Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.210.211

Intermediate Spanish I

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.1)

Intermediate Spanish I is a comprehensive study of Spanish designed for students who have attained an advanced elementary level in the language. The course is organized around a thematic approach to topics relevant to contemporary Hispanic culture. Students will practice the four language skills in the classroom through guided grammatical and creative conversational activities and through the completion of three comprehensive exams. Outside of class, students will complete extensive online assignments and write three major compositions (as part of the three exams). In addition, students will broaden their knowledge of Hispanic culture by viewing a Spanish-language film and by reading several literary selections. Successful completion of Intermediate Spanish I will prepare students for the next level of Spanish (Intermediate Spanish II).There is no final exam. No new enrollments permitted after the third class session.

Fall 2012

(3.73)

Fall 2012

(3.89)

Fall 2012

(4.31)

Fall 2012

(4.14)

Fall 2013

(3.82)

Fall 2013

(4.35)

Fall 2013

(3.67)

Fall 2014

(4.74)

Fall 2014

(4.42)

Spring 2013

(3.8)

Spring 2013

(3.29)

Spring 2014

(4.13)

Spring 2015

(4.58)

Spring 2015

(4.23)

Spring 2023

(4.34)

Spring 2023

(4.23)

Fall 2012

Professor: Cathleen Carris

(3.73)

The best aspects of this course included the in-class dialogue and interaction which forced students to actually speak the language. The worst aspect of this course was the time-consuming and harshly graded online MySpanishLab assignments. There were a lot of different assignments and the class was structured in a way that made it difficult for students to enjoy the lessons. The course would improve if there was more emphasis on the grammar and vocabulary, as well as a different homework system than the online lab assignments. Prospective students should endeavor to do the reading assignments before class and must brush up on their Spanish before taking this course.

Fall 2012

Professor: Sergio Ruiz-Perez

(3.89)

The best aspect of the course was the well-structured and interactive lessons students received. There were lots of speaking activities and students found the professor extremely helpful. The worst aspect of the course was the online MySpanishLab assignments which were often unclear and accompanied by lots of software errors. The course would improve if the MySpanishLab assignments were restructured with a better grading system and if there were more in-class lessons and speaking practice available. Prospective students should be sure to keep up with the assignments and ensure they pay close attention to the MySpanishLab portion of the assignments.

Fall 2012

Professor: Amanda Smith

(4.31)

The best aspect of the course was the enjoyable class environment with lots of class interaction and practice exercises. The teacher did a great job of clarifying confusing sections and was extremely helpful to students. The worst aspect of the course was the MySpanishLab assignments, which were not well designed. The course would improve if the MySpanishLab assignments were reevaluated and if there were more in-class grammar and vocabulary lessons. Prospective students should have some previous Spanish knowledge going into this course and should be prepared to put forth effort in this relatively manageable class.

Fall 2012

Professor: Paula Gefael -borras

(4.14)

Students liked the helpful and encouraging professor. There was also a good mix of presentations, lessons, and media tools such as the online Spanish radio, Cadena Dial. The worst aspect of the course was the vague MySpanishLab assignments. The course would improve if there were more homework assignments and more diverse in-class activities to help students practice their Spanish. Prospective students should be prepared for lots of hard yet manageable work that will really help them learn Spanish.

Fall 2013

Professor: Barry Weingarten

(3.82)

The best aspect of this course included the group projects that encouraged everyone to speak, and the focus on learning the grammar rules. Students thought that there could have been more conversational and listening activities, and that the course was taught directly from the book with little elucidation or expansion. Students suggested changing the course to al ow more time for in-class discussions and conversations to help students with their speaking skil s. They believed that taking a few minutes to teach everything in English might help students better understand the grammatical concepts. Students also suggested replacing the online homework assignments with something else. Prospective students should be prepared to practice and speak Spanish every day. They should be willing to participate in class discussions and show that they are putting effort into learning the materials.

Fall 2013

Professor: Sara Urruticoechea Romero

(4.35)

Students thought that the best aspect of this course was that it was taught entirely in Spanish, which they believed real y helped them learn the language and improve their speaking skil s. Students found that they received good feedback and thought that the activities in class were very helpful. However, they did find that the online activities and assignments in MySpanishLab were tedious and not helpful. Suggestions for improvement included getting more guidance on some of the new grammar concepts, and learning more about the culture, either through activities or movies. Prospective students need to be comfortable in the language so they can follow along in a Spanish-only setting. They also need to be willing to put in a lot of effort and keep up with the assignments.

Fall 2013

Professor: Marcos Perez

(3.67)

Students thought that the best aspects of this course were the dynamic class discussions and emphasis on improving their speaking skil s. Students liked the variety of exercises and activities to help them quickly acquire and perfect language skil s. Many of the students thought the workload was excessive, especially before exams, and that it was often difficult to participate in such a large class. Suggestions for improvement included spreading out the work assignments and limiting some of the assigned work. Students also wanted smaller classes to promote more discussions without feeling harangued by the professor for making a mistake. Prospective students should be prepared to spend a fair amount of time outside of the class completing work. They should also be comfortable in attending and participating in a course that is taught completely in Spanish.

Fall 2014

Professor: Sara Urruticoechea Romero

(4.74)

The highest praise for the course went to the smal class size, the engaging professor, and the immersive nature of the classes. Additionally, students greatly appreciated how well organized the professor made the class, and that she posted all homework and lesson plans for the week online. The worst aspects of the course were the uneven distribution of work and the focus on grammar over conversation. The class could be improved with more in class discussions and a more even distribution of work. Prospective students should know that the smal class size is excellent and that the workload is manageable. This professor is highly recommended.

Fall 2014

Professor: Barry Weingarten

(4.42)

The best aspects of this class were the small size, the manageable workload, and the engaging class discussions. The professor was highly praised for his understand and helpful teaching style, and the immersive environment he maintained. The worst aspects of the class were the uneven spacing of due dates and the sometimes intimidating feedback from the professor. Suggestions to improve the class included fewer online assignments, more in class speaking, and more current examples like movies or radio shows. Prospective students should know that there is no English al owed in this class and the professor can seem intimidating, however both of these things will help you become more fluent.

Spring 2013

Professor: Barry Weingarten

(3.8)

The best aspects of this course included the numerous opportunities to speak Spanish in class, the smal class size, and the varied assignments that counted toward the final grade. One student felt that the class attendance policy was unforgiving. Another student felt that too many lessons originated solely from the course textbook. Suggestions included al owing extra credit assignments and eliminating MySpanishLab. Prospective students should check the syl abus often in order to keep up with assignments and attend every class.

Spring 2013

Professor: Sergio Ruiz-Perez

(3.29)

The best aspects of this course included the in-class discussions and that the instructor stuck to the syl abus. Some students felt that the instructor went through the content way too quickly. Some students felt the disparity between students’ varied Spanish-speaking capabilities made class time, particularly discussions, difficult to maintain and learn from. Suggestions included more engagement from the instructor, and moving through the material at a slower pace. Prospective students should be familiar with the verb tenses and grammar because there's no review of those topics.

Spring 2014

Professor: Barry Weingarten

(4.13)

Students thought the best aspects of this course were the variety of activities, class discussions, and speaking only Spanish inside of class. The fast pace of the semester and the online activities were ranked as the worst aspects of the course. Reducing or eliminating the online assignments and getting rid of the VoiceThread program were both commonly suggested improvements. Students interested in this course should know that there is a good deal of work, but it is manageable and al adds to your understanding of the language.

Spring 2015

Professor: Barry Weingarten

(4.58)

The best aspects of the course were the instructor’s helpful feedback and his encouragement to speak the language. Students appreciated that the instructor used materials outside of the textbook to teach concepts and keep class interesting. The worst aspects of the course were the professor’s frequent use of English and the excessively fast presentation of the material. To improve the course, the instructor should suggest ways to study for the listening portion of the exams and have the ability to identify areas in which students need help. Prospective students should know that there are many assignments but that the work is not difficult.

Spring 2015

Professor: Julie Lirot

(4.23)

The best aspects of the course included the professor who connected well with students and the smal class size. The instructor was personable and the class topics were very interesting. The worst aspects of the course included the MySpanishLab assignments and the overwhelming amount of homework. To improve this course, many students suggested not using the MSL exercises. Also, the instructor should provide more feedback and discourage students from using memorization strategies. Prospective students should know that this course has a heavy workload, but that the professor is effective. You should have basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary skills to do well.

Spring 2023

Professor: Naiara Martinez-velez

(4.34)

Spring 2023

Professor: Michelle Tracy

(4.23)

Lecture Sections

(01)

No location info
M. Tracy
09:00 - 09:50

(02)

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M. Tracy
11:00 - 11:50

(03)

No location info
M. Tracy
12:00 - 12:50