Spanish I

DESCRIPTION:
Beginning Spanish. Introduction to Spanish language and aspects of Spanish and Latin American culture. Four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) are developed in order to acquire a general ability to communicate in a number of the most familiar situations of everyday life and to understand main points of simple conversations and texts needed in a Spanish-speaking environment. (CEFR-A1)

RATIONALE: 
This course is the first in a four-part series for students with no prior knowledge of the Spanish language. The course emphasizes the four communicative skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing in a culturally authentic context. Basic grammar skills are also introduced. After taking the class, students will be able to establish essential social contacts, read short texts, and write brief compositions in Spanish.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of completing this course, a student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of simple spoken expressions, phrases and interactions related to basic familiar everyday needs, provided the speech is slowly and clearly articulated.
2. Demonstrate understanding of words, simple sentences and short texts containing basic commonly used vocabulary
3. Take part in short and simple conversation related to basic familiar everyday needs.
4. Compose very short sentences and simple short texts containing basic commonly used vocabulary
5. Demonstrate understanding of basic cultural similarities and differences

METHODS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Classes encompass all four skills of language learning (i.e. reading and writing, listening and speaking).
- Work in class concentrates on oral communication in Spanish, reading and writing assignments are done mostly as homework.
- Extensive Partner and group work reinforce the communicative aspect.
- Classes consist of interactive learning and the instructor is a guide, a source of information, and a facilitator in the learning process and during the class activities.
- Students collaborate mainly in groups of two or three

Activities
- Classes consist of interactive learning 
-Students work mainly in groups of two or three
- Activities with audio/video input
- Activities with smart class equipment
- Reading, writing, listening activities, grammar, lexical activities with the homework book and exercises/interactive exercises created on Blackboard