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Advanced Conversation - Literature and Creative Writing: Marta Ginebreda
Course Overview:
SPANISH IV/V
Advanced Conversation, Literature and Creative Writing Seminar
Marta Ginebreda
The objectives of this year long course are: 1) to acquire, refine and practice conversational skills necessary to communicate effectively in different social and cultural situations; 2) to cultivate students’ knowledge of and appreciation for the Hispanic language and culture through a variety of selected readings which range from pre-Colombian creation myths to contemporary movements such as Modernism, Surrealism and Magic Realism.
Written assignments will be primarily creative in nature. Students will be encouraged to experiment with specific literary devices and their own imaginations as means of understanding more fully the way literature works to convey ideas. Each student will keep a journal with reflections and responses to questions about the readings. An independent project will be required at the end of each semester.
Class activities will include: discussions and debates on current and controversial issues, oral presentations, rol-playing, literary readings, creative writing exercises, grammar reviews and the viewing of some films in Spanish. Once in a while the class will work at a bilingual school with Spanish speaking kids. Other field trips may be scheduled as well.
Once a week time will be assigned to prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Language and become familiar with each section of the exam.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Texts:
Pedro Benítez & María José Gelabert, Breve gramática, Difusión
Díaz et al, Advancement Placement Spanish, Longman
Reader with a selection of articles, short stories and poems by a variety of authors from Latin America and Spain.
Three ring binder or system to keep handouts and notes
Notebook to use as a journal
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.
Conferences/outside help: Schedule for individual consultation with the teacher are posted on one of the Language Department doors.
GRADING:
-Class participation: 30%
-Homework (readings, journal & written work): 30%
-Exams, tests and quizzes: 20%
-Final project: 20%
Senior Option:
Seniors have the option to not take a test or not turn in a piece of written work after obtaining teacher’s permission.
Language Dept. Policy regarding Cheating & Plagiarism:
The Foreign Language Dept. will not tolerate cheating and/or plagiarism of any kind. The CPS Handbook (pp. 9-10) clearly explains the definition of these terms. Forms of cheating and plagiarism specific to the learning of a foreign language include, but are not limited to, the use of translation 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 in the course. A repeat offense will receive a zero. All infractions are reported to the Dean of Students.
