Elementary Spanish I
Course Information:
Course Title: Elementary Spanish I
Term: Summer II
Course Code: SPA 1010-59277 (3 credits)
Instructor: Professor
Office Location: FA 102 (La Plata Campus)
Office Hours: To be announced
Course Overview:
Prerequisite:
None. This course is designed for students with little to no prior experience in Spanish.
Course Description:
This course provides an introductory study of the Spanish language, focusing on the development of fundamental language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will engage in active learning through basic dialogues, pronunciation exercises, short written compositions, and interactive activities designed to build confidence in using Spanish in everyday situations. In addition, students will explore various cultural aspects of Hispanic and Latin American communities through video content, readings, and discussions. The goal is to provide a strong foundation in basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary, enabling students to communicate effectively in a variety of real-world contexts.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Read and comprehend basic Spanish texts with increased fluency
- Understand clearly spoken Spanish in the present tense and recognize common expressions
- Write simple compositions using the present and preterite tenses to describe events and express ideas
- Engage in basic spoken interactions using appropriate vocabulary, grammar structures, and pronunciation
- Develop awareness of cultural similarities and differences among Spanish-speaking communities
- Build confidence in applying Spanish language skills to everyday situations
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to actively participate in:
- Engaging with the textbook and online materials to reinforce learning
- Completing written and spoken electronic exercises
- Taking three written exams at a designated testing center (no books or notes allowed)
- Watching Destinos videos to enhance listening comprehension and cultural knowledge
- Practicing listening and speaking regularly using provided resources
- Participating in online discussions and completing reflective journal entries
Required Materials:
Textbook:
Blanco, José A., and Philip R. Donley. Vistas (3rd edition). Boston: Vista Higher Learning, 2008.
Important Notes:
- Students should purchase their textbooks from the CSM Bookstore or directly from Vista Higher Learning to ensure compatibility and avoid delays.
- New students must use the Vistas (3rd edition) textbook with the electronic Supersite access code.
- Returning students with the Vistas (2nd edition) and an active passcode (valid for 18 months) may continue using it.
- Students continuing to SPA 1020 will not need an additional textbook purchase if their passcode remains active.
Special Equipment:
A microphone is required for oral exercises in Chapters 2–6. Students may use a built-in mic or an external microphone or headset. Early equipment testing is highly recommended.
Course Structure and Online Learning
TeleWeb Format:
This course uses both DVD/video components and online platforms.
Online Platforms:
- Blackboard: For syllabus, schedule, discussions, announcements, calendar, and grades
- Vista’s Supersite: Used for online exercises, tutorials, and additional resources
Login Information:
Login instructions and support details will be provided once the course begins. Technical assistance is available through the CSM Help Desk via the college website.
Course Policies
Online Assignments
Assignments must be submitted by posted deadlines. Early submission is allowed. Late penalties apply as follows:
- 1 to 7 days late: 20% deduction
- 8 to 14 days late: 40% deduction
- More than 14 days late: No credit awarded
Destinos Video Series:
Students must watch episodes of Destinos, a Spanish-language educational drama. While full comprehension is not required, students should focus on the storyline, key vocabulary, and regional accents. Exam questions will include content from the series, contributing up to 10% of the exam grade.
Exams:
- Exam 1 covers Lecciones 1–2
- Exam 2 covers Lecciones 3–4
- Exam 3 covers Lecciones 5–6
- An oral exam includes a reading passage and spoken responses
Make-Up Policy:
- Exams must be taken during the scheduled exam week.
- Exams taken during the second week will incur a 20% late penalty.
- Exams are not available beyond the second week.
Grading Breakdown:
| Component | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Exams (3 @ 20 pts each) | 60 pts | 60% |
| Online exercises (6 @ 5 pts each) | 30 pts | 30% |
| Recorded speaking exercises (5 @ 1 pt each) | 5 pts | 5% |
| Oral exam | 5 pts | 5% |
| Total | 100 pts | 100% |
Grade Scale:
| Grade | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90–100 | |
| B | 80–89 | |
| C | 70–79 | |
| D | 60–69 | |
| F | 0–59 |
Additional Policies:
- Academic Honesty: Students must complete their own work. Plagiarism or submitting another’s work violates academic integrity.
- Students with Disabilities: Students who need accommodations should contact Disabled Student Services through CSM’s support services.
- Unauthorized Persons: Only registered students may participate in this course or use campus testing facilities.
Weekly Schedule:
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Introduction and Lección 1 – Nouns, articles, numbers, ser, telling time |
| Weeks 3–4 | Complete Lección 1, begin Lección 2 – Verbs, forming questions, estar, numbers 31–100; Exam 1 |
| Weeks 5–6 | Lección 3 – Adjectives, possessive adjectives, -ER/-IR verbs, tener/venir |
| Weeks 7–8 | Lección 4 – Ir, stem-changing verbs, irregular yo forms; Exam 2 |
| Weeks 9–14 | Lecciones 5–6; Exam 3 |