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Practical Spanish II

SPA302 – Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 – 10:40

Online on Brightspace & Zoom

Professor: Jeanne Heil Office:

Email: jeanne.heil@maine.edu Cell:

310 Science Center Wing A

Office Hours: By appointment

*If I don’t answer your email in 72 hours, contact Dana McDaniel (dana.mcdaniel@maine.edu)*

Syllabus Contents

➢ Course Description, Objectives, Materials p. 1

➢ Course Schedule at a Glance p. 2

➢ Grade Breakdown p. 2

➢ Details of Graded Components pp. 2-4

➢ Linguistics Department Language Resources pp. 4

➢ Policies and Campus Resources pp. 4-7

➢ Full Course Schedule p. 8

Course Description

Students will practice effective listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish

using a communicative approach. Students who have successfully completed the course will

demonstrate advanced low communication and critical thinking skills in Spanish. Taught in

Spanish.

Prerequisite: Spa301 or Permission of Instructor; Cr. 4

Objectives

1. Students will display the ability to understand and produce oral and written Spanish in a

way that is communicatively relevant and appropriate at the 300 level.

2. Students will develop specific knowledge about one Spanish-speaking country in a subset

of topics from among the following (or similar): literature/poetry, film, politics, human

rights, language/linguistics, cultural practices, celebrations, religion, gender, race,

indigenous populations, or ecological challenges.

3. Students will be able to synthesize and be critical of information in the target language as

demonstrated in the presentation and/or discussion of primary and/or secondary sources.

Materials

• Required: Stable internet connection; No required textbook

• Recommended: Repase y escriba, Séptima edición.

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Course Schedule at a glance1 2

Unidad +

Semana(s)

Tema Película Gramática

Introducción

Semana 1

n/a

Unidad 1

Semanas 2-4

La tierra H2O MX Subjuntivo adjetival

Infinitivos y gerundios

Semana 5 - Taller 1

Unidad 2

Semanas 6-8

El ser humano Mar adentro Subjuntivo adverbial

Usos del se

Semana 9 - Taller 2

Unidad 3

Semanas 10-12

Factores

comunitarios

Yo la peor de todas Pronombres relativos

Cláusulas si

Semana 13 - Preparar proyecto final y síntesis

Semana 14 – Taller 3

Semana de exámenes: Entregar proyecto final y presentar

Grade Breakdown

• Asistencia (12 * 1 pto) 12

• Pruebas (3 * 10 ptos) 30

• Respuestas escritas (5 * 4 ptos) 20

• Tarea de gramática (6 * 1 pto) 6

• Charlas (3 * 2 ptos) 6

• Talleres (3 * 2 ptos) 6

• Proyecto final

o Parte entregada 15

o Parte presentada 5

Details of Graded Components

Asistencia (Attendance)

Students automatically receive the 12 points of attendance if they miss no more than 3 days of

class. Days beyond the 3 free days are worth 1 point per missed day.

Pruebas (Tests)

Students will complete one test at the end of each unit. Tests have a grammar component, a

reading component, and a writing component. Tests are available during class time on the day

1 This syllabus is subject minor changes as needed Students will be notified of changes by email and in class. The newest version

will be posted on Blackboard. Changes will only affect course content three weeks in advance or more. 2 See full course schedule at the end of this document.

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they are assigned, and students have the length of the class period (1 h, 40 minutes) to complete

it.

With documentation, the prueba can be rescheduled on a case-by-case basis.

Respuestas escritas (Written responses)

Students will turn in a written response at the end of each unit in addition to an introductory

writing in week one and a synthesis writing in week 13. Topics pertain to the films we will see

in class in concert with themes we’ve discussed. The respuestas escritas are in part a preparation

for the final project.

• Respuesta escrita 1 – Cine hispanohablante (general)

• Respuesta escrita 2 – H2O MX

• Respuesta escrita 3 – El mar adentro

• Respuesta escrita 4 – Yo la peor de todas

• Respuesta escrita 5 – Síntesis

Students can turn in one respuesta escrita late if needed (by Sunday before finals week).

Tarea de gramática (Grammar homework)

Six homework assignments relating to grammar are due via Brightspace, Sundays on the week

they’re discussed in class. Students can turn in one homework late if needed (by Sunday before

finals week).

Charlas (chats/talks/presentations)

Students will develop knowledge regarding a chosen Spanish-speaking region or country, and

they are responsible for doing research that region or country as part of classwork. For each unit,

students will be asked to participate by finding resources pertaining to their region/country of

study.

Assessment for this part appears in the charlas and the pruebas (see above). For the charlas,

Students will talk informally in response to questions that relate their region/country of study to

course material. Charlas are 3-5 minutes unless otherwise specified and are graded on student

preparedness, including at least 1 source.

If the student is not present on the day of the charla, it can be rescheduled.

Talleres (Workshops)

Three workshops will be given during the semester on topics related to language and language

use. Workshops take up two days of class and will have a homework assignment due by the

following Sunday night. Students can turn in one taller homework late if needed (by Sunday

before finals week).

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Proyecto final (Final project)

The proyecto final is an analysis of a film in light of the themes we discuss this semester.

Students can do the proyecto final on either one of the three provided options or an approved

alternative. The provided options appear in the folder, Opciones para el proyecto final, on

Brightspace and are available all semester for students to watch at their leisure.

The proyecto final has two parts: a written portion (parte entregada) and a presented portion.

Both are due during finals week. More information will be posted in April.

Linguistics Department Language Resources

➢ Science Center 305, Wing A; Portland Campus (when campus is open)

The Linguistics Department offers free language tutoring and a Spanish conversation table. Tutor

schedules and contact info will be provided as soon as the schedule is available. Students can

attend the language table in one of two ways:

• Students can attend on a drop-in basis

or

• Students can register for Spa150 to get for half a credit (see below re: SPA150). It will

be over Zoom and you can find the link here: https://usm.maine.edu/linguistics/tutoring.

Note that registered students are expected to attend regularly, and attendance will be

taken by a faculty member.

Here is the information on the course if you want to register for it:

SPA 150 Language Table - Tuesdays 11 a.m. to noon.

Students participate in a one-hour weekly language table where they practice

conversational skills in a group. The group is led by a fluent speaker. Students of all

levels are welcome. This course is pass/fail and may be repeated. Credits = 0.5

Policies and Campus Resources

Academic Integrity/Plagiarism

Everyone associated with the University of Southern Maine is expected to adhere to the

principles of academic integrity central to the academic function of the University. Any breach

of academic integrity represents a serious offense. Each student has a responsibility to know the

standards of conduct and expectations of academic integrity that apply to academic tasks.

Violations of academic integrity include any actions that attempt to promote or enhance the

academic standing of any student by dishonest means. Cheating on an examination, stealing the

words or ideas of another (i.e., plagiarism), making statements known to be false or misleading,

falsifying the results of one's research, improperly using library materials or computer files, or

altering or forging academic records are examples of violations of this policy which are contrary

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to the academic purposes for which the University exists. Acts that violate academic integrity

disrupt the educational process and are not acceptable.

Evidence of a violation of the academic integrity policy will normally result in disciplinary

action. A copy of the complete policy may be obtained from the office of Community Standards

and Mediation, online at usm.maine.edu/community-standards-mediation/academic-integrity or

by calling and requesting a copy at (207) 780-5242.

Disability Accommodations

The university is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to all university

programs and services. If you think you have a disability and would like to request

accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Center. Timely notification is essential.

The Disability Services Center can be reached by calling 207-780-4706 or by email dsc-

usm@maine.edu. If you have already received a faculty accommodation letter from the

Disability Services Center and would like to request accommodations for this course, please

provide me with that information as soon as possible. Please make a private appointment so that

we can review your accommodations together.

Attendance Policy: Inclement Weather

From time to time USM will determine to close the University due to inclement weather. When

the cancellation is for an entire day, the class content will be made up at another time or through

additional, outside of class assignments.

When the school opens late or closes early, and the time selected is during the middle of class,

we will still hold the class unless you are otherwise notified by me. Two examples:

• Our class starts at 9am, but if the University is closing at 10:00am, we will still have class

unless you hear from me.

• Our class starts at 9am, but if the University is opening at 10:00am, we will still have

class unless you hear from me.

Tutoring and Writing Assistance

Tutoring at USM is for all students, not just those who are struggling. Tutoring provides active

feedback and practice, and is available for writing, math, and many more subjects. Walk-in

tutoring is available at the Glickman Library in Portland, the Gorham Library, and the LAC

Writing Center. For best service, we recommend making an appointment

at https://usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/schedule-tutoring-appointment. Questions about

tutoring should be directed to Naamah Jarnot at 207-780-4554. Interested in becoming a more

effective, efficient learner? Check out https://usm.maine.edu/agile!

Learning Commons Tutoring

Learning Commons tutoring services include writing, critical reading, academic coaching, study

skills and time management. Walk-in tutoring is available at the Glickman Library in Portland,

the Gorham Library, and the LAC Writing Center. For best service, we recommend making an

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appointment at https://usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/schedule-tutoring-appointment.

Questions about tutoring should be directed to Paul Dexter at 207-780-5577.

Course Evaluations

At the end of each semester every student has the opportunity to provide constructive feedback

on the course. It is important to me that you take the time to let me know your thoughts about the

course. I use your feedback to make improvements in the course materials, assignments, and

outcomes.

Health and Counseling

Counseling is available at USM. The best way to schedule an appointment is to call 780-5411.

More information is available at https://usm.maine.edu/uhcs.

Recovery Oriented Campus Center (ROCC)

A peer support community for students in recovery from substance abuse and other mental health

conditions is available at USM. More information may be found online at

https://usm.maine.edu/recovery or by containing ROCC at 207-228-8141.

Non-discrimination Policy and Bias Reporting

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the

grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression,

national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in

employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been

designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Amie Parker, Interim

Director of Equal Opportunity, The Farmhouse, University of Maine Augusta, Augusta,

ME 04333, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System). Incidents of discrimination or bias

at USM should be reported to Associate Vice President for Student Affairs David Roussel at

207-780-5242.

Statement on Religious Observance for USM Students

Absence for Religious Holy Days: The University of Southern Maine respects the religious

beliefs of all members of the community, affirms their rights to observe significant religious holy

days, and will make reasonable accommodations, upon request, for such observances. If a

student’s religious observance is in conflict with the academic experience, they should inform

their instructor(s) of the class or other school functions that will be affected. It is the student’s

responsibility to make the necessary arrangements mutually agreed upon with the instructor(s).

Title IX Statement

The University of Southern Maine is committed to making our campuses safer places for

students. Because of this commitment, and our federal obligations, faculty and other employees

are considered mandated reporters when it comes to experiences of interpersonal violence

(sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, and stalking). Disclosures of

interpersonal violence must be passed along to the University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator

who can help provide support and academic remedies for students who have been impacted.

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More information can be found online at http://usm.maine.edu/campus-safety-project or by

contacting Sarah E. Holmes at usm.TitleIX@maine.edu or 207-780-5767.

If students want to speak with someone confidentially, the following resources are available on

and off campus: University Counseling Services (207-780-4050); 24 Hour Sexual Assault

Hotline (1-800-871-7741); 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (1-866-834-4357).

Policy on Acceptable Conduct in Class Settings

If a student substantially disrupts a class, the professor may ask the student to align with this

policy on conduct in a class setting. If the student refuses, the professor may, at their discretion,

ask the student to leave. If the professor takes this step, they must attempt to communicate with

the student and provide informal counsel and advice. The professor may elect to notify their dean

of the situation as well. If the student disrupts the class again, the professor may, at their

discretion, provide a written notification to the student, describe the offending behavior, and

refer the student’s case to the appropriate academic dean and notify the dean of students that an

official student conduct code violation has occurred [https://usm.maine.edu/community-

standards-mediation/conduct-process].

COVID Face Covering Requirement

Per USM and the University of Maine System, all students, faculty, and staff members are

required to wear a face covering, including during all face-to-face classes. Resident students are

exempted from this requirement when in their own room in the residence hall. Students seeking

additional exceptions from this requirement should refer to the DISABILITY

ACCOMMODATIONS section of this syllabus. https://www.maine.edu/together/community-

guidance/everyone/

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Full Course Schedule

Unidad Semana Tema

Tarea

(antes de la siguiente

clase)

Introducción 1 (M) Rompehielos

Respuesta escrita 1 (J) Charlas introductorias

Unidad 1:

La tierra

2 Temas ecológicos

Subjuntivo adjetival (GR1)

Gramática 1

Ver H2O MX

3 Temas de H2O MX

Infinitivos y gerundios (GR2)

Gramática 2

Respuesta escrita 2

4 (M) Charlas de Unidad 1

(J) Prueba 1

Taller 1 5 Lenguas indígenas y el español Tarea del taller 1

Unidad 2:

El ser humano

6 Los derechos humanos

Subjuntivo adverbial (GR3)

Gramática 3

Ver Mar adentro

7 Temas de Mar adentro

Los usos del se

Gramática 4

Respuesta escrita 3

8 (M) Charlas de Unidad 2

(J) Prueba 2

Taller 2 9 Género inclusivo en el español (Latinx) Tarea del taller 2

Unidad 3:

Factores

comunitarios

10 La religión y la conquista

Pronombres relativos (GR5)

Gramática 5

Ver Yo la peor de todas

11 Temas de Yo la peor de todas

Cláusulas si (+futuro y condicional) (GR6)

Gramática 6

Respuesta escrita 4

12 (M) Charlas de Unidad 3

(J) Prueba 3

Preparar proyecto

final 13

Síntesis: Género, Raza, Clase

socioeconómica Respuesta escrita 5

Taller 3 14 Variación dialectal en el español actual Tarea del taller 3

Día de presentación final TBA

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