Accelerated Beginning Spanish, SPAN 1060 Online Asychronous

"No matter your learning style, this course is catered to you." — Former SPAN 160 Student

Accelerated Beginning Spanish, SPAN 1060 Online Asychronous

What is SPAN 1060 Online Asynchronous?

The goal of this course is to prepare students to enter Intermediate Spanish (SPAN 2010) through reading, writing, speaking, and listening practice, as well as review of appropriate vocabulary and structures. This is an asynchronous, 4-credit course that requires a high level of self-direction. Students should expect to dedicate approximately 6–8 hours of work per week, in addition to a one-hour scheduled meeting with a Spanish mentor (mentors offer several flexible time slots during the week) . Success in this course depends on consistent engagement, strong organization, and a commitment to completing authentic work using the language you are developing. The course includes participation in a virtual community for speaking practice and weekly online small-group mentorship meetings. During the first week, you will sign up for your weekly online group conversation sessions. At the end of the course, you will complete a Comprehensive Oral Proficiency Assessment (COPA), where you will engage in a conversation with your professor relying only on the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout the course. Because of this, active participation, consistency, and self-directed learning are critical for success.

SPAN 1060 (Pilot Course – Asynchronous Model)

• This course is being offered as a pilot to explore whether an asynchronous summer format can effectively prepare students for success in subsequent Spanish coursework at UVA. The goal is to test a flexible learning model while maintaining the rigor and outcomes of SPAN 1060.

When does this course begin? 

• This 8-week course will run from June 15 to August 7. Enrollment is by application only; the application will open on March 26. 

How do I apply? 

• Enrollment is limited to 15 students.

• To be considered for this course, you must: 

  • have an AVANT Placement Score of 2.25-3.25

  • complete the Qualtrics application survey and have an AVANT Placement Score of 2.25-3.25.

Prerequisites: 

• Due to the high level of self-directed work, applicants must complete the application survey and have an AVANT placement diagnostic score between 2.25 and 3.25. A current UVA placement score is required. If you have not yet taken the placement diagnostic, it is vital that you do so at your earliest convenience, as the score may take up to 10 days to appear in your SIS account. Please return to this survey after you have your placement diagnostic score.

What are the expectations?

This course is designed for students who are ready to take ownership of their learning in a more independent, asynchronous environment.

Students should expect:

• To be self-motivated and consistent, as there is no daily in-person structure

• To spend approximately 6–8 hours per week engaging with course materials and completing assignments

• to attend a weekly one-hour scheduled meeting with a Spanish mentor for a virtual Spanish class with built in tutoring time (mentors offer several flexible time slots during the week).

• To actively create with the language, not just review or memorize content

• To be comfortable working independently while staying on pace with weekly deadlines

• to be able to successfully demonstrate learning at the end of the course with the Comprehensive Oral Proficiency Assessment (COPA), a 7-10 minute conversation with the professor.