SPAN 1311, Fall 2010

SPAN 1311.001/002

Course Syllabus George Henson

Fall 2010 Email: gbh071000@utdallas.edu
Section 001 Office Number: JO 5.203
MWF 11:30PM – 12:20PM Office Hours: 10:00-11:00 MW
Class location: CB3.1.302 Office Phone: (972) 883-2054

NOTE: All matters associated with this course are subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Any
changes related to policy will be communicated to students in writing. Assignments may be added to the
syllabus on an ongoing basis. (Missing class does not excuse students from completing and turning in
assignments on the day they are due.)

Course Description

Beginning Spanish I is a course that allows beginning language learners to hear Spanish and experience
its cultural diversity while incorporating technology to enhance language skills. The text, Apúntate,
Español Introductorio, embraces a communicative approach, incorporates culture, through community
and connections, and introduces students to authentic language material (realia) and literary pieces from
various Spanish speaking countries.

All four skills involved in learning a foreign language (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be
integrated into the course work and evaluations.

During class the components of listening and speaking will be emphasized. WE will spend most of the
time using the language, not talking about it. The grammatical explanations will be kept to a minimum
and you will be required to work in pairs and small groups. Your active participation in individual and
group work is required for the success of the class. The reading and writing components of the class will
be mainly practiced at home. The online workbook/lab manual serves multiple purposes: it allows you to
practice and develop listening, reading and writing skills; it prepares you to participate in class; it
prepares you to succeed on quizzes and exams.

Student Learning Objectives

To build basic competency in speaking, reading, listening and writing.
To develop and practice basic conversational Spanish.
To prepare you to continue in Spanish 1312.
To develop a broad knowledge of Hispanic culture.
Chapter objectives include:
o describing physical and personality traits
o expressing likes and dislikes
o describing physical, emotional, mental, and other states and conditions
o describing routines and customary activities in the present and the past
o talking about future plans.

Required Texts

¡APÚNTATE! español introductorio. Pérez-Girones/Dorwick, Mc Graw Hill, 1st edition (bundled with
dictionary and online workbook access code).

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http://www.mhcentro.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/Estudiantes-de-espanol-de-
UTD/111789965541985?ref=ts
https://elearning.utdallas.edu/webct/logonDisplay.dowebct

Grading

Workbook 10%
Pop Quizzes 5%
Quizzes 10%
Notebook 5%
Exams (3) 30%
Final 20%
Daily Participation 10%
Oral Interview 10%
Total 100%

(I will make use of the +/- system in grading as stipulated by the University of Texas at Dallas
Undergraduate Catalogue, 2008 – 2010.)

Course Policies

Attendance
Because this course is highly interactive, thoughtful, attentive, and active participation is essential (and
will form a portion of your grade). If you sleep, engage in non-class-related activities (texting, talking,
etc.), or interfere with your classmates' ability to learn, you will be counted absent for that day. Be on
time - class starts promptly. Leaving early will count as an absence.

Attendance is absolutely crucial to your success in Spanish 1311. Each student is allowed three missed
classes, no questions asked. Save them for when you really need them. Students who miss for any
reason will receive a “0” participation grade for that day. Each additional absence above the noted three
will cause 3% to be deducted off your final letter grade for the semester.

Nota bene: It is possible to fail this course based solely on attendance (or lack thereof).

Punctuality
Persistent tardiness to class is disrespectful to both your instructor and your peers. Continually arriving
late to class will affect your participation grade in the course. Three tardies will result in one unexcused
absence for the course; I will consider you absent if you arrive more than 10 minutes late to class. In
some instances, attendance will be taken by roll call; in others, it will be taken via a sign-in sheet. Time is
measured by my watch, not yours.

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Class Participation
Your success in this course and your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish is a function of your
level of engagement in this class. I am interested both the quantity and quality of your participation.
Simply attending class does not guarantee a student a good participation grade.

Late Work
All work is due on the date specified. No late work will be accepted. No exceptions.

Nota bene: As free agents, you are free to make decisions about coming to class and completing your
assignments on time. But every decision (action) carries a consequence. The consequence for missing
class is outlined above. The consequence for missing an assignment deadline (regardless of the reason or
“intention”) is a zero on the assignment.

Out of respect for me and for your classmates, please do not ask me to deviate from this policy.

Personal Communication Devices

Turn off all cell phones, laptops, MP3s, and other personal communication devices before the start of
class. Do not use them during class.

For University policies, including academic dishonesty, withdrawal,

religious observance, and students with disabilities, please go to:

http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies

______________________________________________________

I have read the policies for Spanish 1311.002 and understand them. I agree to comply with the policies
for the fall 2010 semester. I realize that failure to comply with these policies will result in a reduced grade
the course.

Signature: ______________________ Date: ________________________

Name (print): __________________________

E-mail address: __________________________