Sustainable Development and Social Change in Central America

 

 

 

Intermediate Conversation and Composition - SPA 311

 

Prerequisite:  Completion of Spanish 212 or its equivalent, or placement exam

 

Course Description

This class is designed to meet the individual needs of advanced Spanish students who have completed two or more years of college level Spanish. The goal is for students to enrich their vocabulary and improve fluency and facility through oral and written practice in correct expression. Basic grammar structures will be reviewed and more complicated structures introduced and practiced so that students may improve their overall fluency in the language. Emphasis will be placed on learning to express abstract ideas while correctly using complex grammatical structures.

 

Students will be expected to read the local newspapers and watch local news in order to become informed of key issues in Mexico and the rest of Latin America. In class, they will also watch films that address contemporary issues that they will then discuss. The experience of living with host families provides many additional hours of practice for students.

 

Students will take the placement before the course begins in order to determine specific areas of grammar that require attention. At the end of the semester, they will take the same exam again in order to assess their improvement. However, the exam will not be graded. 

 

*This course counts toward the major or minor in Spanish at Augsburg College and is a prerequisite for all upper division courses except for SPA 316:  Conversations in Cultural Context.

 

Required Text and Other Materials

De lector a escritor :  el desarrollo de la comunicación escrita, 2a edicion.  By Michael D. Finneman and Lynn Carbón. 

          Heinle, 2001. www.heinle.com (You can order books directly from them.)  ISBN 0838416500 

Repaso: College Edition:  A Complete Review Workbook for Grammar, Communication, and Culture with Answer Keys and

          Audiocassettes. National Textbook Company.  ISBN 0-8442-7832-7

*Libro de sintónimos y antónimos para estudiantes.  Barrons.  ISBN 0-7641-1447-6

*Spanish/English dictionary

* = Highly recommended but not required

 

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:

  • Improve their written and oral expression of Spanish.

  • Master the use of complex grammatical structures.

  • Express abstract ideas effectively in Spanish.

  • Expand their vocabulary, particularly with regard to contemporary events and issues in Latin America.

  • Master four types of written and oral expression:  a) description, b) narration, c) argumentation, and d) exposition. 

 

Course Requirements (100% = 100 points)

10%

(10 points)

Class Participation:  Active class participation with no more than two unexcused absences. Two points deducted per unexcused absence. 

10%               

(10 points)

Workbook (Cuaderno de práctica)/Homework

20%

(20 points)

Four quizzes: there will be four quizzes about the grammar that was reviewed in class and about each of the different styles of written and oral expression being studied.

40%

(40 points)

 Four compositions: students will write four short compositions, each of which will involve a different style of written expression and will be graded on the criteria listed later in this syllabus. Students will write and submit two drafts/revisions before completing the final version of each composition. The first draft will be submitted for peer review and discussion in class and the second will be submitted to the instructor. The drafts will not be graded. However, final versions of the composition will NOT be accepted without at least two drafts that demonstrate the student’s progress. Each final composition should be 1½- 2 typed pages in length and is worth 10 points.

- Composition #1:  Description

- Composition #2:  Narration

- Composition #3:  Argumentation

- Composition #4:  Exposition

20%

(20 points)

Four oral presentations. Students will give four 5-10 minute presentations, each of which worth five points and will involve a different style of oral expression and will be graded on the criteria listed later in this syllabus.  Topics will be determined by the instructor. Students may not read a written presentation. They should, however, use a written outline, which will be given to the instructor at the end of the presentation. 

- Presentation #1:  Description

- Presentation #2:  Narration

- Presentation #3:  Argumentation

- Presentation #4:  Exposition

 

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

  • 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 (description, narration, argumentation, or exposition)

  • At least 2 Drafts:  Demonstration of clear improvement from first two drafts

  • Final versions of compositions will NOT be accepted without at least two drafts demonstrating revisions.

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 complex forms studied in class

  • Style: Effective use of appropriate style for given assignment (description, narration, argumentation, or exposition)

  • 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. 

 

Note about Portfolios:  You must prepare a portfolio of all your work from this course and present it to your instructor in order to receive a final grade.  In the case of Augsburg students, CGE staff will send a copy of the portfolio to Spanish Department chair.  The portfolio should include: 

1.  Oral Presentations (At least 4)

     a.  An outline of each of your oral presentations

     b.  A written evaluation of each oral presentation by the course instructor (with the grade)

2.  Compositions (At least 4)

     a.  Final compositions, accompanied by 2 drafts/rewrites per composition

     b.  An evaluation of each final composition by the course instructor (with the grade)

3.  Any other documents that demonstrate your achievement of the course objectives