SPAN 115: Review of Elementary Spanish Distance Learning Spring 2013 Professor: Dr.

. Esperanza Romn-Mendoza Twitter: @eromanme Twitter hashtag: #115s13 and Archive: bit.ly/WdQmFw Telephone: (703) 993-1232 Website: http://mcl.gmu.edu/people/eromanme

Department of Modern and Classical Languages George Mason University Office: AQ329 Office hours: On campus & online W3:00PM to 4:00PM and by appointment (on campus and online) E-mail: eromanme@gmu.edu Skype: e.roman.mendoza

COURSE DESCRIPTION The Basic Spanish Program consists of the introductory (first-year) and intermediate (second year) Spanish courses. These courses are designed to help students develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish and to provide them with an introduction to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Because learning a language requires being exposed to large amounts of that language and getting accustomed to communicating in that language, it is highly recommended that you try to use the Spanish language in all communications with your teacher and fellow students, and outside the learning platform (Blackboard). Students should not expect to comprehend every word that their instructor writes and says; instead they should try to use what they do know to try to comprehend the overall meaning. After a few weeks, they should understand much more. In addition, students should be sure to ask questions when they do not understand. Students who are having difficulty are also encouraged to request additional explanations during their instructors' office hours or on the platform forums. As a distance learning course, SPAN 115-DL requires students to study and practice the language on their own following the guidance of the instructor. Students are expected to read on their own grammar explanations including in the book, before doing the grammar and cultural exercises on McGraw-Hill Centro. Questions about grammar will be discussed on the Blackboard forums and during office hours. Students are also required to participate in several Blackboard forums, to write two compositions and to prepare oral projects. Instructor will schedule individual online interviews with the students to discuss class progress on a regular basis. Learning a language on an online setting requires as much work as learning in the class, along with a great amount of discipline. LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Basic writing and reading skills in the target language. 2. Basic oral skills in the target language. 3. Knowledge of the target culture. 4. Ability to find resources, information and other tools to continue the study of the language. 5. Ability to communicate online with peers and instructors. MATERIALS Dos Mundos. 7th Ed. McGraw Hill (with code access to the e-workbook) ISBN:0-077-996-739. (With used textbooks, the code will not work and you will need to purchase it separately). You will need a 2nd code that is available on Blackboard. All other materials are accessible from the Blackboard site. Please make sure you are aware of all technical requirements for this class. Language Twin Account. http://www.languagetwin.com. Sign up during first week of classes. Updates about the course will be posted as Announcements on MyMason and on Twitter via the hashtag #115s13. The archive with all the tweets can be found at bit.ly/WdQmFw TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS Hardware: You will need access to a Windows or Macintosh computer with at least 2 GB of RAM and to a fast and reliable broadband internet connection (e.g., cable, DSL). A larger screen is recommended for better visibility of course
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material. You will need speakers or headphones to hear recorded content and a headset with a microphone is recommended for the best experience. For the second oral project, you will need a webcam. For the amount of Hard Disk Space required to take a distance education course consider and allow for: 1. the storage amount needed to install any additional software and 2. space to store work that you will do for the course. If you are considering the purchase of a new computer, please go to http://itusupport.gmu.edu/stu_purch.html to see recommendations. Software: This course uses Blackboard as the learning management system. You will need a browser and operating system that are listed compatible or certified with the Blackboard version available on the myMason Portal. See supported browsers and operating systems. Log in to myMason to access this course. The textbook Dos Mundos is supplemented by an online workbook on the Centro McGraw-Hill website. You will need two codes: one supplied by the publisher when you buy the materials and one supplied by your teacher to access the materials for this course. Access to a Computer Workstation with: Web browser (See Blackboard supported browsers and operating systems) Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download) Flash Player (free download) Windows Media Player (free download) A word processor. Note: If you are using an employer-provided computer or corporate office for class attendance, please verify with your systems administrators that you will be able to install the necessary applications and that system or corporate firewalls do not block access to any sites or media types. ASSESSMENT The progress made by students in this class will be evaluated according to the following criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Weekly discussions on Blackboard Online exercises at Centro Compositions and Reflection on my Learning blog Language Twin (Oral component) Three Exams Final Exam 25% 20% 20% 10% 15% 10%

The final letter grade for the class will be assigned as follows: 97+ 93+ 90+ A+ A A87+ 83+ 80+ B+ B B77+ 73+ 70+ C+ C C60+ 60D F

1. Weekly Discussions on Blackboard Students are required to contribute to all class discussions and are expected to do it in Spanish. In order to actively participate in the discussions, students need to read the textbook pages assigned for each class and do the homework and class activities assigned by the instructor. Students are expected to contribute with one original post (75 words) and two comments to each discussion (40 words each). First original posting is due every week on Tuesday by midnight. Two comments are due every week on Friday by midnight. George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual
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orientation, or age. Mutual respect and civility of others will be considered an essential component of students participation in the discussions. More details about how to contribute to the online discussions are available on the Blackboard site. 2. Centro Homework Students will submit the assigned homework on the due dates via the McGraw-Hill website (Centro/Quia). More details on the Blackboard site. Deadlines for completing the homework are stated in the schedule below and will be also announced on Blackboard. Centro homework is due every week on Saturday by midnight. Only assigned exercises will count for a grade but you are welcome to practice with other assignments and with the Centro tutorials. 3. Compositions and Blog 3.1. Compositions. Two graded written assignments of 150 words each (not to exceed 160) will be collected throughout the semester via the Blackboard assignment tool. Presentation of written assignments All graded assignments must be typed according to the following guidelines: Use your last name and name file name, following by the composition number, for instance esperanzaromancomposition1 One and a half-space the text and use standard 8 by 11 paper and legible black ink. Write the number of words at the end of your composition. Do not plagiarize, use translation programs, or turn in work used for previous classes. Do not submit a paper without accents. While typing your work, if you have a PC you can use: = alt + 160 = alt + 129 = alt + 130 = alt + 164 = alt + 161 = alt + 173 = alt + 162 = alt + 168 = alt + 163 Mac Users: Hold down the Option key, and while holding it down, type the letter e; then release those keys and type the letter that you want the accent to appear on: = Opt + e, then a = Opt + e, then e = Opt + e, then I = Opt + e, then o = Opt + e, then u 3.2. Reflecting on my Learning Blog Every two weeks, students will write a 100-word log reflecting on the errors they made in the discussions and in the compositions, when applicable. Students will explain why they made the errors and how they corrected. Also include a summary of what you talked about with your language twin, if applicable. Other reflections about the learning process are welcome. Compositions and learning blog entries are due on Sundays by midnight. 4. Oral Projects Students will submit regularly oral samples through Centro and through LanguageTwin space at http://www.languagetwin.com. Website will be available on January 28h. Students are required to videochat EIGHT TIMES with students located all over the Spanish-speaking world. More details in class. Conversations are due on Sundays by midnight and will be recorded automatically on the LanguageTwin website. Please do not wait until Sunday to do this activity as there may not be many Spanish speaking students available for you to chat with. During the semester, the instructor will contact you via phone or skype to talk about your performance in the class. If you are on campus, you are strongly encouraged to come to talk to the instructor in person during office hours or by appointment.
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5. and 6. Exams and Final Exam There will be three ONLINE exams (that will last approximately 75 minutes) and a final exam ON CAMPUS at George Mason University. These exams will cover vocabulary, grammar, and short-essay questions related to topics covered in the assigned chapters. A study guide will be provided for students prior to each exam. Exams will be available from Saturdays at 6:00AM to Mondays by midnight. There will be no make-ups for missed exams and the final exam. Our final exam in this course will be on: Thursday, May 6th (4:30PM to 7:20PM) at George Mason University. The final exam will be cumulative, with a large emphasis on the final chapters covered in the course. PARTICIPATION AND COMMUNICATION Students are expected to participate in all online activities. Working 100% online requires dedicated efforts for the instructor/facilitator and the students: check your GMU email box on a daily basis. I will rely on you to communicate any questions or problems that might arise promptly. You are welcome to contact the instructor by Skype or Twitter, as well. HONOR CODE AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Exams, presentations, and all written assignments must be done independently unless your instructor tells you otherwise. Consult the GMU Honor Code (http://academicintegrity.gmu.edu/honorcode/) for complete information and description. Please note that the use of electronic translators is strictly forbidden. As mentioned above, students can use the program Safe Assign to receive more specific information about proper citation for their written assignments. DISABILITY SERVICES If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through ODS. http://ods.gmu.edu/ UNIVERSITY POLICIES The University Catalog, http://catalog.gmu.edu, is the central resource for university policies affecting student, faculty, and staff conduct in university affairs. You are responsible for being aware of all policies that affect you and your studies at GMU. OTHER USEFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Writing Center: http://writingcenter.gmu.edu University Libraries Ask a Librarian: http://library.gmu.edu/mudge/IM/IMRef.html Career Services: http://careers.gmu.edu/ Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): http://caps.gmu.edu Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), also known as the "Buckley Amendment," is a federal law that gives protection to student educational records and provides students with certain rights. [See http://registrar.gmu.edu/privacy]. ADD AND DROP DATES Last day to drop with no tuition penalty Last day to add classes Last day to drop with a 33% tuition penalty Last day to drop with a 67% tuition penalty

Tuesday, January 29. Tuesday, January 29 Tuesday, February 12 Friday, February 22

Spanish 115- Primavera 2013 - Horario (subject to changes)

Date Textbook pages (no submission necessary) Blackboard Forums (first post by Tuesdays, comments by Fridays) McGraw-Hill Centro Online Homework. Specific activities will be (due by Saturdays) Compositions and Learning Blog (due by Sundays) Online Exams (time frame from Saturday to Monday. 75 minutes) Final exam on the official date Oral (due by Sundays) Interviews to be scheduled individually

Week 0. Before January 22 Read complete syllabus and technical information. Week 1. 22 January -January. 27. Paso A, Paso B and Paso C Read and do Gramtica Forum 1: Presentaciones. y ejercicios p. 11-20. Read and do Gramtica y ejercicios p. 31-36 Read and do Gramtica y ejercicios p. 48-55. Make sure you know all vocabulary on pp 8-9, 29-30 and .46-47. Week 2. Jan. 28 Feb. 3. Chapter 1 Read and do Gramtica y ejercicios p. 76-86

Register following guidelines available on Blackboard Do Paso A. II, Paso B II Create Language Twin account. http://www.langua getwin.com

Do Paso C. II

Do 1.III A-G

Language Twin 1. Tema: Quin eres, qu estudias, qu haces. Blog Post 1

Forum 2: Lee Lectura en pp. 72-73 y escribe tu respuesta a Un paso ms A escribir. Para tu respuesta elige dos posts de tus compaeros y explica si apoyas su eleccin. Week 3. Feb. 4 Feb. 10. - Chapter 2 Read and do Gramtica y ejercicios p. 108-117 Make sure you know all Forum 3: Pgina 105 (despus vocabulary on p. 106de leer Lectura en pp. 104107 105). Describe tu ciudad favorita.

Make sure you know all vocabulary on p. 74-75

Do 1. IV and V.

Do 2. III A-G Do 2. IV and V Composition 1: Write a composition in the present tense about your best Hispanic friend or acquaintance.
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Week 4. Feb. 11 Feb. 17. - Chapter 3 Read and do Gramtica y ejercicios p. 140-149 Make sure you know all vocabulary on p. 138139 Week 5. Feb. 18 Feb. 24. - Chapter 4 Read and do 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 on pages 170-176 Read and do. 4.4. and Forum 4: Cmo te gusta 4.5 on pages 176-181 celebrar las fiestas? Puedes inspirarte leyendo las preguntas de la p. 154. Week 6. Feb. 25-March 3 - Chapter 4 Make sure you know all vocabulary on p. 168169 Week 7. March 4-March 10- Chapter 5 Read and do 5.1., 5.2 on pages 206-209 Read and do 5.3, 5.4 and Forum 5: Cul es tu 5.5 on pages 209-213 pasatiempo o hobby favorito? Por qu? Week 8. March 11-March. 17. SPRING BREAK Week 9. March 18-March 24. Chapter 5

Do 3. III A-G Do 3. IV and V Blog post 2. Exam 1. PASO. A, B, C & Chapters 1-3 Language Twin 2: Tus comidas favoritas.

Do 4. I A-E and II Do 4. I F-I

Do 4. III and 4.IV Do 4. V and 4. 6

Blog post 3.

Language Twin 3: Qu te gusta hacer.

Do 5.I A-F and 5.II Do 5.I G-L

Do 5.III and 5.IV Make sure you know all vocabulary on p. 204205 Week 10. March 25-March 31. Chapter 6 Read and do 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 on pages 236-240 Read and do 6.4 and 6.5 on pages 241-243 Forum 6: Escribe sobre tu casa ideal. Do 5 V. and 5. VI Blog post 4. Exam 2: Ch. 4 & 5 Language Twin 4: La universidad.

Do 6.I A-I

Do 6.I, J-L and 6.II

Language Twin 5. Una costumbre de tu pas.

Week 11. April 1-April. 7. Chapter 6 Do 6.III and 6.IV

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Forum 7: Describe tu opinin sobre tener una mascota (puedes leer Lectura en p. 228 para inspirarte). Week 12.April 8- April 14 Chapter 7 Read and do 7.1, 7.2. and 7.3 on pages 264270. Read and do 7.4. and 7.5 Forum 8: Describe algo que te on pages 264-273 ocurri cuando hiciste un viaje. (Puedes leer p. 249 para inspirarte). Week 13. April 15- April 21 Chapter 7 Make sure you know all vocabulary on p. 262-3. Week 14. Aril 22- April 28 Chapter 8 Read and do 8.1 and 8.2. on pages 299-303. Read and do 8.3, 8.4. Forum 9: Compara un plato and 8.5 on pages 303de comida de Latinoamrica 309. con uno de EE.UU. (mira las pp. 294-295 para inspirarte). Week 15. April 29- May 5 Chapter 8

Make sure you know all vocabulary on p. 234235.

Do 6.V and 6.VI

Blog post 5.

Language Twin 6. Una ciudad de tu pas.

Do 7.I a-d and 7.II

Do 7.I e-j

Language Twin 7. Tema libre

Do 7.III and 7.IV Do 7.V and 7.VI

Blog post 6.

Exam 3: Ch. 6 & 7

Do 8.I a-c and 8.II Do 8.I d-j Language Twin 8. Qu comen en tu pas.

Do 8.III and 8.IV

Composition 2: Using all the vocabulary and grammar studied so far, write a 100 word composition about one of the Spanish-speaking countries we have seen in this course. Explain why you would like to visit it and what you would see there.

Forum 10: Valoracin. Explica Do 8.IV and 8.V qu partes te han gustado ms del curso y qu partes te han gustado menos. CUMULATIVE ON-SITE FINAL EXAM: May 9, 2013. From 4:30PM to 7:20PM A selection of assignments for this class will be used for a self-study research project that the instructor is currently conducting about her teaching practices. Thanks for your cooperation.

Make sure you know all vocabulary on p. 296298