SPANISH
SYLLABUS

This is a textbook-free class.  Everything is in Canvas.

1. Can-Do: Each PLUMA opens with a “Can-Do” statement describing what the learner will be able to do by the end of the issue.

2. Preparación Comunicativa: The fundamental communicative skills in the Can-Do are introduced through contextualized short videos, including both original and curated content. These videos prepare learners to interpret the meaning of stories. Following each video, students complete brief activities labeled "Ahora tú" to reinforce the content that was just presented. Included also are entertaining and occasionally humorous curated videos designed specifically for language learners.

3. Historias: Read and listen to nonfictional and semi-fictional stories relevant to the Can-Do, through which you will learn about Spanish-speaking cultures and the immigrant experience in the United States.

4. Crea historias: Incorporate the skills covered in the PLUMA in conversations, presentations, and written narratives.

5. Ahora tú conversa: These are the questions and topics that will be on exams. 

6. Vocabulario: There is vocabulary listed on some of the "Preparación Comunicativa" and "Historias" pages and at the end of some issues. Learners are encouraged to curate their own personalized lists of vocabulary relevant to their daily lives.

7. ¿Puedes hacerlo?:  Can you do it? A place to self-reflect on their progress.

Oral Exams

Given the crucial role of verbal communication in our communities and the need to assess students' independent Spanish proficiency, a significant portion of the grade is allocated to proctored speaking exams. Throughout the course, students will practice and get feedback on the communicative skills needed to be successful on these exams. Preparing learning activities and assignments honestly and without external assistance from native speakers or translators ensures success. The content of the exams is accessible at any time on the "Ahora tú conversa" pages toward the end of each PLUMA issue. Honesty in preparing these ensures that the final exam will hold no surprises. Native speakers and coaches are a great resource to practice, but not to prepare your answers and topics for you. They may point out errors and tell you why something is incorrect, but to take ownership of your learning and your own Spanish, you must understand your own errors. If you understand your own errors, you will be able to correct them yourself and move forward in your practice with your own deeper understanding of the skills.

Overreliance on external help, whether from native speakers or online translators, jeopardizes ownership of your learning, potentially leading to failure on exams, even with a high grade on other coursework. Given the honor system prevalent in many assignments, submitting work that is genuinely your own is crucial. Steer clear of getting entire phrases from translators or native speakers as this undermines your active engagement in understanding, speaking, writing, and truly owning Spanish. Failure to internalize language creation will get in the way of effective communication in exams and real-life scenarios. Language must be organically formed in your own mind through consistent exposure to Spanish which you can get through PLUMA engagement. If you're struggling, the best advice is to do more listening, reading, and revisiting the material in PLUMA, as well as your notes and feedback on assignments. Above all, getting consistent speaking practice to internalize the content is key. Instructors can ALWAYS recognize when a student has sought excessive outside help or used translators.