American Sign Language I Course Syllabus
Lake Sumter State College
American Sign Language I
Term:
Spring 2016 M 5:30-9:15 pm
Course / Prefix Number
CRN:
ASL 2140
20458
Course Title
Credit: 4
Course Catalog
Description:
Introduction to American Sign Language with emphasis on vocabulary used by Deaf
adults. Includes introduction to history and culture of Deafness in America, linguistic
structure and conceptual vocabulary of conversational (expressive and receptive) sign
language skills. Describes various manual communication systems and philosophies.
Katherine Montesino
Contact Information:
montesik@lssc.edu
Office Hours: Adjunct
Send all E-mails to:
montesik@lssc.edu
Instructor:
Office Location:
Adjunct
All students are required to use Lakehawk Mail for official college e-mail communications.
See the college webpage for instructions on activating Lakehawk Mail.
Prerequisites:
Co-requisites:
None
Textbook and Other
Course Materials:
Signing Naturally Student Workbook Units 1-6 (with DVD) Smith, Lentz, Mikos
ISBN 978-1-58121-210-5 ***Our focus will be on UNITS 1-4***
Technology and Online
Computer Access
Requirements:
This course is Black Board enhanced. This tool is used as a communication tool to convey
important announcements, testing information, homework, class documents, resources and
more. You are required to access this class on Black Board often. Failure to do so can result
in missed instruction, missed home work and test information resulting in a lower grade.
Also, you must set up a You Tube account and have access to video recording equipment for
recorded performances. Video equipment may be borrowed from The Learning Center.
PREZI, an online presentation tool, is used frequently for this class and can be accessed free
by setting up an account.
Learners who satisfactorily complete this course will be able to:
Course Objectives:
(what the course will do)
* demonstrate basic vocabulary and possess basic ASL grammatical skills for
communication.
* develop manual alphabet and number sign skills.
* develop use of signs in context.
* implement basic facial markers and mouth morphemes.
* make introductions and share personal information about self, family, basic desires
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and interests in the target language.
* communicate surroundings, giving and receiving directions as well as sharing
information about where you live in the target language.
* gain an understanding of and respect for Deaf Culture.
Student Learning
Outcomes (SLOs)
Assessed in this Course:
(what the students take
with them beyond this
course)
A. The learner will assimilate beginner level ASL using vocabulary, grammar,
non-manual signals, fingerspelling and numbers.
B. The learner will employ the target language to execute beginning level ASL
syntax, including non-manual signals and mouth morphemes.
C. The learner will examine basic issues relevant to the Deaf Community.
** The student Learning Objectives will be shown in class and on Black Board
Academic Integrity:
The successful functioning of the academic community demands honesty, which is the basis
of respect for both ideas and persons. In the academic community, there is an ongoing
assumption of academic integrity at all levels. There is the expectation that work will be
independently thoughtful and responsible as to its sources of information and inspiration.
Honesty is an appropriate consideration in other ways as well, including but not limited to the
responsible use of library resources, responsible conduct in examinations, and the responsible
use of the Internet. (See college catalog for complete statement.)
Important Information
for Students with
Disabilities:
Any student with a documented disability who requires assistance or academic
accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities immediately to
discuss eligibility. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is located on the Leesburg
Campus, but arrangements can be made to meet with a student on any campus. An
appointment can be made by calling 352-365-3589 and specific information about the OSD
and potential services can be found at www.lssc.edu, then go to “Quick Links” and click on
Disability Services.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR
Part99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s education records. In order for
Privacy Policy (FERPA):
your information to be released, a form must be signed and in your records located in the
Admissions/Registrar’s Office.
Attendance / Withdrawal
Policies:
There are no automatically excused absences. To officially withdraw from a class,
a student must complete and submit a withdrawal form to the Admissions and Student
Services Office prior to the official 70 percent point of the semester. Students who do not
follow this procedure will not be officially withdrawn and will receive a final grade for the
class that takes into account the work completed with zero credit for work that is missed or not
completed. The instructor will not fill out drop forms nor assume responsibility for delivering
drop forms. Students must contact the instructor or supervisor if an emergency prevents them
from following the above steps. You cannot drop the class merely by ceasing to attend
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Withdrawal Deadline:
Methods of Evaluation:
Course Calendar:
without consequences to your record.
3/25/2016
Your final grade is determined as follows:
Tests: Expressive/Receptive
200 points 15%
Research Paper
100 points 8 %
Attendance/Participation
420 Points 30 %
Homework
100 Points 8%
Midterm Exam Receptive
200 points 15%
Final Exam Receptive
150 Points
Final Exam Expressive
150 Points combined 24%
TOTAL POINTS
1420
**Note: This information is subject to change
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
59 or below
A
B
C
D
F
1/11/2016
1/18/2016
1/25/2016
2/1/2016
2/8/2016
2/15/2016
2/22/2016
2/29/2016
3/7/2016
3/14/2016
3/21/2016
3/28/2016
4/4/2016
4/11/2016
4/18/2016
4/25/2016
Introduction, Unit 1
MLK Day NO CLASS
Units 1 & 2
TEST # 1; Unit 2
Unit 2
RESEARCH PAPER DUE; TEST #2; Units 2 & 3
Units 2 & 3
Review Activities; MIDTERM EXAM Receptive/Written on Units 1-2
SPRING BREAK NO CLASS
Unit 3
TEST #3; Expressive Demo; Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 4
Unit 4
Review Activities Units 1- 4
FINAL EXAM Receptive/Written/Expressive LIVE
**Note: This information is subject to change
Classroom Rules and
Policies:
ASL Zone: ASL is a visual/gestural language; you will need to develop communication skills
of which you are not accustomed: using one's hands, face, body, eyes and space. In order to
progress, it is important that students become comfortable using their bodies and "listening"
with their eyes. To encourage and foster the development of these skills, voicing in the
classroom will be avoided. Feel free to communicate any questions during class through
writing, gesturing, fingerspelling and signs to get clarification on what is being covered
during class. During break times, it is important to continue “voice-off” communication with
the instructor by using alternative communication means. Before the start of class or when the
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class has ended for the evening, you may have a “voiced” conversation with the instructor to
answer any questions or gain clarification on confusing lessons or assignments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Professor Responsibilities and Approach to Learning:
Professors serve as facilitators for learning. I commit the following to you:
 I will review email messages on a regular basis, except weekends. I will respond
within 24 hours, but if you have not received an email response within 48 hours,
please send a follow-up message.
 I have an ethical obligation to follow the printed policies of Lake Sumter State
College to maintain a fair and consistent learning environment for every student and
enforce the university’s standard of academic integrity.
 I will grade assignments, quizzes, and tests in a timely manner and provide the
appropriate feed.
 I will use the LSSC Faculty ASL Webpage/Blackboard to regularly communicate and
provide additional information and resources as they become available.
 I encourage appointments made through e-mail to discuss individual class progress.
Student Responsibilities and Approach to Learning:
 To get the most benefit from this course, students must actively participate
and be engaged during class. THIS MEANS NO TEXTING OR USING
CELL PHONES!
 Students are expected to arrive to class on time, remain present and engaged
throughout the duration of the class and bring the supplies necessary to
participate in classroom activities.
 Students will be responsible for any and all information provided via the
syllabus, posted on the ASL webpage and utilized in class. Students should
be self-reliant in seeking answers provided through these resources.
 Students can expect responses to emails within 48 hours (M-F, business
hours). Email is the appropriate way to contact the professor about private
questions related to the class.
 Students are responsible for remembering due dates and completing all work
on time as per course policies. All due dates are clearly provided in this
syllabus. Late assignments will NOT be accepted without point deductions.
 Students should plan ahead and submit work early so as to not miss a due
date. I encourage you to submit work at least 1-2 days before the due
date. This will account for any technical, personal, health, or family
issues, and submitting early leaves plenty of time to email me and get a
submission issue resolved in time to receive credit.
 Carefully read the syllabus and attend to all Class Policies listed in this
syllabus.
Class Participation/Attendance: This grade is determined by your effort/willingness in class
to participate using the target language both expressive and receptive. Students are expected
to attend every class session as absences/tardiness/leaving class early/arriving late will
weigh heavily on your participation/attendance grade. The instructor reserves the right to
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assign an F to this component of the grade for a student missing over 20% of the class, tardy
and leaving early included. In order to participate successfully in class, it is very important to
have read and practiced the material assigned each week as homework. It is expected that the
student will spend 10+ hours of study each week, outside of class time, in order to achieve
maximum success in the course. Participation also includes weekly access of Black Board
and the ASL webpage. Only ONE absence will be excused.
Assignments: All assignments with a scheduled date, including any testing materials,
research papers and/or projects, are to be turned-in or e-mailed to the instructor on the due
date before midnight. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTE ALL DUE DATES FROM THE
SYLLABUS AND WEBPAGE. NO LATE WORK is accepted without incurring a 25% point
reduction as long as it is turned in within a week of the original due date. After that the grade
is a zero. Should there be an extenuating situation the instructor is to be notified by e-mail
prior to the due date of the assignment.
Exam/Test/Quiz Make-up Policy: There will be no make-up tests or exams unless the
instructor has been informed ahead of time by e-mail that an unavoidable emergency/conflict
has arisen. Any make-up work is to be completed within a week following the student’s
return from the absence.
The ASL RECEPTIVE tests are performed by the instructor, the EXPRESSIVE tests are
performed by the student; both must be viewed, in some cases, live by the instructor or student
and therefore cannot be taken outside of the classroom unless specific arrangements have been
made with the instructor ahead of time by e-mail.
Homework: You are expected to complete the homework assignments; follow the assigned
Unit sections using the text and DVD. Each class builds on the homework material thereby
building mastery and confidence in applying the target language. ABSENCES ARE NOT A VALID
EXCUSE FOR NOT KEEPING WITH SCHEDULED WEEKLY UNIT DVD PRACTICES AND READINGS.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE WEBPAGE FOR THE HOMEWORK MISSED AND TO
COME TO CLASS PREPARED. Homework checks will be randomly made.
** Homework assignments will be posted in Black Board
Research Paper: The research paper is an analytical platform in which current issues
pertaining to signed languages, deafness, Deaf Culture, literacy etc. are examined. More
information will be provided through the ASL webpage.
Midterm and Final Exams: Both exams are cumulative and will test your Receptive skills
skills in addition to a written portion addressing grammar and Deaf Culture.
Violence Statement:
Syllabus Disclaimer:
Lake-Sumter State College has a policy of zero tolerance for violence as stated in College
Board Rule 2.17. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Board Rule
2.17.
Information contained in this syllabus is, to the best knowledge of this instructor, considered
correct and complete when distributed to the student. The instructor reserves the right,
acting within policies and procedures of Lake-Sumter State College, to make necessary
changes in course content or instructional techniques without prior notice or obligation
to the student.
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