Syllabus for SPA-101
ELEMENTARY SPANISH I
This course is designed for students with little or no instruction in the Spanish language. The course focuses on developing skills in the four basic modes of communication: speaking (both interpersonal and presentational), listening, reading, and writing. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding Hispanic cultures and civilizations.
After completing this course, students should be able to:
CO 1 Speak using simple sentences and phrases.
CO 2 Write using high-frequency vocabulary, practiced expressions, and formulaic questions.
CO 3 Interpret simple spoken words, sentences, and phrases.
CO 4 Read basic written text.
CO 5 Describe basic elements of Hispanic cultures and civilizations.
You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.
You will utilize the following no-cost materials throughout the course. Links to required readings are provided in each module.
In addition, each module includes a link to its associated vocabulary sheet, which you should study ahead of quizzes and exams.
Elementary Spanish I is a three-credit, online course consisting of six modules. Modules include an overview, topics, learning objectives, study materials, and activities. Module titles are listed below.
For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in online discussion forums, complete speaking assignments, take module quizzes, take written and oral examinations, and present a final project. See below for details.
Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in SafeAssign.
In addition to an ungraded Introductions Forum in Week 1, you are required to complete twelve discussion forums.
There are two types of discussion forum in each module: one that is based on cultural readings and one that is based on Spanish vocabulary and grammar concepts. The odd-numbered discussion forums (based on cultural readings) give you the opportunity to explore various aspects of Spanish language and culture, with responses written in English. The even-numbered discussion forums (language-based) require you to respond in Spanish in order to practice using the Spanish language with your peers. Rubrics for even- and odd-numbered Discussion Forums are located in the Evaluation Rubrics folder in Moodle.
Communication with the mentor and among fellow students is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a posted question (discussion thread) and at least two subsequent comments on classmates' responses. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate, the reading, or your mentor, state and support your agreement or disagreement. You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.
For posting guidelines and help with discussion forums, please see the Student Handbook located within the General Information page of the course website.
You are required to complete four speaking assignments. For each speaking assignment, you will use Kaltura to create and deliver a video dialogue between two people in a given situation. The situations include: a conversation at the university bookstore, a dialogue describing a friend or family member, a conversation comparing two people or things (e.g., two friends, two classes), and a dialogue regarding food and restaurants. Vocabulary and grammar for the speaking assignments are closely connected to the vocabulary and grammar from the modules (from both the lessons and the novela Mi Vida Loca). You may wish to listen to this sample of a speaking assignment, which also includes helpful tips and recommendations.
Be sure to review the rubric for Speaking Assignments located in the Evaluation Rubrics folder in Moodle.
Note: You must use the Kaltura Capture tool to record your speaking assignments. For assistance on how to create a video recording using Kaltura, be sure to visit the following link: Using Video Tools in Moodle. Use the “Kaltura Capture” section as well as the “Adding Video to an Assignment or Forum” in this linked document to help with your video recording.
You are required to complete six quizzes (one per module). The quizzes draw from concepts covered in the module readings, videos, and vocabulary sheets. Quizzes are online, open book, and unproctored, and there is no time limit. Each quiz contains multiple-choice and matching questions. Quizzes are designed as formative assessments, and thus you are encouraged to take them more than once for extra practice. You will see some different questions each time. You will receive feedback at the end of the quiz. The score from your most recent attempt will appear in the gradebook.
You are required to take two Spanish oral examinations in which you will respond to a prompt speaking in Spanish. These exams deal with topics associated with the course modules, such as information about yourself (what you do, what you like to do) and about a hypothetical trip you took (where you went, what you did). The exams will assess your ability to have a conversation by giving and asking for information. You will complete these exams in an Edison Live! meeting with your mentor. Refer to the Oral Exams section of the course for information about scheduling your exams.
Be sure to review the rubric for Oral Exams located in the Evaluation Rubrics folder in Moodle.
For lists of key concepts that may appear on your exams, refer to the study guides available in the Examinations section of the course website.
You are required to take three proctored online examinations. The written exams require that you use the University's Online Proctor Service (OPS). Please refer to the Examinations and Proctors section of the Online Student Handbook (see General Information area of the course website) for further information about scheduling and taking online exams and for all exam policies and procedures. You are strongly advised to schedule your exams within the first week of the semester.
Exams are closed book with a one-hour time limit. Exam 1 focuses on Modules 1 and 2; Exam 2 focuses on Modules 3 and 4; and Exam 3 focuses on Modules 5 and 6. Please note that Exams 2 and 3 may also contain material from earlier modules. Exams follow closely the material from the novela Mi Vida Loca and the material from the grammar lessons. For the novela, be sure to study the transcript in addition to simply viewing the episodes. The transcript contains valuable information on vocabulary and grammar. For the grammar lessons, be sure to study the examples in addition to the explanations. A study guide is available for each of the written exams.
Online exams are administered through the course website. Consult the Course Calendar for the official dates of exam weeks.
You are on your honor not to cheat during the exam. Cheating means:
If there is evidence that you have cheated or plagiarized in your exam, the exam will be declared invalid, and you will fail the course.
While learning the Spanish language is important, it is also important to understand the histories and cultures associated with it. The final project will provide you with the opportunity to research a Spanish-speaking country in order to gain an in-depth view of its history, geography, and culture. You will present your findings in the form of a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation with voiceover. Consult the Course Calendar for due dates and the Final Project Guidelines in Moodle for more information regarding the final project.
Be sure to review the rubric for the Final Project located in the Evaluation Rubrics folder in Moodle.
Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:
All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:
A | = | 93–100 | C+ | = | 78–79 | |
A– | = | 90–92 | C | = | 73–77 | |
B+ | = | 88–89 | C– | = | 70–72 | |
B | = | 83–87 | D | = | 60–69 | |
B– | = | 80–82 | F | = | Below 60 |
To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings).
To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:
Consider the following study tips for success:
To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.
For more, see:
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