Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition (Face-to-Face)

SPAN 3210-01

Course: SPAN 3210-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: FLPH
CRN: 30721

Course Description

This is a writing-intensive course that offers both a detailed review of Spanish grammar and the application of grammatical rules to the written expression of complex ideas with correct usage and appropriate rhetorical style. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2020 or SPAN 3000 or SPAN 3212 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- Registration Restriction(s): None


As the title suggests, this course will have a split focus between advanced grammar review/practice and the development of the skills to write short, coherent texts in Spanish. To that end, students will learn how to organize their ideas in a logical manner and communicate them utilizing the structures and vocabulary that are characteristic of written and formal registers. Throughout this process, students will develop the ability to interpret and discuss literature and other written texts in Spanish at a basic level. 

In addition, the course will consist of an intense engagement with several advanced grammatical structures and concepts that tend to give learners more difficulty, such as the preterit/imperfect distinction, the subjunctive, the passive voice, etc. 

Required Texts

All course materials will either be distributed in class or be posted on Canvas. 

Learning Outcomes

In the course, it is expected that students: 
  1. Write texts (compositions) in Spanish that show students' progressive development of complex grammatical structures, appropriate sentence structure as well as coherent paragraph information and general effective organization of the texts.
  2. Organize and express their ideas in Spanish in a logical way using diverse language registers.
  3. Interpret and debate, at a basic level, texts that would help them develop a deeper understanding of the language and work on their interpretation skills. Students will be able to apply these abilities in the creation of their own texts.

The course will focus on the following Essential Learning Outcomes designed by SUU:
  • Intellectual and practical abilities with focus on:
    • Communication
    • Critical/Creative thinking
    • Inquiry and Analysis
    • Digital Literacy
  • Knowledge of Human Cultures

Course Requirements

Participation & Attendance (20%): First and foremost, participation includes daily (on time) class attendance. However, merely showing up for class is not sufficient to receive an exceptional participation grade. Full engagement with in-class activities and lessons is required. (See below for the attendance policy for the course)

Homework (25%): On the Friday of each week (if not earlier), the weekly plan containing the homework assignments for the following week will be posted on Canvas. Assignments for a given day are generally due that same day in class, but students should follow the due dates/times as indicated in the modules. (See below for policy on late assignments)

Compositions (20%): Four short writing assignments will be written throughout the course of the semester. For each assignment, students will write a first draft, receive feedback from the instructor, and then turn in an improved second version. “Grading”, as such, will be based on a student’s individual improvement rather than on an arbitrary one-size-fits-all standard. Students will be asked to sign an explanatory sheet that outlines which resources are and are not to be used in the writing of the compositions. 

Quizzes (35%): There will be several short quizzes throughout the semester. These will largely be grammar-based and will be announced in advance in class and on Canvas. 

Cell phone/Electronic Device Policy: I kindly ask that you only use your electronic devices to look up words when we are doing group or individual work. When I am lecturing, I find it extremely distracting to see students on their phones. I would ask that you put your phones away during these times. 

Grade breakdown
A (93-100)    A- (90-92)
B+ (87-89)    B (83-86)      B- (80-82)
C+ (77-79)    C (73-76)      C- (70-72)
D+ (67-69)    D (63-66)      D- (60-62)     F (59 or less)


Course Outline

The Canvas modules tool is used in this course and is updated on a weekly basis. At minimum, the following grammar points are covered in this course:

Forms and usage of the present subjunctive

Forms and usage of the preterite and imperfect

Forms and usage of the passive voice and the impersonal and passive se

Other uses of the Spanish se

Forms and usage of the past subjunctive

Forms and usage of the conditional

Si clauses

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Política para la tarea que se entrega tarde: Daily homework is usually due that same day prior to our class. Students may turn in a maximum of three late assignments without penalty. Students must submit the late homework within one week of the original due date. Subsequent late assignments will not be accepted. For late assignments that are turned in in-class (as opposed to through Canvas), it must be clearly marked as late at the top of the page and must be turned in by the following class day. Missing class is not an excuse for late homework. 

Attendance Policy

Asistencia (attendance): Students may miss a maximum of 3 classes without a negative impact on the final participation grade. For every additional unexcused absence, the student’s final participation grade will drop by 5%. For example, a student with 6 unexcused absences can receive no higher than an 85% participation score for the semester. If said student is not fully engaged in classroom activities, is consistently late to class, etc., then they can expect a much lower participation grade. 

Artificial Intelligence Policy

Within this course, all submitted assignments should be written, developed, created, or inspired by you. If any work is created by artificial intelligence (AI) it will be considered plagiarized work and a violation of SUU Policy 6.33: Academic Integrity. This could result in a failing grade to disciplinary action through the Dean of Students’ Office. AI is an evolving technology and will impact our academic, professional, and personal lives. It is important that as part of your education, you learn to critically think, create, and evaluate products/assignments. 

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and BingAI, are not allowed to be used in this class. Although the use of these types of tools may be allowed in other classes or are used professionally, this class will focus on learning foundations without the aid of generative AI. Any perceived use of generative AI will be investigated for possible submission to the university as cheating. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.