Sustainable Development and Social Change in Central America

 

 

 

Intermediate Spanish I - SPA 211

 

Prerequisite: SPA 112 or equivalent (one year college Spanish or equivalent) or adequate score on placement exam

 

Course Description

This course is intended for students who have a basic understanding of the Spanish language. The purpose of this course is to help students review and master all of the basic structures of Spanish and build their conversational skills through discussion of selected texts that stimulate intellectual growth and promote cultural understanding. Instructors use the “Natural Approach” methodology and emphasize oral communication. Students will be expected to review the grammar at home and use it in class. Throughout the course students will learn about various aspects of life and culture in the Spanish-speaking world. In addition to the formal classes, the experience of living with local host families also provides hours of language practice, and therefore topics related to the home stay will be addressed in class. Students are placed in individualized classes through an on-line placement examination that they should take prior to departure from the United States. Upon arrival in the country, students may also be given a brief oral examination, as well. 

 

Primary Texts and Required Materials

1.  Text:  McVey Gill, Mary, Brenda Wegmann, and Teresa Méndez-Faith. En Contacto: Gramática en acción, 7ª edición.

           Thomson-Heinle, 2003.  Chapters 1-6. 

2.  Workbook: Student Lab Manual/Workbook that accompanies En Contacto, 7a edición.

3.  Spanish/English dictionary.

 

Required texts and materials for Spanish courses vary by level. Copies of the necessary texts will be provided by Spanish School.

 

Learning Objectives

Students will:

1.  Build upon previous Spanish knowledge through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

2.  Strengthen their conversational ability.

3.  Improve their understanding of written Spanish.

4.  Express themselves in written Spanish.

5.  Master the following basic Spanish grammar structures:

  • Subject pronouns

  • Present indicative tense and irregular verbs (review)

  • Present indicative tense

  • The personal a

  • Nouns and articles

  • Definite and indefinite articles

  • Reflexives

  • Preterit: regular and irregular verbs

  • Imperfect tense

  • Use of preterit versus imperfect

  • Hacer + time expressions

  • Agreement of adjectives

  • Adjectives used as nouns

  • Position of adjectives

  • Use of Ser versus estar

  • Ser and estar with adjectives

  • Demonstrative adjectives and pronouns

  • Possessives

  • Future tense

  • Conditional tense

  • Comparisons of equality

  • Comparisons of inequality

  • Irregular comparative forms; the superlative

  • Present subjunctive

  • Use of subjunctive with impersonal expressions

  • Use of subjunctive with verbs indicating doubt; emotion; will, preference, or necessity; approval, disapproval, or advice

  • Use of the subjunctive versus the indicative

  • “If” clauses

  • Direct object pronouns

  • Indirect object pronouns

  • Prepositional object pronouns

  • Two object pronouns; position of object pronouns

  • Commands with object pronouns

Course Requirements (100% = 100 points)

15%        (15 points)            Participation in class/homework. Class participation includes completion of assignments from the

                                            text and workbook on time, as well as presence and engagement in class sessions. Students are

                                            allowed no more than two unexcused absences. Two points deducted per unexcused absence.

50%        (50 points)            Five chapter tests. Each test is worth five points. 

15%        (15 points)            Three compositions: students will write three one-page compositions. They must submit one

                                            draft of each composition for peer review and discussion of common errors before completing

                                            the final draft, which is worth five points. Rough drafts will count toward class participation but

                                            will not be graded.

10%        (10 points)            Final written exam

10%        (10 points)            Final oral exam. This is a 10-15 minute exam focusing on the mastery of the present subjunctive.

 

Students will be given a weekly class schedule complete with assignment deadlines on the first day of class.

 

Grading Criteria for Class Participation

  • Students are allowed no more than two unexcused absences, and two points will be deducted per unexcused absence. 

  • Full participation involves speaking only Spanish in class, completing assignments on time, coming to class prepared and on time, participating in all class activities with enthusiasm and interest, collaboration with the instructor and other students (as applicable), and demonstrated effort at improving Spanish abilities.

Grading Criteria for Compositions

  • Grammar

  • Vocabulary

  • Spelling

  • Punctuation