Bienvenidos a College Spanish 201 ❝To have another language is to possess a second soul.❞ ‒Charlemagne La República Dominicana, 2012

“You live a new life for every new language you speak “You live a new life for every new language you speak.  If you know only one language, you live only once.” ‒Czech proverb

College Spanish 201 – - College Spanish 201 represents the fourth year in the sequence of world language study -Topics of study: Personal Identification, Leisure Time Activities, Careers and the Interview Process, the Family, Men and Women, World Issues and Concerns, Hispanic Presence and Influence in the USA , with art, literature and poetry throughout - Within each topic we will study literature, grammar and vocabulary appropriate for a College Spanish class -Texts: Repaso, Punto y Aparte , readings from various sources

My goals for my students: -to increase student knowledge, awareness and respect of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture -to improve students’ skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing Spanish -to create an environment in which all students can experience success and enjoy learning -to facilitate student progress so that students will feel prepared to enroll in College Spanish 202 next year and be successful

My responsibilities to my students: - to vary activities: students will make speeches, write and present dialogues, create and present PowerPoint presentations and videos, listen to songs, read about and discuss current events, view artwork, interpret cartoons, read various texts and hopefully, feel challenged while they enjoy learning -to update my website weekly and daily with handouts and pertinent information -to create and review meaningful homework assignments 2-3 times a week -to place all vocabulary on the site, Quizlet, for review and study -to provide extra help during and after school when needed by my students -to be available whenever possible during my free periods: 4th, 5th , 6th and 7th periods -to create, administer, correct and return fair and comprehensive quizzes and tests in order to assess my teaching and students’ understanding (**Parent Portal) - to maintain contact with parents and guardians about any concerns that I have regarding my students

Student responsibilities: -to come to class with enthusiasm, a positive attitude and a willingness to participate** and to try their best -to be organized and prepared with current vocabulary list and completed assignments -to review and study vocabulary on a regular basis, 10-15 minutes per night whenever possible -to make up all work and quizzes / tests missed due to absence in a timely manner -to keep track of their achievement by checking the posted grade sheets regularly -to take responsibility for their education and to seek help when they are confused or need additional practice with a topic

❝If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.❞ ‒Nelson Mandela

Assessments: -I use a total point system for grading. Homework is typically worth from 5-15 points, quizzes from 30-55 points. The point value for unit exams and projects varies depending upon the requirements. -written assessments will include evaluation of student writing in short answer and essay formats , as well as assessment of students’ understanding and use of grammar within the writing assignments -students will be graded on oral presentations, and reading and listening comprehension during various units of study throughout the year -Final Exam: Speaking –students will make a speech to the class for the oral portion of the final exam The exam will assess student growth and ability in listening and reading comprehension skills as well as their understanding and use of grammar commensurate with College Spanish 201

❝One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.❞ ‒Frank Smith

Why study a foreign language? http://www.cla.auburn.edu/forlang/resources/twenty-five-reasons/ studying another culture helps to enhance communication skills learning about another culture may make your knowledge about your own culture more profound. It may also make you more tolerant and appreciative of the cultures of others. studying a language can improve your scores on various entrance exams such as SATs, ACTs, GREs, MCATS and LSATs. Research has shown that math and verbal SAT scores climb higher with each additional year of foreign language study. studying a language can improve your analytic and interpretive capacities having 3 or more years of foreign language study on your record will be impressive to someone reading your college or job application http://www.forlang.wsu.edu/top10.asp From: Why Study Languages? – Washington State University