Spanish 2001:            Intermediate Spanish I         Fall 2009                     MWF 10:30-11:35 p.m. (1)/ 2:15-3:20 (2)

Professor James A. Wojtaszek                                                         Humanities 211                                             

           

Office Hours: M 3:30-4:30/ WF 9:15-10:15                        Teléfono: 589-6295

                                                            E-mail:wojtaszj@morris.umn.edu

Oficina: Camden 214

 

Ř  My homepage:                                   http://www.mrs.umn.edu/~wojtaszj

Ř  Course Web Site:                              http://www.mrs.umn.edu/~wojtaszj/intermed_1

Ř  ˇAvance! Information Center:        

            http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007288181x/student_view0/index.html

 

 

 

Texts:                          Bretz, et. al.                 ˇAvance! 2nd edition (Text and Workbook)

                                                                       

 

 

 

Course Objectives:

_    To continue to develop proficiency in Spanish, focusing on the four main areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

_    To further advance awareness of Spanish as a living language, and of the diversity of cultures that make up the Spanish-speaking world.

_    To practice skills in Spanish in useful and realistic contexts.

_    To begin effectively reading in Spanish, in preparation for advanced-level courses at UMM and to enhance familiarity with the language and its diverse cultural contexts.

_    To take advantage of authentic cultural sources available in Spanish, especially on the internet.

_    To gain sufficient experience to increase both competence and confidence in our use of Spanish.

 

Two important U of MN Policies:

The University of Minnesota is committed to providing all students equal access to learning opportunities.  Disability Services is the campus office that works with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.  Students registered with Disability Services who have a letter requesting accommodations, are encouraged to contact the instructor early in the semester.  Students who have, or think they may have, a disability (e.g. psychiatric, attentional, learning, vision, hearing, physical, or systemic), are invited to contact Disability Services for a confidential discussion at 320-589-6163 or freyc@morris.umn.edu.  Additional information is available at the DS web site at www.morris.umn.edu/services/dsoaac/dso.

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation.  These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities.  University of Minnesota services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing.  You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via www.mentalhealth.umn.edu.

 

 

 

General Policies:

 

v  In-class time is limited.  To maximize the time we have, it is expected that all students will come to class ready to work with material prepared at home (as specified on the syllabus) or to ask necessary questions regarding the new material.  Class time is best used for practice and activities with new material.

 

 

 

v  A language class requires a considerable amount of work outside the classroom, and a level of consistency that allows the student to master new material while building on previous knowledge.  This is particularly important for students who have chosen to continue their study of Spanish  beyond the elementary level.  Self-motivation is one of the most important tools for a student of a foreign language.  While your main sources of materials are your text and workbook, there are additional resources available for your use in conjunction with these course materials. 

 

Ř  The Hasselmo Language Teaching Center is located in the basement of the Humanities Building.  It provides computers and related language materials, including videos, CD-ROMs, newspapers and magazines, and international television broadcasts via satellite.  Ask the staff there for details.

 

Ř  There are a growing number of internet sites useful to students of Spanish.  A preliminary list of these can be found on the LTC web site: http://www.morris.umn.edu/academic/ltc/flinks.html

 

Ř  The Academic Assistance Center offers tutoring and other resources for students in Spanish.  They are located on the third floor of Briggs Library.  However, it is always a good idea to consult with your professor if you are experiencing difficulty in a class. Please take advantage of instructor office hours to help identify problem areas. If you do ultimately use the services of Academic Assistance, the information gathered in consultation with your instructor will be helpful there.

 

 

As an imperfect human being, I realize there will be occasions when getting to class on time is difficult, even for me.  However, chronic tardiness on the part of any student does constitute a problem.  Please be responsible and courteous to your professor and the other students in class.  As a rule, three late arrivals will be counted as an absence from class.

 

Attendance is taken daily.  There will be a list circulated on each class day.  It is your responsibility to make sure you sign in each day.

 

 

Evaluation of Final Grade:

Exams (3)                                                        40%

Quizzes (6)                                                      10%

Compositions (2)                                             20%

Active Class Participation                               10%

Homework                                                     

            Workbook                                           4%

            Reading Comprehension                     8%

            WebCT/online Activities                    8%

 

 

Explanations:

 

Exams:  These will be full hour tests covering broad themes and skills.  Each exam will cover two text chapters, and will include sections on grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading comprehension, and writing. 

 

Quizzes: These will be shorter and more focused than the exams, generally 15 minutes in length.  As noted on the course plan, they deal with specific grammatical areas and concepts.

 

Compositions:  These will be specific writing assignments to be completed during the semester.  They should be carefully composed, proofread and edited, with proper punctuation, accents and foreign characters**.  They will be1-2 pages, typed or computer-generated, double spaced, with a 12-point font.  All compositions should have a title and should be organized into paragraphs with main ideas clearly stated.  Compositions are graded on language use, mechanics, content, organization, and vocabulary.

Please note:  It is not acceptable to miss class on the day that a composition assignment is due without a valid excuse.   

 

** For information on how to access foreign characters using either MAC or PC, visit the following site: http://www.studyspanish.com/accents/typing.htm.  You are responsible for this information; if you have any trouble accessing it let me know!

 

Active Class Participation:  Attendance is a basic requirement here. Class participation includes careful preparation of assigned materials before coming to class and consistent engagement in class activities. Please note that participation does not imply perfect mastery of the material (though, of course, this is our long-term goal), but more importantly a commitment to practicing and improving throughout the semester. 

 

Homework

·         Cuaderno de práctica:  You will be required to turn in your workbook on each of the exam days, with sections completed covering material up to the exam day. 

 

·         Reading Comprehension:  With each of the readings assigned from the text, you will be required to hand in a set of comprehension questions.  This will demonstrate to me that you have read and understood the material. These assignments must be computer-generated; no handwritten assignments will be accepted.

 

·         WebCT/online Activities: Beginning around the second week of the semester, these will be regular assignments requiring interactive use of online resources.

 

 

 

Grading Scale:

 

93-100        A                87-89.9       B+              77-79.9       C+              60-69 D

90-92.9       A-               83-86.9       B                 73-76.9       C                 0-59.9 F

                                       80-82.9       B-               70-72.9       C-

S/N:  A minimal grade of 70% required to pass the course.

The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota.