Course Description

This course is part of a sequence designed to provide introductory experiences in Spanish, including pronunciation, aural comprehension, oral and written communication, word usage and vocabulary, reading of prose and elementary principles of grammar. Special emphasis will be given to development of oral and aural skills through the use of communicative activities. Cultural material will be presented to develop interest, understanding and appreciation for the lifestyle of the Spanish-speaking people.

How this Course Works

  • This is a partially online ("hybrid") course that begins January 6 and ends May 18.

  • All students are required to attend the in-person courses. Participation in the in-person meetings counts as 10% of the overall course grade.

  • You will learn in a community with your peers. This is not a self-paced course.

  • The online portion of the class is completed using the college’s learning management system, Canvas, and the online textbook website, McGraw Hill Connect.

  • The Canvas course content is organized into seventeen weekly modules that open every Thursday and are due the following Wednesday by midnight.

  • Each module contains readings, videos, quizzes, and assignments.

  • If you are able to dedicate 15-20 hours per week for this course, you should have no problem succeeding in it (hours will vary from student to student).


Required Platforms

  • Canvas is the college’s learning management system where most of the class assignments will be completed and submitted. Canvas is provided to all students who are enrolled in an online course at Ventura College and is accessed by logging in to the myVCCCD student portal and clicking on the “My courses” tab.

  • Connect is an online platform where students will access the Tu mundo textbook in a digital format (ebook) and where students will complete the online textbook assignments. To access and submit the Connect assignments, students must purchase an online access code. Connect is required as of the second week of the semester. The printed textbook is optional since the access code includes a complete digital version of the Tu mundo textbook.

Diversity and Inclusion in Our Class

I am committed to making sure that all students in this class can comfortably and productively learn, in an environment of inclusion and equity. Throughout this semester, you will be asked to share your ideas and experiences with others participating in class discussions. Please participate with an open mind, sharing knowledge and contributing to a space of mutual understanding that includes openness and sensitivity to a diversity of voices and ideas. I believe that diversity of backgrounds (including, but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ability) is an asset too valuable not to highlight and promote. This diversity of voices strengthens our ability to embrace our language and culture. This means that in our class you can expect to enjoy many aspects of the cultures of Spanish speaking people that are reflective of its diversity. You are expected to embrace it and compare and contrast it with your own and that of those around you.

Additionally, if your ability to learn were adversely affected by experiences in or outside of our class, please share this with me. I know we do not learn or live in a bubble, and I want to help whenever possible.