Spanish II: Victoria Parraga

Course Overview:

Spanish 2                                Victoria Párraga
Course Description                                2007-2008

Bienvenidos  a la clase de Español 2

This year you will continue your study of Spanish with the text Vistas.  For many of you this will be the second year working with the Vistas program. A variety of supplementary material accompanies the text including CD’s, two video programs complete with coordinated supplemental written activities, transparencies, written and oral activity sheets and more, focused on your continued growth in all areas of the language (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).  The test and its accompanying materials also foster competency through an assortment of language acquisition ‘tools’ which include imitation of culturally appropriate gestures  (body language), pronunciation practice, grammar explanations/demonstrations and exercises, vocabulary expansion venues and occasions to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of the diverse Spanish-speaking cultures found throughout the world.  
    
We will begin with a brief review of vocabulary, verbs and key expressions from units 1-8 before moving on to new material in unit 9.  Whenever possible, Hispanic food, art and music will be incorporated into the class as they provide a unique window into Hispanic culture.  In November we will be reading the novelette Reunión de Vecinos.  You will read one more novelette in the second semester, Lejos de Casa.  On-line activities, additional supplementary Spanish language videos, and two full-length feature films will complete the class program.  

A few things to consider

.  As this is an immersion course and you are entering the second year of language study, it is required that you speak only Spanish in the classroom.  Your speaking and listening skills will be enhanced through a variety of activities (role-plays, presentations, videos, songs, discussions, debates, pair work and group activities) meant to maximize students-speaking opportunities.

.  Just as you are to leave your English at the door when you come into the class each day, you should also set aside any embarrassment or fear you may have of speaking.  All language learners make mistakes.  Error correction, including self-correction, is a key part of the process of language acquisition.  

.  You will be expected to dedicate a fair amount of time to studying vocabulary.  Drilling with a friend or parent can be especially worthwhile.  Listening to Spanish music, watching Spanish-language television and films, and speaking to Spanish speaking friends and people in your community are also fantastic means of practicing and improving you Spanish.  Opportunities for contact with the language and culture beyond the classroom abound in the Bay Area.  

Rules

.  All classroom interaction must be in Spanish
.  Respect your fellow classmates and their learning processes
.  Maintain an updated and we-organized binder or binder section dedicated to Spanish including handouts, homework, and notes relevant to daily work.
.  There will be no eating in class unless it is part of a designated classroom cultural experience.

Language Department Policy regarding Cheating and Plagiarism

The Foreign Language Department will not tolerate cheating or plagiarism of any kind:  the CPS Handbook clearly explains the definition of these terms.  Forms of cheating and plagiarism specific to the learning of foreign language include, but are not limited to, the use of translating programs, the copying of grammar, vocabulary and translation exercises from any textual or virtual source, etc.  Any assignment deemed to have been plagiarized will need to be rewritten.  Standard grading, but with a cap of 70% will apply to the rewrite.  If the assignment is not redone, the student will receive an incomplete.  A repeat offense will receive a zero.  All infractions are reported to the Dean of Students.

Assignments and Make-up work

Language homework is due the day for which it is assigned.  If a student has an excused absence, (s)he has the number of days absent to hand in assigned work or take tests.  If a student foresees a problem with turning in a longer assignment (composition, report, etc.), (s)he must talk with the teacher before the due date.  A new date may be determined.  If a student does not meet this new date, the assignment will receive a failing grade.

Office hours:

I will be available during period 4, after school and by appointment.

Grading

A’s = 90’s, B’s = 80’s, C’s = 70’s, D’s = 60’s, F = below 60.
Class participation                      20%
Homework                                    20%
Compositions                              20%
Oral reports/projects                20%
Tests                                             20%

Required Texts

Blanco, J.A. and P.R. Donley, Vistas:  Introducción a la Lengua Española.  (Boston:  Vista Higher Learning, 2005, 2nd Ed.)  This is the main (hardback) text.  Also the following supplements to that text are needed:

Workbook/Video Manual (large blue paperback)
Vocabulary CD’s
Textbook Activity CD’s
Interactive CD-Rom
Fotonovela CD-Rom
Paperback (or approved electronic) dictionary

Miguel, Lourdes and Sans, Neus, Reunión de Vecinos. Barcelona.  Difusión
Miguel, Lourdes and Sans, Neus, Lejos de Casa.  Barcelona, Difusion.

Additional materials

Binder or binder section dedicated to Spanish, sufficient blank paper, pens and a blank tape or CD for recording oral work.  First Class (email) includes a recording option to CD’s/tapes and might be used as well.

Other Section Resources:

Assignments

 

Class Resources

Notes, slide shows, handouts, and other useful items.

Useful Links

A collection of web links relevant to this class.

Student Work

Examples of student work prepared for this course.