Elementary Spanish I

Course Description: SPN 1120, Elementary Spanish, is the first of a three-semester sequence of courses designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of Spanish. The course emphasizes the four communicative skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in a culturally authentic context. Basic grammar skills are also introduced.

Objectives & Goals: In this course you will expand your knowledge of the culture, history, and daily lives of the Spanish-speaking peoples of the world. We will emphasize on the variety of the Spanish culture, geography, folklore and current use of the Spanish language. There will be a special interest in the Valencian traditions and customs. One of the goals in this course will be the interaction among culture, realia and the language learning process. Students will be involved in the practice of the language within real situations, and we will work on the excursions and cultural trips that the Program offers this session to improve your language knowledge and communication. By the end of the course you will be able to read, write and speak Spanish on a basic level.

Expectations: Students will make oral presentations, read short texts, and write brief compositions in Spanish. Students will be expected to actively participate in a variety of interactive and small group activities, in addition to the individual work that they will prepare outside of class. Students are required and encouraged to make every effort to use Spanish during the class period. Further, students are expected to come prepare to participate and contribute in class activities as well as being respectful to their peers and assist in the establishment and maintenance of a positive learning environment.