Nichola Horrell-Schmitz:
2008 Autumn Semester
ASL Classifiers
EDS 157-01
California State University Sacramento
Course Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor: Nichola (Nikki) Horrell-Schmitz, MA
Office: by appointment
Email: nichola.horrell@gmail.com
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Th 1:30 PM –2:30 PM EUREKA Hall 223
Meeting Dates- 9/11/2008 - 12/12/2008
COURSE PREREQUISITES: EDS 153
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students will develop increased understanding of the types and uses of classifiers in ASL and develop further abilities to utilize this component of ASL in their expressive and receptive signing abilities through in-class practice, viewing of videotaped narratives, and individual practice outside of class. Prerequisite: EDS 153 (may be taken simultaneously) or equivalent.
For some of the assignments in this class you will need access to a WEBCAM. CSUS provides such access for class related use to all CSUS students (a copy of this syllabus MAY be required). Students will be responsible for scheduling times for use of a WEBCAM. Your videotaped signed assignments will be stored in your flash drive, or emailed as video attachments, and given to me for grading. Your flash drive will be returned to you promptly.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Teacher-made Classifiers in ASL “book” purchased from the instructor on the first day of class.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Define and explain the different categories of Classifiers in ASL.
2. Demonstrate appropriate use of Classifiers in ASL.
3. Demonstrate conversational skills incorporating Classifiers in ASL.
CONTENT OUTLINE & COMPETENCIES:I. Define and Give Examples of Classifiers in ASL:
1. Semantic Classifiers
2. Locative Classifiers
3. Body Part Classifiers
4. Body Classifiers
5. Plural Classifiers
6 . Descriptive Classifiers (Size and Shape Specifier “SASS” )
7. Element Classifiers
8. Instrumental Classifiers
II. Demonstrate Appropriate Use of Classifiers in ASL From Each Category:
1. Semantic Classifiers
2. Locative Classifiers
3. Body Part Classifiers
4. Body Classifiers
5. Plural Classifiers
6. Descriptive Classifiers (Size and Shape Specifier “SASS” )
7. Element Classifiers
8. Instrumental Classifiers
III. Demonstrate Effective Conversational Skills Incorporating Classifiers in ASL from Each Category:
1. Semantic Classifiers
2. Locative Classifiers
3. Body Part Classifiers
4. Body Classifiers
5. Plural Classifiers
6. Descriptive Classifiers (Size and Shape Specifier “SASS” )
7. Element Classifiers
8. Instrumental Classifiers
METHODS OF EVALUATION OF COMPETENCIES:
Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:
10 Assignments 100 pts.
Midterm Exam 40 pts.
Final Exam 60 pts.
Total 200 pts.
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.
CLASS PARTICIPATION and COMMUNICATION POLICY:
What I look for in meaningful participation is a student’s preparedness, engaging in classroom exercises and discussions based on in-class presentations, reading materials, and assignments. 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 class you will lose 5 grade points off of the final class grade 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.