ASUnited (Arizona State University Weblog)

Plazas 3rd Edition

I stole this image from Amazon… don’t tell!

I’m currently enrolled in Spanish 111 which is the “fast pace” introductory level Spanish course offered through ASU. I had taken Spanish in high school for two years and growing up in Arizona you get a lot of exposure to Spanish already anyway. I thought, hey! Why not? It’s my senior year, all the classes I take this semester don’t really matter anyway, and it would be good to brush up on the basics to understand and perhaps fit in to the Arizona Hispanic scene a little better.

Biggest mistake ever!! I think many will agree with me as well. Those who have taken Spanish 111 thinking it would be a good brush up course will totally agree. This is no brush up course. I’ve been to class three times and I haven’t heard one word of English. Having to learn a foreign language previously in my life, I understand that it’s probably for the best and that the only real way to learn the language is to hear and speak it as often and as long as you can everyday. It’s essential…. but this is supposed to be my breeze introductory class. I guess Spanish 101 would have been a better choice?

I have a friend who is experiencing the same trama. As of today she has withdrawn from the class as I will be doing shortly after the census on Feb 8th (that way I don’t lose any of my scholarship ;). In all seriousness though, this class is not for the faint of heart. It’s 3 days a week and you move like lightning. A week and a half in to the semester and I believe we’re on page 120 in the book already. There’s homework every night along with tons of reading and cultural worksheet assignments.

On top of all of this, they rob you on the book. You have to buy the special edition ASU Spanish bundle WITH the online ebook in order to access the homework which is completely online. It’s $200 for this bundle!! Outrageous. I tried to find it on amazon and craigslist but to no avail. I bought it for the full price and now that I’m dropping the class I’ve sold it on craigslist for $75 which is all I could get for it. You win some you lose some I guess. All I know is I’m not ruining my last semester at ASU by busting my butt for a B in a 100 level class. You can decide for yourself what’s best but my suggestion is to steer clear… or be ready to sell your soul.