Course Objectives: Introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Task- and content-based approach integrates grammar in a functional use through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Language use encouraged through communicative activities rather than a sequence of linguistic units. Learning strategies and cultural awareness are also important objectives of the course.

Goals: Students completing SPANISH 103 will know about different sociocultural norms, acting with awareness of such differences; speak in short spontaneous conversations involving everyday topics, observing basic courtesy requirements; understand the gist of one-way communication such as radio and television; read for practical information; write simple correspondence and short compositions on familiar topics, with good control of basic sentence structure.

Course Requirements:

Work Requirements/Evaluation Criteria: Regular attendance essential. Students must participate actively in a student centered communicative environment. Grade based on participation, homework assignments, in-class work, three unit exams, an oral exam, cultural presentation, journals, composition and a final written exam.

Intended Audience:

SPANISH 103 is a first year language class for students who are considered to be High beginners. This means that instead of covering first year material in two semesters (SPANISH 101 and 102) students take only one semester of first year Spanish before entering the intermediate level (SPANISH 231). Admittance into the course is by placement exam recommendation or permission of the coordinator only.

Transfer students should take the placement exam to determine which course is most appropriate for their needs.