Courses # 1733, 1734 & 1735--Spanish Two
Periods # 3,4,7
Instructor: Mr. R. Grosser
8/26/2009
¡Bienvenidos!
Goals of the course
The second year Spanish course is a continuation of the first year
course, with more emphasis on the speaking, reading, and listening knowledge
of the language. It will provide an opportunity to put to use the concepts
learned in the first year course.
Difficulty of the course
Spanish, like all foreign language courses, is designed for the
college-bound student. It may require more study than some of your other
courses. A good rule of thumb is one half hour of study and/or written each
school night.
Requirements of the course
You will need the following items by the end of the first week:
- 1 thin flex binder
- 2 #2 pencils
- pack of subject dividers
Common reasons for poor grades
A few students do poorly in the course for the following reason(s):
- poor study habits
- lack of attention in class
- poor notes
- not doing the required homework
- failure to study nightly
- copying homework off other students
Textbook information
We are using the same textbook series as last year. The Ven Conmigo
program is a 2003 publication by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Videos, CD's,
workbooks, and overhead transparencies correspond directly to the book.
Grade information
I will be using the following method in order to arrive at your
grade. There will be quizzes and tests. There will be a quiz for almost
every Paso in the book. There are 3 Pasos in every chapter. After each
chapter, there will be a Chapter Test. A typical quarter might look like
the following:
2 Chapter Tests @ est. 130 points each (40% of quarter grade)
4-5 Paso Quizzes @ est. 70 points each (40% of quarter grade)
Homework/Participation @ 100 points (20% of quarter grade)
Note: Tests will be announced in advance. Quizzes may or may not be
announced in advance. Tests/quizzes may include all aspects of the language,
such as, vocabulary, dictation, grammar, listening, reading, culture etc..
Be ready for one test/quiz each normal week of school.
On the days of quizzes/tests, you will be required to
place your backpacks on the floor in the front of the room as you enter that
day. Backpacks will remain there until the last test/quiz has been
collected. You may read or study quietly at your desks after you submit your
test or quiz.
Notebook
A flex binder will be maintained during the year and will serve as a
notebook. These notebooks should consist of a first section containing the
Idioms of the day followed by a section for each chapter that we cover in
the book. The Chapter section should contain the chapter vocabulary and
notes taken during class. (for example: I.O.D's, Ch #1, Ch #2, Ch #3, etc.)
They should be arranged in that order! Notes and vocabulary lists must be
printed from my webpage for each chapter. Listening/video activity sheets
should be kept in your textbook.
Homework/Participation policy
Students are required to do the homework. It is assigned
frequently. Doing it, is a requirement of the course. Homework will count
for 20% of your quarter grade. Points will be deducted from your homework
grade for each missed/late assignment. A detailed record will be kept on the
school’s grades page. Students are required to participate in class each
day. Participation grades will be given for your involvement at various
times during the quarter. Putting your head down, sleeping in class, not
paying attention, disturbing others during class will have a detrimental
effect on your quarter grade.
Vocabulary and Notes
Vocabulary lists and notes for each section of the book will be made
available to you online on my webpage. Students are required to go to the
webpage and print out each list and insert it into their folders.
Cheating
Cheating off another student, copying homework, using “cheat sheets”
will not be tolerated. Students engaging in such activity will receive a
grade of “0” for that quiz/test/homework and receive demerits. Students
caught cheating a second time will be suspended from class and I will
recommend expulsion from the class for the remainder of the school year.
Honors Spanish
Special projects will be assigned to the twenty or so 5 level
Spanish Two students. These assignments will be explained to you at the
beginning of each quarter. To maintain the “honors” status, you must
maintain a “B” average or better in the course and complete the extra
projects. Failure to complete these extra projects will significantly
reduce your quarter grade.
Projects
Projects may be assigned occasionally. They will not be of the term
paper variety. Instead, they will be more of the "hands-on" type. Students
may be asked to do a collage, map, photo album, poster, an ad, or perhaps a
video. More information will be given to the students later regarding these.
Extra help
I am available from 2:30-2:50 each day for extra help. Student
tutors are also available upon request. There is no charge. Contact your
guidance counselor if you need to request a student tutor.
Thanks,
Mr. Grosser
