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Syllabi for Zehel

Intermediate Spanish I

SPN 2200 Intermediate Spanish I

Online

Professor Ashley Zehel

Instructor Contact

Email: azehel@valenciacollege.edu

Virtual office hours (email): Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Catalog Description

Prerequisite: SPN 1121, equivalent, or department approval. Conversational approach with readings adapted from Spanish newspapers, magazines, short novels, Spanish essays, poems, and a wide variety of Spanish articles. Emphasis on written narrative as well as language integrating grammar through compositions, vocabulary, films, presentations, and cultural presentations.

Prerequisite

SPN 1121, equivalent, or department approval. (This is the THIRD SEMESTER of college-level Spanish, involving advanced communicative functions and grammatical structures. Please ensure you have the proper prerequisites for this course.)

SPN2200 Online

It requires self-discipline and time commitment. This is not a self-paced course. All assignments, activities, and assessments are due according to the calendar of deadlines found in Canvas and VHL Central. Only under extenuating circumstances will your professor make exceptions to the deadlines. If you feel you lack the self-discipline, motivation, and time it requires for you to be successful in this course, you may want to consider the classroom setting instead. Keep up with the pace of the course and ask for help as soon as you feel you need it.

Course Objectives

In this course, students will learn to communicate in Spanish about the following topics:

Talk about interpersonal and familial relationships
Analyze the importance of Hispanic culture in the United States
Create brief narrations on past events and actions
Make predictions about the future

Course Goals & Outcomes:

The proficiency outcome of SPN 2200 is that, upon successful completion of the course, students will communicate in Spanish at the Intermediate Mid level, based on ACTFL’s (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Proficiency Guidelines.

Students at this level are able to:

participate in conversations, make short presentations and write short compositions on a number of familiar topics using connected sentences
handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering a variety of questions
understand the main idea of texts, conversations, and presentations on a variety of topics related to everyday life, personal interests, and academic topics
demonstrate an understanding of relevant practices, perspectives, and products of the target culture

Required Texts:

Hard Copy: Imagina: español sin barreras, 4th ed.José A. Blanco and C. Cecilia TocaimazaHatch. Vista Higher Learning. Loose-leaf book with Supersite Plus and Websam: ISBN: 978-1-68005-684-6

Digital: Imagina: español sin barreras, 4th ed.José A. Blanco and C. Cecilia Tocaimaza-Hatch. Vista Higher Learning. Supersite with V-text and Websam (no physical book). Only at Vista web store. https://vistahigherlearning.com/school/valenciacollege/imagina-4th-edition-04.html?pgi=a3W4A00000029AOUAY (Links to an external site.) : ISBN: 978-1-68005-684-6

Materials/Technology Requirements:

A reliable computer with up to date operational system capable of running the required browsers (only Firefox (Links to an external site.) or Google Chrome (Links to an external site.)) and required programs.
A soundcard and speakers (or earphones)
A hi-speed modem (Cable or DSL strongly recommended to access audio and video without delays)
A dependable Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A working Valencia Email address
Webcam/microphone: Most computers come with an integrated microphone, but it is better to purchase one to avoid audio background noise. You will need this to complete your projects and activities in the Supersite and in Canvas.

Evaluation and Grading:

Letter Grade	Points		Assignment		Percentage of Grade
A	90 -100%	Lesson Tests		10%
B	80 - 89 %	Presentations/Oral Assessments		15%
C	70 - 79 %	Supersite/e-book, Activities, quizzes, recording activities		30%
D	60 - 69 %	Orientation quiz and setup information; writing activities		15%
F	0 - 59 %	Midterm oral interview		5%
		Final oral interview		10%
		Final Exam		15%
		Total		100%

Assessments:

Assessments and activities for the course will be due according to the schedule below as well as the VHL Central Supersite calendar. Typically, assignments and assessments will be due by 11:59pm either in Canvas or in VHL Central, depending upon the assignment and according to the calendar.

It is the student’s responsibility to calculate grades throughout the semester based on the grades posted in Canvas to determine progress.

The writing activities and presentations in this course are designed to help you create a sample study abroad portfolio. You will research information related to studying as an exchange student in a Spanish-speaking city and create mock materials based on the city and program you choose. The due dates are found on the calendar and in the assignment information in Canvas.

Lesson Tests (10%):

All lesson exams will be administered online using Canvas using Respondus Lockdown Browser. Exams will typically be open and available to take for 48 hours. The exams will have time limits. The best preparation method for tests is by keeping up with your homework. Tests will be included at the end of certain lessons found in Canvas in the Learning Modules. Check your course calendar. All exams will be due by 11:59 pm Eastern time.

Note: If you miss an exam you will receive a 0% (zero). You will have one attempt for each exam, unless there is a technical issue. If you have technical problems you should contact me immediately via the email and then continue checking your email for additional notifications from me about a course of action you should take after your issue is resolved. You should also contact Valencia’s tech support for additional help. Notice that you cannot wait until one hour before the due time to attempt the test then email me regarding any problems you encounter because you will miss the deadline.

Writing Activities, Orientation Quiz, and Setup Information: (15%):

After reading the entire syllabus and course calendar, complete the Orientation Quiz in Canvas. This quiz will also count as your first week attendance in the course, and failure to complete the syllabus quiz may result in you being reported as a “No Show.”

You will complete two to three writing activities in Spanish for this course. The use of electronic translators or unauthorized human assistance (a Spanish-speaking friend, for example) is strictly forbidden. Any indication that you have used a translator or unauthorized human assistance will result in a failing grade for the assignment. The compositions require Respondus Lockdown Browser, but you can see the prompts and prepare ahead of time. Follow carefully the steps and instructions provided for the writing activities.

Oral Presentations (15%):

You will create two oral presentations using your webcam to upload them to Canvas. You will need to have a webcam and allow Canvas to use your webcam. If you need help, please refer to the “Perfil personal Ice-Breaker (Webcam introduction)” which has a link for recording using a webcam in Canvas.

Midterm Oral Interview (5%):

You will complete an oral interview with the professor via Zoom around the midpoint of the semester. Use the questions at the beginning of each module in Canvas to study and prepare for the interview. You will be graded on your ability to sustain a conversation in Spanish and provide sufficient detail and examples as well as to answer the questions and any follow-up questions asked by your professor. Instructions for signing up for the interview will be emailed and announced through Canvas.

Final Oral Interview (10%):

You will complete an oral interview with the professor via Zoom toward the end of the semester. Use the questions at the beginning of each module in Canvas to study and prepare for the interview. You will be graded on your ability to sustain a conversation in Spanish and provide sufficient detail and examples as well as to answer the questions and any follow-up questions asked by your professor. Instructions for signing up for the interview will be emailed and announced through Canvas.

Final Exam (15%):

You will complete the final exam online in Canvas. The goal of the exam is to assess your proficiency with the Spanish language and your abilities in listening, reading and writing at the intermediate level. The test is not curved and no make-up test will be given. The final exam will be comprehensive and cumulative in nature.

Email:

Email will be an integral part of this course. Make sure you:

Make sure you check email daily (required). Any instructions will have due dates for your response. If you email because of tech issues, they should send before due time. Get the Canvas App.

Use Canvas email to communicate with your professor and classmates. Do not use personal emails. You will not receive any response.
Use a greeting and a closing. Treat university email as regular mail, not as text messaging.
Do not use the VHL Supersite email.
Any email referring to tech issues with Supersite or Canvas should include the incident report number they will provide you.
Be patient. Do not expect an immediate response when you send a message. I will get back to you within 24 hours Mondays – Fridays or sooner. You are also expected to answer emails in a timely manner. Weekend emails will be answered on the next business day. Set up your Canvas account to receive emails in your personal email or get the Canvas App so you do not miss any email or announcement.
You can use the discussion board title “El café latino” in Canvas to ask questions to other students in the class. Just remember that this discussion board is exclusively for the students to help each other, and I will not reply to any emergencies or questions about your grade within this discussion board.
Be courteous and considerate. Remember you are communicating with your professor not with your friend. Hey, or calling professors by first name is not acceptable. Being honest and expressing yourself freely is very important but being considerate of others online is just as important as it is in the classroom.
Make every effort to be as clear as possible in your communications. Online communication lacks the nonverbal cues that fill in much of the meaning in face-to-face communication.
Do not use all caps. This makes the message very hard to read and is considered "shouting." Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation (you may want to compose in a word processor, then cut and paste the message into the discussion or e-mail).
Break up large blocks of text into paragraphs and use a space between paragraphs.
Sign your e-mail messages and include the course you are taking if you are using atlas instead of Canvas.
Never assume that your e-mail can be read by no one except yourself; others may be able to read or access your mail. All emails and communications at Valencia College are public record.
Make sure you check email daily (required). Any instructions will have due dates for your response. If you email because of tech issues, they should send before due time. Get the Canvas App.

Attendance/Activity Policy Attendance:

Attendance in an online class is based on a student's completion of assignments, quizzes, discussion board postings, and tests. that missing another assignment will result in their withdrawal from the course. Keep in mind that going out of town, vacations plan during the semester, or work are not excuses not to complete your work. Make sure you have Internet Access all semester. This is not a self-paced course and assignments open every week. Missing assignments and assessments may result in failing the course.

If you stop participating in the course, you will receive the grade reflected by the work completed in it. The instructor will not withdraw you from the course.

For severe medical conditions that result in excessive absences, consult the Dean of Students concerning Valencia’s medical withdrawal policy. International students, and students receiving financial aid, should be aware of how a “W” will affect their status.

http://international.valenciacollege.edu/current-students/maintaining-visa-status/Links to an external site.

http://valenciacollege.edu/finaid/satisfactory_progress.cfmLinks to an external site.

Throughout the COVID pandemic, Valencia College has been primarily focused on the health and well-being of its students and faculty and staff. This continues to be our priority as we return to more face-to-face classes, and college policy continues to be guided by science and the guidelines issued by the CDC and our partners at Orlando Health. VC expects all members of our campus community to wear masks indoors.

Students who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or who test positive, please inform our COVID liaison Tanya Mahan (COVIDillness@valenciacollege.edu) as well, so she can support you in this process. We are in this together! For more information, please consult:

https://valenciacollege.edu/about/coronavirus/ (Links to an external site.)

Regardless of the reason for an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to follow the professor’s policies regarding making up missed assignments. Failure to do so in a timely manner may put the student at risk of failing the course.

Incompletes

(College Policy: 6Hx28: 4-7: Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and WithdrawalsLinks to an external site.)

An Incomplete grade may be assigned if you are progressing satisfactorily and, for valid reasons (emergencies such as serious illness or death of a family member), cannot complete the work of a course within the term. It is your responsibility to consult with your professor to determine if you qualify for the Incomplete grade.

In language classes, I grade will be considered if you have completed satisfactorily 85% of the course (missing only final exam and final interview).

VERY IMPORTANT: College policy requires that students who are not attending class the first week of classes to be withdrawn from the course. In an online class, attendance is documented by participation. Your orientation quiz is proof of attendance the first week of classes. Thus, it is very important that during the first week of class you complete the new student orientation, create your own supersite account, and complete the orientation quiz. Failure to do so will result in being withdrawn from the course.

Withdrawal from a Course Policy:

A student is permitted to withdraw from a class on or before the withdrawal deadline, as published in the College calendar. A student is not permitted to withdraw from a class after the withdrawal deadline.
A faculty member is permitted to withdraw a student from the faculty member’s class for violation of the faculty member’s attendance policy with written notification to the student prior to the beginning of the final exam period, as published in the faculty member’s syllabus. A faculty member is not permitted to withdraw a student from his or her class as a response to student conduct which falls under the jurisdiction of the Student Code of Conduct (6Hx28:10-03).
A student who withdraws from a class before the withdrawal deadline will receive a grade of "W." A student who is withdrawn by a professor will receive a grade of "W." A student who is withdrawn for administrative reasons at any time will receive a grade of "W" or other grade as determined in consultation with the professor. Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of "F". The grades of “WP” and “WF” are eliminated.
A student who receives a grade of “W” will not receive credit for the course, and the W will not be calculated in the student’s grade point average; however, the enrollment will count in the student’s total attempts in the specific course.
If a student withdraws from a class, the student may, upon request and only with the faculty member’s permission (which may be withheld at any time in the sole discretion of the faculty member), continue to attend the course. If a student is withdrawn by a faculty member or is administratively withdrawn, the student is not permitted to continue to attend the class.

TITLE IX

Valencia College strives to be a place free from all forms of discrimination. Title IX protects students from

discrimination based upon sex including protections against sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking. This also includes protections for students who are pregnant or may become pregnant. If you experience sexual violence, domestic violence or stalking and would like assistance there are several options available to you. Valencia partners with the Victim Service Center of Central Florida which is a confidential resource available 24/7. They can be reached by calling 407-497-6701. If you would like assistance on campus, you can go to valenciacollege.edu/eo or contact Valencia College’s Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer, Ryan Kane, by emailing rkane8@valenciacollege.edu. If you would like to report to law enforcement, you may visit Campus Security or call 911.

Please note that there are no confidential resources on campus. As your professor, I am required to report any information mentioned in this statement to the appropriate campus resources. This will include your name, and detailed information shared with me. We take privacy very seriously at the College and only those who have a legitimate need to know the information will be provided with this information.

If you have more questions about Title IX or the College’s response, please visit valenciacollege.edu/eo

Disability Statement:

"Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a Notification to Instructor (NTI) form from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determine accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities. Please contact your home campus for more information." For East campus the number is Ph.: 407-582-2229. Here is the link to Valencia’s OSD website: https://valenciacollege.edu/students/office-for-students-with-disabilities/Links to an external site.

Statement of support for students with food/housing/ financial needs:

Any student who has difficulty accessing sufficient food to eat, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live and believes this may affect his or her performance in the course, is urged to meet with a Counselor in the Advising Center for information about resources that may be available from the college or community.

Student Conduct and Academic Honesty:

Valencia College is dedicated to promoting honorable personal and social conduct. By enrolling at Valencia, a student assumes the responsibility for knowing and abiding by the rules articulated in the Student Code of Conduct (6Hx28:10-03). The instructor reserves the right to refer students who engage in activities that are disruptive to the learning environment to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. This include any composition where a translator or unauthorized human assistance has been used or where the level of proficiency is higher than the one shown in class.

Students may collaborate on group assignments. This does NOT include duplication of work. Collaboration should be used to edit or to clarify doubts. If anyone is involved in incidents of cheating a zero grade (0) will be assigned for that activity, quiz, exam, or project without regard to who did the original work or who may have benefited. Each student is expected to be in total compliance with the college policy of Academic Honesty as set forth in the admissions catalog and the student handbook. Any student(s) cheating on an exam will receive a zero (0) grade, and the professor can at his/her discretion withdraw you from the class. This includes submitting work on which a translator or unauthorized human assistance has been used or in which the level of proficiency is higher than the one expected in the course. In addition, Valencia College strives to provide a drug-free learning environment for all those involved in the academic experience.

Drug-free Policy:

“In compliance with the provisions of the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Valencia College will take such steps as are necessary in order to adopt and implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by Valencia College students or employees on college premises or as part of any college activity.”

Valencia College Expected student conduct: 10-03 Student Code of Conduct

Catalog
Specific Authority:	1006.60, FS.
Law Implemented:	1006.60, FS.

Valencia College is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning, and to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. By enrolling at Valencia, a student assumes the responsibility for knowing and abiding by the rules of appropriate behavior as articulated in the Student Code of Conduct. The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Faculty may direct students who engage in inappropriate behavior that results in disruption of a class to leave the class. Such students may be subject to other disciplinary action which may include a warning, withdrawal from class, probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college. Please read the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook.

Click here Links to an external site.for Valencia’s Student Code of Conduct

Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. For that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home, or work.

BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. Free face-to-face counseling is also available.

Students Feedback of Instruction

Near the end of the term, students will receive an invitation through their Valencia ATLAS email account asking them to complete the Student Feedback on Instruction (SFI). This survey provides Valencia College professors with feedback on students’ experiences in courses and helps them to continually improve their courses. The results are released only after grades are submitted and students’ names are not included in the results - all responses will be anonymous.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

FERPA is a federal law that is administered by the Family Policy Compliance Office (Office) in the U.S. Department of Education (Department). 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. Valencia College has a firm commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students. For further information on FERPA see: http://valenciacollege.edu/ferpa/default.cfm#whatisLinks to an external site. Links to an external site.

Disclaimer Statement:

This syllabus may be changed at the instructor’s discretion, during the term. It is the responsibility of the student to make any adjustments as announced.