Course Description:
This course is designed as an introduction to literary analysis and interpretation of Hispanic literary and cultural texts. As the gateway/ methods course for Hispanic Studies, 270 provides a broad overview of major literary movements, historical periods and genres, as well as an introduction to the basic vocabulary of literary analysis and cultural criticism. Throughout the semester, students will hone their critical thinking and analytical skills, both through focused writing assignments and regular participation in class discussion.
Required Activities Outside of Class:
- One campus or off-campus talk or event related to Hispanic cultures
- One campus or off-campus talk or event related to Justice, Equality, and Community
- One Charla amena or Mesa de español (Thursdays & Fridays in Commons)
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and distinguish among different historical periods, literary, and critical movements germane to the development of Hispanic cultures
- Analyze literary, visual, and cultural texts with a strong focus on close reading.
- Develop strong argumentative theses and defend them using textual evidence and close reading as the basic building blocks
- Produce academic writing utilizing increasingly complex grammatical structures, incorporating these structures into their writing
- Cite sources following MLA format, as well as prepare a formatted bibliography
Academic Access
The college welcomes requests for accommodations related to disability and will grant those that are determined to be reasonable and maintain the integrity of a program or curriculum. To make such a request or to begin a conversation about a possible request, please contact the Office of Academic Access and Disability Resources, which is located in the Center for Teaching and Learning in the E.H. Little Library: Beth Bleil, Director,bebleil@davidson.edu, 704-894-2129; or Alysen Beaty, Assistant Director, albeaty@davidson.edu, 704-894-2939. It is best to submit accommodation requests within the drop/add period; however, requests can be made at any time in the semester. Please keep in mind that accommodations are not retroactive.
Office Hours and E-mail:
My office hours are listed at the top of this syllabus. I encourage you to come see me if you have any concerns, about either your own performance or specific course content. It can be hard for me to gauge any difficulties you may be having, so the more readily you communicate with me the faster we can target the problem and find a solution. If you have another class during my office hours, please email me to set up a mutually agreeable time.
The best time to reach me by e-mail is during my office hours. I also make an effort to read my email in the evening.
Electronics in the classroom:
At times, you will need access to the internet to conduct research in class. These dates are indicated on the syllabus as “taller” or “examen colaborativo”. Daily notes should be takend by hand. I know a lot of students prefer to use laptops in classrooms to organize their note taking, but computers do not lend themselves to these kinds of language classes. Make sure you have put all cell-phones, tablets, and other electronic devices stored away before you come to class. No texting or social media is permitted in class. Moreover, I invite you to put away your phones as soon as you sit down and take advantage of the opportunity to chat with your neighbor (¡en español, por supuesto!)
The Speaking Center:
Located in the Center for Teaching and Learning in E.H. Little Library, the Speaking Center has tutors who can help at every step in preparing your oral presentations, and provide you with strategies to increase your class participation.
The Writing Center:
The Writing Center is another great resource located in E.H. Little Library.
Honor Code:
You may consult dictionaries, both online and in print, as well as textbooks or conjugation tables when doing your homework. You may also use Spanish Spellcheck (in fact, I recommend it.) You are not allowed to use translation programs or apps. You should not write in English and then translate your work to Spanish.
You are encouraged to meet with our tutor in the Writing Center. If you receive help from a student outside the Writing Center, that student must sign your paper and describe what kind of help was offered. Grammar help is acceptable, but you must work together with the student in conversation, not merely enter their changes. Please write “Palabra de honor” followed by your signature and date at the bottom of each assignment.
Late Assignments:
You are expected to complete all readings and blog posts prior to class. Extensions may be granted for some of the writing assignments if you seek permission ahead of time.
Asistencia:
Esta nota se basa sobre la participación activa en clase y la asistencia:
Se pasará lista todos los días. Se permite un total de dos faltas en caso de enfermedad o imprevistos. Te pido que te comuniques conmigo antes de clase para avisar. (Con permiso previo se permitirán 3 faltas por motivo de deportes u otras actividades aprobadas.) En caso de faltar a más clases que las permitidas, se bajará la nota final media nota por cada falta adicional. Una de las metas principales de esta asignatura es la comunicación oral espontánea, y para conseguirla es absolutamente fundamental no faltar a clase.
Si faltas a clase, debes contactarte con otro estudiante para pedir la información de la clase. Debes tener las señas de contacto de un mínimo de tres estudiantes.
Participación en clase:
No basta limitarse a la perfección del trabajo escrito. Es la obligación del estudiante participar en clase de modo activo demostrando una cuidadosa preparación previa del material y unas ganas verdaderas de mejorarse. Comprendo que es difícil hablar en otro idioma. Si eres de naturaleza tímida, te animo a hablar conmigo para que busquemos estrategias para ayudarte a participar.
A continuación, se encuentra una descripción de las notas:
|
A (100-95)
|
• Siempre llega a clase a tiempo y preparado/a. |
|
B+ (89-88)
|
• Siempre llega a clase a tiempo y preparado/a. • Participa en todas las actividades, pero a veces de modo pasivo. • Se ofrece de voluntario/a a veces. • No hace tantas preguntas como debe. • Siempre habla en español. |
| C+ (79-78) C (77-74) C- (73-70) |
• A veces llega a clase tarde. • A veces llega a clase sin estar preparado/a. • Participa en las actividades de clase, pero necesita que la profesora se lo pida. • Pocas veces, se ofrece de voluntario/a. • Se recurre al inglés cuando se frustra. |
| D/F (69 & below) | • Falta a clase. • Con frecuencia, llega a clase sin estar preparado/a. • Cuando participa, lo hace sin ganas. • Habla inglés. |
Las notas:
A (4.0) = 100-95 C+ (2.3) = 79-77
A- (3.7) = 94-90 C (2.0) = 76-74
B+ (3.3) = 89-87 C- (1.7) = 73-70
B (3.0) = 86-84 D+ (1.3) = 69-68
B- (2.7) = 83-80 D (1.0) = 67-65 (lowest passing grade)