Course Syllabus

1.    Understanding the components of the Online Learning Environment and maximizing its potential;

2.    Understanding the role of communication and correct language usage in the Online Learning Environment;

3.    Developing an individualized approach to learning language towards an attainable language goal;

4.    Identifying the physical and cultural background of the contemporary Yucatec Mayan language;

5.    Synthesizing the Yucatec Mayan substrate influence in the speech patterns of the Yucatecan Spanish Dialect;

6.    Learning basic greetings and salutations used to gain access to the Modern Mayan Speech Community;

7.    Learning vocabulary in Mayan specific to gaining access to the pueblos of the Yucatan Peninsula; 

8.    Understanding basic grammar and syntactic constructs in the Yucatec Maya Language;

9.    Achieving basic proficiency of listening skills through identifying the components of conversation;

10. Preparing AND Embarking upon a journey to a Mayan-speaking pueblo on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Module

Topic

Learning Objectives

Steps to Achievement

Assignments/Assessments

Associated Course Learning Objectives

0

Getting Started

Week One

Objective #1

Prepare a five-minute ‘digital self-portrait’ in Spanish.

1.     Create a Digital Self-portrait

2.     Post Digital Self-portrait to Group Discussion

OLP #1

Oral Language Production #1

Prepare a five minute ‘digital self-portrait’

“ACADEMIC ENDEAVORS”

and Post your ‘digital self-portrait’

1. Ascertain the components of the online Learning Environment.

2. Understand the role of language in the online forum.

Objective #2

Find a ‘Language Partner’ for the course

1.     Make Comments in Group Discussion

2.     Find and Confirm a Language Partner in Group Discussion

Foro #1 Post Peer Comments for a Language Partner

1. Ascertain the components of the online Learning Environment.

2. Understand the role of communication in the online forum.

Objective #3

Familiarize with the main components of the course

Webconference:

1.     Syllabus Preview;

2.     Team-building Activities;

3.     Available Resources

Group Discussion #2:

Syllabus Overview Activities; Cyberspace Cat-and-Mouse; Scavenger Hunt for Resources

1. Ascertain the components of the online Learning Environment.

2. Understand the role of communication in the online forum.

1

Week Two

Natural Instincts for Learning Languages

Objective #1

Endangered Languages: Recognizing the purpose and reasoning behind learning an indigenous (third) language.

1.     Reading: Endangered Languages

2.     Reading: Learning an indigenous language

Quiz #1 Lenguajes Indígenas

2. Understand the role of communication in the online forum.

3. Develop a personalized language-learning plan-of-action

Objective #2

Identify the steps towards  ‘how-to’ acquire useful proficiency, and gaining a working knowledge of your third language

3.     Videos: How to learn a 2^nd Language; Polyglots

4.     Motivation Quiz

Group Discussion #3

Compile a List of Techniques for Learning a 3^rd Language from the perspective of 2^nd language expertise.

1. Ascertain the components of the online Learning Environment.

3. Develop a personalized language-learning plan-of-action

Objective #3

Develop five personal Reasons for learning a third language, and then preview the list of course objectives for creating a plan-of-action for accomplishing these goals.

1.     View a series of videos on Human Language Acquisition.

2.     Create a Multi-faceted Flow-chart approach to Individualized Language Learning.

OLP#1 Personal Motivation

2. Understand the role of language in the online forum.

3. Develop a personalized language-learning plan-of-action

2

Weeks Three and Four

The Natural and Cultural Background of the Yucatec Maya Language

Objective #1

Synthesize the prominent theories in the Peopling of the Americas with the Most Recent Discoveries

1.     View Videos on the Theories about “America’s First Inhabitants”

2.     Read: about the newest theories.

3.     Group Discussion on the Origins of the North American Indigenous Languages.

Group Discussion #4

Theories include new findings in migratory genetics that support and challenge current Bering Land-bridge theories; and the “Kelp-bed highway” that potentially pushes back the arrival of early Americans.

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

Objective #2

Outline the history, migration of Amer-indigenous languages

1.     History of Language Powerpoint

2.     Mapping Activity

3.     Quiz on the migration of languages

Quiz #2 Peopling of the Americas

Outline of the four main waves of language migrations of Eight World Languages, including: Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, AND four indigenous languages to include Na’Dene (Navajo), Eskimo-Aleut, Guaraní, and Maya. Outline to include timeline and map of language migrations.

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

5.Synthesizing the Mayan Substrate from Spanish Dialect.

Objective #3

Identify 25 commonly used vocabulary and expressions from Amerindian languages used in daily Spanish.

1.     Research 10 phrases from the languages of Native North Americans

2.     Research 15 phrases from Indigenous Mesoamerican Languages

3.     Post your findings on a google doc to formulate a master class list.

LLA #2 Idiomatic Expressions

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

5.Synthesizing the Influence of the Mayan Substrate on the Spanish Dialect.

3

Week Five and Six

The Enculturation Process

Indigenous Languages

In Context

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Objective #1

Identify the Natural and Geographical Setting of the Yucatec Mayan people.

1.     Read: Maya for Travelers and Students (page# to follow).

2.     Sections assigned to individual student pairs.

3.     Compiled Powerpoint Presentation uploaded to Group Discussion for Viewing.

LLA #3 Compilación de Vocabulario del Tema

Group Discussion #5:

Cultural and Geographical Learning Community Presentation Jigsaw

2. Understand the role of language and communication in the online forum.

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

5.Synthesizing the Influence of the Mayan Substrate on the Spanish Dialect.

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

Objective #2

Learn 50 commonly used vocabulary and expressions from Yucatec Maya used by Spanish-speakers in the State of Yucatan.

1.     Review List of Vocabulary Words

2.     Listen to the Corresponding Recording for Practice

3.     Take the Quiz towards 100% proficiency

Quiz #3 Audible Activity: Yucatec Substrate Vocabulary

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

5.Synthesizing the Influence of the Mayan Substrate on the Spanish Dialect.

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

Objective #3

Incorporate 25 vocabulary and idiomatic expressions from other languages into a “Vernacular Video”

1.     Review the compiled list of indigenous vocabulary

2.     Create a video to demonstrate your vernacular ability.

3.     Post your video for peer-viewing

OLP #3 My Vernacular Proficiency

2. Understand the role of language and communication in the online forum.

5.Synthesizing the Influence of the Mayan Substrate on the Spanish Dialect.

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

4

Weeks Seven and Eight

Introduction to the Yucatec Maya Language

Learning Basic Greetings and Salutations in Yucatec Maya

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Objective #1

Understand the phonetics and written form of the Yucatec Mayan Language.

1.     Readings from Bevington; others

2.     Introduction to Phonetics

3.     IPA Audible Spelling test for Maya

LLA #4 Written Phonetics

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

Objective #2

Learn 10 commonly-used greetings and the proper responses that allow access to the Mayan speech community.

1.     Introduction to Salutations

2.     Practice Activity

3.     Listening Quiz: Matching the Written from the Oral

Quiz #4 Saludos Amigos

6.Learning Greetings and Salutations for Access to the Mayan Speech Community

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

Objective #3

Prepare and practice salutations dialogues in Maya.

1.     Make Skype contact with your language partner

2.     Prepare 3-two minute potential dialogues.

3.     Practice with your partner

4.     Submit Completion Statement

OLP#4 

Skype with your Language Practice Partner

6.Learning Greetings and Salutations for Access to the Mayan Speech Community

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

Objective #4

Practice with a friend for five minutes.

1.     Make written contact with another course participant.

2.     Make visual contact for Salutations practice.

3.     Submit Completion Statement.

Group Discussion #6

Skype another Course ParticipantIntro

2. Understand the role of language and communication in the online forum.

6.Learning Greetings and Salutations for Access to the Mayan Speech Community

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

5

Weeks Nine and Ten

Pueblo Tour Past and Present:

Identifying Culture

Learning Basic Vocabulary in Yucatec Maya

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Objective #1

Practice to Proficiency 50 new vocabulary words

1.     Review the list of vocabulary

2.     Use online tools for practicing new vocabulary

3.     Audible Vocabulary Practice.

OLP #5 Audio Match Activity

Family, Foods, Daily Life

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

5.Synthesizing the Influence of the Mayan Substrate on the Spanish Dialect.

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

Objective #2

Learn 50 new vocabulary words in Maya

1.     Review for practice the Vocabulary List from the previous activity.

2.     Take the Timed-Quiz an unlimited number of times until 100% proficient.

Quiz #5 Locations, Family, Foods, Daily Life Activities

3. Develop a personalized language-learning plan-of-action

4. Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

Objective #3

Create 10 original simple present sentences using possessive adjectives

1.     Review the Grammar Introduction Page, and/or Video Lecture

2.     Practice using the new concept using the Fill in the Blanks activity

3.     Submit Ten Original Simple Present Tense Sentences using Possessive Adjectives

LLA #5 Adjetivos Posesivos, Presente Simple

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

6

Weeks

Eleven and Twelve

Traveling Around and

Talking about the Natural World

Basic Grammar and Sentence Structure; and Producing Simple Sentences

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Objective #1

Learn 15 different vocabulary words from three different categories.

1.     Review and Practice the Vocabulary online.

2.     Take the Timed-Quiz an unlimited number of times until 100% proficient.

Quiz #6 Directions; Time; Animales (Audio Matching)

3.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

5.Synthesizing the Influence of the Mayan Substrate on the Spanish Dialect.

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

Objective #2

Identify/Create 10 sentences using the demonstrative adjectives, and make 10 nouns plural, simultaneously.

1.     Review the Instructional page on ‘Making Nouns Plural’

2.     View the Instructional Video on Demonstrative Adjectives

3.     Complete the online Practice Activity to proficiency

LLA #6 Adjetivos Demostrativos; Pluralismo

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

Objective #3

Form five sentences for three different scenarios depicting the real world using demonstrative adjectives.

1.     View the photos given with your language partner

2.     Together, formulate five written sentences for each photo

3.     Practice phrases on Skype with your partner

OLP #6

Punto de Vista Critico

Working with a Partner

2. Understand the role of language and communication in the online forum.

4. Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

6.Learning Greetings and Salutations for Access to the Mayan Speech Community

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

7

Weeks Thirteen and Fourteen

Recognizing & Engaging Speakers of Maya

Advanced Salutations Sentence Structure

Present Progressive

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Objective #1

Learn 20 different vocabulary words from three different categories.

1.     Review and Practice the Audio Vocabulary online.

2.     Take the Timed-Quiz an unlimited number of times until 100% proficient.

Quiz #7

Advanced Salutations; Weather; Verbs

3.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

6.Learning Greetings and Salutations for Access to the Mayan Speech Community

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

Objective #2

Identify/Create 10 sentences using the Present Progressive.

1.     Review the Instructional page on the present progressive

2.     View the Instructional Video on Sentence Structure

3.     Complete the online Practice Activity to proficiency

LLA #7

Sentence Structure (with more verbs); Presente Progresivo

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

Objective #3

Form five sentences for three different scenarios depicting the real world using the present progressive.

1.     View the photos given

2.     Formulate five written sentences for each, and exchange with your language partner for feedback

3.     Practice phrases on your own, and then with your language partner

OLP #7

Photo Review #2

Working on your own.

2. Understand the role of language and communication in the online forum.

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

10.Preparing to Travel to Yucatan

Objective #4

Introduce yourself in Maya and Answer or Ask someone a question.

1.     Attend the Webconference

2.     Introduce yourself in Maya

3.     Answer or Ask a question

Group Discussion #7 Webconference

6.Learning Greetings and Salutations for Access to the Mayan Speech Community

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

8

Weeks Fifteen and Sixteen

Touring the Pueblos

Restaurants & Foods

Shopping Souvenirs

Composition of Grammar and Vocabulary: Productive Language Skills

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Objective #1

Learn 25 different vocabulary words from three different categories.

1.     Review and Practice the Vocabulary online.

2.     Take the Timed-Quiz an unlimited number of times until 100% proficient.

Quiz #8

Audio Recuerdos, Ropa, Partes del Cuerpo

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

7.Learning New Vocabulary and Phrases in Mayan.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

Objective #2

Organize the twenty phrases given to create a dialogue for describing and purchasing items in the marketplace.

1.     Review the Instructional page on Qualifying Adjectives

2.     Listen to the Audio (potentially Video) depicting shopping scenarios

3.     Complete the online Shopping Activity to proficiency

LLA #8

Organizing Conversations

Adjetivos Calificativos

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

10.Preparing to Travel to Yucatan

Objective #3

Write five sentences to describe each of three photos depicting a cultural scene in Yucatec Maya.

1.     View the three photos given

2.     Formulate five written sentences for each and exchange with your language partner for feedback

3.     Practice phrases on your own, and then with your language partner

4.     Present your phrases in webconference via ppt slides.

OLP #8

Photo Review #3

Group Presentation of Phrases

2. Understand the role of language and communication in the online forum.

6.Learning Greetings and Salutations for Access to the Mayan Speech Community

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

Verbally describe three photos of a cultural scene in Yucatec Maya to a group of people online.

1.     Prepare and practice for commenting

2.     Attend the web conference in real time

3.     Comment on at least two slides during the presentation.

Group Discussion #8

Web Conference

3.Understand the role of language and communication in the online forum.

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

9

Week Seventeen and Eighteen

Travel Preparations

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Introduce New Concept

Practice New Concept

Apply New Concept

Objective #1

Travel Preview

Question and Answer

1.     Sign up for slideshow presentation topic with Maya Vocabulary

2.     Attend the Web-Conference: Travel Tips and Yucatan Preview

Group Discussion #10

OLP #10 Travel Presentation

2. Understand the role of language and communication in the online forum.

4.Identifying the cultural and physical background of the Yucatec Maya.

6.Learning Greetings and Salutations for Access to the Mayan Speech Community

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

10.Preparing to Travel to Yucatan

Objective #2

Insert your name for tentatively scheduling Summer Travel to Yucatan

1.     Research your dates and potential travel plans.

2.     Schedule your trip on the google.doc for Posada Chicxulub.

LLA #10

Scheduling your Stay in Yucatan

3.Develop a personalized language-learning plan-of-action

10.Preparing to Travel to Yucatan

Objective #3

Prepare for Travel to the Yucatan

1.     Review list of suggested items for travel

2.     Review Vocabulary and Phrases

3.     Take post-test/pre-travel exam

Quiz #10

Post-test/pre-travel Exam

3.Develop a personalized language-learning plan-of-action.

8.Understanding Grammar and other Language Constructs.

9.Listening Skills towards Proficiency

10.Preparing to Travel to Yucatan