Course Requirements

 

Tests and Final Exam

 

The dates for the tests and final exam are indicated in the attached schedule of work. They will be administered during class time, in the classroom. The tests cover vocabulary, grammar and cultural themes studied in the previous chapters.  As is the nature of learning a foreign language, all tests are comprehensive.

 

There are no re-tests or make-up exams.

 

Quizzes

 

Quizzes will be given throughout the semester at regular intervals.  None of them will be announced.  No makeups are given and the best 4 grades are counted.

 

Workbook/Lab Manual –

 

The workbook and lab manual must be completed by the dates indicated in the attached schedule.

 

**No late work is accepted.

 

In order to complete the listening comprehension and video activities from the workbook/lab manual you will need to access them online at the VHL supersite – www.vhlcentral.com.  mp3’s may be available campus libraries.  It is easier to go to computer lab with headphones and access the audio/video in that manner.

 

Oral Production

 

Students will give an oral presentation for the class on or before the official withdrawal date for the semester.  Topics are open but a presentation about a family is recommended.

 

THIS ASSIGNMENT IS NOT OPTIONAL.

 

Presentations must be 3-5 minutes in length and must be in powerpoint format with NO WRITING in the presentation.  NO NOTECARDS are permissible.  Showing a video instead of presenting – even if contained within the ppt – does not count.  The student is expected to personally present the presentation without additional aids or time-fillers.

 

Students will present their powerpoint presentations to the class.  The presentation can be done at any point during the semester AND it can be repeated for a higher grade up the class period before or on the withdrawal date found in the ACC calendar.

 

ONLY the grammar and vocab learned in this course is permissible.

 

 

 

Attendance / Participation

 

Due to the emphasis nature of learning a new language, attendance is mandatory and is checked daily. Departmental policy allows professors to drop students with more than three absences (two in summer terms).

 

Attendance is required.  There are no exceptions to this policy.  If you cannot commit to the published times for this class for the entire semester, you should seek alternatives to this class.

 

If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed from your classmates.  The professor does not repeat lessons individually for students who do not attend.

 

An absence is defined as arriving more than 5 minutes late, departing at any time before the class has ended, or missing a class entirely.

 

If you arrive late or must depart at any point during the class, be courteous to your fellow students and professor by doing so with the utmost care not to disrupt the learning environment with any noise.

 

If you are unable to attend class due to medical reasons, you should speak with the Office of Students with Disabilities to determine if medical accommodations are appropriate and/or necessary.

 

Courtesy and etiquette

 

Small, quiet, clean snacks may be brought to class.  Bags that crinkle, chips that crunch are examples of inappropriate snacks.  Non-alcoholic drinks may be brought to class provided that a covering, sealable, lid is present.

 

Keep the room neat.  Do not leave eraser bits, papers, food remnants or any other item behind. 

 

Keep your telephones in vibrate mode or – better yet – free yourself from it by turning it OFF for the few hours a week that we meet.  Texting is not permitted in class.

 

Extra help

 

The professor is available to meet with you after class, by appointment and during office hours.

 

There are also free tutors on most of the campuses in the tutoring labs.

 

 

 

Withdrawals

 

If you decide to withdraw from the class, it is your responsibility to fill out the forms to drop the course. If you do not do the paperwork yourself, you risk receiving an F at the end of the semester. The last day to withdraw is given on the college website.

 

Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in fall 2007 or later at any Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college career. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are encouraged to carefully select courses; contact an advisor or counselor for assistance.

 

Due to state law, a charge of $60 per credit hour ($300 for a 5-credit course and $180 for a 3-credit course) will be added to the regular tuition for a course in which you have been officially registered twice before. You are considered officially registered after the 12th day of classes in the spring and fall, and after the 4th day of classes in the summer. The only foreign language course exempted from "the rule of three" is SPAN 0041- Spanish Lab.

 

Learning a foreign language requires a substantial amount of time and discipline, and these classes often have high drop rates.  Therefore, it is extremely important that you carefully consider whether you have the time and dedication to successfully complete this course this semester.  Otherwise, make sure that you drop it before the end of the add/drop period. 

 

Missed or late work

 

Written homework must be turned in at the beginning of the class on the day it is due. No work turned in late will be given a grade.

 

***There are no make-ups or re-tests.

 

Incompletes

 

ACC policy states that incomplete (I) grades can only be given when there is a verifiable case of emergency occurring after the last day to withdraw. In the event you are granted an incomplete, the necessary work to complete the course should be turned in before the end of the following semester. Failure to do so will result in a grade of F for the course.

 

Scholastic Dishonesty

 

A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents.  Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

 

Freedom of Expression

 

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and professors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the professor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others expressed in classroom discussions.

 

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

Student discipline

 

All students are expected to respect others in class and behave in a non-disruptive manner. Please refer to the section on student discipline in the ACC Student Handbook for student discipline guidelines. The Student Handbook is available at http://www.austincc.edu/handbook.

 

Students with Disabilities

 

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).   Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  

 

Students who have received approval for accommodations from OSD for this course must provide the professor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from OSD before accommodations will be provided.   Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the professor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.  

 

Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the professor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.   

 

Additional information about the Office for Students with Disabilities is available at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/

 

Safety

 

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs.

 

Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom.

 

Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

 

Please note that you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. 

ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college-related emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email communication from their professor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with professors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.

 

 

 

Copyright violations

 

By college policy, there shall be no copying of or from copyrighted works intended to be “consumable” in the course of study or of teaching. These include workbooks, exercises, standardized tests and test booklets and answer sheets and like consumable material. Copying shall not substitute for the purchase of books, publishers’ reprints or periodicals.

 

Student And Instructional Services

 

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available at:   http://www.austincc.edu/s4/

 

Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/

 

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at:  http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php

 

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

 

Testing Center Policy

 

Under certain circumstances, a professor may have students take an examination in a testing center.  Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.  To request an exam, one must have:

 

·     ACC Photo ID

·     Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)

·     Course Number (e.g.,1301)

·     Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)

·     Course Section (e.g., 005)

·     Professor's Name

 

Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center.  Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester.  ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

 

Mobile devices

 

Mobile devices are prohibited.  Turn them off or leave them at home.  Class time is reserved for learning Spanish.

 

If you choose to use such devices during class time, you will be issued a warning.  After the warning, further violations will result in your being asked to leave the class and you will be counted as absent.

 

If you cannot control your use of these devices, you are strongly advised to seek alternatives, such as online or hybrid courses.

 

Exceptions to attendance policy

 

None.  You have signed up for a class that meets at prescribed times.  You are expected to attend and be on time. 

 

Leaving early

 

If you leave early you will be counted as absent.

 

Arriving late

 

If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, you will be counted as absent.

 

Excused absences

 

You are given three excused absences (two in summer) – no reasons, excuses, medical notes, etc. are required although advance notice to the professor, if possible, is appreciated.

 

Absences beyond the permitted three (two in summer) are not excused for any reason.  Guard your permitted absences jealously and use them wisely if needed.

 

I’m an A student

 

You will need to show that by performance on tests, adhering to the attendance policy, participating in class, and doing the assigned work.

 

I’m here for an easy A

 

It is easier to get an A by taking a challenge exam for a grade or, for credit, CLEP.  You are required to attend this class and pay attention for 64 hours.  A challenge or CLEP exam takes about 2 hours.

 

I already know this material

 

This class is not for you.  Take a challenge exam or CLEP test.

 

I was sick or had an emergency and could not attend

 

You must adhere to the attendance policy.  You have several permissible absences to deal with illnesses and emergencies.  If you need to exceed those permissible absences you should withdraw from the course and attempt it at a better time for you.

 

This course is offered every semester.

 

I cannot attend this course at the prescribed times

 

Seek a course that meets your needs.  There are online, hybrid, and many other courses to choose from.

 

I cannot afford to buy the course materials

 

Take this course when you can commit to the initial expenses.  Materials you are required to purchase can be resold if not used and are good for all Spanish courses at ACC – Spanish I through IV.

 

Contacting the professor

 

Seek the professor when you need help.  He may not be able to drop everything to help you but is glad to set an appointment or meet during office hours.

 

Email is great for quick questions requiring a brief response;  however, if a dialog is what you need (i.e. the response to the question will result in more questions/comments from you, you are having problems, etc.,) a face-to-face discussion is more suitable and easily arranged.

 

Tips for improving grades

 

Be honest with yourself.  Are you spending enough time studying the material and doing the homework?  Although it might take less time, many sources suggest 2 hours of studying per 1 hour of class time.

 

Take notes in class and while reading the materials. 

 

Actively participate in the class.  The professor cannot tell the difference between those who are prepared and those who are not if you don’t participate.

 

Use the tutors.

 

Meet with the professor.

 

Use the online tutorials.

 

Things that will not improve your grade

 

Asking for extra credit.  In addition to it being utterly unfair, it takes time away from the actual graded coursework and is thus counterproductive.

 

Asking if there is “anything you can do” to get more points/credit.  Other than improving your class performance, that’s it.

 

Asking if you can just get a break because you have worked too hard for the grade the professor “gave you”.  Grades are earned based on performance, not effort.

 

Reassuring the professor that you “really know the stuff” even though it is not evident in your work.  The professor can grade only based on actual results, not perception.

 

Telling the professor that this one class is going to “mess up” your GPA, your future, and your career aspirations.  Your grades are based on your performance, not on any of these factors.

 

Telling the professor that you will not graduate or that this is the last class you have to take.  Grades are not based on any of these factors.

 

Tentative Schedule of Work

 

 Schedule of work is subject to change.

Week      1       Introduction to the course, Chapter 1
                         Chapter 1 

               2        Chapter 1

                         Chapter 1

 

               3        Chapter 1 Test

                         Chapter 2

                        

               4        Chapter 2

                         Chapter 2       

 

               5        Chapter 2

                         Chapter 2 Test

                          

               6        Chapter 3

                         Chapter 3            

 

   7        Chapter 3

                         Chapter 3

                          

               8        Chapter 3 Test

                         Test 2

                        

               9        Chapter 4

                         Chapter 4

                          

               10      Chapter 4

                         Chapter 4

                        

               11      Chapter 4

                         Chapter 4 Test

                        

               12      Chapter 5

 Chapter 5

 

               13      Final day for presentations

                         Chapter 5

 

               14      Chapter 5

                         Chapter 5

 

               15      TBA – possible field trip

                         Review for Final Exam

 

               16      Final exam

                         Revisions

 

 

Readings

It is OK to wait until the first day of class to purchase materials. If you purchase in advance, please do not open your package until you attend the first day. Open items often cannot be returned.

You will need to purchase one of the following:

1.  A textbook "bundle", called "Vistas Bundle" at the link below.

This is a collection of materials that can be used for all four levels of Spanish at ACC, regardless of professor. 

2.  A completely online bundle, called "Completely online courses" at the link below.

The best place to buy the materials is directly from the publisher – it is cheaper than the bookstores and you will get everything you need for this course immediately. 

http://vistahigherlearning.com/store/austcc.htm/

You can also buy the bundle from any of the ACC bookstores.

Course Subjects

Chapter 1-5 of the required textbook. See full syllabus above.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

At the end of one semester of SPAN 1411, students should be able to do the following:

 

READING

• use reading strategies such as reading for the main idea, recognizing cognates, and using context,
  sequence of events, prefixes and familiar words to guess.
• understand the main idea and some detail when reading a text based largely on familiar material.

• recognize the main topic of an authentic text or one not primarily based on familiar material.

 

LISTENING

• use listening strategies such as listening for the main idea and for specific details and asking for clarification

• understand the main idea and some detail when listening to a passage based largely on familiar material

• recognize the main topic of an authentic text or one not primarily based on familiar material

• follow simple classroom instructions

• demonstrate comprehension of simple questions based on familiar topics

 

WRITING

• fill out a simple registration form with name, address, phone number and nationality

• take dictation of familiar material

• ask and answer simple questions based on familiar topics with reasonably accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation

• write a letter in which they talk about themselves and ask about the other person with reasonably accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation

• spell numbers 0 to 1 million

 

SPEAKING

• introduce themselves and tell a little about themselves

• initiate and maintain a short conversation with someone

• identify and describe people and objects

• identify clothing and colors

• tell what they like to do and tell what they do

• tell the day, date, and time and describe the weather

• answer questions on familiar topics with comprehensible grammar and pronunciation

• perform these specific functions: talk about themselves and their family, talk about their interests and what they do in their free time, tell what they are studying and something about their university courses, invite someone to do something and make plans, list five things they are going to do next week, talk about the weather,
• be able to navigate these situations: getting a room at a hotel, going through customs at the airport, buying things in a store, meeting people in a social situation.

 

CULTURAL AWARENESS

• exhibit conceptual understanding and partial control of the use of tú and usted
• use basic courtesy expressions and appropriate kinesics
• identify several Spanish-speaking regions throughout the world and give basic information about them
• read Spanish addresses and phone numbers
• list several pastimes popular in Spanish-speaking countries
• locate Spanish-speaking countries on a map
• identify some famous Spanish-language writers and musicians
• understand the importance of family