SPA 225/325: Spanish for Heritage Speakers I & II
Please note: The course registration number (225 or 325) depends upon the students’ Spanish level. Those with lower levels of Spanish should register for 225 while those with very advanced levels should register for 325.
Prerequisites: none. See note above about course registration.
Course Description:
This is a course designed specifically to satisfy the needs and expectations of students who speak Spanish as your native language but are unfamiliar with how it works structurally. This course is for you if you grew up hearing Spanish and can communicate your ideas but are lacking a basic knowledge of Spanish grammar and thus feel insecure about writing and/or speaking it. The purpose of the course is to help you gain fluency in your native language and to develop more confidence through study and deep analysis of the language. By the end of the course, you will have mastered areas that you were not sure of before and be able to correct your own errors.
The class will be tailored to your needs, and therefore the course content will depend largely upon your strengths and weaknesses in the language. The course will be designed in such a way to make learning fun and entertaining by drawing upon your interests and upon resources in Cuernavaca.
Primary Texts:
Valdés, Guadalupe and Richard V. Teschner. Español Escrito: Curso para hispanhablantes bilingües, Quinta Edición. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Please note: You will purchase the same books regardless of whether you register for spa 225 or 325, as lower level students will use the 1st half of the books & upper level students will use the second half.
Goals:
- Deepen your understanding of Spanish grammar and learn to use it correctly
- Correct orthographic errors or spelling mistakes
- Improve your writing skills
- Increase your vocabulary
- Learn about historical and socio-cultural issues in Mexico
Specific learning objectives will depend on your strengths and weaknesses.
Course Requirements (100% = 100 points)
- 20% Active class participation. Class participation includes punctuality, presence in class, active engagement in class sessions, and completion of all required readings & homework assignments on time. (See grading criteria listed below.)
- 15% Three short tests. Each test is worth 5 % of the final grade.
- 15% Three oral presentations. Each is worth 5% of the final grade.
- 15% Compositions (3, each worth 5 % of the final grade)
- 15% Short Assignments.
- 20% Final Exam.
Grading Criteria for Class Participation
- Full participation involves coming to class prepared and on time, speaking only Spanish in class, completing assignments on time, participating in all class activities with enthusiasm and interest, collaborating with the instructor and other students, and demonstrating effort at improving Spanish abilities. Class participation is extremely important.
- If you are sick and have to miss class, you are responsible for calling the instructor BEFORE class to let her know. You are also responsible for talking with her about what you missed in class, getting notes or handouts from other students, and for making up any assignments that were completed in class.
Grading Criteria for Compositions
- Structure: Introduction; organization, sequence, and development of ideas; and conclusion
- Content: Clarity and complexity of ideas
- Grammar: Correct use of complex forms studied in class
- Style: Effective use of appropriate style for given assignment
Grading Criteria for Oral Presentations
- Structure: Introduction; organization, sequence, and development of ideas; and conclusion
- Content: Clarity and complexity of ideas
- Grammar: Correct use of grammar
- Oral Expression: Pronunciation; articulation; volume; and tone
- Written Outline: Organization of ideas and main points
Oral presentations are not considered complete (and will be graded down significantly) if they are not accompanied by an outline.
