SPANISH 1

Fall 2015 Syllabus

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One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the
way. Frank Smith
To know two languages is to possess a second soul.
-Charlemagne
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to
him in his language, that goes to his heart.
-Nelson Mandela
Read more at
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/language.html#tobrkCFdllpT8Kch.99
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor: Barrett Dunn
Email: bdunn@hightechhigh.org
Phone: 760-759-2700 ext. 56209
Office: 218
Office hours: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 or by appointment
Website: barrettsd@weebly.com
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
How does learning a second language give us access to new cultures and ultimately
allow us to express and learn about ourselves?
COURSE DESCRIPTION
We use language not only to express our experience but also to create it. We can use
different languages to learn about others and therefore, ourselves. In this course we
will develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while exploring the many
diverse cultures where Spanish is spoken, including our own here in San Diego. In
order to learn Spanish in an authentic context, we will create as many opportunities
possible to interact with native-speakers in the community.

CLASSROOM NORMS AND EXPECTATIONS

90% of instruction in Spanish

Students speaking at least 50% of class time

Students do in class what cannot be done at home - practice processing and producing
Spanish.
Maintain an atmosphere of acceptance and patience.
Ask questions.
We learn languages at different rates and come into this class with different levels of
Spanish. It is crucial for our class to create and maintain an atmosphere of acceptance
where students feel safe and supported to practice speaking, make mistakes, and learn
from them in a constructive way. Treat others the way you would like to be treated, with
respect and compassion. Were all in this together.
MATERIALS
Composition book
Pencil
Folder for handouts
The Constitution of the State of California requires that we provide a public education to
you free of charge. Subject to certain exceptions, your right to a free public education
means that we cannot require you or your family to purchase materials, supplies,
equipment or uniforms for any school activity. If you prefer, you may get the materials
from the instructor. Please email me at: bdunn@hightechhigh.org
EXTRA HELP
My number one goal is that you succeed in this class so please dont hesitate to ask
questions in class and schedule office hours for my help. If you have a question, its
very likely others are wondering the same thing. Asking it in class or in office hours will
ultimately help yourself and others.
POLICIES FOR LATE WORK / MAKE-UP WORK
Late work will not receive full credit. In the event that you cannot submit your work on
time, your total available credit will decrease by 10% for every day the assignment is
late. Work that is more than 4 days late will not be accepted. Throughout the semester, I
will offer two make-up days where students who have failed to submit work will have the
opportunity to hand it in. The maximum credit receivable by submitting on these days
will be 70%. If you are absent, you must submit work that was assigned before your
absence as soon as you return to school. You will be given extra time to complete any
work that was assigned while you were out of school.
***If you know that you are going to be absent in advance (e.g. for a family vacation,
doctors appointment) you should notify us and the office before your trip or

appointment, and request any assignments that you may miss while you are gone.
Quizzes can be retaken within two weeks only if student schedules office hours to get
extra help first.

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADES

Composition Book / Homework
Daily Warm-ups
Class work
Homework

25%

Projects
Drafts/reflection
Product
Presentations
Student Expert Lessons

25%

Tests and Quizzes

Quizzes
Midterm
Final

25%

Class Participation
Speaking practice
Group/pair discussion
Proper use of class time

25%

Power Grade (PG) is used to track assignments with points. Parents, guardians, and
students can access PG with a username and password at
http://powerschool.hightechhigh.org/public/ Contact your advisor for parent and student
usernames and passwords.

CHALLENGE OPTIONS
Students will be given the option to challenge themselves with an alternative or modified
version of any major assignment / project. These must be discussed and approved by
the teacher when they are first assigned.