Course Syllabus – Spanish I and II

Instructor – Mrs. Sharon Klein

E-mail – Sharon.Klein@k12.nd.us

Webpage address – https://www.gcs.k12.nd.us

Texts:

• Holt, Rinehart, Winston – Exprésate! – c2006 (replacement cost new $55.00)

Required Supplies:

• Grant County High School planner
• 1 – Three-ring binder
• 1 set of divider pages for binder
• 100 sheets of loose-leaf college-ruled paper
• pens, pencils, colored pencils (Twistables), highlighter
• 100 index cards of various colors

Course Description

Spanish I is the study of the Spanish language and culture. The 5 C’s of foreign language learning are:

• Communication: The core of the course.
• Cultures: Beyond art and literature, learning occurs in the context of the way of life, patterns of behavior, and contributions of the people speaking the language being taught.
• Connections:  Beyond content limited to the culture of the people speaking the target language, teachers go out to other disciplines and find topics and ideas to form the context of language learning.
• Comparisons:  Foreign language study is a great for students to learn more about native language and culture comparing and contrasting their own to the target language and culture.
• Communities:  This goal of the standards adds a broader motivation of context for language learning. The teachers makes sure students use their new language beyond the class hour, seeking ways to express the target culture.

Each chapter is centered on a target speaking country. Students will study the country and note the cultural differences between their country and the target country. Videos, art projects, or writings will bring the differences and similarities to the forefront of the class. Each chapter begins with a video highlighting a particular concepts (e.g. such as saying hello and good-bye). Written activities reinforce the opening situation. The key objectives of the unit are then discussed with written work to practice the concept. Key grammar concepts are discussed in each of the chapters.

Class Policies

1. All school policies and rules found in the Grant County High School Student Handbook and/or Great Western Network handout will be followed in the classroom.
2. Respect is to be demonstrated among all entities in the classroom. When a guest enters the room, students will demonstrate respect too. This is especially applicable to someone who is subbing. We are all humans with our own thoughts and ideas and will be comfortable sharing them in class. It is important to hear other student’s opinions and how they may differ from our own. No one is better than anyone else in this class, if you feel you are then perhaps you need to find another class to be in during this hour.
3. Arrive to class on time or a tardy will be recorded for the student.
4. All materials must be brought daily whether it be the textbook, novel, binder, agenda, and pens/pencils.
5. No food or drink (except bottled water) allowed in class.
6. Passes to leave class will be written for emergency purposes only. Your pass is your GCHS agenda. If you do not have your agenda = no pass.!
7. Cell phones – Cell phones are a part of our lives, but not a part of the classroom unless used as an educational tool ( e.g. timer, video recorder). Check them at the door or in your locker and there will be no concerns. It is better to ask and then receive permission than to be pervasively texting etc.
8. Foul language is not to be used in class. Check your low intelligence vocabulary at the door.
9. Attitude – be positive. We all experience days when we are not at our best – do not share it with us! Be engaged in the class.

Grading

Grades will be based on the total points received with weighted categories.

Weighted categories:

• Tests – 50%
• Participation – 10%
• Quizzes – 25%
• Daily work – 15%

The Semester Test is one-fifth of the student’s grade.

The grading scale found in the Grant County High Student Handbook will be implemented.

Absences and Make-up Work

• All work must be made up in the allotted for an excused absence. Failure to do so will result in a “0” for the assignment.
• Any unexcused make-up work will be penalized one letter grade.
• Students are to collect the assignment to be given the day(s) he or she will be absent.
• Students are to make an appointment with the instructor to make-up missed tests, quizzes. It is not the instructor’s responsibility to remind students of work that is to be completed due to an absence.
• Studies have shown that the student who attends school on a regular basis scores well on tests and quizzes.

Late Work

Homework and daily assignments are due upon request as assigned; each student will receive one “late pass” per nine weeks which may be used at the student’s discretion. Late work following the use of the “late pass” will not be accepted. Students are now preparing for the workplace and college where they are no policies on late work, as it is not accepted.

Plagiarism Statement

Plagiarism is the use of another’s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they were entirely one’s own. Acts of plagiarism might include, but are not limited to—

• using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation
• using the work of another student (e.g. copying homework, composition, or project)
• using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, or parent.

Students found in violation of the above statement will receive a zero on the assignment. They are numerous programs available to check plagiarism of students – create, write, complete your own work.