Spanish_216:_Oral_Expression_and

Purpose and scope:

This course is designed to stimulate, encourage and guide the student to develop his/ her fluency in spoken language. Students will move beyond simple conversational formulas and enter the world of detailed descriptions, personal opinions, speculations and the recounting of experiences in a narrative style.

Methods/resources used:

Students will have a variety of resources at their disposal, including:

1. Interaction with native speakers on campus.

2. Watching of Spanish language news broadcasts and audio and video materials in the Language Center.

3. Viewing and discussion of several films.

4. Acquisition of general and specific vocabulary, enabling the student to talk about many different subjects, including one that is of particular interest to him/her, with a reasonable command of the language.

5. Presentation and defense of an opinion in a debate format

6. Discussion of current events in Latin America using material from The Christian Science Monitor and other publications.

7. Improvisation and circumlocution in situations in which the student is less knowledgeable than a conversation partner.

Grading:

The final grade will be based on the extent of the student’s demonstrated improvement in conversation skills, as observed daily in class by the instructor, practiced in multiple learning modes, and tested.

Attendance policy:

A class of this nature becomes a cohesive unit and, therefore, the daily activity of every member is crucial to the group dynamic. Daily attendance is expected! Three cuts triggers a lowering of the final grade.

Comments:

This is a course designed to prepare you for living, studying and working abroad. It should help you develop confidence in your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish. As a natural by-product of researching and listening to issues, your reading and listening comprehension will also improve measurably.

Rev. 4/25/08