Course Syllabus
¡Bienvenidos al Español!
Español V AP
Señora Carnahan
Phone: (610) 298-8661
Email: carnahant@nwlehighsd.org:
Students in this course will build on their base of Spanish language and culture acquired in Spanish I-IV to improve the interpersonal, interpretive and presentation modes of communication. Students will demonstrate their proficiency in these modes at the Intermediate to Pre-Advanced range as described in the ACTFL Performance Guidelines for K - 12 Learners. The materials and activities that follow are examples of what will be completed during class, but not a definitive list; this will be subject to change depending on the needs of the class and current events. The class will focus on improving levels of proficiency, enhancing students' command of grammar and vocabulary and taking the AP Exam given in May of every year.
The class will be conducted almost exclusively in Spanish. Through the use of authentic materials, students in the course will develop an awareness and appreciation of the products and practices of Spanish-speaking communities around the world and be able to compare and contrast them with their own. Grammar and vocabulary will be presented and reinforced in light of communicative and interpretive goals.
Materials:
You are required to have a binder for your Spanish materials. I recommend that you use dividers to organize your papers into sections for vocabulary, notes, assignments and culture. A 1” or 1 ½ “ binder is appropriate.
When you come to class you are expected to bring your binder with plenty of blank paper, a pen or pencil and your laptop.
Classroom Conduct:
For us to accomplish the goals of improving your Spanish skills, I ask that you respect each other and me.
If your actions disrupt the class, interfering with your own or your classmates’ learning, one or more of the following will occur: a personal conference, a phone call to your parents, a detention and/or an office referral.
No eating is allowed in the classroom. Clear beverages in clear containers are allowed. Please do not perform personal grooming in class. Keep your cell phone put away; if you use it during class, it will be taken from you and turned in to the office.
You are expected to abide by the school's dress code. You can refer to the dress code in the Parent/Student Handbook
Class time is to be used for Spanish work only. There is always something to work on. If you are doing work for another class in Spanish, I may confiscate that work.
Grading Policy:
Your grade in Spanish will be determined by the following:
60% Assessments: tests, quizzes and performances.
20% Assignments: Homework, compositions, computer assignments and reports .
20% Activities: class work, projects, speeches, songs, demonstrations, dialogues, compositions and other activities.
Final Exam:
A final exam will be given to all students at the conclusion of this course. It is valued at 20% of your total grade.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. You will complete a mix of graded and ungraded assignments. The results of your homework will be reflected by your dedication to completing homework carefully and thoroughly. Homework assignments are designed to provide you practice for improving your command of Spanish grammar and vocsbulary as well as read for meaning. Expect all homework assignments to be graded - do your best!
Assessments:
You will have a number of assessments in various forms during the semester. They will range from quizzes on discrete grammar points, tests on units, presentations and dialogues. You may have pop quizzes, so always be prepared!
Activities:
Generally completed in class, these might be dialogues, skits, answering questions and/or reading activities.
Absences:
If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to find out the work that you missed. Check Canvas (Modules) to find out what we did in class during your absence. In addition, check Assignments for homework assignments (note that the homework may or may not be attached).
If there was homework due on the day of your absence, you are required to turn it in. Put it in the black basked at the back of the room on your first day back.
If homework is assigned on the day that your are out, it is due the day following the day of your return. Again, put it in the basket at the back on the room.
If you are absent and miss a quiz or test, but were in class the day the quiz or test was assigned, you are expected to make up the quiz or test your first day back to class.
If you were not in class the day the quiz or test was announced, we will arrange a day for you to make up the quiz or test. You will generally be required to make up quizzes and tests in the Learning Lab during FLEX.
If you are absent for an extended period of time, we will make up a schedule for you to complete assignments you may have missed during your absence. Make sure that you check the web page in the case of any extended absence if possible.
Technology:
You are expected to bring your laptop to class every day. I will use the Portal and your school Gmail account to communicate with you. Please check the Portal on a weekly basis to ensure that your grade is accurate and so that you know what your grade is in class. I also sometimes use the Portal to give feedback on assignments. In addition, check your school Gmail account so that you will receive important communications. I frequently write emails to students about missed assignments and give make-up opportunities. You will miss these opportunities if you do not check your Gmail account.
Portal- As stated above, you are expected to check the Portal on a regular basis. You should know what your grade is and you should also be attentive in case I make mistakes. Once a grade is entered, you will have one week to point out an error in your grade. If there is a discrepancy, please put a note in the bin at the back of the room asking me to check it out, or put the paper in question in the bin at the back of the room with a note on it.
Your laptop is to be used for educational purposes. When I assign online work, you are expected to complete that work. It is not time for you to check your grades, your email or other tasks that are not considered part of the assignment. Remember that you are subject to the district's technology policy during school hours and you risk losing the privilege of having access to technology during class if you abuse it.
Cheating:
I consider the following actions to be cheating (not all-inclusive):
- using an on-line translator
- copying homework from another student
- giving your homework from another student to copy from
- telling students what is on the assessment (in the same period or the next period)
- having answers written down or accessible through technology during a quiz or test
If you are found to be cheating, you will receive a 0 for the assignment or assessment in question. In addition, you may be required to complete the assignment again and will receive 50% of the grade that you would have otherwise been entitled to.
Assignments in class are designed to help you learn or to use the Spanish you have learned. If you do not put forth the effort to do so, you are not only cheating on the assignment, but you are cheating yourself.
Extra help:
If you are struggling in Spanish, please get help sooner rather than later. One of the signs of a strong student is recognizing when to get help - there is not shame in it. There are tutors available through the Guidance office. In addition, I am available during Flex B and before and after school. Please see me so that we can schedule a time that will work for both of us. It is your responsibility to seek help if you need it.
Content of Spanish V
We will be using a number of print and online resourses for reading, vocabulary acquisition, grammar practice and other activities.
Organization
The course will be divided into thematic units, which will be explored through various contexts and related questions. Students will explore related cultural elements and make comparisons with their own culture(s) as well as make connections across disciplines.
Unit I - Personal and Public Identity
Contexts
Alienation and assimilation
National and ethnic identities
Personal beliefs
Personal interests
Self-image
Essential Questions
- How are aspects of identity expressed in various situations?
- How do language and culture influence identity?
- How does one's identity develop over time?
Unit 2 - Contemporary Life
Contexts
Education and careers
Lifestyles
Social customs and values
Volunteerism
Sample Learning Activities
Interpersonal Spoken Communication:
- Students will create list of challenges to our environment and our society and share it in class discussion.
- Students will talk about what they can do to minimize their environmental impact.
- Students will look for examples of what companies are doing to reduce or offset their environmental impact and said actions during a class discussion.
Unit 3 - Beauty and Aesthetics
Contexts
Defining beauty
Language and literature
Visual and performing arts
Essential questions
- How are perceptions of beauty and creativity established?
- How do ideals of beauty and aesthetics influence daily life?
Unit 4 - Families and communities
Contexts
Customs and values
Education communities
Family structure
Social networking
Essential questions
- What constitutes a family in different societies?
- How do the roles that families and communities assume differ in societies around the world?
Unit 5 - Science and technology
Contexts
Effects of technology on self and society
Innovations
Science and ethics
Essential questions
- How do developments in science and technology affect our lives?
- What factors have driven innovation and discovery in the fields of science and technology?
- What role does ethics play in science and technology?
Unit 6 - Global Challenges
Contexts
Economic issues
Population and demographics
Social welfare
Social conscience
Essential questions
- What are the social, political and environmental challenges that confront societies in the world?
- What are the origins of those challenges?
- What are some possible solutions to those challenges?
How do the arts both challenge and reflect cultural perspectives?
This syllabus is subject to change without prior announcement to accommodate the needs of the class.
Course Summary:
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