First off, if you are being forced to learn a second language for a math degree, then you would already be put out. But to have use this crappy book with crappy exercises is just too much. I used this book through 103 (becuase I HAD to) and I still can't speak Spanish. I get good grades (even in this class) but only because testing is done before memory lapses. I suspect by fall quarter I won't remember 1/10 of this [...].

I feel the problem lies in forcing students to take languages they either don't or won't need in the future, and then only offering an introduction. What a waste of time and money. And you school administrators have Phd.'s? If your only asset is teaching language, then go teach at a language school; keep out of out of the mainstream eduaction system so the rest of us can learn. And if you just HAVE to force foreign languages on us, can you at least use books that take into consideration we will never use the language? Something like Dick and Jane for Spanish?

its a spanish book, i needed it for class, and it was much cheaper here than in the bookstore

I bought this book recently, when it reached my door. I found it was out-of-dated (the 3rd edition, instead of fourth or the lastest 5th edition) and there was no CD attached as it is said in the introduction.

I am a freshman at the University of Illinois, and will complete my foreign language requirnment for 2 semesters using this textbook. The book is not insightful, and I felt so frustrated attempting to learn the vocab, that I would often turn to online translations for answers simply becuase the book falls short in providing enough of a background for students to engadge in the language on their own. Additionally, the given material is dry and has little practicality for anyone legitimately seeking to use Spanish on vacations or for a hobby. The exercises are tedious, and I can honestly say I didn't learn a thing thanks to the lack of substance in this textbook.