Valdosta State University                                                                  Dr. Luis G. Bejarano

Department of Modern & Classical Languages                            West Hall 142  Ph #333-5948, ext 4942             

Español 3200                                                                                        E-mail: lgbejara@valdosta.edu

Primavera 2005                                                                                   Office hours: MW 10:00-11:00

                                                                                                                And by appointment.

 

 

Textbook: Copeland, John, Ralph Kite, Lynn A. Sandstedt. Literatura y Arte.  8th Edition, 2004.  Also, handouts, videos and web-based activities.  A good Spanish-English dictionary.

 

Description and objectives:  This course is an introduction to major representative literary works and some non-canonical texts of Spain and Latin America. The acquisition of critical and organizational skills in reading and their application to Hispanic texts will be emphasized.  This course is also designed to expand your knowledge of Hispanic culture through its art and history.  Upon completion of the course students will be able to critically analyze and express opinions on different subjects related to poetry, novels, short stories, drama and essay as well as art criticism.  Through research and presentations students will be better prepared to hold open-minded discussions both written and orally on the given subject. By the end of the semester it’s expected that students have achieved higher motivation and confidence to express themselves and to better understand the dynamics of the Hispanic culture through its most representative literature and art.  Due to the conversational nature of this course, these are the ACTFL Speaking standards and guidelines for intermediate third year foreign language students:

 

Intermediate-Mid

 

Able to handle successfully a variety of uncomplicated, basic, and communicative tasks and social situations. Can talk simply about self and family members. Can ask and answer questions and participate in simple conversations on topics beyond the most immediate needs; e.g., personal history and leisure time activities. Utterance length increases slightly, but speech may continue to be characterized by frequent long pauses, since the smooth incorporation of even basic conversational strategies is often hindered as the speaker struggles to create appropriate language forms. Pronunciation may continue to be strongly influenced by first language and fluency may still be strained. Although misunderstandings still arise, the Intermediate-Mid speaker can generally be understood by sympathetic interlocutors.

 

Intermediate-High

 

Able to handle successfully most uncomplicated communicative tasks and social situations. Can initiate, sustain, and close a general conversation with a number of strategies appropriate to a range of circumstances and topics, but errors are evident. Limited vocabulary still necessitates hesitation and may bring about slightly unexpected circumlocution. There is emerging evidence of connected discourse, particularly for simple narration and/or description. The Intermediate-High speaker can generally be understood even by interlocutors not accustomed to dealing with speakers at this level, but repetition may still be required.

 

 

Class participation:  ATTENDANCE IS VERY IMPORTANT!  Since foreign languages study is a cumulative process measured by daily evaluation, attendance is very important.  Students are expected to be prepared to participate in all class activities and show motivation and interest in the subject matter.  Students who miss more than 20% of the class sessions will receive an F (see Undergraduate Bulletin, p. 75)  A portion of the class participation grade will be based on attendance.

 

Assignments: There will be weekly quizzes (announced / unannounced, oral / written), a Mid-term and a Final Exam. NO MAKE-UP will be giving:  If you miss any assignment or the Final Exam your grade will be zero unless a good justification is provided.

 

Presentations:  4 Oral individual Power Point presentations in Spanish will be assigned based on research of related topics such as, cultural, historical and biographical aspects of the literary and artistic works discussed. Students are supposed to be active and illustrative, and should encourage interest and class participation.

 

Video reviews:  Students are supposed to watch 4 videos / movies in Spanish based on literary works / authors, and write a critical review in pairs. Contents will be discussed in the Assignments Guide.

 

Grades:                  Mid-term:                               25%                                        A= 100-90

                                4 Presentations:                    20%                                        B=   89-80

                                4 Video reviews:                   15%                                        C=   79-70

                                Quizzes:                                 15%                                        D=   69-60

Final exam:                             25%                                       

 

General responsibilities: You will be responsible for the assignments given in class. They will normally consist of reading material from the textbook and the literary works discussed in class as well as research using library resources and Internet resources to prepare and illustrate the PP presentations. An Assignments Guide with specifics on topics for presentations and videos will be provided.                                                              

 

Students requiring classroom accommodations or modifications because of documented disability should discuss this need with the professor at the beginning of the semester.  Students not registered with the Special Service Program must contact the Special Service Office in Nevins Hall, Room 226-A. The phone number is 245-2498.