SPANISH I
SYLLABUS
Mr. Harris
Spring, 2006
Course Objectives: The student will learn basic phrases, vocabulary, and
the use of the present tense in order to function in at least a Novice Level
in terms of communicating basic needs, feelings and questions, as well as
the comprehension of simple readings.
Critical Objectives: The student will learn the following:
1. Greetings
2. Useful classroom vocabulary and expressions
3. Days of week, months of year
4. Numbers and writing dates
5. Weather and seasons
6. Expression of time and telling time
7. The verb “ser” (to be – permanent)
8. The definite and indefinite articles
9. The presence tense of regular verbs: “ar”, “er”, and “ir” families
10. The irregular verbs: “ir”(to go), “dar” (to give), and “estar” (to
be – temporary)
11. The “personal a”
12. The verb “hay” (there is/are)
13. Expressing possession
14. Vocabulary and talking about “family”
15. The “stem-changing” verbs
16. Talking about what/ who you know and what you know how to do
17. Talking about things you “have to” do, and “are going” to do
18. Talking about being sick
19. Parts of the body
20. Direct and Indirect objects
21. Use of the verb “ser” versus “estar”
22. The “reflexive verbs”
23. Talking about likes and dislikes, and thing you like to do
24. History and geography of the Hispanic World
25. Cultural knowledge about the Hispanic World
Textbook: The course will utilize the Bienvenidos text (1997 edition), the
accompanying workbook, as well as teacher developed materials,
presentations, and visual aids.
Course Philosophy: The course is designed to present basic vocabulary and
grammatical concepts along with daily opportunities to incorporate new
knowledge into the student’s base of understanding. The student’s
willingness to use actively the vocabulary and concepts presented, through
listening, writing, and speaking activities in and out of class will assist
greatly his or her proficiency and confidence with their new language.
Student Requirements: The student is expected to attend class, bring text
and workbook daily, participate in all class activities, complete assigned
work, study and review covered material, and take all scheduled quizzes and
tests. Any student with an excused absence for the day of a test will be
able to make it up on Thursday mornings (7:00 – 7:30) up to two Thursdays
after the date of the missed test.
Homework assignments are due the next day of class, unless otherwise
specified. Homework will be accepted up to two days later, and after being
graded for completeness will be reduced by a letter grade for each day past
due date.
Importance of Class Participation: Students are expected and encouraged to
participate in class activities and discussions. Participation is graded on
a daily basis by proficiency demonstrated on daily warm up quizzes, and also
completion of assigned class work, participation in group activities, and
responses to questions. Participation equates to 15% of your class grade.
Grading: The following grading system will be utilized to determine each
student’s grade for the course:
Grade Component Percent of Grade
Participation 15%
Homework 25%
Quizzes 25%
Exams 35%
Total 100%
All students will take the Mid-Term Examination. Prattville High School
policy will be followed regarding exemptions from Finals.
Generally teaching units follow the Bienvenidos text and will include a
vocabulary quiz, grammar quiz, various homework assignments, and the unit
test. Each unit requires about 5-8 days, depending on the complexity of the
material covered.
Mid Terms and Finals are comprehensive over each nine week period.
I am looking forward to getting to know each of you, and working together to
help you begin to speak a fantastic new language….español.
Sr. Harris
