American Sign Language I
LANG 2311E
Beginning American Sign Language
Fall 2016/Monday
Contact Information and Office Hours –
Instructor: Traci Gorsuch Prather
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling: Texas Tech University 2005
BEI certified ASL interpreter Level I 1999
Bachelor of Art English: West Texas A&M University 1991
American Sign Language certified teacher
Email:
Office Phone/Office Hours: I do not have an office on campus. If you need to contact me by phone during the day you may do so at (urgent calls only) (806) 677-2740 ext. 1564. It will go to voice mail if I am teaching class. Leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible. After 4:00 pm you may reach me at my cell phone (806) 679-2049.
Syllabus Purpose: This syllabus sets forth the policies, procedures, materials and assignments for this course.
Required Texts and Materials –
Zinza, Jason E. Master ASL! Level I. 6th ed. Burtonsville, MD: Sign Media, Inc, 2006. (This is a packet that includes the hardback text, the Student Companion, a separate, soft-cover book focusing on developing fingerspelling, numbers, and glossing skills, and DVD.) ISBN 1-881133-20-6.
Course Description –
This introductory course to American Sign Language (ASL) includes finger spelling, vocabulary, basic sentence structure, history, Deaf culture, current trends, principles of linguistics and grammatical structures. Basic expressive skills using the manual alphabet, numbers, and signs prepare the student to communicate on a basic level with deaf individuals.
Purpose and Goals of the Course: ASL as a Language
The purpose of this course is to introduce learners to fundamentals of American Sign Language.
The goals of this course are: the ability to express basic concepts using ASL, compare and contrast some aspects of Deaf Culture, and explain the basic linguistic components of ASL. It is a visual language and it has its own grammatical rules and semantics.
ASL is primarily used by deaf and hard of hearing Americans and Canadians. In addition, ASL is used by:
· hearing children of deaf parents;
· hearing siblings and relatives of the deaf and
· hearing adults who are becoming deaf and are learning ASL from other deaf individuals. Additionally, a growing population of hearing, second language students are learning ASL in the elementary, secondary and post-secondary classrooms.
ASL is deeply rooted in the Deaf Community and Culture. Early sign language was already in use in Colonial America, notably in Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the Massachusetts coast where many deaf people once lived. In 1817, Laurent Clerc, the first deaf teacher in America came from Paris, France to Hartford, Connecticut, with Thomas Gallaudet to set up the first school for the deaf. He used French Sign Language (FSL) in his teachings, which lead to the standardization of early American Sign Language into modern American Sign Language. The folklore, the history of Deaf people and cultural values are expressed and preserved through ASL.
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes –
The students in this course will:
Learning Outcome 1: demonstrate the ability to present and comprehend information presented in American Sign Language based on Master ASL! Units 1-5. Topics include: introducing oneself, exchanging personal information, talking about surroundings, telling where you live, talking about your family and telling about activities.
Learning Outcome 2: demonstrate the ability to EXPRESS information in American Sign Language based on Master ASL! Units 1-5 Topics include: introducing oneself, exchanging personal information, talking about surroundings, telling where you live, talking about your family, and telling about activities.
Learning Outcome 3: learn the differences and similarities of cultural norms and behaviors of people who are deaf based upon interaction with the local deaf community and For Hearing People Only.
Learning Outcome 4: learn the linguistic components of American Sign Language based on Master ASL!
Course Requirements and Evaluation –
There are a total of six assessments: three unit exams (Units 1-3), deaf contact time, class participation and the final exam.
Unit Exams: (3) Comprehensive assessments covering material from the Unit studied. These exams are given in two sections. One section is receptive (vocabulary, numbers, fingerspelling and sentences) and the other section is a written format regarding ASL grammar, Deaf culture and its community. The content from Units 4 and 5 will be not tested on a Unit Exam. It will be included on the final exam.
(100 points per exam) 300 points total
Deaf Time Log (community Interaction/conversation): There will be activities in the local Deaf community that students are encouraged to attend to begin conversational skills with a deaf person and exposure to the Deaf culture/community. Students attend 10 hours of “Deaf Time”. A log sheet is provided with this syllabus to record contact hours. Information regarding the meeting time and places for this activity will be provided as the semester progresses.
100 points.
Class Participation: ASL is a visual and participatory language. Students are expected to participate and show their progress in class. You will be assigned a participation grade for each class meeting. If you fail to attend, a grade will not be assigned for that day. A signup sheet will be made available at the beginning of each class. You must sign the sheet to verify your attendance. The signatures will be verified during class. Do not ask someone to sign for you in your absence. If you are unable to attend a class, please contact me ahead of time.
70 points (5 points per class meeting)
Final Exam: A written final exam will be given at the end of the semester during the regularly scheduled final exam time. The exam will cover key concepts discussed during the semester specifically from Master ASL! Units 4, 5 and a written essay. The exams will be given as scheduled unless the college is closed due to bad weather. In the event that classes are cancelled, the exam will be given at the next scheduled class period. The final exam will not exceed two and one-half hours.
100 points
Grade Computation: Your final grade for this course is based on the 3 unit exams, the final exam, the Deaf Log, and class participation (14 class meetings not counting the final exam taken in week 15). A maximum total of 570 points can be earned in this course.
Assessments % of Final Grade Grading Scale passed on Points Earned
Unit Exams 50% A = 470 - 421.5
Final Exam 20% B = 421 – 372.5
Deaf Time Log 20% C = 372 – 323.5
Class Participation 10% D = 323 – 247.5
F = 247 and below
Policies and Responsibilities –
Cell phones and pagers: Please keep cell phones in the off or silent position. If a family emergency is imminent, please let the instructor know before class. You will be allowed then to put your phone on “vibrate” mode.
Texting: Texting is not allowed during class.
Food and beverages: Due to the length of class, snacks are permitted.
Academic Integrity-
All work must be completed individually unless otherwise stated. Commission of any of the following acts shall constitute scholastic dishonesty: acquiring or providing information for any assigned work or examination from any unauthorized source; informing any person or persons of the contents of any examination prior to the time the exam is given in any subsequent sections of the course or as a makeup; plagiarism; submission of a paper or project that is substantially the same for two courses unless expressly authorized by the instructor to do so. For more information, see the Code of Student Life[1].
Acceptable Student Behavior –
Classroom behavior should not interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to learn from the instructional program (Code of Student Life). Unacceptable or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior may be instructed to leave the classroom. Inappropriate behavior may result in disciplinary action or referral to the University’s Behavioral Intervention Team. This prohibition applies to all instructional forums, including electronic, classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc.
ADA Statement –
West Texas A&M University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford an equal educational opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with Student Disability Services[2] (SDS) and to contact faculty members in a timely fashion to arrange for suitable accommodations. Contact Information: Student Success Center, CC 106; phone (806) 651-2335.
Title IX Statement-
West Texas A&M University is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of sexual misconduct and discrimination. Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil Rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc. Harassment is not acceptable. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find the appropriate resources here:
· WTAMU Title IX Coordinator Becky Lopez – Kilgore Research Center 147, or call 806.651.3199
· WTAMU Counseling Services – Classroom Center 116, or call 806.651.2340
· WTAMU Police Department – 806.651.2300, or dial 911
· 24-hour Crisis Hotline – 800.273.8255, or 806.359.6699, or 800.692.4039 https://www.notalone.gov/
For more information, see the Code of Student Life[3].
Evacuation Statement –
If you receive notice to evacuate the building, please evacuate promptly but in an orderly manner. Evacuation routes are posted in various locations indicating all exits, outside assemble area, location of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and emergency telephone numbers (651-5000 or 911). In the event an evacuation is necessary: evacuate immediately do not use elevators; take all personal belongings with you; report to outside assembly area and wait for further information; students needing assistance in the evacuation process should bring this to the attention of the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
WT Attendance Policy for Core Curriculum Classes –
For the purposes of learning assessment and strategic planning, all students enrolled in Core Curriculum or developmental courses at West Texas A&M University must swipe their Buff Gold cards through the card reader installed in the classroom/lab for each class/lab meeting.
Chemical and Equipment Safety Statement –
Safety is everyone's responsibility. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are provided for all chemicals used in this class. MSDSs provide information about physical properties, health risks, fire explosion data, and other important information associated with these chemicals. Before handling or using a chemical, you should refer to the MSDS for that chemical. It is your responsibility to inform the instructor in writing of any health conditions that may prevent you from safely using a chemical (pregnancy, auto immune deficiency, etc.). It is also the responsibility of the student to report any spill or problems found while storing or using a chemical. If you are unsure about a chemical, always ask. If you see any unsafe condition, notify your instructor immediately. If you are unsure about the proper and safe operation of any piece of equipment, ask your instructor for proper instruction. All injuries, spill of materials and unsafe conditions must be reported to the instructor immediately.
Any pregnant students, or students planning to become pregnant, should consult their health care provider to determine what, if any, additional precautions are needed based on their individual situation. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate their needs to the Vice President for Student Affairs as soon as possible in order for risk-reduction to begin when it can be most effective, and to determine if additional modifications are necessary. While the university cannot mandate that the student notify that she is pregnant or is planning to become pregnant, the university strongly recommends that students provide notification so appropriate steps can be taken to ensure the health of both parent and child. To communicate health circumstances or to request additional information, please contact the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Student Laboratory Safety Training
An online Student Laboratory Safety Training may be required and assigned through WTClass upon registration for this class. By registering for this class, the student agrees to complete the assigned training (if needed), no later than 12th class day for fall/spring terms or 5th class day for summer terms and acknowledge non-participation in activities if not completed by 18th class day for fall/spring terms; 10th class day for summer terms.
Tentative Class Schedule
Class Meeting Date / Assignment / Topics to be CoveredAugust 29, 2016 / Intro to ASL I
Unit 1 / Unit 1 Objectives:
*To learn proper greetings and farewells in ASL
*To introduce yourself and others
*To learn basic ASL sentence structure
*To ask and answer questions
*To learn how to interact appropriately with Deaf people
*To learn the role of facial expression and NMS
September 5, 2016 / Labor Day/No class
September 12, 2016 / Unit 1
September 19, 2016 / Unit 1
September 26, 2016 / Test Unit 1
Begin Unit 2 / Unit 2 Objectives:
*To ask for help and clarification in ASL
*To engage in basic conversation on a variety of topics
*To understand the cultural view of deafness
*To improve familiarity with ASL grammar and structure
*To learn and apply WH-signs and facial expression
*To understand iconic and non-iconic signs
October 3, 2016 / Unit 2
October 10, 2016 / Test Unit 2
Begin Unit 3 / Unit 3 Objectives:
*To expand ASL skills and topics of conversation
*To understand topic-comment structure
*To incorporate numbers in conversation
*To understand how ASL name signs are made
*To use possessive signs and deixis appropriately
*To discuss favorites
October 17, 2016 / Unit 3
October 24, 2016 / Unit 3
October 31, 2016
Halloween / Test Unit 3
Begin Unit 4 / Unit 4 Objectives:
*To recognize and use gender distinction in ASL
*To understand and use contrastive structure
*To gain exposure to Deaf art
*To sign about family, friends and relationships
*To use pronoun signs appropriately
November 7, 2016 / Unit 4
November 14, 2016 / Unit 4 and Unit 5 / Unit 5 Objectives:
*To improve conversational skills
*To sign about school and school life
*To identify and use the Agent Marker appropriately
*To understand contemporary Deaf education options
*To understand and use classifiers
*To tell time and sign about time related issues
November 21, 2016 / Unit 5 / Essay topic handed out
November 28, 2016 / Complete Unit 5
December 5, 2016 / Semester test review
Units 4 and 5
December 12, 2016 / Final exam
This schedule is subject to change due to changes and scheduling activities, deaf events, guest speakers and weather. You will be responsible for keeping up with the DVD in the Master ASL