[
SPANISH 2 PRINCIPLES MR. MOSCOV ACADEMIC YEAR 2007-2008
TEXTS:
EN ESPANOL DOS
MAS PRACTICA
AHORA
(magazine)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This principles intermediate course will
utilize a uniquely designed program that effectively balances both
proficiency and grammar with the goal of maximizing communication. The
varied exit and entry activities are structured to actively engage all
participants. The various sequences lead students through controlled,
transitional and open-ended activities geared toward developing all four
communication skills—listening, writing, reading and speaking. In addition,
it provides a variety of learning strategies to enhance and stimulate these
skills including an introduction to the Hispanic/Spanish culture including
the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Costa Rica
and Ecuador. The main text is divided into six unidades each
consisting of three etapas each. Each etapa has various
objectives that are clearly outlined which present vocabulary, grammar and
culture with supporting exercises. Supplemental materials include a student
workbook- Más Práctica- and an audio program with related drills to
assist the students in the mastery of each new topic. The text also offers
the class zone which is an on line companion offering access to internet
resources at
www.mcdougallittle.com. In addition, an appropriate magazine will be
introduced to expose students to written Spanish. As a principles level
course, it will be taught as such with continual review and skill
development. Students will spend more time in developing their ability in
all four communicative skills in order to express their ideas with an
improved degree of accuracy. Students will be exposed to more complex
grammatical structures, more idiomatic language and a broader range of
vocabulary as the course progresses.
OBJECTIVES:
·
To introduce grammar concepts
and vocabulary which will lead to improved proficiency
·
To support and encourage
student confidence and retention
·
To present and adapt various
learning styles and abilities
·
To integrate technology to
facilitate immersion in both language and instruction
GOALS:
The material presented should enable the
students to:
·
Better articulate and
communicate their ideas and thoughts with greater facility as the course
progresses
·
Be able to manage communicative
tasks and social situations in a culturally correct manner
·
Understand the language
approaching a normal speed
·
Prepare an oral report
individually or with a partner to reflect and incorporate appropriate
vocabulary and grammar
·
Prepare a short composition of
which utilizes appropriate vocabulary and grammar
·
Read, understand, analyze and
discuss the magazine features
CLASSWORK:
Assignments will be given on a daily basis,
which may include written preparation of a
specific grammatical concept, preparation of short compositions and
exercises, dialogues, group projects or additional oral
presentations. At times, students may be called upon at random to lead
class drills, present a reading or make a short presentation. Each class
will begin with a comentario at which time every student will be
responsible to contribute to the related topic or vocabulary. Class
participation will count in the overall evaluation of the students’
progress. It is each student’s responsibility to phone a classmate for an
assignment if a class is missed. If this proves unsuccessful I can be
reached at 883-8221. There will be no homework assigned on test days. If a
test is missed for any reason, a mutually beneficial time will be arranged
for a make-up. This also includes a missed assignment. Each student will
be responsible to assemble a notebook, which should contain all of the
assignments properly labeled as to page number and date, quizzes, handouts
and compositions. The notebooks will be reviewed at the end of the first
and third mark periods. I will keep tests after review and will return them
before exams. A diagnostic test will be administered during the first two
weeks of classes which will NOT be counted in any evaluation except to give
me an idea of the students’ progress at that particular time.
GRADING AND EVALUATION:
There will be frequent unannounced quizzes
during the mark periods which are approximately eight weeks in length. A
full period test will be given at the end of each unidad. All quizzes
and oral presentations will be averaged together and will count as one half
of the mark period grade. Homework will be checked on a daily basis and may
be collected spontaneously, graded and counted as quizzes. The mark period
grade will be the composite of the tests, quizzes, class participation,
notebooks and oral work. A number grade will be derived and this then, will
be translated into a letter grade (see below). There will be NO make-ups on
missed surprise quizzes. Vocabulary quizzes will be announced and may be
made-up if missed. Three (3) unexcused, incomplete assignments will result
in lowering a student’s mark period grade five (5) points. Late assignments
will result in lowering grades one (1) step per day including weekends.
Extra credit work is available after mutual approval or content, form,
length and due date. No extra credit will be accepted during the last week
of the mark period. Students may inquire about their status at any time.
Some students may be required to attend extra help sessions during X period
or after school. I will be available at these times for anyone who would
like extra help. EACH STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO READ AND REVIEW THE SECTION
IN THE HANDBOOK ON PLAGARISM. Approximately one week will be spent
reviewing in class for each exam during which time review exercises will be
assigned to help the students recall the grammar completed to date. The oral
portion of the exam will be administered during this time on a one on one
basis with me. Topics for this portion will be distributed in advance.
EXAMS AND FINAL GRADES:
There will be a comprehensive exam given at the end of each semester in
January and June, which will cover all of the material presented to date.
The final grade will be a composite of the four mark period grades and both
exams, all averaged equally.
ANUNCIO:
This is a most exciting time for all of us
and as we encounter many diverse cultures and ethnic origins in our daily
lives, the study of a foreign language can become one of primary
importance. Internet access has opened many new and exciting foreign
vistas. It is my sincere wish that your interest and desire to learn Spanish
or any other foreign language do not end with this course. To be able to
understand and appreciate another culture can only expand our often times
limited daily horizons. In our rapidly changing world, it just may become
one of the most singularly important endeavors we undertake. An interesting
fact is that there are more native speakers of Spanish than English! We
have a unique opportunity in the language department to apply what we learn
in class to a real life setting by participating in our exchange programs to
both France and either Spain or Costa Rica. You are invited and encouraged
to do so. ¡Adelante y que
te vaya bien!
GRADING SYSTEM
A+ 98 – 100 B+ 88 – 89 C+ 78 –
79 D+ 68 – 69 F 59 and below
A 93 – 97 B 83 – 87 C 73
– 77 D 63 - 67
A- 90 – 92 B- 80 – 82 C- 70 –
72 D- 60 - 62
ASSIGNMENTS
