SPANISH 6308 ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND SPEECH
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:20am: 12:45 pm DUNN HALL 221
Office # DH 317 Phone: 678-3158 E-mail address: fburgos@memphis.edu
Direccion del blog: http://gramatica2010.blogspot.com
REQUIRED
1. Textbook: Repase y escriba: curso avanzado de gramática y composición by María Canteli Dominicis and John J. Reynolds. Fifth Edition (Quinta Edición).
2. Workbook: Repase y escriba: curso avanzado. de gramática y composición by R. Nicholas. 5th edition (Quinta Edición)
Textbook: Cuentistas hispanoamericanos de entresiglo. Publisher, McGraw Hill., 2005.
RECOMMENDED
1 Dictionary: The Oxford Spanish Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press, latest edition. R
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
6308. Advanced Grammar and Speech. (3). Special problems in Spanish grammar pertaining to prepositions, placement of descriptive adjectives, passive voice, reflexive substitute, past participle in absolute constructions, and reflexive pronouns; also emphasizes speech production, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. Strongly recommended for all MA candidates.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to develop a strong command of the Spanish grammar and vocabulary, which in turn can be used to improve oral communication. The course reviews special problems of the Spanish grammar such as prepositions, relative pronouns, passive voice, past participle in absolute constructions. Readings are used for vocabulary development, analysis of idiomatic expressions, and illustration of grammar points that pose difficulties to students. Graduate students will need to demonstrate a strong command of grammar and vocabulary with written and oral presentations. This is in addition to the four exams. Please, refer to the section “Additional readings and requirements for graduate students.”
PREREQUISITES
Graduate students taking this class must have been officially admitted to the MA in Romance Languages with a concentration in Spanish. Any exceptions to this prerequisite must have the permission of the instructor.
SYLLABUS MODIFICATION
The course syllabus is subject to change. This includes, but is not limited to, class schedule, number of exams, exam dates, percentages, etc. The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus if necessary. Changes will be announced in class. Students not attending when changes are announced are responsible for obtaining this information.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend class regularly. The maximum number of absences (justified or unjustified) in this class is three. If a student exceeds this number there will be a reduction of the student's grade. In this class for each absence beyond three, the grade of your final average will be reduced seven (7) points. For example, if your final average is 86 (B) and you have four absences your final grade will be reduced to 79 (C+).
EVALUATION
There will be three exams and the final, which includes from chapters 7-14. Students are also evaluated on specific projects such as class presentations.
MATERIAL
The material to be covered during the semester is indicated in this syllabus: chapters 7-14. Any changes in this regard will be announced in class. You need to prepare thoroughly each lesson assigned. Interaction between students and instructor and among students is extremely important to make progress and improve your command of Spanish, which is also the reason that a student with more than three absences (justified or not) will not be able to complete this class successfully. Exams will reflect the material of the required textbook and any other material discussed in the class.
DEADLINES FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND OTHER ASSIGNMENTS
When a class presentation is assigned, you need to do it the indicated day. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade. A hard copy is required for all assignments. Missing a class will not be considered a justification to avoid compliance of the policy described under “Deadlines for specific projects and other assignments.”
PERCENTAGES
EXAM I 20
EXAM II 20
EXAM III 20
CLASS PRESENTATIONS/PROJECTS
OTHER ASSIGNMENTS, PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE 15
FINAL EXAM 25 (COMPREHENSIVE CHAPTERS 7-14)
Attendance and participation will also be considered for the final grade. For example, a student with excellent attendance and participation whose final average is 89 (B+) may obtain an A-
GRADE SCALE
A+ 98-100
A 94-97
A- 90-93
B+ 87-89
B 84-86
B- 80-83
C+ 77-79
C 74-76
C- 70-73
D 60-69
F 59 and below
NO MAKEUPS WILL BE GIVEN (no exceptions).
CLASS CONDUCT
Eating is not allowed. Turn off your cell phone. Getting/checking phones calls/messages/ text messages during class is very disturbing and may constitute a case of academic misconduct. Use of cell phones and/or any other electronic devices during class is prohibited. When there is the need to use electronic devices such as laptops the class will be informed of such possibility. In this case the instructor will authorize the use of the laptop for specific class assignments only. Failing to turn off cell phones and leaving the classroom to check text/voice messages or use the cell phone to place or receive calls will be considered academic misconduct. All students are expected to be on time to class. Arriving late or leaving class early may count as an absence. Cheating and other academic misconduct described in the University of Memphis Student Handbook may constitute the basis for receiving a failing grade in this course.
Expectations for academic integrity and student conduct are described in detail on the website of the Office of Student Judicial and Ethical Affairs (http://saweb.memphis.edu/judicialaffairs). Please take a look, in particular, at the sections about “Academic Dishonesty,” “Student Code of Conduct and Responsibilities,” and “Disruptive Behaviors.” I will expect students to be aware of these guidelines and to conduct themselves accordingly.
OTHER COMMENTS
Cheating on any graded activity will result in a grade of F for the class.
Turning in class presentations, reports etc, used in other courses will result in a grade of F for the class.
No Extra Credit will be offered in this course.
I may at any time take up homework for a grade.
SPANISH 6308 ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND SPEECH
This schedule is subject to change
JAN 14 CHAP 7
19 CHAP 7
21 CHAP 8
26 CHAP 8
28 CHAP 8
FEB 2 CHAP 9
4 CHAP 9
9 CHAP 9 & REVIEW
11 EXAM CHAPS 7-9
16 CHAP 10
18 CHAP 10
23 CHAP 10
25 CHAP 11
MARCH 2 CHAP 11
4 CHAP 11 & REVIEW
9 SPRING BREAK
11 SPRING BREAK
16 EXAM CHAPS 10 & 11
18 CHAP 12
23 CHAP 12
25 CHAP 12
30 CHAP 12
APRIL 1 CHAP 13
6 CHAP 13
8 CHAP 13
13 EXAM CHAPS 12 & 13
15 CHAP 14
20 CHAP 14
22 CHAP 14 AND/OR REVIEW
27 REVIEW
FINAL EXAM (Chapters 7-14) Thursday May 6, 8:00 am 10:00 am Room Dunn 221
ADDITIONAL READING LIST AND REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
“El sur” by Jorge Luis Borges
“Diles que no me maten” by Juan Rulfo
“El verano feliz de la señora Forbes” by Gabriel García Márquez
“Ondina” by Carmen Naranjo
“Sensini” by Roberto Bolaño
“La alcoba dormida” by Juan Villoro
“Lección de cocina” by Rosario Castellanos
“El que vino a salvarme” by Virgilio Piñera
You will need to:
provide a summary of the short story and answer three questions of the “Análisis” for each of the readings listed above. You can choose any 3 questions from “Análisis”.
choose one of the readings for an oral presentation whose format I will discuss with you in class. (We can also discuss the possibility of a different topic)
watch two movies Hispanic movies (originally in Spanish). You must check with me your selection. Please identify a movie that you have not seen in a previous class. You are required to turn in a two-page report for each of these movies. In these reports you need to include the following: 1) a brief description of the plot; 2)a brief comment of the movie.
At the end of the semester you will need to turn in a paper which will provide an analysis of one of the readings. This paper is a key factor in considering how strong your written command of the Spanish grammar is and how much progress you made in the class. The minimum length of the paper is 4 pages. Consult with me if you have questions concerning the format of the paper. Deadline is April 16, 2009 BEFORE 11:30 am If you turn in your final paper after April 16 , there will be a reduction of 15 points for the grade affecting your paper. Last day you can turn in your paper is April 23 (the reduction of 15 points applies). If you fail to turn in your paper by April 23 at 11:20 am you will receive 30 points (F) for the percentage corresponding to the paper.
