SPN 202 Syllabus – Fall 2005     University of North Carolina at Wilmington    R. Terry Mount

Office hours :  TR 12:30 - 1:30 and by appointment MTWRF                                                               

Catalogue description.  3 credit hours. Prerequisite: SPN 201 or equivalent.  A review of the grammatical structure of the language.  Application of the language in composition, conversation and readings.   

Course objectives. To strengthen students' grasp of grammatical structures and to provide opportunity for using and perfecting language skills through meaningful activities and exercises, employ strategies appropriate for different purposes, build vocabulary, and to appreciate distinct characteristics of Hispanic culture.

Books and materials.  The textbook for this class is Facetas: Nivel intermedio/Curso breve by Blanco et al., with its ancillaries (the Student Workbook, videotape and CD).  Other materials to be used may include newspapers, magazines, teacher-made activities and handouts, and web activities.etc.  These will be available on the internet, in Randall Library, or from the instructor.  Specific assignments will be made using Spanish-language newspapers and other resources on the internet.  Instructions will be provided separately.

Assignments.  Information regarding assignments and due dates will appear on the separate class calendar or sent via email to students' UNCW email addresses.   ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE UNCW EMAIL ACCOUNT!   It is your’ responsibility to get class information from the web page and to check e-mail for announcements and updates.   Email is a necessary tool  because budget cuts now severely limit duplication and photocopying.  At times you may be asked to print off assignment sheets that will be needed for use in class or turned in as homework during the class hour.

Course Requirements.  (Specifics of assignments, evaluation, attendance, etc., are found in the class calendar and/or other sections of the syllabus.)

            Try to attend all classes.  Miss only for dire emergencies or unavoidable situations.

Get to class on time and do not leave early.

            Complete assignments on time.

            Prepare and review on a daily basis.

Participate in and contribute positively to class activities and discussions..

Answer professor’s questions as best you can.

Support your ellow students in their efforts.

Respect fellow students as well as the professor.

Activate your UNCW e-mail address and use it.  Check e-mail and the class web page for assignments, announcements, updates.

Evaluation of your work. Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

Two 60-to-70  minute tests will be given during the semester, each counting 20%.  These 2 tests together will count 40% of your final grade.  Make-up tests and early tests will be given only for exceptional, documented reasons.   Make-up tests will be given orally in the majority of cases.  Test dates are indicated on the class calendar and will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and then with several days notice.

Smaller quizzes (announced or unannounced)will be given at intervals during the semester.  The average of these quizzes will count 20% of your final grade.

The final exam will be comprehensive and will count 30% of your final grade.  It must be taken according to university schedule and policy.

The remaining 10% of the final grade will be based on your class preparation and participation which will include your work on compositions, workbook exercises,  homework exercises and readings, in-class oral and written responses, general cooperation and interaction in class.  This work will not be accepted late and may not be made up.  Students must place due material on the instructor’s desk or given directly to him at the beginning of class.  Assignments that are designed for group work during class will be due when the assignment is finished (or at the end of class period). Two of these grades will be dropped to allow for absence due to illness.   A major element of your preparation/participation grade will be quality of oral responses, cooperation and interactions during the class period.

Although the professor may have a "low key" demeanor, his expectations for the class are high.  You should plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours studying outside of class for each hour spent in class.

Class attendance. You are expected to attend all classes.  Class attendance will be checked each day and fractions of classes missed will be factored into your attendance record.  Arrive on time: do not leave early.  Constant entering and leaving cause serious interruption and distraction.  You should not form habits that are an impediment to the learning of others.  Two tardies and/or early exits will be considered one absence.  The professor's closing the door indicates the "beginning" of class.

No penalty will be imposed for 2 absences or less, but each absence after 2 will result in the dedcution of  3 points from your final average.  Good attendance will be rewarded by the addition of points.  Classes missed for duties or obligations resulting from your status on a university team or other similarly sanctioned group may be excused upon receipt of a letter from a faculty sponsor or coach.  To clarify:

No absences = add 2 points to final average

1 absence = add 1 point

2 absences = neither add nor subtract points

3 absences = subtract 3 points from final average

4 absences = subtract 6 points

5 absences = subtract 9 points

ETC.

ABSENCES OVER 8 (EIGHT) WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC FAILURE OF THE COURSE (F).

Grading scale. (Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures)

A  = 93 and above

A- = 90-92

B+ = 87-89

B  = 83-86

B- = 80-82

C+ = 77-79

C  = 73-76

C- = 70-72

D+ = 67-69

D  = 63-66

D- = 60-62

F  = 59 and below

After final tabulation of grades, numerical averages will be rounded off to the nearest whole number.  For example: 89.5=90=A-; 9.4=79=C+; 62.5=63=D.

Penalty for late work.  If exams are taken late, there will be an automatic 10-point deduction regardless of the situation.  Additional penalty may be imposed depending on the circumstances.  Daily assignments will not be accepted late.

Honor code.  All quizzes, tests, and examinations are administered in accordance with the Academic Honor Code.  Writing assignments are also covered by the Code.  (See Undergraduate Catalogue and Student Handbook.)

Foreign Language Resource Center (FLRC - LH 253).  This computer center is primarily for the use of students enrolled in FLL classes.  All students must show a univerristy ID plus a "FLRC FALL 2005" sticker available from the professor..  The FLRC is open Monday through Friday, during hours staggered to allow for some evening availability.  These hours are posted outside the FLRC and vary from semester to semester.  Because of departmental budgetary as well "hygiene" considerations, students are required to bring earphones (if needed) and paper for printing.

Student Disabilities:  UNCW Disability Services supplies information about disability laws, documentation procedures and accommodations that can be found at http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/disablty.  To obtain accommodations the students should first contact Disability Services and present their documentation to the coordinator for review and verification.

Withdrawal from class. Last day to drop without a grade: August 24.  Last day to withdraw with a grade of W: October 5.

Class restrictions. Please do not eat, drink, or chew gum in class as this interferes with oral participation and mental concentration.  Smoking is prohibited in all UNCW buildings.  Please turn off and put away cellphones, iPods, laptops and other electronic devices when class begins and do not make or receive calls while class is in session.  If your phone rings during class, you will receive the same penalty as for being tardy.  If your family needs to have a number to call in case of emergency while you are in Spanish class, please give them the number of the Department of Foreign Languages: 910-962-3340.  Please do not leave class except for emergencies and do not leave class early.  SUGGESTION: THE CLASS IS 75 MINUTES LONG AND YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN CLASS FOR THE FULL 75 MINUTES.  ALSO TAKE CARE OF PERSONAL RESTROOM NEEDS BEFORE (NOT DURING) CLASS.  A final note: please do not schedule appointments with advisors, doctors, etc., that will conflict with class.

Student/teacher conferences.  If you need to talk to me outside of class or make an appointment, you may see me before or after class, phone me, phone and leave voice mail, send e-mail, FAX, call or come by the Foreign Languages office during my office hours, or leave a message in my mailbox.  I am readily available to help you and will answer all messages as promptly as possible.

¡ADELANTE!