American Sign Language I

ASL I 2 credits
COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor Sel Staley

E-mail SelStaley@gmail.com

Summer Semester: June 19 - August 26, 2017: 10 weeks

Class: Monday 2:00- 4:00 PM

Location: Kendall Demonstration Elementary School 800 Florida Ave NE, Washington, DC
20002

KDES ASL classes are being offered at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School for families of
Clerc Center students. Classes will also be open to the community on a first come, first serve basis,
provided that there is space available. Priority is given to all
Clerc Center families as well as non- Clerc Center families with deaf children in other schools. We
also provide free child care for your children while you attend your course.

To sign up use this link to fill out

http://www.gallaudet.edu/Documents/Clerc/asl%20FALL2013.pdf
Course Description
This course introduces American Sign Language (ASL). It is intended for students who have
previous knowledge of ASL in beginner level. Students will have an opportunity to learn social
functions with respect to introducing themselves, exchanging personal information, describing
simple narratives, and they will develop beginning conversational skills based on ASL
vocabulary and grammatical rules. The fundamentals of the Deaf Culture will be examined
through classroom demonstration.

Course Goals
Learn and recognize basic vocabulary that pertains to social functions and
reproduce them with correct sign production.
Make use of signed vocabulary learned to create impromptu and scripted
dialogues with expected fluency.
Learn ASL storytelling techniques.
Utilize the knowledge of ASL and Deaf Culture.

Learning Outcomes
Students will develop receptive skills visually and expressive skills manually at the
beginning conversational level.
Students will interact with members of the Deaf community in order to gain an
appreciation of the Deaf culture.
Students will understand how American Sign Language functions within this
distinct cultural minority in the American society.

Course Policies/Expectations
Regardless of instructors presence, students who enter the classroom are expected to
communicate in ASL ONLY. In order to encourage the full use of ASL and to introduce cultural
rules.

Contributions in Class
Participation and contributions are essential to the class due to the experiential nature of this
course. Therefore, students are expected to come prepared and to actively participate in class. To
maximize interactions with various students for dialogue practices and other activities, each
student is encouraged to randomly choose their seat assignment per class session.

Accommodations
Accommodations will be provided to eligible students with disabilities. Please contact Clerc
Center.

Cultural Experience Students will be required to attend a Deaf social event with the
instructor. During your 20 minute break it is highly recommended to use ASL in the lobby
room while you are interacting with all of the other students from different courses to
immerse and enchant by sharing information with another student.
Course Pre-requirements: There are no prerequisites for this course.

This course will provide an introduction to the basic skills in production and comprehension of
American Sign Language (ASL) along with some aspects of American Deaf Culture. This course
focuses solely on the basic level of American Sign Language: parameters, fingerspelling,
numbers, grammar, and non-manual movements (facial expressions). This course will provide a
rich experience and an understanding of Deaf people, their language of ASL and Deaf culture. It
includes the development of receptive and expressive skills. Students are required to attend 2
hours of class per week in the next 10 weeks. Students are expected to spend approximately three
hours of homework per week. The ASL lab is recommended for use and will be available to the
students for tutoring, assignments, and homework.

Required Class Materials:

Smith, C., Lentz, E., & Mikos, K. (2008). Signing Naturally: Student Workbook, Units 1 -
6. DawnSignPress: San Diego, CA.

Baker-Shenk, C., & Cokely, D. (2007). Tales from the Green Books [DVD]. Burtonsville,
MD: Sign Media, Inc.

(Friends by Patrick Graybill will be shown in class)

USB Flash Drive (at least 2GB)

Access to email/Internet and Blackboard (Required)

Reading Supplements:

Van Cleve, J. V. & Crouch, B. A. (1989). A Place of Their Own: Creating the Deaf
Community in America. Gallaudet University Press: Washington, D.C.

(Reading: Chapter 8 will be posted in blackboard)

Program Outcomes: American Sign Language I Student Learning Outcomes:

Students in this course will:

I. Demonstrate knowledge in basic American Sign Language used by Deaf children and
Deaf adults, and demonstrate their comprehension of Deaf history.
II. Produce the beginning level of fingerspelling by spelling words of 3-4 letters.
III. Distinguish and explain their expressive skills in ASL and become proficient in basic
receptive skills at the beginners level.
IV. Recognize and acknowledge cultural language behaviors in the Deaf community.
V. Formulate and develop an ability to understand, appreciate and respect Deaf culture
and ASL.

Course Objectives:

Course Learning Objectives Learning Activities Assessment

At the end of the course, students How you will learn it: How you will be
will be able to: evaluated:
Articulate and produce the Brief lectures and discussion Homework in English
aspects of American Deaf in class with ASL videos and
Culture, Strategies for Learning and student reading ASL (with use of video).
ASL. worksheets. American Deaf Culture
homework.

Attribute the functions, grammar,
vocabulary and conversation
behaviors in ASL and Deaf
culture. Identifying elements of
Deaf Culture in ASL and written
English.
Brief lectures (ASL videos);
readings and assessments
(English); activities in class.
Homework in English
and
ASL; quizzes;
Student presentation
project on how nurses
can use ASL and
recognize Deaf Culture
with a Deaf patient.

Explain, define, and give Readings; lectures; ASL Quiz; A Place of Their
examples of ASL parameters and videos; conversations in class; Own Chapter 9 written
practice using the parameters
 structure of American Sign and structures in class. summary (one
Language. Analyzing ASL videos. paragraph)

Summarize Deaf Connection.

Identify and express the overall Overall review of this course Review;
units using ASL, their with the readings, videos, final exam
perspectives, their analytical homework, and lectures.
approaches, and their conclusions.

Course Requirements:

1. Participation (10%)
Students are required to attend every class per week in this 10-week course in order to
cover 10% of the total grade. It is crucial for students to maintain their attendance since
they cannot expect to pass this course with knowledge of the workbook alone, without
class. The instructor will withdraw any student who has 3 absences from class.
[Participation rubric]

2. Assignments (30%) *Weekly assignments are due on Monday of each week.

*The assignments will include all of the exercises within the Signing Naturally Student
Workbook and students are to answer them on the worksheets provided within the Student
Workbook, as well as American Deaf Culture handout. Homework 1:1 to 1:12, pages 4 -
33 in Unit 1, 2:1 to 2:12, pages 48 - 86 in Unit 2, and 3:1 to 3:16, pages 111 - 152 in Unit
3 [Worksheets rubric]

*Students will give a video presentation using the ASL that they learned in class to
demonstrate a hospital environment when they meet with a Deaf patient. Nursing
Scenario [Video presentation rubric]

*Students will write one paragraph discussing A Place of Their Own in Chapter 9
Cultural Connections p. 98 - 105. [Written paper rubric]

*Video assignment on Friends (Tales from the Green Books DVD) - students are to
respond to all 5 questionnaires in their video by using YouTube. Students assessment
will be evaluated by using rubric. [Video presentation rubric]

Unit Assignments: Students will participate in activities in classroom and assignments

out of class as shown in class schedule (below).

3. Quizzes/Exam (60%)
Quizzes (30%): There will be three quizzes. Each quiz includes one unit that is taught in
class. Each quiz consists of two separate skills focusing on receptive and expressive
skills.
Final Exam (30%): The final exam is focused on expressive and comprehension
 portions (from Unit 1-3). Cumulative in nature; comprehension and production are
included along with information from the workbook, lectures, videotapes shown both in
and out of class, class assignments (grammar, vocabulary, functions of ASL), and
discussions. There will be no make-up of the final except under special circumstances.

**Extra Credit: Students will be given opportunities to earn extra credit throughout the course
in assignments (TBA) related to Deaf Culture and Deaf history.

Course Methodology: This classroom will use the Direct Experience Method (DEM) to create
total immersion language atmospheric experience for the students. Please avoid voicing or
English mouthing during class time. This is to improve students receptive and expressive skills
in ASL. We will work together by using ASL and use a lot of pictures to understand each other
without using voice. You can write notes to each other if necessary.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Talking without signing in the presence of a Deaf instructor or any Deaf
person is considered rude in Deaf culture.

Extended Responsibilities: The lab is available for the students to complete their video
assignments if they dont have the equipment at home.

Course Evaluation:

Attendance/Participation 10%

Assignments (8) 8 Homework Assignments: (3% per homework) 30%

Midterm (1) 1 Project (6%)

Quiz (3) Quiz #1 = 10% 60%

Final Exam (1) Unit 1
Receptive skills: 5%
Expressive skills: 5%

Quiz #2 = 10%
Unit 2
Receptive skills: 5%
Expressive skills: 5%

Quiz #3 = 10%
Unit 3
Receptive skills: 5%
Expressive skills: 5%

Final Exam = 30%

Cumulative Units 1 - 3
TOTAL PERCENTAGE 100%
Grading Scale:

Grade Definition Point Range (%)

A Outstanding 93.00 - 100

A- Outstanding 90.00 - 92.99

B+ Very Good 87.00 - 89.99

B Very Good 83.00 - 86.99

B- Good 80.00 - 82.99

C+ Unsatisfactory 77.00 - 79.99

C Unsatisfactory 70.00 - 76.99

D+ Unsatisfactory 67.00 - 69.99

D Unsatisfactory 60.00 - 66.99

F Failing. No credit 59.99 and below

Academic Integrity Policy:

All students must read and are expected to follow and respect the academic policies the Clerc
Center Integrity Policy. This policy applies to all courses at Kendall.
Plagiarism in this course is not acceptable.

Students with Disabilities:

Students have the responsibility of formally requesting accommodation at the beginning of the
semester through the Office of Disability Services.

Grade of Incomplete (INC) Disclaimer:

A grade of Incomplete (INC) is given when a students required coursework has not been
completed by the end of the 10 weeks due to illness, family emergency, or other unforeseen
circumstances. If the student wants to receive credit, it is still possible to earn credits when
he/she returns to complete the tasks upon agreement with the instructor. A student must go to
registrars office to fill out the form and submit it before the end of the 10th week. An
incomplete grade for cutting classes will not be granted.
Policy On Late Assignments:
All assignments are due in class on Mondays. Any late work is not acceptable and students may
be given a grade of zero for incomplete assignments past deadline dates. The student is
responsible for all course material. Assignments must be completed by established deadlines. It
is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor of any difficulties and to use email
correspondence to request permission to extend deadlines.

Extended Campus Programs Online Services:

Students may use the online Blackboard system to access the syllabus and other resources.

Language Resources:
*ASL drop-in tutoring lab M-Th 9am-7pm, F 11am-5pm.
*Sign Language and fingerspelling practice online videos and to submit written and video
assignment are available on Blackboard. Video cameras are available at the ASL lab at
Kendall.
*Website resources:
- Online Sign Dictionary at http://commtechlab.msu.edu/Sites/aslweb/browser.htm
- Other online dictionaries www.lifeprint.com, www.signingsavvy.com
- Fingerspelling practice and Receptive practice http://www.asl.ms/
- Expressive practice http://www.jal.cc.il.us/ipp/fingspell/
- Deaf Newspaper http://www.deafnewspaper.com/ (stories in ASL and cultural
information)

Tentative Course Schedule: Units 1-3 of Signing Naturally: Beginner

ASL I Course Calendar/Schedule/Assignments Outline: *Subject to Change* Since this is a
tentative schedule, this is subject to change and will be amended whenever necessary. Students
will be notified of any changes in class or via Blackboard.

Week Date Course Topics Assignments Quizzes/Final

Exam

1) Introductions 1) Introductions to
2) ASL Lab Orientation (30-45 each other in class
minutes) 2) Complete ASL
1 6/19- 3) Course Syllabus Lab Orientation
6/25 4) American Deaf Culture 3) Review syllabus
4) #1 Homework
(American Deaf
Culture Quiz
handout)
Unit 1 1) #2 Homework 1:1
6/26- 1) Strategies for Learning ASL to 1:6 (pp. 5-22)
2 7/2 2) ASL parameters 2) Practice at home
3) Activity: Introduction to each along with DVD
 other in ASL with first and last
names
Unit 1 (continued) 1) #3 Homework 1:7
7/3- Teamwork: practice in class to 1:12 (pp. 23-33) Quiz #1
3 7/9 Unit 1 Review 2) Unit 1 Review
Quiz #1 (7/9) 4) Quiz #1
Unit 2 1) Write a summary
1) Conversations 1 and 2: Yes-No from reading Chapter
Questions: activity in class 9 A Place of Their
7/10- 2) Gallaudet University Own
4 7/16 3) Deaf Profile in class: Regina 2) #4 Homework 2:1
Olson Hughes to 2:6 (pp. 48-71)
3) Practice at home
along with DVD
Unit 2 (continued) 1) #5 Homework 2:7
1) Activity in class: Who Enjoys to 2:12 (pp.72-87)
What? Students partner up and work 2) Practice at home
7/17- on communication using the student along with DVD
5 7/23 textbook
2) Deaf Cultural perspective:
Negotiating a signing
environment

Unit 2 Review 1) Review Unit 2 Quiz #2

Teamwork: practice in class 2) Quiz #2
Quiz #2 3) #6 Friends video
6 7/24-
7/30 assignment by
answering 5
questions. Due next
Monday.
Unit 3 1) #7 Homework 3:1
1) Conversations to 3:8 (pp.110-129)
2) Expressing Needs 2) Practice at home
3) Lengths of Time along with DVD
7 7/31- 4) Deaf Profile: Douglas Tilden
8/6
Discuss about Friends by Patrick
Graybill (Tales from the Green
Books DVD)

Unit 3 (continued) 1) #8 Homework 3:9

8 8/7- 1) Activity in class: Real World to 3:16 (pp.130-152)
8/13 Orientation - students practice with 2) Practice at home
 each other pointing where their 3) Classroom Project
homes are located before naming Presentation
the city and where they are learning Scenario
ASL.
2) Deaf Cultural perspective:
Deaf Space/Deaf-friendly
Unit 3 Review 1) Unit 3 Review
8/14- Practice in class 2) Quiz #3
9 8/20 Quiz #3 Quiz #3
3) Study at home for
final exam
Review of all Units 1,2,3 1) Review Unit 1, 2, Final Exam
Final Exam 3
10 8/21 (Cumulative Units 1 - 3) 2) Take the final
exam

Appendix Rubrics:

Participation Rubric
CATEGORY Exceeds Expectations Acceptable Expectations Unsatisfactory

Quality of Students arrive on time and Students often attends class Student is absent 3 days
Participation attend class every Monday for and does not miss from attending this course.
10 weeks.
Students often engages Student does not engage or
Student always engages with the with instruction and participate in classroom.
instruction. classmates

Worksheets Rubric Homework Exercises Assignments

CATEGORY Exceeds Expectations Acceptable Expectations Unsatisfactory

Submission on time Submission usually on time Frequently did not

Timeline submit on time

Quantity of All the elements of All the elements of exercises were All or most elements of
Assignment exercises were completed completed and identified, but not exercises are missing.
Elements and identified. organized.
Quality of All exercises included Exercises and questions were Incomplete homework:
Assignment appropriate and correct answered, but not always correct. questions were
Elements answers accordingly. unanswered.
Video Presentation Rubric
CATEGORY Exceeds Expectations
Timeline Submission on time
Length & Exactly 5-minute video.
Formatting Excellent quality of video.
Quantity of Produces majority of signs
Assignment and finger spelled words
Elements correctly and signs clearly;
no major production errors.
Quality of Signs continually without
Assignment pausing, stopping, false
Elements starts, correcting, and
repeating.
Video includes correct ASL
that is appropriate for this
assignment.
** No voice or mouthed English is allowed or points will be deducted.
Written Rubric
CATEGORY Exceeds Expectations
Timeline Submission on time
Length & 12-point font. Times
Formatting New Roman and one
inch margins.
One full paragraph
Quality of The paragraph
Assignment summarizes the whole
Elements chapter of this book.
Summarized clearly.
The information is
accurate and is orderly
organized.
Assignment for .Scenario
Acceptable Expectations
Submission on time
Approximately 5 minutes of
video.
Acceptable quality of video.
Signs clearly; produces sign and
finger spelled words
Video includes some correct
ASL that is appropriate for this
assignment.
Assignment for A Place of Their Own
Acceptable Expectations
Submission on time
12-point font. Times New Roman
and one inch margins.
Less than one paragraph
Used some information from the
book. The information is accurate
and is organized.
Unsatisfactory
Did not submit on time
Low quality or unable to
see video. Excess or
insufficient time frame of
5-minute video.
No presentation
Misuse of signs or
fingerspelled words are not
used correctly
ASL in video is not correct
and the quality of work is
poor.
Use of incorrect ASL and
that is not appropriate for
this assignment.
Unsatisfactory
Did not submit on time
Did not follow format
More or less than one
paragraph
Information is missing from
the paragraph and is not clear.
The organization is not in
proper structure.
Video Rubric DVD: Tales from the Green Books (Friends by Patrick Graybill)
CATEGORY Exceeds Expectations Acceptable Expectations Unsatisfactory

Timeline Submission on time Submission on time Did not submit on time

Length & 5 minute video, ASL 5 minutes and is in acceptable Less than or more than 5
Formatting format is excellent format. ASL is in the frame of minutes and/or in poor format.
and clear. video. ASL is out of frame in video.
Quantity of Answered all five Answered all questions. Answered few questions or
Assignment questions and in none at all.
Elements excellent format.
All questions are
answered clearly.
Quality of All sign production is Video includes some correct ASL ASL in video is not correct and
Assignment clear and error-free that is appropriate for this the quality of work is poor.
Elements assignment.
** No voice or mouthed English is allowed or points will be deducted