Spanish 2010: Intermediate Spanish I
Course Calendar
The University of Memphis | Department of World Languages and Literatures | Fall 2024
Course Description
Spanish 2010: Intermediate Spanish I is a beginning course designed as a continuation of SPAN1020 for those with a basic knowledge of Spanish and some foundational communicative skills. The course is designed to continue development of foundational skills needed to communicate in Spanish and to begin creating with the language, and asking and answering simple questions on everyday topics such as technology, living arrangements, nature and the environment, city life, and the arts in all major time frames. Cultural comparisons and connections to communities through reading, writing, listening, and conversational practice foster language use in meaningful, real-world contexts. Prerequisite: SPAN1020 or Spanish Placement by examination.
Required Materials
TEXTBOOK
Blanco & Donley. VISTAS: Introducción a la lengua española, 7th Edition Supersite Plus (vText) + WebSAM. Vista Higher Learning.
IMPORTANT: As a UofM student, you have been automatically enrolled in Tigers SmartStart, a program that gives you access to all required materials before the first day of class for a flat fee per credit hour, charged to your student account at registration. This means that registration in our course already includes access to all materials you will need for the semester (unless you manually opt out of the program). Watch for an email from the bookstore when your order is ready for pickup/shipping!
If you choose to manually opt out of this program and purchase the materials on your own, the most cost-effective option is to purchase directly from the publisher: VHLCentral UofM Storefront
Choose from 5-month, 12-month, or 24-month access of Vistas 7e Supersite Plus w/vText + WebSAM depending on your specific course plan.
NOTE: The same materials are used for all four courses, SPAN 1010, SPAN 1020, SPAN 2010, and SPAN 2020.
Learning Objectives
Learning objectives for SPAN 2010: Intermediate Spanish I are based on the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements Proficiency Benchmarks for Novice level proficiency in interpretive, interpersonal, presentational, and intercultural communication.
Identify general topics and basic information in very familiar and everyday contexts.
Communicate in spontaneous, level-appropriate conversations on very familiar and everyday topics.
Present information on very familiar and everyday topics using a variety of practiced words, phrases, and simple sentences.
Identify products and practices in the student’s own and other cultures to understand diverse perspectives.
Interact on a survival level in some familiar everyday contexts.
Upon successful completion of the core learning objectives, the goal is for students to reach Novice High proficiency in speaking, reading, writing and listening according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012.
Methodology
This course is conducted using a combination of face-to-face and computer-mediated instruction and a “flipped-classroom model”. In a flipped classroom, students view, prepare, and practice the vocabulary and/or grammar before coming to class while class time is used to apply the material previously learned at home in realistic contexts. To maximize student learning, the Spanish Basic Language Program target language policy expects both instructors and students to use at least 90% Spanish during class time. This means you are required to (i) complete your online assignments on your own, spending significant time outside of class dedicated to preparation and self-study; (ii) come to class prepared to practice what you studied at home; and (iii) use Spanish to communicate with your instructor and classmates. Your instructor will not explicitly teach grammar and/or vocabulary during class time; this is your responsibility to do before class. They will instead help you to use and practice what you learned at home in realistic contexts through communicative activities with your classmates. Understanding this methodology is key to succeeding in this course.
Grade Components
Orientation Module: 3%
VHLCentral Pre-Lesson Homework: 6%
VHLCentral Post-Lesson Homework: 9%
VHLCentral Lesson Quizzes (5): 5%
Virtual Chats (5): 10%
Participation (3): 15%
Attendance: 8%
Writing (3): 18%
Oral Assessments (2): 16%
Final Communicative Project: 10%
ORIENTATION MODULE (3%)
Orientation Module activities include a syllabus quiz, introduction survey, introduction video, and basic conversation questions used in everyday conversation. These activities help you to familiarize yourself with the course and policies at the beginning of the semester.
VHLCENTRAL PRE- AND POST-LESSON HOMEWORK (15%)
At the college level, students should spend approximately two hours preparing for each hour they spend in the classroom, although the exact amount of time may vary according to student abilities and course requirements. For this 3-credit course, students should expect to spend about six hours per week studying and reviewing material and completing assignments for class. Pre-lesson homework (6%) and post-lesson homework (9%) include exercises from the VHLCentral Vistas Supersite online platform. Pre-lesson activities must be completed before coming to class by the due dates/time indicated to help you prepare for application and active communicative practice during in-class time. Late pre-lesson homework assignments are not accepted and earn a zero. Post-lesson activities after class reinforce concepts practiced during the class session. Post-Lesson homework assignments should be completed by the due date/time but are accepted late for credit.
VHLCENTRAL LESSON QUIZZES (5%)
Lesson quizzes following each of the four lessons (and review) are assigned on the VHLCentral Vistas Supersite online platform to regularly assess student learning and ensure productive study habits and familiarity with the material. Lesson quizzes only have one attempt and a maximum time limit of sixty (60) minutes. Once the quiz begins, it cannot be paused or restarted.
VIRTUAL CHATS (10%)
The Virtual Chat communication activities allow you to apply and practice conversational skills learned in the classroom. Topics for the chat sessions will align with the material prepared and practiced in class and in your VHLCentral Pre- and Post-Lesson Homework assignments.
Virtual Chat activities require you to listen to and freely respond to recorded prompts. Built-in recording tools in the Canvas quiz allow you to record and review your responses before submitting your work.
Note: Students that submit these assignments after the due date will receive a late penalty of -5% per day for 12 days (for a maximum grade of 40% on day 12). Students will not receive credit for submissions after day 12 without appropriate medical, legal, or academic documentation.
PARTICIPATION (15%)
Success in learning world languages is directly related to the amount of time spent in contact with the target language and requires active daily participation, a crucial component to student success. Therefore, active class participation will be evaluated three times throughout the semester by the instructor and with the help of student self-reflections. Expected class participation includes coming to class prepared and on time, not leaving early, being attentive and actively engaged, volunteering often, answering/asking questions frequently, responding in class in complete sentences, and demonstrating strong effort throughout the semester always in Spanish. Cellphones, food, and gum in the classroom interfere with the objectives and are therefore not permitted. Use of technology is permitted only to access course materials as indicated by your instructor. Failure to actively participate in the class, frequent use of English and/or disruptive behavior will result in a deduction of the student’s participation grade.
ATTENDANCE (8%)
Daily attendance and punctuality are required and are recorded every day (including the first day of class). To allow for unforeseen circumstances, students are allowed a number of absences/tardies/early departures without penalty according to the following:
6 absences for classes that meet 3 days per week (MWF)
4 absences for classes that meet 2 days per week (MW, TR)
Absences may be excused with valid, written documentation, for example, a doctor's note, a court citation, a published funeral notice, or a police report. These documents must state clearly that you were unable to attend class on a certain day/time. Absences such as attendance of a wedding or other social event, early travel arrangements, employer related requirements, a drug prescription, a routine doctor’s appointment, etc. are not justified and will count toward the allowed absences for the semester. Unexcused absences beyond the number allowed will result in a deduction of the student’s attendance grade for the semester according to the following. Note: Three tardies and/or early departures constitute one (1) full absence.
For further clarification:
Absences: Missing the entirety of the class period without a valid excuse as outlined above.
Tardies: Arriving to class late but within the first 30 minutes.
Early departures: Leaving class early but after being present for at least 30 minutes.
In addition, any student arriving to class more than 30 minutes late will be marked as absent for that class session. This policy aims to ensure that students attend the majority of the class period, promoting engagement and participation in the learning process.
MWF Classes
0-6 absences = 8%
7 absences = 7%
8 absences = 6%
9 absences = 5%
10 absences = 4%
11 absences = 3%
12 absences = 2%
13 absences = 1%
14+ absences = 0%
MW/TR Classes
0-4 absences = 8%
5 absences = 7%
6 absences = 6%
7 absences = 5%
8 absences = 4%
9 absences = 3%
10 absences = 2%
11 absences = 1%
12+ absences = 0%
WRITING (18%)
Three short, guided writings completed during class (maximum 30 minutes) offer students the opportunity to be creative and to gradually develop and improve writing skills throughout the semester, applying concepts studied and practiced in class. Students have the opportunity to complete revisions on each writing outside of class to improve the overall quality of their writing and correct their mistakes. Outside, unauthorized assistance with writing revisions such as having someone else complete the work or using an online translator is a violation of academic integrity as stated in the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities and may result in a failed assignment. Missed writings may be made up in person during office hours and under instructor supervision with an alternative writing topic. More details given prior to scheduled assessments.
Writing Revisions
All students must complete revisions for the first writing. For the second and third writings, students that score above 75% are not required to (but may) submit revisions for additional points, while students scoring 75% or below are required to submit revisions. Ask your professor about specific instructions for completing revisions, as they may prefer revisions that are neatly handwritten, typed, or typed and formatted (MLA, APA, LSA, or any other formatting guidelines used in your field). If you need help formatting your assignments/academic papers for this or any other course, you may wish to consult an online resource, like the Purdue Online Writing Lab.
ORAL ASSESSMENTS (16%)
Two oral assessments conducted in small groups allow students to showcase their communicative skills through short, situational mini-dialogues and impromptu picture descriptions. These assessments evaluate students’ ability to verbalize thoughts and communicate with others aloud and to apply speaking and listening skills practiced throughout the semester. More details given prior to scheduled assessments.
FINAL COMMUNICATIVE PROJECT (10%)
Students will complete a comprehensive, final project including all material covered throughout the course at the end of the semester to showcase their skills through presentational communication.
Grading Scale
The following scale is organized according to the level of expectations met by the student. Indicated are the percentage and letter grade earned as well as the associated number of quality points which are used to calculate semester GPA.
Exceeds Expectations:
97-100 A+ / 4.00
93-96.00 A / 4.00
Meets Expectations:
90-92.99 A- / 3.84
87-89.99 B+ / 3.33
83-86.99 B / 3.00
Approaches Expectations:
80-82.99 B- / 2.67
77-79.99 C+ / 2.33
73-76.99 C / 2.00
Does Not Meet Expectations
70-72.99 C- / 1.67
67-69.99 D+ / 1.33
60-66.99 D / 1.00
Insufficient
0-59.99 F / 0.00
Course Policies
MISSED ASSESSMENT POLICY
Make-ups are not allowed for quizzes, tests, or oral assessments without valid written documentation to justify the excused absence. For this reason, one written quiz grade will be dropped from the total calculation (either the lowest quiz grade, or a missed quiz). If an emergency prevents you from completing an assessment, you must complete the Missed Assessment Approval Form (contact your instructor) including all required information. Examples include: a doctor's note, a court citation, a published funeral notice, or a police report. These documents must state clearly that you were unable to attend class the day of the assessment. Non-acceptable absences include attendance to a wedding or other social event, early travel arrangements, employer related requirements, a drug prescription, a routine doctor’s appointment, etc. A missed assessment without valid documentation to justify the absence will result in a grade of zero.
Campus Policies
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The University of Memphis expects all students to behave honestly. The Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities explains what constitutes a violation of our Academic Integrity policy. Please see the Office of Student Accountability's website for more information: https://www.memphis.edu/osa/. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students who violate the academic misconduct policy, either directly or indirectly, through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class in addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular institutional disciplinary procedures. Consulting online translators or similar resources during the completion of assignments and/or assessments for this course is a form of academic dishonesty and will be treated as such. If you are unsure if a resource is acceptable for use, please contact your instructor. Other examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
Cheating – A student uses a smart phone to access the internet while taking a quiz.
Copyright infringement – A student uses a photograph found on the internet in a presentation without obtaining permission from the photographer.
Deception – A student gives a dishonest excuse when asking for a deadline extension.
Denying access to information or material – A student makes library or shared resource material unavailable to others by deliberately misplacing those resources.
Fabrication – A student invents data in an academic work.
Facilitating academic misconduct – A student knowingly allows a portion of their work to be used by another student.
Plagiarism – A student represents the ideas of another in a paper without citing and referencing the work or a student turns in the same or nearly the same assignment for credit in more than one class.
Sabotage – A student prevents others from completing their work by opening a window to affect a temperature-controlled experiment.
Unauthorized collaboration – A student works with other students on a paper without the specific permission of the instructor.
Unauthorized materials – A student uses an online translator or similar resources while completing an assignment/assessment.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Students should be aware of the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities which describes examples of unacceptable classroom behavior. Disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated. Instructors are empowered to remove students from class and refer behaviors for sanctioning to the Office of Student Accountability.
EQUITY, INCLUSIONS, AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Our class respects all forms of diversity. The University of Memphis embraces the diversity of students, faculty, and staff, honors the inherent dignity of each individual, and welcomes their unique perspectives, behaviors, and worldviews. In this course, people of all races, religions, national origins, sexual orientations, ethnicities, genders and gender identities, cognitive, physical, and behavioral abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, immigrant statuses, military or veteran statuses, size and/or shapes are strongly encouraged to share their rich array of perspectives and experiences. Course content and campus discussions will heighten your awareness of each other's individual and intersecting identities. In accordance with UofM Policy GE2004, the University will ensure students receive consistent and fair treatment and affirmation of the University's commitment to diversity. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics as stated in UofM Policy GE2030.
Please see the instructor if you need accommodations for a disability. Students with requests for accommodations should contact Disability Resources for Students to register and learn about the services available to support their learning. Students with disabilities are encouraged to speak with us privately about academic and classroom accommodations. It is strongly encouraged that you register with Disability Resources for Students (DRS) to determine appropriate academic accommodations. You may contact DRS by calling 901.678.2880, emailing drs@memphis.edu, or visiting 110 Wilder Tower. Disability Resources for Students coordinates all accommodations for students with disabilities.
Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate Disability Resources for Students staff at the University. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the Disability Resources for Students staff at the University. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with University's Disability Resources for Students staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.
MENTAL HEALTH
As a student you can sometimes feel overwhelmed, lost, experience anxiety or depression, and struggle with relationship difficulties or diminished self-esteem. Mental health challenges can interfere with optimal academic performance. However, many of these issues can be effectively addressed with some help. If you find yourself struggling with your mental or physical health this semester, please feel free to approach me. I will try to be flexible and accommodating. As your instructor, I am not qualified to serve as a counselor, but UofM offers confidential counseling services on-campus and via telehealth that are available to students taking six or more credits at no cost. UofM Counseling Center is staffed by experienced, professional psychologists, clinical social workers, and counselors, who are attuned to the needs of college students. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource. To connect with Counseling Center services, please visit 211 & 214 Wilder Tower, or call 901.678.2068. To know more about their services, you can visit their website at https://www.memphis.edu/counseling. In a crisis situation, please call 901.678.HELP (4357) to speak to the On-call counselor. Remember, getting help is an intelligent and courageous thing to do–for yourself and for those who care about you.
PERSONAL OR ACADEMIC CHALLENGES
If you are experiencing personal or academic challenges including, but not limited to food or housing issues, family needs, or other stressors, please visit the Dean of Students Office to learn about resources that can help. Any student who faces personal challenges including, but not limited to securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students Office at 901.678.2187 located in the University Center, Suite 359 for assistance. If you are comfortable doing so, please also let the instructor know you are experiencing challenges as they may be able to assist you in connecting with campus or community supports.
STUDENT RESOURCES
Students who need additional resources can visit the website of the Dean of Students Office.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
Religiously observant students wishing to be absent on holidays that require missing class should notify their instructor in writing at the beginning of the semester, and should discuss with their instructor, in advance, acceptable ways of making up any work missed because of the absence.
EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR UNIVERSITY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students participating in an officially sanctioned, scheduled University extracurricular activity will be given the opportunity to make up class assignments or other graded assignments missed as a result of their participation. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements, prior to the absence, for making up missed work.
LIBRARY, TUTORING, AND OTHER RESOURCES
Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. The myMemphis portal system, eCampus Student tab provides access to University library and tutorial services. The tutoring link on the course homepage of Canvas provides access to free online tutoring through UpSwing tutoring.
Other support services for current UofM students are available at https://www.memphis.edu/students/.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POLICY
The University of Memphis is committed to ensuring equality in education and eliminating all acts of sexual misconduct from its campus. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Campus policy establishes procedures for responding to Title IX-related allegations of sexual misconduct. Complaints can be reported to the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE). You may contact OIE by phone at 901.678.2713 or by email at oie@memphis.edu. Complaints can be submitted online at File a Complaint. OIE's office is located at 156 Administration Building. Please note that if you make a report to your instructor, they are required to report. If you would like to make a confidential report, contact the University Counseling Center, 214 Wilder Tower, 901.678.2068.
NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
University policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics and classes. Complaints of discrimination and harassment can be reported to the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE). You may contact OIE by phone at 901.678.2713 or by email at oie@memphis.edu. The full text of the policy can be found at GE2030 - Non-Discrimination and Antiharassment.
TOBACCO USE POLICY (UM1738)
Tobacco use is not permitted in any U of M-owned or leased property. This includes all grounds, vehicles, and buildings owned or leased by U of M. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors of U of M and is in effect 24 hours a day, year-round. This policy applies to all forms of tobacco products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff as well as smokeless electronic cigarettes and other similar devices. Violations of this policy by students should be brought to the attention of Judicial Affairs.
CHILDREN ON CAMPUS (UM1645)
Presence in classrooms is restricted to properly enrolled students or visitors with legitimate purpose, who may be adults or minors. Instructors of record are responsible for ensuring that individuals who attend their classes are properly enrolled or have been invited for the purpose of making special announcements, guest lecturing, or other authorized reasons. Instructors are also responsible for addressing situations when unauthorized individuals attend their classes.
SYLLABUS MODIFICATIONS
The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Call the Helpdesk: 901-678-8888