Course Syllabus
Course Name & Number: SPAN 1411 Beginning Spanish I
Semester & Year: Summer 2021
Course Description: Basic Spanish language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing within a cultural framework. Students will acquire the vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary to communicate and comprehend at the beginner level.
Instructor’s Name: Lidia Aguirre
Email address: laguirre@nctc.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. through Webex
SFL Division Chair: Justin Hawkins; jhawkins@nctc.edu
Textbooks & Materials Required: All the required materials are available for free in our Canvas site. You must have access to a reliable computer, internet, webcam, speakers, and microphone. You will not be able to complete the required assignments without these materials.
Canvas Learning Management System. Our online classroom is located in Canvas. Canvas Privacy Policy. Canvas Accessibility Statement.
Adobe Acrobat Reader. I frequently post information in pdf format, so you will need Adobe Reader or another pdf reader to access these documents. You can download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader here. Adobe Acrobat Privacy Policy. Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Statement. Adobe Accessibility User Guide.
Technology Requirements
Screen Size
• A minimum of 1024x600. That is the average size of a netbook.
Operating Systems
• Windows XP SP3 and newer
• Mac OSX 10.6 and newer
• Linux - ChromeOS
Mobile OS Native App Support
• iOS 5 and newer
• Android 2.3 and newer
Computer Speed and Processor
• Use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible
• 1GB of RAM
• 2GHz processor
Internet Speed
• Along with compatibility and web standards, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.
• Minimum of 512kbps
Screen Readers (if students choose to use one)
• The latest versions of JAWS and VoiceOver
Canvas Tech Support: (940) 668-3335 use this number during working hours if you need immediate support, but it is preferred that you submit a ticket
Minimum Technical Skills
In order to succeed in this course, you must be able to
- write, send, and receive emails
- navigate the internet to find information and access online learning components
- navigate and use Canvas
- upload content via the internet
- compose, edit, format and spellcheck documents using a word processor
- upload content via the internet
- record yourself using a webcam and microphone
- download and install software
- compose, edit, format and spellcheck documents using a word processor
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete SPAN 1411 will meet the following learning outcomes:
1. Engage in conversations using level-appropriate grammatical structures including narrating events that take place in the present and producing questions and responses on a variety of topics dealing with everyday life.
2. Demonstrate understanding of level-appropriate spoken Spanish.
3. Write simple sentences and organize them into short paragraphs.
4. Read and comprehend level-appropriate texts.
5. Identify and discuss traditions, customs, and values of the Hispanic world.
6. Compare and contrast the traditions, customs, and values of the Hispanic world with characteristics of their own culture.
Core Objectives
Foundational Component Area: Language, Philosophy, and Culture
- Critical Thinking Skills (CT)- to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information
- Communication Skills (COM)- to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication
- Social Responsibility (SR)- to include intercultural competency, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities
- Personal Responsibility (PR)- to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making
Grading Policy & Procedures
In general, I do not offer extra credit. At the end of the semester, I apply standard rounding to everyone. An 89.44 will remain a B, but an 89.45 will round up to an A.
Tarea 12%
Oral exams (1) 23%
Cultural project (4th credit hour) 25%
Exámenes escritos (2) 40%
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See Student Handbook “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct [FLB- (LOCAL)]” #18.
Disciplinary Actions [Student Handbook, #5] “When cheating, collusion, or plagiarism has occurred beyond any reasonable doubt, the instructor may give the student or students involved an “F” on a particular assignment or in the course. [See Scholastic Dishonesty FLB (Local)] The instructor shall make a written report of the incident and of the planned action to his Department Chair. The Department Chair shall report the incident and action to appropriate instructional dean who shall review the case, notify the student and, if necessary, take further action. This may involve either probation or suspension of the student or students in question. If such disciplinary action is deemed necessary, the Dean of Student Services shall be notified, and the action shall be taken through that office.”
Plagiarism, which should be avoided at all costs, includes the following student actions:
- Turning in someone else's ideas, opinions, theories, or work as your own;
- Unintentionally or inadvertently turning in someone else's ideas, opinions, theories, or work as your own as the result of failing to document sources both internally and in the Works Cited;
- Copying words, ideas, or images from someone without giving credit; Failing to put a quotation in quotations marks;
- Giving incorrect information about the source of information, quotations, or images;
- Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit;
- Copying so many words, ideas, or images from a source that it makes up the majority of the student's work, whether or not the student gives credit.
The NCTC Student Handbook can be found here
Attendance and Late Work Policy
Even though this is an online class, it is not self paced. You must log into Canvas regularly and submit assignments by their respective due dates. Language cannot be learned in big chunks. It must be learned in small bits with frequent review of the previously covered material in order to be acquired.
Each day you should begin by reviewing the lesson handout, viewing the video lesson, and submitting the work due. In order to show your attendance, you must complete the corresponding activities due that day. I will be checking your work daily, Monday through Thursday as reflected in the course due dates. If you miss the equivalent of 4 days of work, you will be at risk for withdrawal from the course.
**The final is due on the day and at the time listed in the syllabus calendar.**
ADA Statement
North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission or access to its programs. The College is committed to providing equal access to its students with disabilities by providing appropriate accommodations; a variety of services and resources are made available through the ACCESS Department. Students are responsible for notifying the ACCESS Department of their need for assistance. Students with documented disabilities, such as mobility impairment, hearing or visual impairment, learning, and/or psychological disorders are eligible for services.
Disability Accommodations
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness, or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction-reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc.
On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration Building (100) or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD.
North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).
EEOC Statement
North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.
Tarea
You will have activities assigned to you to complete in order to practice material you have just learned. It is important to stay up to date with your homework because language cannot be memorized in large chunks. It must be practiced and learned in small portions with regular review.
Oral Exam
The oral exam is about producing language on the spot and not rehearsing fully memorized scripts.
Cultural Project
The cultural project will be turned in part by part throughout the semester and then revised and formatted in order to create the final version. Work turned in late will not receive credit. Pay careful attention to the grading rubrics to know how you will be graded.
Exams
Due to the nature of language learning, all of the exams will be cumulative. This means you are still responsible for remembering vocabulary, conjugations, and material from prior chapters for each exam. **Even though your course is online, you are still expected to abide by the same standards of conduct as you would on campus.**
Grade input
I try to get work graded and back to you by the next week, but remember that the standard grade turn-around is two weeks.
Tobacco-Free Campus
NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use influences underage students, accumulates unsightly tobacco litter, and interferes with assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products. We would like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at 940-668-4240.
Course Calendar
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Topics covered
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Class day's work
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4th credit hour
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Lesson 1
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LO:1, 2, 3, 4, 5; CO: CT, COM, SR, PR
Recognize the pronunciation differences between English and Spanish
Use Lesson 1 vocabulary to give and obtain basic information about people
Identify time and dates in Spanish
Use the verb Ser in its various conjugations
Demonstrate understanding of spoken descriptions
Examine ethical use of resources
Write a paragraph to introduce yourself in Spanish
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Week 1
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7-Jun
Mon
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Introductions
Accent rules
Pronunciation
El alfabeto
La pronunciacíon
Las preguntas
Los saludos
El vocabulario
Los números
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Do the homework (tarea)
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1) Visit the Canvas site for our course and familiarize yourself with it. Look over the optional Canvas orientation if you are unfamiliar with this kind of platform. If you have questions, contact me.
2) Do the Personal Reflection #1
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8-Jun
Tues
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Los colores
El vocabulario
Los días, meses y estaciones
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Do the homework (tarea)
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9-Jun
Wed
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Los pronombres personales
Ser
Práctica auditiva
Escritura
Lectura
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Do (Hacer) la tarea
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Presentaciones Discussion: Write 4-6 sentences in Spanish describing yourself. Include a picture or image of something important to you.
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Lesson 2
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LO:1, 2, 3, 4; CO: CT, COM, SR
Use Lesson 2 vocabulary to tell time
Differentiate between definite and indefinite articles
Use interrogative words to ask questions
Demonstrate listening comprehension of descriptions
Read a text in Spanish
Identify and promote a product from your project country
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10-Jun
Thurs
(Date of Record)
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El vocabulario
El género
Los plurales
Los artículos definidos e indefinidos
Los números (adjetivos)
La hora
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Do (Hacer) la tarea
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Turn in the Plan para el proyecto cultural in the discussion.
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Week 2
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14-Jun
Mon
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La hora (cont)
Los verbos regulares de -ar
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Hacer la tarea
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15-Jun
Tues
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Los verbos regulares de -ar (cont)
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Hacer la tarea
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Article 1 draft due in Canvas
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16-Jun
Wed
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La negación
Las preguntas de Sí/No
La posesión con "de"
La negación (cont)
Escritura
Práctica auditiva
Lectura
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Hacer la tarea
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Lesson 3
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LO:1, 2, 3, 4, 5; CO: CT, COM, SR
Differentiate descriptive word order in Spanish
Demonstrate gender and number agreement
Recognize and use regular present tense verbs
Read a text in Spanish
Compare and contrast a dish from your project country with an American dish
Write about a holiday from your project's country and contrast it with an American holiday
Demonstrate understanding of spoken descriptions
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17-Jun
Thurs
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El vocabulario
Los números (adjetivos)
Los adjetivos posesivos
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Hacer la tarea
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Subir (upload) el artículo 2 a Canvas
Be sure to turn in your draft feedback of another person's article 1*
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Week 3
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21-Jun
Mon
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Los adjetivos
La "a" personal
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Hacer la tarea
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22-Jun
Tues
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Los verbos de -er e -ir
Tener y venir
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Hacer la Guía de estudio para el Examen #1
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Subir el artículo 3 a Canvas
Be sure to turn in your draft feedback of another person's article 2
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23-Jun
Wed
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Tener + que +verbo infinitivo (la obligación)
Lectura
Escritura
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Hacer la tarea
Estudiar para el Examen #1
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24-Jun
Thurs
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Examen #1 (Lecciones 1-3)
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No hay tarea diaria
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Subir el artículo 4 a Canvas
Be sure to turn in your partner evaluations if you are working with a partner and to turn in your draft feedback of another person's articles 3.
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Week 4
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Lesson 4
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LO:1, 2, 3, 4, 5; CO: CT, COM, SR
Use Lesson 4 vocabulary to describe activities and emotions
Identify and use the two contractions
Interpret and use irregular verbs
Recognize and use Ir+a as a future tense
Interpret idiomatic expressions with tener
Read a text in Spanish
Compare and contrast the school and health systems of your project's country with the USA
Demonstrate understanding of spoken narration
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28-Jun
Mon
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El vocabulario
Las preposiciones
Los pronombres de obj. preposión
Ir, dar, estar
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Hacer la tarea
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29-Jun
Tues
(Last day for W)
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Las contracciones
El futuro compuesto
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Hacer la tarea
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Subir el artículo 5 a Canvas
Be sure to turn in your partner evaluations if you are working with a partner and to turn in your draft feedback of another person's articles 4.
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30-Jun
Wed
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El futuro compuesto
Verbos de cambio de raíz (e-->ie)
Expresiones idiomáticas
Práctica auditiva
Escritura
Lectura
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Hacer la tarea
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Week 5
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Lesson 5
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LO:1, 2, 3, 4; CO: CT, COM
Use Lesson 5 vocabulary to describe food and weather
Use three formulas to compare and contrast in Spanish
Recognize and use the present progressive tense
Distinguish between Ser and Estar
Demonstrate understanding of spoken narration
Read a text in Spanish
Read your peers newsletters about different Spanish speaking countries
Narrate in Spanish
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Subir el artículo 6 a Canvas
Be sure to turn in your partner evaluations if you are working with a partner and to turn in your draft feedback of another person's articles 5.
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1-Jul
Thurs
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El vocabulario
Las comparaciones
Practicar para el Examen oral
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Hacer la tarea
Hacer la Práctica para el Examen oral
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6-Jul
Tues
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Verbos de cambio de raíz o-->ue
El tiempo
Ser/Estar
Lectura
Escritura
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Hacer la tarea
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Revise and turn in your final version of the cultural project.
Be sure to turn in your partner evaluation if you worked with a partner.
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7-Jul
Wed
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Hacer el Examen oral
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No hay tarea diaria
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Lesson 6
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LO:1, 2, 3, 4; CO: CT, COM, SR, PR
Use Lesson 6 vocabulary to identify household chores
Identify and use possessive pronouns
Use stem-changing verbs
Distinguish between Saber and Conocer
Read a text in Spanish
Demonstrate understanding of spoken narration
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8-Jul
Thurs
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El vocabulario
Cambios de raíz e-->i
Verbos irregulares
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Hacer la tarea
Hacer la Guía de estudio para el Examen #2
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Vote for your favorite cultural project and turn in Personal Reflection #2
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Week 6
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12-Jul
Mon
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Saber/Conocer
Algo/Nada
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Estudiar para el Examen #2
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13-Jul
Tues
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**Complete el Examen #2 no later than 11:59 pm**
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Core Competencies and Learning Outcomes Alignment Chart
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CC/LO
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Aligned Assignment (e.g., unit, assignment title, or link in Canvas)
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CC: Communication
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Exam compositions, oral exam
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CC: Critical Thinking
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Cultural project articles 1-6
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CC: Personal Responsibility
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Cultural project article 4-5
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CC: Social Responsibility
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Cultural project articles 1-6
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LO 1: Engage in conversations using level-appropriate grammatical structures including narrating events that take place in the present and producing questions and responses on a variety of topics dealing with everyday life.
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Oral exam
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LO 2: Demonstrate understanding of level-appropriate spoken Spanish.
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Listening comprehension and oral questions on written exams
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LO 3: Write simple sentences and organize them into short paragraphs.
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Exam compositions
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LO 4: Read and comprehend level-appropriate texts.
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Exam reading comprehension
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LO 5: Identify and discuss traditions, customs, and values of the Hispanic world.
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Cultural project articles 1-6
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LO 6: Compare and contrast the traditions, customs, and values of the Hispanic world with characteristics of their own culture.
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Cultural project articles 1-6
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