Directed Independent Intermediate Spanish is a unique course which allows you to personalize your language learning experience. Students work individually on course materials which include not only traditional textbook materials but also video, computer software and the Internet. In this course, you will increase your vocabulary, improve your understanding of Spanish grammar and develop your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills.

All of the information that you will need for this course can be found on the WWW. You will complete one chapter in your textbook approximately every two weeks. Each chapter test includes questions related to the grammatical, thematic and cultural focus of each chapter. Workbook pages are assigned for practice and collected for a homework grade. Web-based materials and the textbook CD-ROM are also available to help you review before the exam. In addition to the content required in each chapter, you are expected to continue developing your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. Activities, available on the course website, help you practice these skills and prepare for additional evaluations.

Most of the work that you do can be done on your own schedule with the exception of your practica, a weekly meeting with a native Spanish speaking student. Some assignments can be completed at home but others will require that you go to the Multimedia Resource Center located in Stein Hall. Evaluations, administered on computer, are given every week. You are also required to meet with your Spanish professor on a monthly basis.

In this course, you will work with the Self-Paced Language Coordinator who can answer questions about course assignments and evaluations and the Technology Advisor who can assist you with the technology-based course materials. You will also be assigned to a Spanish Professor who will grade your exams and evaluate your speaking and writing abilities. Finally, you will meet once a week with a Foreign Language Assistant (FLA) to practice speaking Spanish.

Required Texts

1. Consult the Chapter Overview for a list of assignments. This webpage will link you to more detailed information about each chapter's content as well as practice activities.

2. Attend your weekly meetings with your Foreign Language Assistants to practice oral communication.

3. At the end of the first week, take the Listening Comprehension or Oral evaluation (alternating chapters) and the Writing evaluation. Testing hours and location will be posted on the "Bienvenidos" page.

4. At the end of the second week, take the Grammar/Vocabulary & Culture evaluation. Testing hours and location will be posted on the "Bienvenidos" page. Your Reading Comprehension assignment is also due at the end of the second week.

1. As a Directed Independent learner you must learn to budget your time. You should probably spend between 5-10 hours each week on Directed Independent materials. Work on the assignments until you feel comfortable with the goals and objectives for each unit. In most cases, we have given you extra exercises for each component, especially for those areas, which are often problematic for students.
2. One of the challenges of Directed Independent learning is that you will have to read and understand grammar explanations on your own. If you have any problems and/or questions please consult your Spanish Professor or the Coordinator as soon as possible.
3. Computers are machines and sometimes machines do not always work properly. Please be patient when you have technical problems and ask someone in the MRC for assistance. You should also inform the Technology Advisor as soon as possible because you might have discovered a programming glitch that we were unaware of.
4. You are responsible for your own learning in this course. There will be no one who will remind you to do your work every day. You must complete your unit evaluations by the dates listed. No make-up evaluations will be given without written permission from your Class Dean.