Syllabus:
"American Sign Language 1" (EDS 151)
Welcome!
I'm glad you are here! You can do this! I'll be your guide as we travel into the world of ASL. I'm a
lexicographer (dictionary maker), webmaster, and
immersion excursion guide. ASL is an exciting topic
that can open for you a new world of relationships and
understanding.
Instructor:
William Vicars, Ed.D.
(Bill) (Dr. Bill) (Dr. V) (Safari Bill) (Late for
dinner)
Email: BillVicars@aol.com
Office:
Eureka 308 Office Hours: MWF Noon - 1pm
Course
description:
An introduction
to American Sign Language. You will learn basic vocabulary and grammar. Upon
completion, you will be able to exchange basic information about yourself
and your family such as their names, where you live, and your interests. You
will learn about elements of the deaf culture and community.
Text: This
course uses an "online text" (The Lifeprint Curriculum)
•
The Level 1 course uses lessons 1-15 at
the website:
http://www.lifeprint.com (No other text is required).
• Course links: Lifeprint.com/csus
Helpful websites: http://asl.ms | http://asl.gs | http://asl.bz
Examinations and assignments:
|
Notes |
Assignments |
Points |
|
See the
schedule |
Research Blog |
100 |
|
Test 1 |
200 |
|
|
Test 2 |
200 |
|
|
Test 3 |
200 |
|
|
Final |
300 |
|
|
Total: |
1000 |
Research Blog: for instructions, visit: http://lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/blog.htm
Tests:
All tests are cumulative. See schedule for dates.
Receptive tests: I will sign information to you based on the lessons or
information covered in class. You
write down what I am signing. You may translate into written English
or you may just string the ASL signs together. (Some people call that
"glossing.") If you miss a concept
or change the meaning of the sentence you will miss the whole sentence so
practice hard and don't try to bluff your way through this test. Make
sure you study the practice sentences in the lessons. It is
important for you to practice on your own so you will
recognize the signs on the test. The test will use vocabulary and from the
lessons and the sentences will be similar to those in the lessons but I
may switch signs or come up with new sentences using the same
vocabulary, so make sure you learn the signs well enough that you can
recognize them in different combinations.
Expressive Tests: During expressive tests you do the signing.
You are responsible for being able to sign any of the vocabulary in any
of the lessons covered in class or in the lesson materials. You
may also need to fingerspell and show me numbers that have been covered.
You may be required to
sign in front of class. Your
signing should exhibit accurate handshapes, location, orientation, movement,
and facial expressions.
Final Exam:
This will be a receptive test. I will sign one or more of the
following to you: a set of vocabulary, a set of sentences, and/or a
story to you. You may write
your answers in English or just string the ASL signs together on paper.
Grading:
Total points possible: 1000. Scale: 100-95%=A, 90 = A-, 87=B+, 83=B,
80=B-, 77=C+,73=C, 70=C-, 67=D+, 63=D, 60=D-, 59=F.
Voicing
Policy:
During certain times of the course this may become a "no-voice class."
I will clearly announce such times. During no-voice times you should keep your voice off and not whisper
nor rely on "exaggerated mouthing."
If another student voices to you during the "no-voice" sessions you should respond as if you couldn't hear
them and ask them (by signing) to communicate with you by signing or
fingerspelling (or even writing on paper or the board). If you ignore this rule, I can reduce your grade,
require you to wear ear plugs, or drop you from class for
participating in voicing either as a participating listener or the one using
voice.
(But, usually I'll just ask you to sit somewhere else.)
Attendance Policy:
Hey, I understand -- "stuff" happens. If your life is full of a lot of
"stuff" -- feel free to miss class.
I will do my part to help out and only take off 3% for each absence.
Since I'm flexible and willing to work with dedicated students I'll let
you make up the absence by working online and taking a makeup quiz to
get that 3% back.
Note: it is really helpful if you can arrange to show up for any in-person
tests. If you miss a test you can make it up by taking a harder
version of it plus doing extra online work.
(Click here for
instructions
►.)
Course environment, etiquette, ethics,
disabilities, and other "fine print."
You may be dropped from class for checking your email
during class or accessing websites other than lifeprint.com, asl.ms, asl.gs, or
asl.bz during class. You may be dropped from class for using your
voice or whispering during class during "no-voice" sessions. No reading newspapers during class or
other distracting behavior. Turn cell phones off, or at least use silent
settings. It is rude as heck to be messing around with your phone while I'm
teaching. If you've got an "important call" coming in then miss class and do
the online makeup work and quiz. If you think you know this stuff so
well that you don't need to pay attention then let's not waste your time --
request the final exam early. I'll give you that score as your grade and get
you on your way. Do not wear baseball caps during quizzes. No videotaping the lecture or bringing
visitors or guests without permission. You are always expected to work
independently on graded quizzes and/or assignments unless specifically directed
otherwise by the me. Assignments turned in late for any reason may
receive no credit. For information on the University's policy regarding cheating
and plagiarism, refer to the Schedule of Courses (Legal Notices on Cheating and
Plagiarism) and the University Catalog (Policies and Regulations). Penalties for
cheating and plagiarism may include having a note placed in your permanent file, receiving an F for a particular assignment,
an F for the course, or expulsion from the university. Students with
disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and
evaluation upon identifying
themselves to the instructor and the university in a timely fashion. For more
information, contact the office of Services to Students with Disabilities.
This
syllabus and the schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating
circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check
on announcements made while you were absent. [My lawyer made me say all that. Sorry.]
You can do this! I have near infinite patience. I love teaching and explaining. If you have questions, ask in class (via signing, writing, mime, gesture, but NOT voicing), or email me and I'll get back to you within 48 hours. If you think I've overlooked your email, feel free to send your question again I won't feel bothered--rather I'll be grateful for the communication (sometimes email doesn’t arrive). If there is something I can do to make the class better for you please do suggest it. This class may be one of your more challenging accomplishments but I know if you work hard and put in the time you will succeed.
Schedule