Course description: This course is designed as an introduction to Spanish language in both Latin America and Spain. The four areas of language learning will be developed. These areas include: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The successful student will be able to survive in basic conversational situations by the end of the semester. He/she will also have a strong grammatical base on which to build. The first four lessons of ¡ARRIBA! A First Course will be covered.

Hispanic culture will be studied in addition to the language emphasis. This portion of the course will be based on Hispanic life in Hispanic countries and in the U.S. Any information on Hispanics in the U.S. would be a welcome addition to the class.

It is recommended that you spend at least 30 minutes a day on assignments and study.

Grading: 40% - Exams-- After each chapter and one oral exam at the end of the semester. No make-up except with a doctor's excuse or previous arrangement with the instructor. Exams and quizzes will be in the make-up file for only 48 hours.

30% - Quizzes-- Approximately one quiz per week in which there is not an exam with the lowest score being dropped at the end of the semester. Most quizzes will be announced a day before, but the instructor reserves the right to have pop quizzes. Make-up policy is the same as for exams.

20% - Homework-- 10 assignments will be graded at unannounced times so be prepared. No late work accepted! ½ of this grade will be credit given for the completion of daily assignments. If you are gone, you are responsible for obtaining that day's assignment and having it with you upon your return.

10% - Participation/Attendance-- Coming to class prepared, which includes having your text with you and your homework complete, is the major factor in determining this grade. Also, your attitude and effort to speak Spanish will be taken into account. This also serves as a measure of attendance. You will earn 5% of your grade if you are absent 4 times or less. For each additional absence you will forfeit ½ a percentage point. Speaking is a skill difficult to practice on your own, so you need to be here.