Attendance
and
Class Policies
and
Class Policies
What happens if a student misses an exam or a preparation for an assignment?
What happens if a student arrives late for an exam?
Excused absence: Make up the missed work within 1 week.
Complete the “missed exam/missed assignment form” and submit it to the instructor with pertinent documentation.
Arriving late to the exam or assignment? Remaining time to complete the work
What are the prerequisites for this course?
SPN 1121 or placement exam
How many assignments we will have?
3 exams
3 oral components
3 compositions
1 presentation
Work in Connect
Work in class
Why is it important to learn another language?
Learning another language challenges personal and cultural perspectives, supports intellectual growth, and improves skills like memory, problem-solving, and attentional control. It also helps us understand our own and other cultures more deeply.
What reasons are considered for an excused absence?
Excused absences: documented illness, deaths in the family, religious holy days (talk to the instructor before), official University activities…
What is the class format and what are its implications?
Class time: to communicate in Spanish using what you have previously practiced in Connect
Instructor’s role: ‘communication facilitator’.
No extensive instruction (grammar/vocabulary)
Need help with grammar/vocabulary? Office hours
How many compositions we will have and what is the procedure for them?
3
We will write the compositions in class on paper
What significance does a language like Spanish hold?
Spanish is the official language of 21 countries and has over 400 million native speakers. In the U.S., it was spoken in many states before English settlers arrived, and today the U.S. has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. Learning Spanish also improves cognitive skills and helps us better understand other cultures.
How many unexcused absences are allowed? What are the consequences of having more than what is allowed?
3 unexcused absences
IT WILL IMPACT ON YOUR FINAL GRADE
What are the components of the course assignments?
Participation; Exams; Oral assignments; Compositions; Presentation and Connect
What will the procedure be for the oral assignments?
We will prepare them in class, and will record them at home and submit them before the deadline
In what states Spanish was spoken for nearly a century before the first English-speaking settlers arrived in Virginia and Massachusetts?
In the present-day states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and FLORIDA
What do you need to do to get the 2 points for participation and attendance?
Arrive on time, bring a good attitude, attend full class, and be engaged in all activities.
Try to use the Spanish you have and make the effort to use the new structures.
What grade do you need to pass this course?
C- 70%
What is the presentation procedure, and how much do they weigh?
You will choose a topic in Sign up
The professor will then publish a table with the assigned day and topic in Announcements.
Be sure to read the guide and follow the steps to prepare for your presentation day.
What are the benefits of learning another language?
Learning to think in another language promotes intellectual development and personal growth
It allows deeper insights into one’s own and other cultures
What is the policy for cell phones, laptops, and earbuds during class?
During class, cell phones should be off the desk and used only for activities.
Earbuds are not allowed, and computers should be used only when needed for specific tasks.
Using devices without permission will result in losing participation points.
What is Connect, and how will students learn grammar?
The online component of the course.
You will learn grammar using it.
Therefore, work on Connect every week (daily or every other day) Take the time you need to submit (before the deadlines)
Find the time that works best for you, but you need to come to class knowing what we will be working on.
How much does each assignment weigh in the final grade? [Percentage]
Participation 15%
Exams 25%
Oral assignments 10%
Compositions 15%
Presentation 15%
Connect 20%
Total 100%
What are the brain benefits of bilingualism?
Empirical research suggests that language learning improves cognitive abilities: attentional control, memory, problem-solving, and verbal and spatial skills.