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: Katie Ralph
Email address: Kralph@nctc.edu
Office Phone #: 325-721-9629
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1-2pm online
ESFL Division Chair: Dr. Rochelle Gregory rgregory@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. Please plan to use Mozilla Firefox as your main browser.
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 the work due for that week. 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. However, you will have a grace period to turn in the work through the following Monday at midnight without penalty. After that, all missing work will receive a 0, and I will add up your missed activities as absences. If you miss the equivalent of 4 days of work, you will be at risk for withdrawal from the course.
As a general rule, I will work until 5pm Mondays through Thursdays. You are not guaranteed I will be available to help you if you run into issues submitting work after 5pm or over the weekend. Midnight is a high traffic time in Canvas, so plan for it to run slower than normal.
**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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 Date of Record
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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
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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 partner evaluations if you are working with a partner and to turn in your draft feedback of another person's article 1*
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Week 3
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21-Jun
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Los adjetivos La "a" personal
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Hacer la tarea
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22-Jun
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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
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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
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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
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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 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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**Complete el Examen #2 no later than 5:00 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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COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Summer 2021
Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on June 2, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.
Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.
Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: We recently faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.
Faculty will:
- Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.
Students should:
- Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
- Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
- Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
- Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
- Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
- Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
- Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.
During the summer 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.
Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html