Course Syllabus
Athabasca University
Spanish (SPAN) 201
Spanish for Beginners II (Revision 2)
This version of SPAN 201 closed. To current version
Delivery mode: Individualized study with audio/video component.
Credits: 3 - Humanities
Prerequisite: SPAN 200 or Span 20 (second year senior high school Spanish) or equivalent.
Precluded course: SPAN 101 (SPAN 201 may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for SPAN 101.)
Centre: Centre for Language and Literature
Télé-université du Québec
SPAN 201 has a Challenge for Credit option.
Overview
SPAN 201 continues the study of the basic elements of the Spanish language of SPAN 200. Oral and written skills are developed through the study of vocabulary, grammar, and idioms. Pronunciation, comprehension, and writing are emphasized. The course will enable a student to speak and write simple Spanish in a range of everyday situations. SPAN 201 also introduces students to a rich cultural context.
Outline
SPAN 201 is divided into six units covering twenty-six language lessons. Within each unit the course examines communication, grammatical structures, and culture.
Part 1: Unit 1
- Communication: name parts of the body and use expressions related to medical examinations; use expressions to find out about events that have happened; describe what someone wants others to do; and talk about future events.
- Grammar Structure: the future tense of regular and irregular verbs; superlatives; and the subjunctive mood.
- Culture: Mexico: its geography and history; the important role of religion in Hispanic countries; and Cubans in the United States.
Unit 2
- Communication: name various types of businesses, including shops; listen to Spanish with more facility; name professions and trades; and discuss social relationships.
- Grammar Structure: the subjunctive to express future events; the present subjunctive, stem-changing verbs; conjunctions; commands with Ud., Uds., and tú forms; the present perfect tense; and relative pronouns.
- Culture: Mexican-American communities and their cultural, economical, and political influence; the Maya; and life in Hispanic countries.
Unit 3
- Communication: make requests and recommendations; express hope that something has happened; narrate past events; and use expressions related to money and financial matters.
- Grammar Structure: the present perfect subjunctive; the present participles as an adjective; and the past subjunctive.
- Culture: a popular Mexican drink: tequila; the history of Mexico; and the economy of Mexico and of Latin America.
Unit 4
- Communication: use vocabulary related to real estate transactions; use vocabulary for postal and banking services; order a meal in a restaurant; and use travel-related vocabulary.
- Grammar Structure: the conditional mood; the conditional to describe past events; and the conditional in if clauses.
- Culture: Mexican music and dances; Hispanic theatre; and Mexican foods and the origins of Mexican-American dishes.
Unit 5
- Communication: use vocabulary related to staying in hotels; talk about different sports; express relationships with family and friends; and discuss pastimes and hobbies.
- Grammar Structure: the past perfect tense: additional uses; adverbs; and the past perfect subjunctive in conditional clauses.
- Culture: women's role in the Hispanic world; mural art; and the Hispanic family.
Unit 6
- Communication: use the vocabulary you have learned throughout the course to improve your listening, reading, and writing skills.
- Grammar Structure: adverbial conjunctions: further uses and subjunctive forms (review).
- Culture: describe characteristics of family life in Hispanic America, based on the events and relationships you have observed in the Destinos programs.
Evaluation
To receive credit for SPAN 201, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least "D" (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| 6 Written Exercises | 5 Oral Exercises | Oral Exam | Written Exam | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | 15% | 20% | 50% | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbook
Van Patten, Bill, Martha Alford Marks, and Richard V. Teschner. 1991. Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish. McGraw-Hill.
Other materials
The course materials include a workbook/study guide and twelve audiotapes (Lecciones 27-52).
Special Course Feature
SPAN 201 cannot be completed without viewing the television broadcasts or the corresponding videotapes for each lesson (lección). Students unable to view the broadcasts will need to borrow the videotapes from Athabasca University Library.