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Spanish for Beginners I, II, & III
Texts and materials:
Spanish 101:
Dos mundos 6th ed. (textbook and workbook) Terrell et al.
Destinos (a video series) Van Patten et al. (DT)
A Student Video Guide to Destinos Van Patten et al.
Spanish 102:
Dos mundos 6th ed. (textbook and workbook) Terrell et al.
Sol y viento-A student viewer´s guide
Lola Lago series: Vacaciones al sol and Una nota falsa. Miquel and Sans (LL)
Spanish 103:
Dos mundos 6th ed. (textbook and workbook) Terrell et al.
Destinos (a video series) Van Patten et al. (DT)
A Student Video Guide to Destinos Van Patten et al.
Lola Lago series: Poderoso caballero, Por amor al arte and La llamada de La Habana. Miquel and Sans. (LL)
Introduction:
The purpose of these courses is to introduce you to the Spanish language and culture. Therefore, native and heritage speakers of Spanish will not receive credit for these courses. Please see the Chair in order to enroll in Spanish 210.
All Spanish courses in the Department of Modern Languages are founded on the The Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century, 1999 which describes the five Cs of language acquisition: communication, culture, comparisons, connections, and community. Students in the basic Spanish sequence have the opportunity to practice the three modes of communication, (interpersonal, interpretive and presentational) to learn about hispanic culture (products, practices and perspectives), and to make comparisons between their first language and culture and the Spanish language and culture. In addition, students make connections to other fields of study unavailable to them through their native language. Finally, students have the opportunity to engage with the hispanic community outside of the classroom.
The goal of the basic Spanish sequence therefore is to produce students with an observable and definable of degree of language proficiency. These courses are PARTICIPATORY courses. In order to learn a foreign language, one must use a foreign language. Students who participate fully by regularly attending class, completing assignments, viewing Destinos (or Sol y viento) and where applicable, completing assigned selections from the Lola Lago reading package should find the courses more enjoyable, learn from their mistakes and see their work improve.
NOTE: The Department highly recommends that students complete the sequence in continuous semesters. Historically, students perform poorly when they allow a lapse of time between courses. This is especially true for students considering a Major or Minor in Spanish.
Curriculum Description:
Each of these three courses has two principle components: a) the activities and exercises from Dos mundos (used in the classroom and assigned as homework); and b) a Spanish video series (viewed outside the classroom). In addition, Spanish 102 and 103 also utilize a reading packet to enhance language acquisition.
In the classroom, students are expected to PARTICIPATE in a variety of oral and written activities. By working through these activities, you will begin to understand and use the basic vocabulary and grammar of the Spanish language. Homework will be assigned which will facilitate language use in the classroom. Students are expected to study the grammar sections (blue pages) and do the related exercises beforehand so that they can bring their questions and doubts to class and effectively participate in the different class activities. Grammar explanations will be held to a strict minimum. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT COMPLETE THE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS ARE GENERALLY QUITE CONFUSED AND FRUSTRATED IN THE CLASSROOM.
In addition to the classroom experience, all students will participate in weekly conversation hours. This time offers the opportunity to converse in Spanish about a variety of topics in a small group setting, and is led by a more advanced undergraduate speaker. Students will improve their oral skills and maximize their chances of reaching an Intermediate oral proficiency level by the end of the course sequence. Active participation in this conversation hour is required for success in these courses and will count towards the final grade. The Conversation Hour Coordinator for all Spanish sections is Prof. Tulia Jiménez-Vergara (BH 314, tjimenez@tcnj.edu). Please click on the following link to view your Conversation Hour Contract. You will need to print it, sign it and submit it to your instructor by the second week of classes:
The video component of the program (30 videos of Destinos in 101 and 103 and the full length movie Sol y viento in 102) will be viewed outside of class. You will then complete a written assignment after each video and we will discuss the plot and characters periodically in class. The video mystery series was created especially for learners of Spanish and incorporates modern film footage of Spain, Argentina, Mexico and other countries in Central and South America. In Destinos, the stars travel through major cities and small towns as they search for clues to solve the mystery. Sol y viento tells the story of a vineyard in Chile and its potential sale to a corporation that will destroy the land and the lives of the local inhabitants. Students will be encouraged to make guesses about what is taking place in the program even if some of the vocabulary is new or unknown. Both Destinos and Sol y viento will be broadcast on the closed circuit cable network in the residence halls. The videotapes are also available in the Language Laboratory (basement-Bliss Hall) and in the Media and Listening Room (Room 218) in West Library. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO VIEW EACH VIDEOTAPE BEFORE CLASS. In class you will be tested on the material presented in the videotape. You will most likely not understand everything on the videotape. Listen carefully and use the visual cues to aid in comprehension.
The Lola Lago series is a graduated reading packet designed to help Spanish students improve their language skills. Reading assignments will serve as a basis for class discussion and in-class compositions, and will appear on chapter tests.
Refer to individual course web pages for grading policies, course calendars and further information.
Spanish 101, 102 and 103 all use the texts listed above. Satisfactory completion of Spanish 103 fulfills the Liberal Learning requirement for a foreign language.
