Page 1 of 9 Instructor: Office: Office Hours: Phone Number: E-Mail: DEPARTMENT OF WRITING AND LANGUAGES SPANISH 4315, ACQUISITION OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE Dr. Dania López García COURSE SYLLABUS FALL SEMESTER 2017 Main (EDBC) 1.512 (DURING OFFICE HOURS ONLY) Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00 pm- 2:00pm (Brownsville campus) or Virtual Office Hours via e-mail or Skype Also available by appointment 956-882-6503 (Office) CONTACT METHODS: E-mail or Phone dania.lopezgarcia@utrgv.edu You may contact me using any of the information shown above. Please feel free to reach me if you have any questions regarding content, if you need clarification, or would like assistance. COMMUNICATIONS: The course will use e-mail system extensively to communicate during the term. The instructor will use the student's University Network Authorization Account for all e-mail communications. ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO CHECK AND USE THIS ACCOUNT REGULARLY. BIENVENIDOS A SU CLASE DE ESPAÑOL, SPAN 4315! TEXBOOK AND REQUIRED MATERIALS: No textbook required. Selected readings can be found in Blackboard from: 1. Koike, D. & Klee, C. (2013). Lingüística aplicada: Adquisición del español como segunda lengua. Second Edition. New Jersey: Wiley. 2. Hualde, J., Olarrea, A., Escobar, A. & Travis, C. (2010). Introducción a la lingüística hispánica. Second edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 3. Montrul, S. (2012). El bilingüismo en el mundo hispanohablante. New Jersey: Wiley. 4. Other related academic articles.
Page 2 of 9 PREREQUISITE: DESCRIPTION: Successful completion of SPAN 2313 and 2315, Spanish for Bilinguals I and II and SPAN 3300 and 3301, Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition I and II, with a grade of C or better. This course provides an introduction to the theory and research in the acquisition of the Spanish language. It provides students with an introduction to Spanish first and second language acquisition and the issues that arise as a result of multilingualism such as attrition, or the loss/erosion/modification of a previously acquired language when others are acquired, incomplete acquisition of the language. Taught in Spanish. Lec 3, Cr 3. THIS IS AN ONLINE COURSE OFFERED VIA BLACKBOARD. It will be delivered entirely online through the course management system Blackboard Learning. You will use your UTRGV account to login to the course from the My UTRGV site and under applications click on Blackboard Learning. The course is organized into seven modules of instruction, as outlined in the Course Schedule. Due Dates that are listed in the calendar of activities. Each session is listed by its main topic and contains required readings, mini lectures, homework assignments, compositions, quizzes, exams, etc. NOTE: Most materials used in conjunction with the course are subject to copyright protection. COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course will Introduce students to the study of the field of Linguistics as it applies to the teaching and learning/acquisition of languages. Examine key issues and concepts in the teaching and learning/acquisition of languages research as it relates to Spanish. Introduce the fundamental concepts and issues in first and second language acquisition and its applications. Examine specific theories of language learning/acquisition (Language one, second language, foreign language, heritage language). Examine the effects of social and cultural influences on the teaching and learning/acquisition of languages.
Page 3 of 9 Examine current and historical theories and research in first and second language acquisition theory and practice. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course, students are expected to: 1. understand the differences between adult second language acquisition and child first language development. 2. become knowledgeable of the history of the field and the various methods used in SLA research. 3. understand how the learner s first language, L2 input, and instruction affect SLA. 4. become familiar with major SLA theories and models that seek to explain the relationship between L1, input and instruction and the development of L2 proficiency. 5. understand how SLA may be affected by learner factors such as age, motivation, language aptitude, personality, and cognitive style. 6. develop the ability to read the literature on the covered topics critically, 7. develop an understanding and positive attitude toward second language learning and second language users. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: COMPUTER HARDWARE: To participate in this online course, you should have easy access to a computer less than 5-years old with high-speed internet connection via cable modem, LAN or DSL. To ensure you are using a supported browser and have required plug-ins please refer to Supported Browsers, Plugins & Operating Systems for Blackboard Learn from Blackboards resource page. STUDENT TECHNICAL SKILLS: You are expected to be proficient with installing and using basic computer applications and have the ability to send and receive email attachments. SOFTWARE: Mozilla s Firefox (latest version; Macintosh or Windows) Google Chrome (latest version; Macintosh or Windows) Adobe s Flash Player & Reader plug-in (latest version). Apple s QuickTime plug-in (latest version). Virus protection UTRGV Software link Microsoft Office UTRGV Software link
Page 4 of 9 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: If you need technical assistance at any time during the course or to report a problem with Blackboard you can: Visit the Blackboard Student Help Site Submit a Blackboard Help Ticket Help Contact Information (UTRGV s Blackboard Support): Brownsville Campus: Rusteberg Hall Room 108 Phone: 956-882-6697 or 956-882-6792. Monday Friday: 7:30AM- 6:00PM Edinburg Campus: Education Building Room 2.202 Phone: 956-665-5327 Monday Friday: 7:30AM-6:00PM GRADING: EXAMS: QUIZZES: HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: RESEARCH PAPER: 45 % of the grade will be determined by the average of 3 major exams. 15 % of the grade will be determined by the average of all Quizzes (Quizzes from selected readings and chapters will be given throughout the semester). 25 % of the grade will be determined by the average of all homework assignments (4 summaries of selected readings & 7 sets of definitions of terms from each module) 15% of the grade from a final research paper to be turned in at the end of the semester, see calendar for additional information. 100% Total PLEASE NOTE: Opportunities for extra points will be given prior to each major exam. Students will be able to complete a review for the test. The test is an electronic review and in order to receive extra points, students will be required to complete a minimum of 5 complete reviews and obtain, at least a 70 in each of the 5 attempts. If a student completes less than 5 review or does not obtain, at least a 70 on each review no points will be given. MAKEUP WORK: No assignment will be accepted late. Failure to turn in assignments on time will result in a grade of zero. No makeups on quizzes, exams, homework, presentation, or any of the assigned work. Makeups on exams will be allowed only if the student notifies the professor prior to the exam, the professor is satisfied that the absence was unavoidable (official documentation
Page 5 of 9 will be required), and arrangements are made at that time for the makeup exam to take place. ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION: COURSEWORK: Major Exams: Major exams can be taken from any computer with reliable Internet Connection. Instructor will provide instructions and password 24 hours before the exam. Exams are timed and must be completed and submitted within the allowed time or points will be deducted. There will be a total of three exams, one after the completion of modules 2, 4 and 7 and each exam will cover the material for 2 or 3 modules: Test 1, modules 1 and 2, Test 2, modules 3 and 4, and Test 3, modules 5, 6 and 7. Quizzes: Students will take a total of 8 quizzes, a syllabus quiz, and one quiz corresponding to the material covered in each module, 1-7. In order to prepare for each quiz, students must read the chapter and also the power point presentation. Students will have two attempts for each quiz, and the system will automatically record the highest of the two attempts. Homework Assignments: Homework assignments are divided in two different types: 1) Definiciones, 2) Resúmenes. Students will be required to turn in a total of 4 summaries of selected readings & a total of 7 sets of definitions of terms. Please note: All homework assignments must be typed and must be written in Spanish (Grammar and Spelling will be counted as part of each homework assignment 15% of the grade) and must be turned in inside Blackboard. Please note that Safe Assignment Rules will be enforced, this means, each student must do his/her own homework, on their own. Homework assignments are found in Blackboard under the tab MÓDULOS/MATERIALES. modules, 1-7, under TAREAS Research Paper: Students will be required to prepare a research paper to be turned at the end of the semester, check calendar for due date. The research paper is intended as an opportunity for students to examine a topic related to the topics we covered in this course in a more detailed manner than we can do in class. Extensive critical reading and thinking and integration of materials are the keys to a successful final research paper. 1. Student must submit the topic to the instructor using the messages tab located in Module 4, check course calendar for more information. 2. Student must submit an annotated bibliography using the APA format, Module 5. 3. Student must submit a detailed outline of the final paper using the final paper tab located in Module 6. It should provide enough information regarding the issues you will review in your final research paper.
Page 6 of 9 4. The final research paper must include 1) an abstract, 2) a brief review of the literature on the topic (no more than two pages), immediately after the introduction, the body of the paper, and conclusions. The paper should be, at least, 8 double-spaced pages in length (excluding the cover page, the abstract, tables, charts, maps and the list of references [bibliography]), font size # 12, 1 margins and it should follow the APA style format. For more information on the APA style format, go to module 7. 5. A minimum of 6 academic resources (databases, google books, google scholar, books, linguistic journals, academic articles, etc.) must be used for the paper. Citations must be properly formatted using the APA style format. VIEWING GRADES IN BLACKBOARD: Points you receive for graded activities within Blackboard (quizzes, exams, etc.) will be posted to the Blackboard Grade Book. Click on the My Grades link on the left navigation to view your points. Your instructor will update the online grades each time a grading module has been completed typically 7 days following the completion of an activity. You will see a visual indication of new grades posted on your Blackboard home page under the link to this course. IMPORTANT DATES: Classes Begin August 28, 2017. Labor Day-NO CLASSES September 4, 2017. Census day (last day to drop without it appearing on the transcript). Drop/Withdrawal Deadline; last day for students to drop the course and receive a DR grade. After this date, students will be assigned a letter grade for the course that will count on the GPA. September 13, 2017. November 15, 2017. Thanksgiving Holiday-NO CLASSES November 23-25, 2017. Study Day; NO CLASSES. December 7, 2017. Final Exams (schedule is posted at my.utrgv.edu check your scheduled time and list it on the syllabus) December 8-14, 2017. (For the University) Final Exam for this Course December 8, 2017.
Page 7 of 9 UTRGV POLICY STATEMENTS STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: MANDATORY COURSE EVALUATION PERIOD: ATTENDANCE: If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time. Brownsville Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and can be contacted by phone at (956) 882-7374 (Voice) or via email at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Edinburg Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in 108 University Center and can be contacted by phone at (956) 665-7005 (Voice), (956) 665-3840 (Fax), or via email at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTRGV account (https://my.utrgv.edu/home); you will be contacted through email with further instructions. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades. THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS and students are expected to actively participate in the course from the first class day. Students may be dropped from the course for excessive absences. UTRGV s attendance policy excuses students from attending class if they are participating in officially sponsored university activities, such as athletics; for observance of religious holy days; or for military service. Students should contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work or examinations. SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY: As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded that those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion; submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students.
Page 8 of 9 SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, AND VIOLENCE: In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a responsible employee for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a student s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at www.utrgv.edu/equity, including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination. COURSE DROPS: According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the 3-peat rule and the 6-drop rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Etiquette expectations (sometimes called netiquette ) for online discussions, email, and other forms of communication. NETIQUETTE: Netiquette is internet etiquette, or a set of expectations that describe appropriate behaviors when interacting online. It is important to understand that you will be held to the exact same standards of students taking a face-to-face course. In fact, for 100% online courses, your online classroom behavior may be the only interaction you have with your faculty and classmates, therefore making your netiquette even more important. Remember, you only get to make a first impression once, irrespective of the course delivery method. Be courteous You only get one chance for an online first impression. Make it count. Do not say or do anything in an online classroom that you would not do in a faceto-face classroom. This includes not YELLING (typing in all caps), not flaming (attacking someone, such as insults and name-calling), and/or not dominating the discussion. Be a good classmate
Page 9 of 9 Remember your own role as a student. Follow your instructor s directions at all times. Be authentic and collaborative with fellow students. Be aware of cyberbullying and make every attempt to eliminate it. Appreciate the diversity and different communication styles of your peers. Remember, since this class is online, you may have classmates from all over the world. Be professional Proofread your own writing for spelling, grammar, and punctuation to prevent miscommunication. Avoid slang, sarcasm, or emotionally-charged writing, as tone can be difficult to translate online. Profanity and offensive language will not be tolerated. Do not use abbreviations (2moro, 2T, B@U) or emoticons in your online class unless your professor approves and supports such writing styles. DEPARTMENT OF WRITING AND LANGUAGES, ACADEMIC YEAR 2017-2018