Course Syllabus

BEGINNING AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL 1)

SYLLABUS- Summer 2017

Instructor: Trisha Houston   Office hours: Arranged by email

Email: trisha.houston@fresnocitycollege.edu

Class: MTWTHF 8:00 AM – 11:20 AM

Room: LA 203, Course #29667, 4 Units

Required Text:

• Smith, C., Lentz, E., & Mikos, K. (2008). Signing Naturally: Student workbook Level One (Units 1 – 6). Berkeley, CA: Dawn Sign Press.
• Smith, C., Lentz, E., & Mikos, K. (2008). Signing Naturally: Student videotext or DVD Level One (Units 1 – 6). Berkeley, CA: Dawn Sign Press.
• The DVD's are in back of the textbook

5 Scantron 882-E; Possible Field Trips $8.00

Course Description: Introduction to the appreciation, comprehension, and analysis of a language developed in a visual/gestural mode. American Sign Language, including its cultural/historical background, the role it plays in the Deaf community, and its growing influence in American Mainstream Society. This is an extremely fast paced introductory course to American Sign Language (ASL) for those with zero to very little knowledge of signs.

Purpose: To introduce you to a Visual-Gestural Language used by the Deaf Community in the United States and parts of Canada. While learning about ASL, you will also learn a little about the culture of this unique population in the above-mentioned countries. Other countries use different languages: such as, Japanese Sign language (JSL) or Lingua dei Segni Italiana (LIS). Students need to be aware that some culturally accepted behaviors might be offensive. Students will also be engaging in conversation using ASL at a level expected for beginning signers.

Objectives:

• To be able to introduce yourself to a Deaf person and handle

basic conversations about everyday activities concerning work,

school, family and daily living.

• To learn culturally appropriate behaviors associated with the language.
• To read with comprehension a selection of written texts on related topics.
• To have fun learning about a new language and culture.

In order for optimal learning to occur in the classroom, it is imperative that you do not use your voice during class sessions. You will not be expected to recognize every signs you see, but you are expected to WATCH, OBSERVE and PARTICIPATE as much as possible. Eventually signs will make sense to you and fall into place. Do not be afraid to let your instructor know if you continue to have trouble following instructions.

Grades and Examinations:

Your class will have a minimum of 4 exams, and a two-part final. NO make ups for exams allowed. No excuses will be accepted. However, the lowest score of one of the 4 exams will be dropped. The final exam is comprehensive and divided into two parts (expressive project and written exam). The final exam is required for completion of this course.

Written assignment:

Written assignments will include two [reflection/reactions/responses] paper. The paper will be based on a cultural experience called “Deaf for the Day” in where you become completely Deaf with the use of earplugs/earbuds and proceed to live your day and another one based off an unique topic. More information will be given in class.

The paper must be at least 2 to 4 full pages long, typed and double-spaced. A 12-point Times New Roman is to be used with a one-inch margin on the sides of the paper. You are expected to supplement these papers with readings from handouts, the Internet and texts. Please cite your sources using APA format. Upload the papers to the assignment link available on Canvas on the assigned day.

Please come to class prepared. Always bring your ASL workbook to the class. Review your text according to the Course Outline. 

The following criteria will be used for evaluation of your coursework:

Online Assignments/Attendance	100 PTS
Two essay on Deaf/ASL Topics	50 PTS
Exams (4)	150 PTS
Expressive Final Exam	100 PTS
Written Final Exam	100 PTS
	TOTAL: 500 PTS

The following points will determine the following letter grades:

500-450  =    A

449-400  =    B

399-350  =    C

349-300  =    D

299-0 =         F

Class Participation:

Keep in mind that the class focuses on visual language and it takes time to delve deep into ASL and Deaf culture. Attendance is a priority. I will also assign some readings or activities during in the class. Some written reflections will be assigned too, and that will count towards your in class grade. This is a four-week summer course which will be extremely fast paced. Prepare to proceed through the ASL learning quickly and remember not to forget!

Ground Rules:

You are expected to attend all class sessions. The class will be challenging, fast paced, and requires attendance to keep your learning on track. Anyone with more than 3 consecutive days

(8 class hours) of absence may be dropped from the class. However, if any reason you are unable to complete the course, please let your instructor know so an appropriate grade is assigned to you. Class breaks will be given and discussed in class.

 

When you enter class, always be prepared with your textbook (readings) and eyes. Listen with your eyes, and talk with your hands.

 

IF a student is caught cheating s/he will be dropped from the class or failed.

Excessive talking (with voice) in class is considered disruptive to the learning process.

On first occurrence, the student will be reminded of the rule, on second occurrence the student will be asked to leave the classroom, on any further repeated occurrences, the student will be then either dropped or failed—if the disruptive behavior continues. A disruptive behavior form will be filed and reported to the humanities dean.

*If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or materials in alternate media

(I.e. Braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) per the American with Disabilities Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act please contact your instructor as soon as possible. There is a Disabled Students Service Program (442-4600x8237) that can work with you to address your specific needs.*

Cell phones must be turned to silent and out of sight while class is in session.

You need to communicate with me prior to class if there is a unique situation that requires you to check your cellphones.

Continual disregard of this rule will result in a low attendance score.

Tentative Course Schedule for Summer 2017 (Subject to Change)

Week	Day	Topic	Assignments/Due Dates/ Readings
1: May 22 - 26		Learning Module: UNIT 1 & 2
	M	Intro to course/Syllabus/Assignment	Read pre-unit materials, and read units 1 and 2
	T	Practice fingerspelling, work on numbers 1-100 and classifier basics
	W	Describing people
	TH	Activities and language backgrounds	Study for your first exam
	F	Exam #1
2: May 29- June 2		Learning Module: UNIT 3 &4
	M	NO CLASS - HOLIDAY	Read units 3 and 4
	T	The Deaf Man Video, Survey, work on family members, living arrangements, and pets	Deaf Man Video response
	W	Activities – learning to express through grammatical structures of ASL
	TH	Activities – living arrangements, directions, and locations	Study for your second exam
	F	Exam #2	Bring movie snacks to next class on Monday PAPER DUE Today Upload to Canvas
3: June 5 - 9		Learning Module: UNIT 5
	M	Through Deaf Eyes Movie & Quiz (Exam #3)	Read unit 5 in your textbook and focus on vocabulary
	T	Learning how to use a calendar in ASL
	W	Know how to place when, where, and what was done on a calendar
	TH	Activities
	F	Exam #4 Partners assigned for the final project
4: June 12-16		Learning Module: FINALS WEEK
	M	Comprehensive review and extras…
	T	Review
	W	Work on Final Project/Review	Prepare to present your projects tomorrow
	TH	EXPRESSIVE FINAL PROJECT	Study and review your textbook for the written final tomorrow
	F	WRITTEN FINAL	Last day of instruction PAPER DUE Today Upload to Canvas