CUSLAR Spanish Class FAQ

CUSLAR information:
Office is located at 316 Anabel Taylor Hall, on the Cornell Campus. For a map, click here
Office phone number is 607-255-7293
Language class email is cuslarlanguages@gmail.com

Q: What sets CUSLAR language classes apart from other language classes in Ithaca?
A: CUSLAR language classes are unique in many ways-they are always small class sizes, with personalized curricula, and taught by dynamic native speakers who are fluent both in the language and in Latin American cultural knowledge. These classes are conversation-based and allow for you to learn a language without the stresses of exams and grades. In addition, they are more affordable than other institutions or private lessons. Finally, all proceeds from classes go towards CUSLAR's work promoting peace, justice and greater mutual understanding in US/Latin American relations through education, solidarity and support of human rights.

Q: Who are CUSLAR language classes for?
A: Everyone who is interested in learning Spanish! CUSLAR language classes include students who are Professors at Cornell, to Cornell students, to local high-school students, to retirees, to working men and women in the greater Ithaca community; to Cornell graduate student's spouses. These classes are open to all who have a desire to learn.

Planning to travel to a Latin American country? Want to be able to communicate with your Latino neighbors? Preparing for research in Latin America? Always wanted to learn a second language? Want to learn to converse, read and write in Spanish, without the stress of exams and grades? Then CUSLAR classes are for you!

Q: What do I need in order to register?
A: To register, you need to register online on this site and make the full payment, either electronically and via PayPal or via U.S. Mail.

Q: Where do I find the Language Class Registration Form?
A: You can find the registration form on the Spanish class section of our website, found here, or by emailing cuslarlanguages@gmail.com and asking for one.

Q: What are my options for making payments?
A: You can write a check to CUSLAR/CTA and mail it to the CUSLAR office at 316 Anabel Taylor Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853. (You can also drop off your payment at the CUSLAR by leaving it in the CUSLAR Mailbox in the Main CURW Office at 118 Anabel Taylor Hall--ask Office Assistant for assistance). Finally, you can pay online through PayPal by visiting www.cuslar.org (you do not need a PayPal account to do this, you can just use a credit card).

Q: How do I register?
A: Submit the Registration form online and make payment. Once CUSLAR receives the payment and the registration form you will be registered. Make sure you send cuslarlanguges@gmail.com an email letting us know that you have sent both items.

Q: Is there a cut-off date to register for classes?
A: The last day to register for a class is the first day of class. Rare exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances.

Q: Do you offer these classes any other semester?
A: We offer language classes every fall and spring semester. A shorter session is offered during the summer. Visit www.cuslar.org for future start dates.

Q: Where are CUSLAR language classes held?
A: CUSLAR language classes are held on the Cornell Campus. The exact location varies semester-to-semester, and registered students will be notified of the specific location at least one week before the classes begin.

Q: What level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) should I take?
A: Most students choose their level themselves, and it tends to be accurate. If you choose one level and find that it is too easy or hard for you, you may switch to a different level. If you are unsure of what level you should take, you may attend two classes during the first week to determine your level. If you wish to take two sections at once, you may register and get a 50 percent discount on price for the second section.

Q: How are people placed at these levels?
A: The levels are divided based on the language skill level of others students and yourself. There is no entrance exam.

Q: What is the structure of the class?
A: All levels cover grammar, conversational skills and cultural aspects of the language and people of Spanish-speaking countries. The classes are based on a textbook but integrate many creative and interactive exercises. The classes are designed to focus on improving conversational skills.

Q: If I register for a certain level (ex. Beginner Spanish), am I allowed to switch to a level that better suits me?
A: Yes. If you find that your class is too advanced or not challenging enough, you can talk to the instructor and make arrangements to move to a higher or lower level class.

Q: Do we need to purchase any textbooks?
A: For the Spanish classes the textbook will vary by level. However, instructors take care to choose common textbooks that can be found used easily at reasonable prices. (More information soon regarding textbooks.) Textbooks will be complemented by PDFs that will be emailed to students.

Q: Do we get assigned any homework?
A: Yes, though no grades are assigned. Students are encouraged to do homework activities found in the textbook as well as to have as much contact as possible with the Spanish language outside the classroom (through movies, music, books, newspapers). But students will accomplish this at their own pace, according to their personal needs and availability.

Q: What happens if I miss classes?
A: The instructors do not replace a class if the student does not attend. However, if the instructor does miss a class due to illness or emergency, the class will be replaced. Moreover, both instructors appreciate if you send a note, email or text message if you are going to miss any class, so that they may better prepare for the class.

Q: How do I drop the class?
A: To drop the class email cuslarlanguages@gmail.com and let us know you are no longer able to attend the class. You will receive further information after CUSLAR receives your email. In order to receive a full refund (minus a $20 administrative fee) you must drop the class before classes begin. In order to receive the 50% refund, you must notify CUSLAR that you will drop the class before the drop deadline. Please read the Payment Agreement Form that you sign when registering for the accurate drop deadline for that particular semester. If you drop the class after the drop deadline, no reimbursement can be given (rare exceptions for extenuating circumstances are made).

Q: Who do I contact if I have any questions?
A: If you have any questions regarding the language classes, contact cuslarlanguages@gmail.com. If you have any questions about the content and structure of particular classes, please contact the instructor.

Q: What are the course descriptions?
A:
Level 1 / Beginning:

Students in level 1 do not need any previous experience in Spanish. This class, emphasizing conversation and listening skills, introduces students to basic vocabulary and grammar. Affordable copies of the text book, Paso a Paso 1, can be purchased in the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0673589226.

Level 2 / Intermediate:

This class assumes that students are familiar with basic vocabulary and grammar. The course includes an overview of Spanish grammar starting with the past tenses but is primarily focused on developing conversation skills. Most of the class time will be dedicated to conversation and discussion of various subjects. Students will also be encouraged to do brief oral presentation on topics of their interest. To help organize our curriculum we will be using the textbook Paso a Paso 2. Very affordable used copies are available through the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/Paso-Level-2-Met/dp/0673589234/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313504510&sr=1-1.

Level 3 / Advanced:

This level is for students who can already understand and converse in Spanish with at least moderate ease. During the semester we will review a number of advanced topics in the Spanish language, such as the subjunctive verb tense, but our focus will be primarily on conversation. Students will be asked to do frequent oral presentations on a variety of topics. There is no textbook for this class. We will also use occasional literary and journalistic texts, which will be sent to students as PDF files, as sources for new vocabulary and material for in class conversation.