Semester Write-up

Semester I:  due by 8 December 2008

Semester II:  due by 29 April 2009

Part of your TEST grade for the semester is a one-page write up of something you did/saw/participated in that related to Hispanic culture.  Some examples of things you might do are listed below.  If you’d like to do something not in the list below, you must get prior approval from me. 

v      Go to an authentic Hispanic Restaurant and order in Spanish.  Restaurants such as Taco John’s, Taco Bell, and Don Pablo’s are not acceptable as they are chains and do not necessarily represent the diversity of Hispanic culture. 

v      Attend a quinceañera.

v      Go to a local festival, such as Día de la Raza, Día de Independencia, Cinco de Mayo [St. Paul]

v      Go to a museum where Hispanic art is featured

v      Do your grocery shopping at a Mexican market, such as Mercado Central, Lake Street.  El Burrito Mercado in St. Paul is also a good choice.  Talk to people in Spanish.

v      Attend a Church service or Mass in Spanish.  There are many opportunities in the Twin Cities area.

Your two write-ups must be for two different things. 

Requirements for the Write-up:

v      One page in Spanish, 1.5 spacing, margins at Top/Bottom 1” and Left/Right 1.25”, Text size 12

v      Top of page must include your Name, Date of activity, Book #, Hour, and Name of Activity.

v      Please have a parent/guardian sign and date the report on the front to verify that you did the activity stated.

v      Use the following questions as a guide to help you write.  You do not need to answer all questions.

o        Did you enjoy the experience?  Why or why not?

o        How did what you experienced relate to what you’ve learned in your Spanish classes?

o        How were things similar or different from “American” culture?

o        Were there any things that surprised you?

o        Did you see anything that you might consider stereotypical of Hispanic culture?

o        Was there anything that broke some stereotypes for you?

o        Would you recommend this to another student?

v      You may attend things with a friend, but your reports must be ORIGINAL and reflect your own ideas. 

Scoring and Grade

Each write up will be worth one TEST grade (˜60 points). I will NOT focus on your grammar , but on your message.

Due date is by Monday, 8 December, for Semester I and by Friday, 15 May 2009, for Semester II.

This score will be entered at the end of Second and Fourth Quarters, no matter when you turn it in.

I will only accept paper versions that are on time.  Any late papers, no matter the reason, receive a zero.  Remember you have 15 weeks for each paper.