ROSEHULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS

Winter 202324

Instructor: Gustavo García Sections:

Office: Moench A217 SPANL11201 MTRF 10:00–01:50, J215
Telephone: 8778860 SPANL11202 MTRF 11:00–11:50, J215
Email: garcia@rose–hulman.edu SPANL11203 MTRF 01:00–01:50, J215

Office Hours MTRF: 11:55am to 12:50pm, 02:00 to 03:00pm, and by appointment.

A. INTRODUCTION

This course is a continuation of SPANL111 (Spanish I). It is designed to further develop the fundamentals of
communicative competence in daily Spanish. The emphasis is on listening, comprehension, and conversational
skills. Reading and writing skills are enhanced, as well as general aspects of cultural understanding. This is a four
(4) credit hour course and the successful completion of it will demand plenty of practice outside of class; a
general guideline for time you should plan to dedicate to this course is at least 2 hours of homework and/or
preparation per hour of class time. In this course all students are welcome regardless of race/ethnicity, gender
identity, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, disability, religion, regional
background, Veteran status, citizenship status, nationality, and other diverse identities that we each bring to class.

B. REQUIRED TEXTS

 Puntos de partida, 11th ed. Thalia Dorwick, et al. McGraw–Hill, 2020. [Required]
 Workbook to accompany Puntos de partida. Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Arana, et al. McGraw–Hill. [Required,
any edition]
 Spanish—English Dictionary [Recommended]

C. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To acquire a basic working knowledge of material presented in chapters 7–12 of Puntos de partida, which
incorporates all four basic elements of language acquisition: speaking, listening comprehension, reading,
writing.
2. To increase awareness of Spanish–speaking cultures through the study of their language; to demonstrate
why learning a foreign language is an essential part of one’s education; and to show how language can alter
 SPANL 112 Syllabus, page 2

one’s perspective through exposure to different attitudes and thought processes.

3. To demonstrate some knowledge of the cultural diversity of the Spanish–speaking world, in terms of its
culture, history, and geography.

4. To demonstrate knowledge of parts of speech by correctly identifying the subject of a sentence,

distinguishing between regular and irregular verbs in the present and past tense, and recognizing different
pronoun categories. To show noun-verb and noun-adjective agreement, and accurately use nouns, adjectives,
pronouns, adverbs, conjunctions, and prepositions.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to understand sentences and frequently
used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family
information, shopping, local geography, employment). Students will communicate in simple and routine
tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters and describe in
simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
This corresponds to the A2 level as described in CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages) guidelines.

D. COURSE EXPECTATIONS
1. DAILY PREPARATION

To profit most from this course, you need to prepare yourself BEFORE each class by
a) familiarizing yourself with the format of the exercises and activities before class
b) studying the grammatical explanations and examples in the text; and
c) completing the appropriate exercises from the workbook.

Classroom time will be used to practice the language and provide further clarification whenever necessary,
but not to repeat what is clearly explained in the book.

2. PARTICIPATION

Students are expected to participate fully and enthusiastically in all classroom activities. In–class activities
include speaking and listening activities with pair and group interaction. Since learning a language is a SKILL, it
must be practiced as often as possible. Like sports, music or other skills, talking about Spanish and explaining
about Spanish does not mean that a person can actually USE Spanish to communicate. It is, therefore, your
responsibility to practice during every class period. Do not be afraid to speak in class, this is the only way I can
assess your progress, and help you overcome your mistakes. In order to participate you must be present in class.

3. ATTENDANCE

Since a major focus of all course work is the development of communicative competence through exposure to
Spanish, particularly through practice of oral language skills in class, it is important that students attend every
class. Partial absences (arriving more than 20 minutes late or leaving more than 20 minutes early) will count as
an absence. It is your responsibility to keep track of your own absences. No reminders will be given. Absences
for reasonable excuses (religious holiday, hospitalization, severe illness, etc.) may be excused, if you talk to me
before or immediately after they occur. Requests made at the end of the term to excuse prior absences will not be
 SPANL 112 Syllabus, page 3

considered. PLEASE NOTE that if a student incurs more than THREE unexcused absences, the FINAL GRADE
for the term will be decreased by 1 point for each absence above three. This penalty is in addition to any ZERO
grade for participation during any missed days.

E. EVALUATION

a) EXAMS: There will be FOUR in–class written exams. Exams will consist of listening, reading, and writing
sections in which your overall knowledge of the course material is evaluated. Note that your conscientious
completion of the activities in the textbook, workbook and textbook website will serve as excellent
preparation for the written exams.

b) COMPOSITIONS: There will be TWO in–class compositions during the quarter. Topics are listed on the
schedule. Be advised that compositions which are written well and entertaining may be read or otherwise
distributed to the class for our collective enlightenment. If you do not wish your composition to be used in
this fashion, please make a note to that effect on the composition itself when turning it in.

c) ORAL PROJECT: Throughout the term, teams of FOUR or FIVE students each will be responsible for a
Spanish oral project that should demonstrate their fluency and language skills. It should be conducted entirely
in Spanish. For this project, students need to record FOUR 10–minute conversations together on a group pen
drive to complete the project. In each recording, begin with telling me the day and the time. This will allow
me to see your oral skills progress during the quarter. In these projects you will be evaluated based on your
communicative skills and accuracy of expression. The due date of the oral project is Friday of the 10 th week
(turn in your group pen drive). In the first entry, you will introduce yourselves to the other members of your
group and tell them about your studies, hobbies, and likes and dislikes. Another entry could be talking about
your families, for example, describing each family member, what they do for a living, what they enjoy doing,
etc. Additional entries could touch on topics of your choosing, such as, sports, music, food, etc.

d) CLASS PARTICIPATION: The class participation grade (10% of the total grade) will be assigned at the end of
the term. This grade is based on both quality and quantity. “Quality” is based on accuracy and
appropriateness, and it reflects a thorough preparation of the assigned material prior to class. “Quantity” is
based on frequency of participation and a willingness to participate. As a guideline, the “A student” in oral
participation will demonstrate the following:

 uses Spanish for daily communication, such as greetings, leave–taking, and asking questions
 uses Spanish in class for exercises and activities, both with instructor and with peers
 listens attentively when others speak and shows respect for instructor and peers
 comes to class fully prepared to participate in all class activities
 is helpful to peers with in–class activities

e) INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS: During weeks 9 and 10, students will do individual presentations for the
class. The presentation will be about yourself, your family, your interests, what you are studying, etc. The
presentation will be completely in Spanish based on material covered in class. The presentations are oral
without any slides or illustrations. You may use notes, e.g. index cards, but you may not read your talk from
a written draft. You will have approximately 5-7 minutes each.

f) WORKBOOK: Homework will consist of brief occasional assignments on special topics in addition to the
assigned workbook pages. The workbooks contain exercises corresponding to the appropriate sections in the
textbook. You will turn in your up–to–date workbook with completed assignments on the day of a scheduled
exam. Unless otherwise indicated, all exercises from each chapter are required. In order to complete the audio
sections you need to use the course web page:
 SPANL 112 Syllabus, page 4

http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/1259991687/student_view0/index.html. This website also has

additional resources such as practice questions which are recommended. You should work in your Manual at
your own pace as we learn the material and correct your work in a different color of ink using the answer
key in the back of the workbook (for those exercises which have answers given). Assignments turned in that
show no obvious indication of self–correction will not receive full credit. For exercises which are to be
written on a separate sheet of paper, please place that sheet of paper between the appropriate pages of your
workbook when you turn it in. Grading for homework: √+ =100% (all completed and corrected); √ = 80%
(all completed but not corrected as indicated); √– = 70% (most completed and corrected); √X = 40% (less
than half completed and corrected); X = 0 (all blank).

GRADING:

WRITTEN EXAMS (4 x 15%) 60%

COMPOSITIONS (2 X 7.5%) 15%
CLASS PARTICIPATION 10%
ORAL PROJECT 10%
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS 5%
100%

NOTE: You are welcome to come to my office hours to find out your current grade in the class. I will NOT email
grades.

GRADING SCALE:

A = 90 – 100% C+ = 78 – 79% D = 60 – 67%

B+ = 88 – 89% C = 70 – 77% F = 0 – 59%
B = 80 – 87% D+ = 68 – 69%

D. POLICIES

1. MAKE–UP EXAMS

There will be NO make–up exams of ANY kind (written, oral, or final) unless the student can produce verifiable
documentation of an EMERGENCY or official academic excuse. All non–emergency absences (such as travel
plans) must be made to accommodate the course schedule.

2. USE OF CLASS TIME

Your instructor will eventually use only Spanish in the classroom. If you don’t use Spanish in the classroom,
you miss vital opportunities to communicate in Spanish. Extended questioning in English should be saved for
office hours rather than during class time. Class activities are generally those that require the presence and the
participation of other human beings.
 SPANL 112 Syllabus, page 5

3. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Cellular telephones and pagers may not remain on in the classroom, except for medical reasons. If I notice
that you are using your cell phone or other device for any purpose, including texting, I will ask you to leave the
class and your class participation grade for that day will be zero.

4. STATEMENT OF CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Learning is a personal effort for personal intellectual enrichment. Cheating and plagiarism violate the
integrity of the learning experience. Students are expected not to give or receive help during tests and exams and
must acknowledge fully any ideas, materials or quotations taken from another source for either written or oral
use. These policies on academic misconduct also apply to the inappropriate use of Machine Translation, Web –
based translation engines, or Web texts. Penalties for cheating and plagiarism may include a failing grade on a
particular exam or paper or for the entire course, in addition to further disciplinary action.

IMPORTANT GRADUATION POLICY WITH RESPECT TO LANGUAGE CLASSES:

HSSA credit will not be awarded for a lower–level language course until the student takes and passes the
following course in the language sequence with a grade of C or better. This means that after passing SP 111 class,
you must also pass SP 112, or else, you will NOT receive Humanities Credit towards graduation for SP 111.

NOTA BENE:

This syllabus represents my best effort to project the design of this course. Nonetheless, I reserve the right to
modify any aspect of the course as the need arises. The following is the planned class schedule. However,
remember that this is subject to change.
 SPANL 112 Syllabus, page 6

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
WEEK DATES
ACTIVITY

M, Nov. 27 Syllabus. Course Requirements.

1 T, Nov. 28 Conversación (Conocer a los estudiantes. Organización de grupos).
R, Nov. 30 Capítulo 7: (204–209).
F, Dec. 01 Capítulo 7: (210–216). Salu2

Capítulo 7: (216–222). ¡Música!

M, Dec. 04
2 T, Dec. 05
Capítulo 7: (223–235). Salu2
Capítulo 8: (236–241).
R, Dec. 07
Capítulo 8: (242–247). Salu2
F, Dec. 08

Capítulo 8: (248–254). Música: hacer escuchar a la clase tu canción

M, Dec. 11
3 favorita (Grupo 1).
Capítulo 8: (255–261).
T, Dec. 12
Capítulo 8: (262–269). Salu2
R, Dec. 14
Capítulo 9: (270–275).
F, Dec. 15

Written Exam # 1: Chaps. 7 & 8.

M, Dec. 18
4 T, Dec. 19
Capítulo 9: (276–281). Salu2.
Capítulo 9: (282–290).
R, Dec. 21
Conversación (Vacaciones. Comidas y bebidas). Música: hacer
F, Dec. 22
escuchar a la clase tu canción favorita (Grupo 2).

Dec. 22 (5:00pm) Vacaciones de fin de año

–Jan. 07

COMPOSITION # 1. Topic will be announced in class. For this

M, Jan. 08
composition please practice the PRETERITE.
5 Capítulo 9: (291–297). Salu2.
T, Jan. 09
Capítulo 10: (298–302).
R, Jan. 11
Capítulo 10: (303–308). Salu2.
F, Jan. 12
 SPANL 112 Syllabus, page 7

M, Jan. 15* Capítulo 10: (309–316). Música: hacer escuchar a la clase tu canción
6 favorita (Grupo 3).
T, Jan. 16 Capítulo 10: (317–325). Salu2
R, Jan. 18 Actividad: Trabajar en sus proyectos orales.
F, Jan. 19 Written Exam # 2: Chaps. 9 & 10.

Capítulo 11: (326–331). Música: hacer escuchar a la clase tu canción

M, Jan. 22
7 favorita (Grupo 4).
Capítulo 11: (332–339). Salu2
T, Jan. 23
Capítulo 11: (340–345).
R, Jan. 25
Capítulo 11: (346–355). Salu2.
F, Jan. 26

M, Jan. 29 Conversación (La familia). Traer fotos de sus familias. Música: hacer
8 escuchar a la clase tu canción favorita (Grupo 5).
T, Jan. 30 COMPOSITION # 2. Topic will be announced in class. For this
composition please practice the PRETERITE and the IMPERFECT.
R, Feb. 01 Actividad: Trabajar en sus proyectos orales.
F, Feb. 02 Written Exam # 3: Chaps. 10 &11.

M, Feb. 05 Capítulo 12: (357–362). Individual Presentations. [1 to 3]

9 T, Feb. 06 Capítulo 12: (363–368). Individual Presentations. [4 to 6]
R, Feb. 08 Capítulo 12: (369–372). Salu2 Individual Presentations. [7 to 9]
F, Feb. 09 Capítulo 12: (373–377). Individual Presentations. [10 to 12]

10 M, Feb. 12 Capítulo 12: (378–381). Individual Presentations. [13 to 15]

T, Feb. 13 Capítulo 12: (382–387). Salu2.Individual Presentations. [16 to 18]
R, Feb. 15 Individual Presentations. [19 to 22]
F, Feb. 16 Written Exam # 4: Chaps. 10, 11 & 12. Oral Project due.

Finals Feb. 19 — 22

* Jan 15 Midterm Progress Reports Due: 08:00 am.

* Feb 26 Final Grades due: 09:00am.