SPANISH 108 – 2005/6

Sr. JAIME GONZÁLEZ OCAÑA

HOMEROOM: 21

I.                    Course description:

Spanish 108 is a course designed for those who have previously gone through SP107. We will use the !Expresate! books, which includes textbook and 2 workbooks, as well as a integrated video and disc programs. We will learn oral and written skills so that we will be able to communicate with each other in Spanish. Skits, projects (we will be completing various projects throughout the year: team projects, oral projects, computer projects), games and journals are all a part of this class in addition to quizzes and workbook activities. We will try to conduct the class in Spanish as much as possible. Relax and have fun!

II.                  Course contents:

We will be covering all during the year the Unidades 8, 9 and 10 of ¡Expresate! We will start at the end of Unit 6, as the first two weeks of school will be used for reviewing last year contents. We will also an assigned reading: Alejandro. We will be completing the reading of Alejandro throughout the year.

III.                Course materials:

o        1. ¡Expresate! Text and 2 workbooks: Cuaderno de actividades + Cuaderno de vocabulario y gramatica

o        2. Alejandro

o        3. Binder, with the following sections:

o        In-class work

o        Tarea (homework)

o        Quizzes-Tests

o        Vocabulario

o        Gramática (grammar)

o                    4. Spanish-English pocket dictionary

IV.               Grades:

The final grade is based on the following criteria (teacher reserves the right to change the grading criteria at any time):

V.                 Remarks on the class and classroom behavior

1. Be ready for class, at any time!!! That means that you should bring to the classroom all the materials you need to follow the class, and to take care of lavatory and water fountain needs before class. No excuses!! Be on time for class.

2. Homework will be checked on daily basis, and must be neat and have name, date and assignment on it. Any homework assignment missed equals -5 points for the trimester homework average; any work turned in late equals -2.5 points for the trimester homework average.

3. Organization is key: keep your binder organized at all time (binders will be checked up by the teacher before every test); keep track of the new vocabulary; keep a copy of very quiz and test, as they will be useful for you when reviewing for the Final Exam in June.

4. Take advantage of the class time to participate as much as possible. Participation counts for 15% of the grade. You will get a weekly grade, which will be the average of your day to day work for the week. Daily participation grade could go from 0 to 100, and it will reflect your work and attitude in class.

5. Ask questions every time you feel you don’t understand what is going on. I will be always willing to help you as much as I can. Ask for extra-help if you need to do so.

6. You will be receiving a weekly homework assignments sheet every Monday at the beginning of the week. A class conference and the Web page will be also used as ressources for posting class information. Take advantage of the ressources on the Web page: everything (assignments, grammar lessons, vocabulary notes, review for tests, etc.) is on the Web site!!

7. Learning a new language is always difficult and effort demanding. I encourage you to accept the challenge with an open mind and positive attitude. Do not be afraid AT ALL of mistakes, grammar errors, accent, etc. when you speak. We will be learning a lot of new things at a fast pace, and hopefully by the end of the year you will be able to communicate better in Spanish.

8. I expect from all of you a mature and polite behavior. Cursing and other kinds of inappropriate language are not allowed in class. Raise your hand. Listen to others. Show respect for classroom property and for other student’s materials. Honesty, integrity, kindness, and a clear understanding of the importance of personal honor are all essential qualities of every Brunswick student. The Spanish class is not an exception.