01:098:101 Elementary Filipino

This course involves an introduction to the Filipino language as a tool for communication in simple social situations. Emphases are on developing the four macro-skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. However, the course will focus on speaking and listening skills as foundation in the beginner’s program. The course will pay close attention to the sounds of the Filipino language, including intonation and stress, as well as vocabulary and simple grammatical structures. The course will present different social situations that involve turn taking skills, courtesies, and initiating and ending a communication exchange.
At the end of the course, learners should be able to demonstrate their competency in the following language skills and specific communication situations:

Speaking: 1. Manage and negotiate a limited number of communicative situations such as informal conversations involving greetings, introductions, and taking leave, and more complex exchanges involving requests, responding to questions, and reporting information. 2. Express knowledge, ideas and emotions using appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures. 3. Produce the sounds in the Filipino language clearly and accurately.

Listening: 1. Demonstrate understanding of sentence-length utterances which involve specific content referring to personal and social backgrounds, and common tasks such as getting meals, receiving simple instructions and directions. 2. Recognize and differentiate the effect and impact of stress and intonation on meaning.

Reading: 1. Interpret written language in areas where vocabulary has been learned such as reading formulaic texts (e.g. timetable, maps, menus, and signs) 2. Infer meaning of vocabulary words based on context and background knowledge. 3. Demonstrate understanding of the main idea of simple authentic reading texts in Filipino.

Writing: 1. Fill out forms with biographical information. 2. Take down dictation and simple notes based on spoken words. 3. Write short and simple compositions, letters, and journals describing everyday events and topics pertaining to one’s immediate environment and personal experiences.

Course Materials: Conversational Tagalog: A Functional-Situational Approach by Teresita V. Ramos (University of Hawaii Press, 1985) 2. Any basic Tagalog-English dictionary 3. Issued worksheets and handouts as needed.

Attendance. You are expected to come to class prepared and on time at 11:00, be it in person or online. Any student in class after 5 minutes will be considered tardy, and absent after 10 minutes. Three tardies will result in an automatic absence. You are responsible for making up for missed assignments and requirements during your absences. Tardiness and absences may be considered with appropriate communication before class meeting time on a case-per-case basis. Let’s be respectful of each others’ time.

Participation. Learning a language means actively using it and not just sitting quietly, observing and “absorbing” it. You must participate in all of the classes’ activities: reading, discussions, games, exercises, and so on. Don’t let your fear of making mistakes prevent you from speaking up—we are here to learn together. Be attentive and keep an open ear—take notes when needed. For online meetings, you must keep your camera on at all times, and unmute your microphone when speaking.

Homework and journal entries. Assigned homework must be completed on or before the due date. Late submissions without documented and communicated reasons risk deductions or may not be considered altogether. Materials must be turned in using the same medium they were assigned. Online submissions must be submitted via GoogleDocs.

Quizzes and final exams. You are responsible for making up for any missed quizzes and/or exams. This includes communicating beforehand why you cannot come to class to complete the requirement, and scheduling a time to fulfill the requirements. Untimely and improper communication may result in forfeiting the make-up quiz or exam. Quizzes and exams are not only a means to gauge how you are doing during the semester; they’re also a tool for you to look at your spots for improvement as you progress. Maximize these opportunities.

Electronic devices. Whether in person or online, Be courteous and considerate to everyone in class by setting all cellular phones and other noise-making devices on silent or vibrate mode during class time. We are only meeting for 50 minutes a day. Calls may only be taken on an emergency basis and prior communication must be made beforehand. During in-person classes, do not use your devices unless prompted to—you may be asked to use them for certain activities, but not during the entire meeting.

Online meetings. During online meetings, close all other programs on your device. No web browsing, playing music, or scrolling through social media, please. As much as possible, sure you are in a well-lit area with no distractions or light behind you. Do not skew or tilt the webcam view. If possible, log into class from a stable, flat surface. Please no Zooming into class from bed. You may eat during class meetings, but as much as possible, try not to be distracting towards the rest of the class.

Language use. Following ALC Department’s policy for all language classes, the target language (Filipino) will be the main medium of instruction. That means, English will be used no more than 10 minutes in every 50-minute class period. Ask your questions in Filipino as much as possible. Strive to use the language more and more as the semester progresses. Again, don’t be afraid to use the language; reluctance is our primary hurdle, not the mistakes we make. We are here to learn together.

Beyond grammar. Filipino is a living, dynamic language spoken as a native, secondary, or tertiary language by over 100 million diverse people in the Philippines and around the world. It is a product of a complex, innovative, and sometimes violent history. We are not just learning systems of vocabulary and syntax but interacting with extant and changing culture/s. There will be opportunities throughout the semester to discuss and learn about Filipino culture/s in person and virtually. Bring all of who you are in this class, whether you are a heritage speaker or not. Be aware of nuances, discrepancies, and contradictions. Ask a lot of questions. Have fun and keep an open mind. Above all—communicate honestly and clearly.

Code of conduct. All students must adhere to the student code of conduct. It is expected that students will conduct themselves in class in a manner that is non-discriminatory and acceptable to the university community.

Accommodations. Rutgers supports the right of all enrolled students to a full and equal educational opportunity. Students are expected to inform faculty of their need for instructional accommodations as soon as possible after a disability has been incurred or recognized. Faculty will work directly with the student to identify and provide reasonable instructional accommodations. Disability information, including instructional accommodations as part of a student's educational record, is confidential and protected under FERPA.