Each time you will write in your ‘Blue Book’ a summary of what you both shared by comparing and contrasting your views. It ought to show evidence of critical thinking, and deep engagement in order to receive full credit. You MUST write at least one and a half pages, and a maximum of three pages, skipping lines. Diario assignments not written in the blue book will be heavily penalized.

The Diarios are an excellent opportunity to practice conversation and writing in Spanish in a non-threatening environment. The written part of the assignment will be graded on content rather than form, unless grammatical errors make the content incomprehensible. Since grammar is not penalized, this is an important opportunity to challenge yourself linguistically. Errors will be corrected using the same format as the compositions (list of symbols).

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For each topic, you are required to complete at least the following four activities: Dialogue, Sentence Pronunciation, Picture/Word Association, and Dictation.

Because you are working in the "Free to Roam Mode" the maximum percentage you can receive for completed work for Dialogue and Picture/Word Association is 50%. For some of the lessons, it may be 25%.
The grade you receive in TMM is based on completion. I have access to your detailed records, and am able to see all sentences and parts of exercises you complete as well as hear everything you record. I assign your grades based on the detailed records and not on the percentage completed.

Note: Please, always sign out in the LRC Usage Log after completing your assignment. This is very useful for their budget.

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Wimba (ExTemplate):

There will be three (3) on-line speaking assignments using WIMBA. You will enter this site, log in and find the appropriate assignment as noted in the syllabus. Be sure to click on submit when you are finished.

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You will weekly exchange e-mails or chat with a student from Universidad Tecnológica de Monterrey, México.
Click here for details: Information and the schedule project sheet.

In the Fall 2007, two Rice students from a Span 201 class used this experience to give their "presentación final" about the Universidad Tecnológica de Monterrey. Click on here to watch the presentation.

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The A+:

This section counts for 5% of your total grade. Below you will find a list of activities from which you may choose one. This assignment gives you credit for having experienced real life encounters with cultures of the target language. The deadline to turn in your A+ activity is noted in the syllabus.

1) Attend two (2) Spanish tables on campus.  You should be proactive for a minimum of 30 minutes, at the end of it, get the approval and a signature of the instructor responsible for the Spanish table that day.  Print out this sheet and take to the tables.  

2) Visit a Houston community center (school, hospital, religious community, a flea market, etc…),where people speak Spanish, and speak in Spanish with at least three people (minimum of 30 minutes total). Write a composition of your experience. Type a Word Document (font size 12, double spaced), your complete name, date and name of class, a minimum of 150 words to a maximum of 200 words.

3) Watch a theatre play in Spanish. Write a composition of your opinion about it. Type a Word Document (font size 12, double spaced), your complete name, date and name of class, a minimum of 150 words to a maximum of 200 words.

4) Attend a cultural event in Spanish (eg. altars in the Day of the Dead, the Bolivian Independence Celebration, Cinco de Mayo Parade, etc...). Converse in Spanish with people who attended. Write a composition of your visit.  Type a Word Document (font size 12, double spaced), your complete name, date and name of class, a minimum of 150 words to a maximum of 200 words.

5) In Spanish, give a talk in class (5-10 minutes) about a recent visit to a Spanish-speaking country (provide pictures and/or Power Point presentation).  You need to set up a date with your instructor.

6) Your suggestion, you need to speak to your instructor to clarify your idea to be approved.


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or by appointment

Phone: 713-348-2844
Fax: 713-348-5846
E-mail: varbizu@rice.edu or va1@rice.edu