Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

Course Syllabus

Instructor: Felicia Williams Classroom: SLCC 2304

Class: Mondays & Wednesdays – 9:00am – 10:50am Email: Felica.williams@gallaudet.edu

Office hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays – 9:00am – 10:50am Office: SLCC 1234

*Please read this syllabus carefully. It outlines all activities and assignments for 15 weeks. You are required to understand and follow it. Please see me if you have any questions.

Course Description:

ASL 102 Course Description:

This course is a continuation of ASL 101 and emphasizes expansion and refinement of the fundamental comprehension and production skills covered in ASL 101, with the acquisition of additional functional grammatical structure and targeted lexical items. Spontaneous, interactive use of American Sign Language is stressed through discussion of Gallaudet-related events and activities, and the student will continue study of information related to everyday life experiences of deaf Americans and deaf people elsewhere in the world. If students do not achieve the necessary placement test score to advance to ASL 201 by the end of the semester, they may elect to repeat ASL 102. A grade of IP (in progress) may be given to any student who has made satisfactory progress but who has not satisfied the requirements for entry into the next level. The requirement for entry into the next level of ASL is based on the end-of-semester ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). In order to qualify for the ASLPI, students must receive a passing grade in the course, or with permission of the chair. This ASL course meets for a total of six hours each week.

Prerequisite:

To be eligible for ASL I, students may enroll directly into this course without taking ASL 101 if they earn an ASLPI score of 1.

Required Materials:

Signing Naturally Student Workbook Level 2, by Dawn Sign Press

Usage of MyThread [mythread.gallaudet.edu]

Handouts, lecture notes, assignments, announcements, etc.

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

Goals of this course:

Students’ production and comprehension skills will be expanded to use appropriate ASL to improve their expressive and receptive skills that applied to interactive classroom and real-life community.

Learning Outcomes

A successful student will be able to:

Introduce self and interact in Deaf culturally appropriate ways. Ask and answer questions, both yes/no and WH. Incorporate number structures such as cardinal and special information into basic

conversations. Demonstrate appropriate usage of facial expression and non-manual markers. Engage in conversations about a variety of basic topics including introductions,

personal schedules, home tasks, activities, classroom/home environments, etc. Use basic ASL grammar structure, including rhetorical questions and

topic/comment, directional verbs and the appropriate use of fingerspelling. Discuss aspects of and perspectives on Deaf culture and Deaf Communities. Participate in an experience using sign language in a public place and home. Describe experience and the response of the public/home in video.

Assessments:

Rubric for Video Assignment (See attached rubric) Homework ���Video Journals Midterm/Final Exams Instructional Tools:

PowerPoint Notes ���Real-life Materials ��� Videos of ASL Short Narratives ���Video: brief family and education background Family Pictures

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

GRADING

The final grade will be determined by averaging the grades earned for each evaluation given.

Attendance/Participation 20%

Video Journals 10%

Quizzes 15%

Assignments 15%

Midterm Project 20%

Final Exam Project 20%

Total: 100%

A 93%-100%

A- 90%-92%

B+ 87%-89%

B 83%-86%

B- 80%-82%

C+ 77%-79%

C- 73%-76%

D+ 70%-72%

D 67%-69%

F and below 60%

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

POLICIES 1. ABSENCE POLICY. Absences (excused or unexcused) totaling more than three

will negatively affect a student’s grade by one letter grade and may result in being dropped from the course. Arriving late and/or leaving early are very distracting in an ASL class and will count toward absences. Two lateness/early departures will equal one absence. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE AND ARRIVE ON TIME. ���If you are absent, please arrange for a classmate to collect handouts and take notes for you.

2. USE TARGET LANGUAGE IN CLASSROOM. In order to provide you with as many opportunities as possible to be exposed to your new language, this class will be taught in ASL without the use of spoken English. Students are expected to respect this “no voice” rule and refrain from using spoken English in the classroom. Use of gesture, mime and other non-English ways of communicating are highly encouraged. You will learn appropriate strategies for what to do when you do not understand.

3. CLASS PARTICIPATION. Excellent class participation demonstrates your ability to refrain from using your voice in the classroom and signing at all times, engaging in class activities willingly and cooperatively and respecting your peers and professor. Repeatedly using voice or whispering during class time may result in dismissal from class at the professor’s discretion.

4. COMPLETION OF HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS. Students are expected to complete all homework assignments by assigned due dates. Late work will be lowered a grade for each class late.

5. USE YOUR STUDENT WORKBOOK AND VIDEOTAPE/DVD ON A REGULAR BASIS. The student workbook and accompanying videotape serve as your primary study materials. Along with information about ASL grammar and culture, the videotape presents you with natural-occurring ASL dialogues and practice activities that accompany the workbook activities. Additional homework may also be assigned.

Be forewarned that the video dialogues will be difficult to understand when you watch it for the first time. You will be expected to view the same dialogue a few times. To help ease your frustration, I strongly encourage you to understand the context of the conversation rather than try to understand specific signs. Repeated exposure to natural ASL dialogues will help your ASL development.

6. USE TARGET LANGUAGE OUTSIDE OF CLASSROOM. Students are strongly encouraged to practice outside of class with each other, through a tutor

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

in the lab (if provided for students), at Deaf events and/or with a Deaf person. ASL cannot be learned from a book. You must use it on a regular basis to reinforce your learning and to develop natural sign language conversational skills.

7. CELL PHONES AND PAGERS. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off and put away before entering the classroom. You are permitted to check your cell phone or pager during break. However, do not forget the “no voice” rule and DO NOT check your phone or pager while the teacher is lecturing. Anyone caught with their cell phone out during class will be asked to leave immediately.

8. “Snow days” or other cancelled classes: If the university closes for any reason or if we must unexpectedly miss class, check the announcement section of Blackboard for further instructions.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY & PLAGARISIM

Students come to Gallaudet University to improve their minds, gain knowledge and develop skills that will assist them in their life’s work and respect Deaf Community. Gallaudet student should seek to be fully honest in their dealings with others. They should complete their own work and be evaluated based upon those tasks. Academic video essay(s) and written papers for grades at Gallaudet University must be consistent of the students’ own idea presented in grammatical information/structures of their own work. Other supported sources must be cited properly. Without any verification of the sources and/or inappropriate citation format will be automatically considered as ZERO and/or will be asked to withdraw from this course.

ATTENDANCE

Do not miss class. Missing classes will seriously affect your final grade. You are allowed to miss two classes. When you miss class for third time, for any reason, your grade will start to go down. I will deduct 5 points for each class you miss. The next section describes points basically, 5 points =1 letter grade.

Here is an example: a student earns a B in the course, but she missed 6 classes. She gets to miss 2 without penalty. For each of the other 2, I will deduct 5 points. 2 x 10 =20, so her final grade goes down to a C+.

WITHDRAWALS

Agreeing to Gallaudet University, there are withdrawal policies that you, as a student must follow: Fall/Spring withdrawals are recorded as follows:

Students  may  withdraw  from  individual  courses  within  the  first  half  of  

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

the  semester,  summer  session,  or  non-­‐traditional  term  in  which  the  course  is  offered.    No  students  will  be  allowed  to  withdraw  from  a  course  after  the  first  half  of  the  semester,  summer  session,  or  non-­‐traditional  term  has  passed,  except  for  compelling  and  verifiable  circumstances,  in  which  case  the  student  must  obtain  the  permission  of  the  course  instructor  and  the  appropriate  dean.  More information can be found, click on this link: ���  http://www.gallaudet.edu/Catalog/Registration_and_Policies/Undergrad_Policies/Course_Withdrawals.html

Gallaudet University Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes

http://oes.gallaudet.edu/emgs/Gallaudet_Student_Learning_Outcomes.pdf Click above for further information.

• Language & Communication—Students will use American Sign Language (ASL) and written English to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, for a variety of purposes, and in a variety of settings. ���1.1. Demonstrate competence in academic ASL:

Select and use appropriate register for the setting and participants (which includes ���signing space, articulation of signs, sign choice).

Use appropriate syntax, facial grammar, transitions, eye gaze (for engagement and for ���turn taking), and pace. 1.2. Demonstrate competence in academic writing:

Choose appropriate words, phrases, and sentence and paragraph structure for the audience and purpose.

Demonstrate adequate command of mechanical conventions, including English grammar.

1.3. Demonstrate competence in receptive communication, comprehending written and signed material.

1.4. Present content coherently, which involves clarifying points, bringing together information in a well-organized way, and drawing logical connections among ideas.

1.5. Express ideas and information effectively in a variety of formats, including one-on-one, group settings, and through appropriate use of media.

• Critical Thinking—Students will summarize, synthesize, and critically analyze ideas

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

from multiple sources in order to draw well-supported conclusions and solve problems.

2.1. Select relevant and varied sources of information, and accurately state their key points and supporting details.

2.2. Bring together ideas, comparing, contrasting, and building on them to arrive at reasonable conclusions.

2.3. Evaluate the logic of arguments and strength of evidence, using deductive and inductive methods.

2.4. Provide cogent reasons in support of one’s opinions, while taking possible objections seriously.

2.5. Use critical thinking skills to analyze complex issues, make informed decisions and solve real-life problems, modifying one’s approach as needed based on the requirements of particular situations.

• Identity & Culture—Students will understand themselves, complex social identities, including deaf identities, and the interrelations within and among diverse cultures and groups.

• 3.1. Demonstrate an understanding of self, including one’s multiple social identities

and the factors that contribute to one’s well-being.

• 3.2. Compare and contrast the perspectives of multiple cultures, including deaf cultures, on various issues and practices

• 3.3. Show awareness of the range of diversity and universality in human history, societies, and ways of life

• 3.4. Analyze the interrelations within and among communities and cultures, including deaf communities, attending to the interconnectedness of global and local concerns

• 3.5. Operate with civility in a complex social world

1. Knowledge & Inquiry—Students will apply knowledge, modes of inquiry, and technological competence from a variety of disciplines in order to understand human experience and the natural world.

4.1. Demonstrate competence in the fundamental concepts, methods, and

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

technologies used in various fields of study, including scientific methods, quantitative reasoning, and interpretive frameworks.

4.2. Apply the modes of inquiry of several disciplines to address issues and questions, comparing and contrasting these approaches.

4.3. Demonstrate substantial knowledge of at least one field of study, i.e., one’s major, while being able to discuss how this field fits into the larger picture of human knowledge.

4.4. Derive meaning from multiple avenues of experience.

4.5. Resolve complex problems by integrating knowledge of various types and employing ���multiple systems and tools.

2. Ethics & Social Responsibility—Students will make reasoned ethical judgments, showing awareness of multiple value systems and taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions. They will apply these judgments, using collaboration and leadership skills, to promote social justice in their local, national, and global communities.

5.1. Support ethical judgments with clear, cogent reasons.

5.2. Describe how differences in values, beliefs, and priorities can lead to different ���conclusions about what is right or wrong.

5.3. Assess the consequences of actions.

5.4. Demonstrate intellectual honesty, respect and integrity.

5.5. Work effectively in teams, including those of diverse composition.

5.6. Participate actively in promoting social justice both locally and globally.

5.7. Meet the professional standards of the academic community and one’s major field.

���

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

CLASSES SCHEUDLE

March 18-22nd (Spring Break) – no class Midterm Examination Period – March 4-8th Final Examination Period – May 8-11th (TBA for final examination date) Last day of class – May 6th (Monday)

MIDTERM/FINAL EXAMS

Two exams will take place throughout the semester, midterm and during the last week of the semester. The instructor will produce signed sentences (in person or on video tape) using vocabulary and grammar presented in class. Students will be expected to have receptive and expressive sections to complete. Both exams are worth 20%.

ACADEMIC VIDEO ESSAY

Editing ASL works: You are encouraged to edit your ASL works. Be sure you attend to the class discussion regarding the mechanics and strategies to improving your work. Feel free to meet with your instructor or visit Tutorial & Instructional Programs to get the feedback as often as needed to produce the very best work possible.

Tips for your video:

1. Make sure that you are in the center of the video where I can see the top of your head and the bottom of your chest area.

1. Make sure that the background is clean (one-colored wall) and free of “visual noise” (books, DVD’s, TV running, kitchen items, dog appearing, etc.)

2. Wear only solid-colored shirts and free of logos. The color of your shirt should contrast your skin tone. Avoid red, yellow, and orange shades. If you have tattoos on your arms, wear long-sleeved shirts.

3. Remove hats and excessive jewelry. Wedding rings and small earrings are ok.

4. If you’re sitting, please make sure you do not swivel.

Background Expectation for ASL Video Essays can be found by clicking this link: http://youtu.be/KwxhwK7Sy4o

FINAL EXAM POLICY

Final examinations will be given at the times shown in the schedule below. Examinations

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

are not given early. The examination period is preceded by exam preparation days, which given time for conscientious review, study and synthesis of the semester’s work. If illness or other uncontrollable circumstances prevent you from taking an examination at the scheduled time, you are responsible to inform the class instructor as soon as possible. Your instructor may give the incomplete grade depending on the circumstances. The incomplete cannot be given unless and you and your instructor together prepare a contractual agreement.

RESPECT & DIVERSITY

Gallaudet University is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the campus community feels welcome to participate in the life of the college, free from harassment and discrimination.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Students who need special services or accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSWD), located in SAC Room 1022: http://depts.gallaudet.edu/oswd/index.html.

Week Topic

. 1 Introduction

* SN Unit 15 – Exchanging Personal Information: Life Events

. 2 SN Unit 15 – Exchanging Personal Information: Life Events

. 3 SN Unit 14 – Complaining, Making Suggestions and Requests

. 4 SN Unit 13 – Locating Things Around the House

. 5 SN Unit 13 – Locating Things Around the House

. 6 SN Unit 13 – Locating Things Around the House

. 7 Midterm and Review Week

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Week Day In class Assignments

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

1 January 21st Introduction

Jan. 23rd Introduction, syllabus review, textbooks, etc. Discussion of Video Assignments/Exams

Unit 15 – Exchanging Personal Information: Life Events (pg. 59-86)

Jan. 25th Telling about Life events

HW pg. 59-65

2 Jan. 28th Telling about Life events without WH-

clause

Nationalities, Family Nationalities

HW pg. 66-73

Jan. 30th Telling Your Family History

Feb. 1st Continued from Jan. 30th

Unit 14 – Complaining, Making suggestions and Requests (p. 35-58)

Feb. 4th Quiz # 1 – Unit 15

Identifying the Ailments (temporal

aspects)

Complaining about feeling sick

HW pg. 35 – 40

Feb. 6th Making Suggestions about Health

Complaining about Others, Making

Suggestions

HW due: pg. 41

Gallaudet  University  –  Department  of  American  Sign  Language/Deaf  Studies    ASL  102  –  American  Sign  Language  (3  credits)    

 

 

Feb. 8th Making Requests

Storytelling: One fine day

HW due: pg. 42-43

Video Journal #1 Due

Unit 13 - Locating things around House (p. 1-33)

Feb. 11th Quiz # 2 – Unit 14

Around the House

Describing the Layouts of House

Feb. 13th Asking Questions about the House

Language in Practice

HW due: pg. 2-6

Feb. 15th House Activity Locating Small Objects

HW due: pg. 6-7

Video Journal # 2 due

Unit 13 – Locating things Around the House (pg. 1-33)

Feb. 18th Group Survey: What’s in your house?

Numbers

Where Do You Keep It?

HW due: pg. 8-9