Spanish Language Mission Statement

COURSE INFORMATION Spanish Language Mission Statement: The mission statement of the Spanish program is to prepare life-long learners who can read, write, speak, and listen in the Spanish language with communicative, grammatical, and cultural competencies. Students are asked to evaluate their own abilities in each of the four language skills and work towards improving all of them. Course Overview This course will continue to develop previously mastered skills in the Spanish language. In addition, more advanced grammar skills will be introduced, practiced, and mastered. Emphasis will be placed on the active use of the language at all times. Written assignments, various oral presentations, and more complicated readings will be completed. Advanced vocabulary usage will also be stressed and developed. It is expected that all students will work diligently, collectively, and independently in order to master the material that is covered in this course. Learning Objectives Spanish 2300 will develop each student’s ability to speak, write, read, and listen to the Spanish language at an advanced level. Everyone will be expected to communicate each class period. The following will allow students to better understand learning outcomes, language forms, and how they will be assessed. Learning Outcomes (Language Function) Language Form (related to language function) Students will use a wide range of Spanish vocabulary to listen, read, write and speak about films and entertainment, work and finances, urban Nouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, pronouns, idioms, etc. related to these topics Assessments (Evidence of Learning) See calendar for dates of bolded assessments. Class participation; Practice Activities (homework); Quizzes (vocabulary and grammar); Games and skits; Chapter quizzes Chapter Exams Alignment to Language Learning Standards (State and National) IL27.340(a)(1) (A,B,C,D): Students comprehend the processes involved in developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish; 2 and rural areas, musical instruments and basic terms related to music, literature, types of writing, and reading Students will demonstrate an understanding of the products, perspectives and practices of Spanish-speaking countries Nouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, pronouns, idioms, etc.; Comparative and superlative structures. Participation in class activities; Reading and viewing comprehension activities; Final Presentation Students will relate things that have happened (narrate and describe in past tenses); Past perfect verb tense and past perfect subjunctive Participation in class activities; Practice Activities (homework); Oral Presentations Chapter quiz Chapter 6 & 7 Exam Students will share their ideas about what might happen Future tense, conditional tense future perfect tense, conditional perfect tense Participation in class activities; Practice Activities (homework); Composition Chapter quiz Chapter 6 & 7 Exam IL27.340(e)(1): Students understand cultural practices of one or more areas where the target language is spoken; IL27.340(e)(2)(B): Students will compare and contrast cultural practices and social roles (e.g., music and literature) among various countries where the target language is spoken.; ACTFL 2a) Students will Demonstrate target cultural understandings and compare cultures through perspectives, products, and practices of those cultures. IL 27.340 (b)(2)(C): Students make oral presentations in academic, social, or work situations. 27.340(b)(2)(A): Students participate in conversations on familiar topics related to daily activities and the personal environment; 27.340(b)(2)(B): Students initiate, sustain, and bring to a close uncomplicated communicative exchanges in response to a given situation. Students will discuss hypothetical situations Hypothetical and possible IF clauses Practice Activities (homework); Chapter quiz Chapter 8 & 9 Exam 27.340(b)(2)(A): Students participate in conversations on familiar topics related to daily activities and the personal environment; 27.340(b)(2)(B): Students initiate, sustain, and bring to a close uncomplicated communicative exchanges in response to a given situation. Students will state what is or was done without a subject/subjects Passive voice, impersonal expressions, accidental impersonal expressions Participation in class activities; Practice Activities (homework); Chapter quiz Chapter 8 & 9 Exam 27.340(c)(2)(A): Students use printed information obtained from various sources, including electronic media. 27.340(c)(2)(B): Students create written materials that include description, definition, and analysis. Students will converse with paragraph length discourse Relative pronouns Participation in class activities; Practice Activities (homework); Chapter quiz Chapter 10 Exam 27.340(c)(2)(A): Students use printed information obtained from various sources, including electronic media. 27.340(c)(2)(B): Students create written materials that include description, definition, and analysis. Students will speak interpersonally at a target level of Intermediate High (see All language forms listed above Final Presentation IL 27.340(b)(2)(A): during the last Students will participate weeks of the course in conversations on familiar topics related to daily activities and the personal environment; Proficiency Levels chart below). 27.340(b)(2)(B): Students initiate, sustain, and bring to a close uncomplicated communicative exchanges in response to a given situation. Proficiency Levels Upon completion of this course, students will communicate in Spanish at a minimum level of novice high to a target intermediate mid, and be fully prepared to continue with higher level Spanish courses. Please refer to the chart below for can-do descriptions of what learners should be able to do at the different proficiency levels, according the ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners Intermediate Low Intermediate Mid Interpersonal (Person-toPerson) Communicatio n I can communicate and exchange information about familiar topics using phrases and simple sentences, sometimes supported by memorized language. I can handle usually social short in interactions everyday situations by asking and answering simples questions. I can participate in conversations on a number of familiar topics using simple sentences. I can handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions. Presentation Speaking I can present basic on information topics familiar using language I have practiced using phrases and simple sentences. I can write short messages and notes on familiar topics I can present information on most familiar topics using a series of simple sentences. Presentational Writing Intermediate High I can participate in conversations of topics familiar sentences using and series of sentences. I can handle short social interactions in everyday by situations and asking a answering of variety questions. I can usually say what I want to say about myself and my everyday life. I can make presentations on a wide variety of topics familiar using connected sentences. I can write briefly about I can write on a most familiar topics and wide variety of present information using familiar topics Interpretive Listening Interpretive Reading related to everyday life. I can often understand words, phrases and simple sentences related to everday life. I can recognize pieces of information and sometimes understand the main topic of what is being said. I can understand words, familiar and phrases sentences within short and simple texts related to everyday life. I sometimes can the understand main idea of what I have read. a series of simple sentences. I can understand the main idea in short, simple messages and presentations on familiar topics. I can understand the main idea of simple conversations that I overhear. using connected sentences. I can understand the main idea in messages and presentations on a variety of topics related to everyday life and personal interests and studies. I can the understand in main idea conversations that I overhear. I can understand the main I can understand idea of short and simple the main idea of texts when the topic is texts related to familiar. everyday life and personal interests or studies. Upon completing this course each student should be able to:  correctly form and use all of the Spanish verb tenses.  clearly express his/her ideas and views in oral and written forms while implementing correct grammar conventions.  demonstrate a better understanding of written and spoken Spanish.  read more complicated Spanish texts.  possess an improved and more advanced Spanish vocabulary.  understand the culture and traditions of Spanish speaking countries. In addition, students will also complete various presentations and participate in various activities in order to continue developing their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Spanish. Class Format Learning Spanish is a useful skill that will require a lot of practice, patience, and effort. Everyone will be expected to be prepared and participate each class period. Class time will be spent refining skills in ways that cannot be completed outside of class. Instructional methods will include:  lecture and practice exercises,    small group and pair activities, individual and group presentations, writing and reading assignments. Homework exercises must be completed because they will further serve to reinforce classroom work. Many times the homework will be workbook assignments. These pages are necessary in order to master the presented concepts and to prepare for tests and announced and unannounced quizzes. It will be necessary to come prepared with the required materials each class period. All assignments should be completed before class. Due to the nature of this course, it is imperative that everyone be respectful of all others and of all opinions and views expressed. Each class period should be viewed as a valuable learning opportunity. Textbook Blitt, M.A., Casas, M., Copple, M.T. (2015.) Exploraciones: Curso intermedio. Segunda edición. Boston: Cengage Learning. STUDENT ISBN: 978-1-337-61248-7 Requirements and Evaluation Final grades will be earned based upon the following criteria: 1) Quizzes, presentations, and compositions (50%). Given the nature of this class and its objectives to develop the various components of language acquisition, there will be frequent short quizzes and a variety of written assignments. All quizzes and assignments are expected to be completed on time and to demonstrate college-level work. Presentation #1: Each student will complete a presentation using the future and conditional tenses about her/his life in the future. Presentation #2: Each student will complete a presentation that focuses on a concept specifically related to Spanish music. Topics may include a type of music, a musical instrument specific to a Spanish speaking country, or a specific musician or group who performs in Spanish. 2) Spanish vocabulary activities (10%). These will be explained in class and will change each chapter. In short, students will complete and turn in an assignment each chapter that demonstrates a learning strategy that will lead to the mastery of the chapter’s vocabulary. 3) Exams (30%). Please note that there will be three exams, the first two being after two chapters. 4) Attendance, class participation, attitude, homework, and effort (10%). Grades will be earned according to the following criteria: AURORA UNIVERSITY GRADING SCALE 90 - 100% - A 80 - 89% - B 70-79% - C 60-60% - D 0-59% - F AURORA UNIVERSITY GRADE DEFINITIONS Definition Denotes performance that consistently exceeds expectations and demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the subject. Denotes performance that meets and at times exceeds expectations and indicates good preparation in the subject. Denotes performance that meets expectations and demonstrates adequate preparation in the subject. Denotes performance that is inadequate or inconsistently meets expectations and makes it inadvisable to proceed further in the subject without additional work. Denotes performance that consistently fails to meet expectations. Please note that students will have many opportunities to earn their grade and that extra credit is not available. Attendance Regular attendance and participation are essential in this course. Many activities and opportunities will be presented in class that cannot be done individually or outside of class with the same degree of effectiveness. At this point in life, your academic career should be your full-time job. Each absence counts as 5% off of the attendance and participation component of your grade. Please have the phone number of at least one other person in class so that you can contact him or her should you miss a class. Additionally, please notify me via e-mail or voice mail if you cannot attend class. This is a courtesy that tells me you are aware of your absence and its consequences. If an absence occurs on a day of an announced quiz or test, it will be expected that the missed quiz or test will be taken before or after the following class period, unless other special arrangements have been made. Unannounced quizzes cannot be made up meaning that the student will simply forfeit points for that quiz. No make-up exam or quiz may be taken later than one week from the original date that it was given in class. UNIVERSITY POLICIES AURORA UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Our singular goal is to empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. In addition, during the next academic year the campus community must recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic could require changes in plans and flexibility in order to help protect the health and safety of our community. The University has reserved the right to change or alter its programs, services, methods of delivering course content, schedules, and other operations to respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation. Changes to this schedule and syllabus may therefore be necessary; if so, your faculty will notify you. AURORA UNIVERSITY CORE VALUES Integrity: Aurora University adheres to the highest standards of integrity in every aspect of institutional practice and operation. Through this proven dedication to honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct, we lead by example and inspire our students to do the same. Citizenship: Aurora University exercises the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in an inclusive educational community, founded upon the principles of mutual respect and open discourse. We live within our means and manage our resources wisely and responsibly, while sustaining an environment that fosters teamwork and promotes services to others. We serve the needs of the Fox River Valley, McHenry County (Illinois), Walworth County (Wisconsin), and online learners by offering myriad educational and cultural opportunities to our students and the community-at-large. Continuous Learning: Aurora University works and lives as a non-profit organization dedicated to continuous learning. We help students achieve their full potential. Excellence: Aurora University pursues excellence by embracing quality as a way of community life. AURORA UNIVERSITY LEARNING OUTCOMES Effective Communication - Students will communicate clearly and offer well-supported arguments in their writing and speaking. Critical Thinking - Students will demonstrate skills of analysis, problem solving, and application. AURORA UNIVERSITY GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOMES Discovery and Reflection - Students will demonstrate how discovery and reflection in regard to the world have affected how they view their sense of purpose. Artistic Literacy - Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively about the expression of ideas through artistic and literary forms. Cultural Literacy - Students will demonstrate an inclusive perspective through descriptions of the languages, structures and traditions that characterize our communities and world. Human Inquiry - Students will demonstrate an ability to use theories, principles and evidence to analyze human thought, behavior and decision making. Scientific Inquiry - Students will utilize scientific principles, models, or theories to demonstrate understanding of natural or physical phenomena. Quantitative and Formal Reasoning - Students will evaluate and utilize quantitative, symbolic or logical evidence, methods, and models effectively COURSE ATTENDANCE & WEATHER CONCERNS In the case of inclement weather, watch the university website and/or register for the university text messaging service for updates on campus closings. Safety is always our first goal. Please use your judgement and do not travel to class if you feel the road conditions in your area are unsafe. Students who cannot make it safely to class are asked to contact their instructor upon making that decision, so your instructor is aware of your situation.