewood College are expected to share the responsibility for maintaining high standards of honesty and integrity in their academic work. Each student should reflect this sense of responsibility toward the community by submitting work that is a product of his or her own effort in a particular course, unless the instructor has directed otherwise. In order to clarify and emphasize its standards for academic honesty, the college has adopted this policy. For examples of violations of these standards please see page 42, of the Undergraduate Catalogue. Use of computer language aids and tutors: All assignments should be the sole work of the student turning them in. Do not use any computer “spell check,” grammar correcting devices, or have anyone else edit the written work for this course.

Students with Disabilities:

If you need an accommodation due to a documented disability, please contact me privately before the end of the first week of class to discuss your specific needs. In addition, please contact the Disabilities Services Office in 206 DeRicci, 663-2281, to schedule an appointment with Deb Tobin, Disabilities Services Coordinator, to discuss your needs, the required documentation, and reasonable accommodations to aid in your success in this course.