Nichola Horrell-Schmitz:
2008 Autumn Semester
Syllabus
American Sign Language I
EDS 151-02
California State University Sacramento
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor: Nichola (Nikki) Horrell-Schmitz, MA
Office: by appointment
Email: nichola.horrell@gmail.com
COURSE SCHEDULE:
MWF 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM EUREKA Hall 223
Meeting Dates- 9/02/2008 - 12/12/2008
COURSE PREREQUISITES: none
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Introductory vocabulary and grammar of American Sign Language. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to exchange basic information about themselves and their families such as their names, where they live, and their interests. Through out-of-class online readings, in-class discussions and demonstrations, students are also exposed to elements of the deaf culture and community.
COURSE FORMAT:
The student will demonstrate the ability to comprehend and produce information presented in American Sign Language, based on the Signing Naturally Level 1 curriculum and instructor-guided online materials found under Free Lessons in www.lifeprint.com. Some of the learning and activities will take place on the web. You will complete several online practice quizzes, online quizzes found in SacCT, and take a midterm exam. At the end of the course you will perform a signed presentation with a partner. You are expected to have a SacState account and check it at least twice a week.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
This version of the course covers all of the Units 1-6 concepts in the Signing Naturally Level 1 curriculum. No textbooks or DVDs are required for this course (I just saved you almost a hundred dollars); however, you are required to print the ASL University Workbook Level 1 covering lessons 1-15. To print the pages of the ASL University workbook, go to www.lifeprint.com. Click Free Lessons; scroll down until you see Workbook (Level 1). Print the workbook (up to Lesson 15) and put them in a 3-ring binder. There is a total of 20 lessons in Level 1. Since we will be learning from two ASL programs (Signing Naturally AND Lifeprint), we will not be able to cover all of the 20 lessons. .
HELPFUL WEBSITES: http://asl.ms | http://asl.gs | http://asl.bz
OPTIONAL MATERIALS:
Signing Naturally, Level 1 Workbook with DVD covering Lessons 1-6. By Ken Mikos, Cheri Smith, and Ella Mae Lentz. Dawn Sign Press.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Learning is a cumulative process that takes place over time. It requires your active participation and daily preparation (this includes online readings and online quizzes) outside the class. To encourage your out-of-class preparation, in-class activities, many of which are group exercises, are scheduled on a regular basis. Because your participation in these activities is evaluated, your daily attendance is required. You are expected to spend at least three hours a week online in www.lifeprint.com. Your grades will reflect how much time you spend studying online.
EDS 151 Course Evaluation Pts. of Final Grade
1. 15 Quizzes 150
2. Receptive Midterm 150
3. Expressive Final Exam 200
4. Research Blog 100
Total Points 600
QUIZZES:
Online quizzes are found at : http://lifeprint.com/quizzes/index.htm. After you complete the quiz, submit it and THEN copy, paste, and email the results page to LifeprintQuizzes@gmail.com . In the subject box, mention ASL Quiz #___. Be sure your name shows somewhere on the email. No credit will be given for late quiz submittals. If the quiz is due September 16, you must submit it on or before 11:59 PM of September 16.
MIDTERM & FINAL EXAMS: The midterm will measure your RECEPTIVE skills based on the Performance Objectives under Goal #1. You will also answer questions based on online readings about Deaf culture and ASL (see library of information in www.lifeprint.com). The final exam will consist of a dialogue between you and another student. Evaluation of the final exam is based on coverage of expected Goal #2 and Performance Objectives; which measures your EXPRESSIVE skills in ASL.
RESEARCH BLOG: for instructions, visit: http://lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/blog.htm
GRADING SCALE:The scale is as follows (%):
98 100 =A+
95 97 = A
92 94 = A-
89 91 = B+
85 88 = B
82 84 = B-
79 81 = C+
75 78 = C
72 74 = C-
69 71 = D+
65 68 = D
62 64 = D-
63 and below =F
LEARNING GOALS AND PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
Goal #1: The student will demonstrate the ability to comprehend information presented in ASL and culture/language/history topics in print, based on ASL 1 (Lessons 1-15) in the ASL University website and supplementary materials from Signing Naturally
Level 1 Units 1-6.
Performance objectives for this goal:
1a. The student will comprehend fingerspelled names of persons and other proper nouns. Go to http://asl.ms/ to practice fingerspelling.
1b. The student will respond to and identify yes/no and wh questions.
1c. The student will recognize Lessons 1-15 vocabulary, phrases and numbers in Lifeprint and supplemental vocabulary/phrases relating to the Signing Naturally workbook.
1d The student will identify non manual markers (face expression) for grammatical usage and spatial referencing (use of space in front of signer to refer to something).
1e. The student will respond to questions for the quizzes/exams based on the history/culture/language notes under each lesson and assigned by the instructor.
Goal #2: The student will demonstrate the ability to express information presented in ASL, based on ASL 1 in the Lifeprint website and supplementary materials from Signing Naturally Level 1 Units 1-6.
Performance objectives for this goal:
2a. The student will fingerspell proper nouns and words at a normal speed and without choppiness. Go to http://asl.ms/ to practice fingerspelling.
2b. The student will produce yes/no and wh questions using correct grammar (face expression) and structure.
2c. The student will demonstrate correct Lifeprint Lessons 1-15 vocabulary and numbers and supplemental vocabulary/phrases from Signing Naturally provided by the instructor.
2d The student will express appropriate non-manual markers for grammar and spatial referencing.
2e. The student will participate in ASL and answer questions on quizzes/exams based on the history/culture/language notes in each lesson and provided by the instructor.
CLASS PARTICIPATION and COMMUNICATION POLICY:
What I look for in meaningful participation is a students preparedness, engaging in classroom exercises and discussions based on in-class Powerpoint presentations merging both Lifeprint and Signing Naturally, Lifeprint online lessons, online quizzes, knowledge of all signed vocabulary, use of correct sentence structure and grammar (face expressions are grammatical!!!!). Conversations in classroom will be solely in American Sign Language.
Talking in English is not allowed and this policy is strictly enforced.
ATTENDANCE, MAKEUPS, AND LATE POLICY :
If you miss more than 1 3-hour class you will lose 5 grade points off of the final class grade per additional 1-hour class missed unless a written excuse can be provided for an illness, death of family, etc. Two tardies (more than 5 minutes late) are equal to one absence. You need to notify the instructor (nichola.horrell@gmail.com) if you will not be able to attend an exam and note that there must be ample cause for your absence on the day of the exam (i.e., illness, funeral, etc.). No makeup for exams without a note from the doctor or a copy of an obituary.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:
Students are to treat the classroom and each other with respect. Students shall not behave in a manner that is disruptive to the learning environment or infringes on the rights and safety of other class members. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to communicating in spoken English in the classroom, sleeping, goofing off, arriving late or leaving early, and disrespect directed at another student or instructor. Such conduct may result in immediate dismissal from class as deemed appropriate by the Program Coordinator. Please remember that cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Plagiarism/cheating is a serious academic offense that is to be avoided at all costs. I advise you against sharing answers with other students on your written work or your study questions. A student who plagiarizes on an exam or other assignments will receive a grade of F for the exam or assignment. Students who plagiarize will be recommended to the Program Coordinator for disciplinary action.
LEARNING ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you are a student with a disability that will require accommodation, it is your responsibility to contact the Disability Resource Center at the beginning of the class. DRC will recommend any appropriate accommodation to both your professor and the Program Coordinator. The professor and Coordinator will identify what accommodations will be arranged.