Spanish 290A – Spanish in Context (4 credit hours)
Berry College, Spring 2014
Professor: Dr. Julee Tate Email:
Class Schedule: MWF 11:00-11:50 Office: Evans 206B Meeting Place: Evans 226 Phone: 706-233-4081
Office Hours: MW 10:00-10:50am, 1:00-1:50 & 3:00-4:50
F 10-10:50 & 1:00-1:50, or by appt
Course Description
Spanish in Context 3-1-4. This course promotes Spanish language proficiency in all four skill areas, with a particular focus on reading and writing, and deepens students' cultural awareness. Through a thorough review and expansion of Spanish vocabulary and grammar, the course serves as a bridge between the basic language sequence and upper-level courses. Students enrolled in this course are required to participate for one hour per week in community initiatives using their Spanish-language skills. PR: SPA200 or departmental placement
Course Resources
Most course materials may be found on the course’s VikingWeb page. Students should print all assigned readings and bring them to class.
Required Materials:
DVD: Rubí. A production of Televisa. ISBN: 1-59788-000-0
Recommended text:
Gordon, Ronni L., and David M. Stillman. The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice. 2nd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. (ISBN: 0071744185)
Purpose of the Course: The development of proficiency in all four skills, with emphasis on moving toward advanced-level proficiency. Additionally, by becoming involved in the local Latino community, students will be better able to understand and to think reflectively about communities and cultures.
Course Objectives
1. To learn to think critically about the cultures and cultural production of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will be asked to formulate opinions and to support those in written assignments. They are especially encouraged to consider how larger political, historical, and cultural trends have an impact upon local populations.
2. To learn to narrate and describe. Students will develop these skills in oral and written practices.
3. To learn and review grammatical forms needed to communicate in Spanish, including the present, imperfect, preterit, passive, and subjunctive forms; use of indirect and direct objects; and special verbs such as gustar.
4. To learn to read and proofread. Students will be instructed in reading skills, particularly skimming, recognizing main ideas, and proofreading their own and the work of their peers for common errors.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will make significant progress in language acquisition through exposure to and analysis of a variety of authentic cultural productions of the Hispanic world.
Assessment Measures
Students will demonstrate competency in Spanish by participating in class and completing all coursework with an average score of 60% or higher (see Evaluation Components and Grading Scale below).
Evaluation Components:Homework
Participation
Writing
Exams /
20%
15%
20%
45% / Grading Scale:
A 94-100 A- 90-93
B+ 87-89 B 83-86 B- 80-82
C+ 77-79 C 73-76 C- 70-72
D+ 67-69 D 60-66
F 0-59
Methods of Instruction
Students will be introduced to Hispanic cultures through the use of various mediums of expression, including literature, movies, and music. Students will examine these cultural artifacts both in class, through discussion, and outside, through written reflections.
Participation and Attendance Policy:
Attendance and active participation are mandatory. Students must arrive in class on time each day; two tardy arrivals are equivalent to one absence. A portion of the participation grade will be determined by attendance. Additionally, following 3 absences, your final grade is subject to reduction by one +/- letter grade for each subsequent unexcused absence. If you are absent from class more than 5 total days, excused or not, you are subject to administrative withdrawal from the course with a failing grade. On a regular basis, the professor will assign each student a participation grade based on the following rubric:
0 Student is absent or mentally absent (i.e. the student speaks English during class, sleeps,
reads the paper, works on assignments for other courses, uses mobile devices, texts, lacks
class materials or is in any other way mentally absent or disruptive.
1 Student is attentive and makes an effort to prepare, but is often unable to respond to the
professor’s promptings or actively participate in class and group-work.
2 Student responds appropriately when prompted to do so by the professor.
3 Student participates actively and voluntarily. Student is able to demonstrate knowledge and analysis of our texts and topics.
4 Reserved for students whose participation is superior. These students synthesize the material, offer examples and contribute to the critical thought of the class.
If for any reason you miss class, you are responsible for obtaining information given in class from another student. Handouts will be available on VikingWeb. You must arrive completely prepared at the next class. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, it must be turned in by another student or electronically by the beginning of the class period. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE GRADED (without prior arrangement and approval by professor). If there are extenuating circumstances that prevent your attendance (court dates, family emergencies, etc.), notify the professor in advance to make alternative arrangements. You are also encouraged to contact the Dean of Students to inform that office of your situation.
**special note about late homework policy: Only in the most unique of situations (to be determined by me) will I accept late homework. Going home, having court, participating in an athletic, drama or any other officially sanctioned activity are not excuses for late homework. If you will be out of class but want homework credit, turn in your work early.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the foundation of college life and experience at Berry. All students are expected to uphold the principles of academic honesty. Deviation from such integrity (such as cheating or plagiarism) will result in sanctions, which may include administrative withdrawal from the course with a failing grade. See the Viking Code (http://www.berry.edu/uploadedFiles/Student_Affairs/Viking_Code_Handbook/2012-13%20VIKING%20CODE.pdf ).
IMPORTANT: The use of online translators or having another person complete or correct your work is a violation of academic integrity. All work must be completed by the student without outside help unless explicitly authorized by the instructor (such as group work or peer evaluations). Items copied, purchased, or translated on the Web are not acceptable, and any use of these materials will be considered cheating. ALL SOURCES used in compositions and homework assignments, including electronic ones, must be documented. Please see the instructor prior to preparing assignments if you have any questions. Any violations of the above policies will result in sanctions, which may range from a failing grade on the assignment to a failing grade in the course.
Requirements:
Homework (20%): There is homework almost every night of the course. Some homework assignments are on the course’s VikingWeb page under the “Handouts” tab; others are indicated on the syllabus or will be indicated by the professor in class. These tasks must be completed prior to the class for which they are listed or announced. Homework will be graded based on task completion, correct content and grammatical accuracy. Please remember that homework answers should be in your own words rather than simply copied from assigned texts. Quizzes and other activities completed in class, but based on materials assigned for homework, will also be included in this grading component.
Participation (15%): Active participation individually, in pairs, and in group assignments is required. Spanish MUST be spoken at all times, including in group work. Enthusiasm for the material, a willingness to learn and to make mistakes, and respect for peers and your instructor are vital in maintaining a positive learning environment. Also, readings, video viewings, etc must be completed prior to the day for which they are listed on the syllabus. Participation will be graded on a daily or weekly basis. English is not to be used during in class without the direct permission of the professor.
Writing (20%): There are three scheduled compositions in this class (see Programa del Curso). All of the compositions will be related to the community project. The length and other details will be indicated by the professor. All compositions will be written during the class period.
Exams (45%) (Exam 1= 10%; Exam 2 = 15%; Exam 3 = 20%): There will be 3 exams given during the semester. Grammar and vocabulary will be cumulative, but the content-based material will not. The primary objective of the exams is to evaluate how well you assimilate the grammar and vocabulary that we are learning and apply the skills that we are developing. Exam 3 will be given on the day of the officially scheduled final exam.
Community Service Requirement
This course requires 1 to 2 hours of community engagement per week. See separate handout titled “Community-Based Project” for more details. IMPORTANT: This is a 4 credit hour course, and the community service component is the 4th hour. Consequently, any missed service days will count as an absence in the course and will negatively impact the student’s participation grade.
Accommodation Statement
Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodation in this course are encouraged to contact the Academic Support Center in the library as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
Tutorial Availability: Free peer tutoring is available for this course through Berry College Academic Support. Tutors are available not only to help with grammar and homework, but also for extra speaking practice with native speakers. All students are encouraged to take advantage of this program. See the professor for help in locating a tutor.
The professor reserves the right to make changes to this course calendar. Students will be advised of changes ahead of time. Students should check their Berry e-mail account regularly (at least once per day) in case there is an update to the class schedule or in the case of cancelation of class.
Fecha/Día / Tema del día (preparar antes de venir a clase)lunes
13/1 / Primer día de clase—introducción y descripción de la clase y el proyecto en la comunidad
miércoles 15/1 / Las noticias: “Claves del viaje de los migrantes en México” (VW – Reading and Homework are under Handouts)
Otra tarea: Para hoy necesitas decirle a la profesora qué tipo de servicio voluntario piensas hacer este semestre para cumplir con el requisito de la clase.
viernes 17/1 / Documental: “Los invisibles” Parte 2 “Seis de cada diez” (VW – Bookmarks)
Tarea: Writeup
Taller sobre el proyecto en la comunidad. (VW – Homework is under Handouts.)
lunes
20/1 / MLK—NO HAY CLASE
miércoles 22/1 / Documental: “Los invisibles” Parte 3 “Los que quedan” (VW – Bookmarks)
Tarea: Writeup
Gramática; Time expressions with “Hacer” & “Tener” expressions
viernes
24/1 / Documental: “Los invisibles” Parte 4 “¡Gol!” (VW – Bookmarks)
Tarea: Writeup
lunes
27/1 / Las noticias: “Los españoles vuelven a emigrar” (VW –Reading and Homework are under Handouts)
miércoles 29/1 / Miércoles de música (gramática SER y ESTAR): “La historia de Juan” de Juanes (Colombia), “Caminando por la vida” de Melendi (España) y “Con la mano levantá” de Macado (España) (VW – See Handouts for link and homework)
viernes
31/1 / Introducción a Rubí
lunes
3/2 / Composición #1—escrita durante la clase
miércoles
5/2 / Miércoles de música (gramática POR y PARA): “Clandestino” Manu Chao (España-Francia); “P’al norte” de Calle 13 (Puerto Rico) (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
viernes
7/2 / Rubí: Ver Disco 1, lado 1, capítulos 2 y 3
Memorizar una línea (Minimum of 5 words)
lunes
10/2 / Ver los cortometrajes animados nominados al Goya 2014 (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
miércoles 12/2 / Miércoles de música (gramática pretérito e imperfecto): “Son mis amigos” de Amaral (España) y “Pobre Juan” de Maná (México) (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
viernes 14/2 / Rubí: Disco 1, lado 1, capítulos 4 y 5.
Tarea escrita: Resumir los capítulos. OJO: Usa el imperfecto o el pretérito según el contexto. (100 palabras – mínimo)
lunes
17/2 / Examen 1
miércoles 19/2 / Taller sobre el proyecto en la comunidad
Miércoles de música (gramática el futuro y el condicional): “¿Dónde jugarán los niños” de Maná (México), “Si tú no vuelves” de Miguel Bosé (España) y Shakira (Colombia) “Si el norte fuera el sur” de Ricardo Arjona (Guatemala) (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
viernes
21/2 / Rubí: Disco 1, lado 1, capítulos 6 y 7.
Tarea escrita: Resumir los capítulos y hacer predicciones sobre el futuro: ¿Qué harán los personajes? (100 palabras – mínimo) (You should use at least 5 verbs in the future tense.)
lunes
24/2 / Lectura cultural: “Picar a la española” (VW –Reading and homework are under Handouts)
miércoles 26/2 / Miércoles de música (gramática gustar y verbos parecidos): “A mí me gusta, me gusta” de Silvestre Dangond (Colombia) (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
viernes
28/2 / Rubí: Disco 1, lado 1, capítulo 8; Disco 1, lado 2, capítulo 1
Memorizar una línea (Minimum of 7 words)
lunes
3/3 / VACACIONES DE PRIMAVERA—NO HAY CLASE
miércoles
5/3 / VACACIONES DE PRIMAVERA—NO HAY CLASE
viernes
7/3 / VACACIONES DE PRIMAVERA—NO HAY CLASE
lunes
10/3 / Lectura cultural: “Santería” (VW –Reading and homework are under Handouts)
miércoles
12/3 / Miércoles de música (gramática el subjuntivo): “Cuando sea grande” de Cuarteto de Nos (Uruguay) y “Oye mi amor” de Maná (México) (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
viernes
14/3 / Rubí: Disco 1, lado 2, capítulos 2 y 3. Tarea escrita: Resumir los capítulos y reaccionar a ellos usando verbos en el subjuntivo (100 palabras – mínimo). (You should use at least 5 verbs in the subjunctive.)
lunes
17/3 / Lectura cultural: “Dime cómo hablas y te diré de dónde eres” (VW –Reading and homework are under Handouts)
miércoles 19/3 / Composición #2—escrita durante la clase
viernes
21/3 / Rubí: Disco 1, lado 2, capítulos 4 y 5.
Memorizar 1 línea (minimum of 7 words)
lunes
24/3 / Lectura cultural: “El Barrio” (VW –Reading and homework are under Handouts)
miércoles 26/3 / Miércoles de música (gramática el presente perfecto y el pluscuamperfecto): “Gracias a la vida” de Mercedes Sosa (Argentina) y “No me hubieras dejado esta noche” de Café Tacuba (México) (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
viernes
28/3 / Examen #2
Rubí – Ve disco 1, lado 2, capítulo 6 ANTES del examen
lunes
31/3 / Narrativa: “Cuando era puertorriqueña” de Esmeralda Santiago (Puerto Rico) (VW –Reading and homework are under Handouts)
miércoles
2/4 / Miércoles de música (gramática los ocho usos de “se”): “Malo” de Bebe (España), “Madre Tierra” de Macaco y Nazao Zumbi (España) y “Shock” de Ana Tijoux (Chile y Francia) (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
viernes
4/4 / Rubí: Disco 1, lado 2, capítulos 7 y 8
Tarea escrita: Resumir los capítulos y reaccionar a ellos (100 palabras – mínimo).
lunes
7/4 / Narrativa: “La noche buena” de Tomás Rivera (EE.UU) (VW – Reading and homework are under Handouts)
miércoles 9/4 / Miércoles de música (gramática repaso de los pronombres): “María Cristina” de Ñico Saquito (Cuba) y “Dos gardenias para ti” de Buena Vista Social Club (Cuba) (VW – See Handouts for links and homework)
viernes
11/4 / Cine: Herencia (VW – Bookmarks) – Se verá fuera de la clase
lunes
14/4 / Cine: Al otro lado – se verá durante la clase
miércoles
16/4 / Cine: Al otro lado – se verá durante la clase (VW – Homework is under Handouts)
viernes
18/4 / Viernes Santo – No hay clase
lunes
21/4 / Cine: Comentario de la película (VW – Homework is under Handouts)
miércoles 23/4 / Composición #3—escrita durante la clase
viernes 25/4 / La clase se reunirá en el LRC para completar la parte oral del examen final
lunes
28/4 / Conclusiones y Repaso
Examen final: viernes, 2 de mayo, a las 8:00 de la mañana