LANG 103: Elementary Spanish I

Instructor: Nelson Montoya Course reference number: E LANG 103 8060

Office: K-202 Fax:

Telephone: 201 2003176 Email: nmontoya1@njcu.edu

Office hours: M-W 3:30-5:00 PM

Department of Modern Languages http://web.njcu.edu/dept/modlang/Content/default.asp

NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY Department of

Modern Languages

Summer 2011

REQUIRED MATERIALS M. Cerrolaza. O. Cerrolaza & B. LLovet (2009) PASAPORTE Nivel 1 A1. Edelsa, Grupo Discalia.

Libro del Alumno M. Cerrolaza. O. Cerrolaza. & P. Justo (2009) PASAPORTE Nivel 1 A1. Edelsa, Grupo Discalia

Libro de Ejercicios

COURSE DESCRIPTION This is the first level of two course sequence in Elementary Spanish. This course will enable students to

learn the essential of basic communication in Spanish, with a primary emphasis on oral communication (speaking and understanding oral speech)

Native speakers of Spanish may not enroll in elementary-level of Spanish courses. COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the completion of Elementary Spanish II, students will demonstrate the ability to: Understand sympathetic native speakers* when they discuss their activities, hobbies, interests, daily routine,

plans for the future and occasional references to the past. Use phrases and sentences to speak in some detail on theses topics with a sympathetic native listener. Write basic compositions in simple but complete sentences and paragraphs. Read texts dealing with cultural products and cultural practices in the Spanish-speaking world. Recognize and compare cultural similarities and differences between their own culture and Hispanic

culture. Recognize and compare some language similarities and differences between Spanish and English.

*The American Council on the teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) defines a sympathetic native speaker as one who is accustomed in dealing with foreign speakers of the language and who is able to see through those grammatical errors, which would

normally impede communication.

GRADE SCALE AND COMPONENTS

A (100-93.0) A – (92.9-90.0) B+ (89.9-87.0) B (86.9-83.0) B- (82.9-80.0) C+ (79.9-77.0) C (76.9-73.0) C- (72.9-70.0) D (69.9-60.0) F (59.9-0.00)

Homework 25% Class participation / attendance 25% Written Exams 25% Speaking test 25%

COMPONENTS in details

Homework- 25 % Homework assignments will involve the following:

Libro de ejercicios. There will be no partial credit for uncompleted assignments and no partial credit for uncompleted auto-correction of activities (answer key at http://www.edelsa.es/agenda.php?nivel=1&tematica=adulto&coleccion=Claves&id=37

Using the answer key, you must autocorrect in RED OR GREEN INK. See calendar for due dates. You are responsible for completing all the activities assigned (see column “Libro de ejercicios” in syllabus). When doing the exercises, follow these guidelines: a) Before you start, review the corresponding section(s) of the book; b) Complete the exercises without consulting any sources; c) Based on the results, check the areas in

which you need improvement, and study the pertinent material again. No late work will be accepted Searching for information in the WWW or Attending cultural events

Exams 25%

There will be three in-class written chapter exams (see Calendar for specific dates). The goal is to assess your ability to assimilate what you have learned about Spanish grammar, vocabulary, language, and culture in each Módulo. (see “General administrative issues”)

Speaking test 25%

It will consist of an interview with the instructor in which you will have to engage in a conversation about any of the topics presented through the semester.

Class Participation and Attendance 25%

Participation involves your use of Spanish in class, your keenness to participate in all group and pair activities and your preparation for class.

In preparation for each class, students will be required to study and practice grammar structures and vocabulary at home. If you are absent or late, it is your responsibility to ask a classmate or your instructor about any changes or additions made to the schedule and/or assignments.

Some activities may involve written assignments to be collected at the end of class period. Therefore, class attendance is paramount and it will be taken on a regular basis.

Class absences will lower your Participation (25%) grade. If you are not in class, your participation for the day will be “0”. You must bring a documented official excuse to be eligible for make-up work or to justify your absences. You will get “0” for an specific day if:

o You arrive late to class or leave before the end of the session o You use cell phones while the class is in session o You leave the classroom while the class is in session

HOW TO READ THE SYLLABUS and CALENDAR BEFORE COMING TO CLASS:

- Set at least one hour in your daily schedule to devote to learning Spanish. - Read the assigned section of the book, study the new vocabulary words (writing down their meanings in

your notebook and/or designing flashcards for those words hard to remember). AFTER THE CLASS:

- Go through the new vocabulary words and structures presented in the classroom. Make sure that you have understood what we have studied that day. If you think that you are lost in any way, write down your questions and doubts, and do not hesitate to come and speak with me.

I have read thoroughly the LANG 103 syllabus and certify that I fully understand the policies and requirements for the course.

__________________________ ________________________ _________________ Student name – printed Student signature Date

________________________________________________________________________________________________ Rules of the Game: Learning a Foreign Language

source: http://emp.byui.edu/tayloral/The%20Successful%20Language%20Learner.htm

1. You must have a good reason or goal in learning the language. 2. You must be willing to put forth the effort in advance for success in the target language. 3. You need to use the four skills (writing, listening, reading and speaking) as much as possible, as often as

possible, making the use as real as possible. 4. You must have at least one native or near-native friend with whom you can practice at least several times per

week. This is related to number 3, but is particularly motivating for the language learner. Find a sympathetic

native speaker. 5. You must be willing to have an open mind and accept different ways of thinking. This will enable you to be

open to different ways of expression in the target language. Keeping an open mind to the target culture is an

integral part of language learning. 6. You must be willing to make errors! This is critical. 7. You must develop your own routine and language learning schedule. Make it a habit! 8. You must set periodic, short-term goals in the language. These goals must be concrete, easily definable goals

that are not unreachable. You must be able to succeed in reaching them! 9. You must look at other successful language learners and do what they do. Weigh what they do against your

strengths to determine your regimen.

10. Above all, you must recognize language learning as fun and pleasurable. It is hard work, but the fun times

must be enjoyed as well!