ASL Policies and Procedures Manual – A Must Read
American Sign Language 122 Syllabus
Signing Naturally
“Language is the blood of the soul
into which thoughts run
and out of which they grow.”
The best way to learn to sign . . . is to sign while learning
The norm in this class will be signing — talking is restricted
 Walk in the door expecting to converse in sign unless I direct otherwise 
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
Instructor: Nancy Clapp, Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom Campus, Winter Quarter 2011
Emergency Contact Information: nclapp@pierce.ctc.edu subject line must state “ASL Student”
Availability Information: Before the first class, after the second class, or by appointment
Required Materials:
 Signing Naturally Units 1 – 6 (2008) by Smith, Lentz and Mikos
[includes 2 DVDs] ISBN #978-1-58121-210-5
 Signing Naturally Units 7 – 12 by Smith, Lentz and Mikos
[includes DVD] ISBN # 978-1-58121-215-0
 Deaf Again by Mark Drolsbaugh
 Fourth Edition
Course Objectives
In ASL 122, you will continue developing your signing skills while continuing to build your
vocabulary, enhance your number skills, learn more about classifiers, increase your fluency and
incorporate non-manual grammatical signals with more ease. You will begin introductory storytelling
using these new skills and techniques. You will also learn more about Deaf culture and grammar.
Classroom Expectations
Participation in class activities is required. Volunteer whenever possible in order to improve your signing
skills. Expect to receive feedback on your work from your classmates and me. Understand that all
constructive criticism focuses on your signing, not on you as a person.
Course Communication Mode Using ANGEL
ANGEL Web Site  http://angel.pcd.edu/  Select PROFILE  check your email address
 Select your profile and make sure that the email address listed here is the one you will check
regularly for this class! This is how I will communicate information about your work with you.
Course Calendar
Refer to the calendar for assignment due dates as well as upcoming quizzes and activities. Keep
yourself on track. This class moves quickly covering a lot of information. Success in this class
requires you to develop the habit of working on homework daily and practicing regularly.
Classroom Accommodations
Students requiring special accommodations must provide documentation to the college. You must inform
me of any necessary accommodations and provide me with your special needs documentation.
Page 1 of 5
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo
ASL Policies and Procedures Manual – A Must Read
Classroom Participation
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ASL is an interactive language that you can fully learn only by practicing with others and by
participating in class activities. If you miss a class, you are responsible for getting work missed
and new vocabulary introduced from your classmates. Classroom activities are vital for becoming
more comfortable communicating with your hands, face and body.
Please arrive to class on time prepared to learn. Arriving late causes a visual disruption for those
who are on time and already using their eyes to learn. Be courteous. Arrive a few minutes early to
settle, prepare mentally for learning, and begin communicating in sign with your peers.
Class attendance is essential for success when learning any foreign language. We discuss and
practice a considerable amount of material during class that is not present in the textbook or
handouts. Absences hinder your learning and the learning of your team members, so plan to
attend every class. I reserve the right to lower your grade to reflect attendance deficits.
In-Class Learning Teams
You will periodically form Learning Teams consisting of mixed or same-skill levels. Each member will:
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Commit to signing when asking for clarification and giving feedback
Ensure each member’s NMS are present and correct
Ensure each member’s signs are formed correctly
Ensure each member understands the new skill
Support and encourage each other
Plan for
Vocabulary Practice
Success
You will practice the vocabulary from units 5 – 8. You should practice these at the beginning of each unit.
Sign with each model to develop muscle memory. Once you know the signs, practice voicing them.
Specifically, think of the signs as used by different age groups including a young child, a teenager, an
adult, a parent, a professional, a recent immigrant, and any other person for whom you may voice in the
future. Do not become stuck with a “one sign / one English word” mentality. This will cripple your ability
to voice accurately and effectively.
Two sources for vocabulary lessons:
1. online at http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/staff/jstarr/files/ User name: ____ Password: _________
2. Signing Naturally DVD VR (vocabulary review) – located at the end of each unit
Study Groups
You must practice at least 30 minutes of voice-off signing two times each week with a class study group
consisting of no more than four class members. Prior to each practice session, write down at least one
goal you will work toward during that time. These sessions should focus on practicing what we learned in
class. While vocabulary is important, I strongly suggest you practice signing sentences that incorporate
the new vocabulary as well as practice signing classifiers, numbers, grammatical topic/comment structure
sentences, asking and answering questions, story assignments and other topics introduced throughout this
course.
I encourage you to switch groups periodically to gain a well-rounded, diverse learning experience.
Obtain contact information in case you have an emergency and need to reschedule.
Practice Logs
You must keep a record of your group practice sessions and submit practice logs every other week. I
posted an example practice log on ANGEL in addition to the blank document you to fill out. Open the
document, save it to your computer, type your information, resave, print, and submit for me to assess.
Page 2 of 5
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo
ASL Policies and Procedures Manual – A Must Read
Assignments-at-a-Glance
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Signing Naturally Workbook DVDs
To gain the most benefit from the ASL DVDs, view the segments multiple
times before resorting to checking your answers in the back of the book. This
will improve your receptive signing skills. After correcting any errors, view the
segments again to ensure you understand the material. Do not resort to watching
these in slow motion. This could handicap your receptive ability.
PLEASE NOTE: The course calendar shows which DVD assignments to submit for a grade and
when they are due. Follow this schedule closely in order to understand your work in class.
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Video-Taped Stories
You will record yourself signing stories from the Signing Naturally DVDs exactly as the models
sign them. To receive the highest scores, you should copy the facial expressions, NMS, and body
shifts while producing the signs correctly and incorporating other components found in each
story. I will provide you with the assignment requirements and the assessment rubrics early to
give you plenty of time to practice and record your work. I will provide you with feedback on
things you are doing well and on how you can improve your signing skills.
You have many options for submitting your work. Using a webcam or video camera, you can post
it to our class Facebook account, post it to YouTube and send me the link and access code, burn it
to a DVD, or put it on a thumbdrive. The school library has a camera you can use. The librarian
can show you how to use it or you can ask me.
A note about your recordings: Please include your head, shoulders, chest, waist, and only enough
space around your body for your hands to be fully visible on the screen at all times. I need to be
able to see your facial expressions clearly and view your sign production. If you are not close
enough, you may receive a lower grade. Wear clothing that contrasts with your hands and
record yourself in front of a neutral background with good lighting on your face and hands.
Tracers in your recording will result in a lower grade.
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Receptive Practice
The DVD, Narrative 122, contains stories told by Deaf instructors from South Central
Community College. They created this video to show you how Deaf individuals tell stories. Using
a variety of formats, you will create composite translations of many of these stories. Additionally,
you will learn to translate from sign to gloss. I will provide the requirements as well as my
assessment rubric for each translation.
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Deaf Culture Readings, Presentations, and Discussions
You will engage in a variety of readings to enhance your knowledge of Deaf culture. Preparation
for class discussions will include writing short paragraphs, answering questions, or creating an
outline to use for presenting on the given topic. You must be present and contribute to the sharing
of knowledge in order to receive credit on your readings and discussions.
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Community Event to Attend
You will find various Deaf events posted on our Pierce ASL Facebook account. Log in to your
Facebook account and request a friendship confirmation in order to access this. We will do this
together before or after class for those who need help. Once you gain access, choose an event and
attend. Afterward, type and submit a one-paragraph summary that includes the event you
attended; a summary of activities; and what you learned about the Deaf community, deafness, or
ASL. Warning: Do not procrastinate! This assignment is worth many points. Time may run out!
Page 3 of 5
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo
ASL Policies and Procedures Manual – A Must Read
Assessment Protocol
For quizzes and exams, all signed information will occur twice unless accommodations are
necessary. I will not repeat any missed signs if you come in after an assessment has begun.
Please note: If you miss an assessment, you may only retake it for extenuating
circumstances, which include a family emergency, a verifiable work conflict, or
a severe illness. You are responsible for contacting me to schedule your make-up
assessment no later than the next class you are able to attend. Vacations or going
out of town do not constitute a valid reason for missing class.
Please check your progress on ANGEL and alert me to any grade discrepancies immediately.
Homework & Attendance Policy
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All Homework is Due at the Beginning of Class, in order to receive full credit. Homework
received one class late will receive a grade of up to 75% only. Work received later than one class
late receives a grade of 50%. Please note, I do not offer extra credit points. If you must be absent,
you may email your assignment to me before class begins in order to receive full credit.
Attending Class is Imperative! ASL is an interactive language that requires disciplined practice
time with Deaf individuals and your signing peers as well as formal instruction. If you must miss
a class, you are responsible for asking your peers for work missed and new vocabulary
introduced. Ninety percent of your grade depends on completion of assignments that require your
participation in class.
Excused and Unexcused Absences May Negatively Affect Your Final Grade!
Class attendance is essential for success in any foreign language class. We will discuss, practice,
and review a considerable amount of material that you cannot feasibly make up.
Cell phones are not allowed in class!
If you have a family emergency, let me know before class, and you may leave your phone on the
table in front of your work area. Do not answer your cell phone or text in class! Please wait
until you are in the hallway to respond to the call.
Those who receive a grade lower than 2.0 may not move up to ASL 123
TIP
Grade Point Equivalents
100 – 95 = A
94 – 90 = A –
89 – 87 = B+
86 – 84 = B
83 – 80 = B79 – 77 = C +
( 4.0 )
(3.9 – 3.5)
(3.4 – 3.2)
(3.1 – 2.9)
(2.8 – 2.5)
(2.4 – 2.2)
76 – 74 = C
73 – 70 = C –
69 – 67 = D+
66 – 64 = D
63 – 60 = D59 – 0 = fail
(2.1 – 1.9)
(1.8 – 1.5)
(1.4 – 1.2)
(1.1 – 0.9)
(0.8 – 0.7)
( 0.0 )
How to Study This Foreign Language Class
Plan to work on sign language 2 hours outside of class for every hour spent in class. This means you must
study on your own at least 9 - 10 hours a week in addition to the weekly study group practice. A fivecredit class means you will work a total of 15 hours weekly on learning the information.
When studying on your own, review old and new vocabulary by actually putting the concepts on your
hands rather than just thinking about how you would sign them. Fingerspell names to strengthen the handbrain connection, review numbers in various situations, review handouts, practice NMS techniques,
prepare for upcoming activities, do your homework, and do anything else you find helps you learn this
language. Share your ideas with your classmates to encourage success for all.
Page 4 of 5
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo
ASL Policies and Procedures Manual – A Must Read
My Closing Thoughts
I will do everything I can to make your learning experience positive and productive. Feel
free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please make learning accessible
for all by considering the learning needs of others and by doing your best at all times. I
look forward to an exciting learning experience with each of you.
 My goal is to teach you to love learning this language and to know how to learn.
 My hope is to successfully launch you into the life-changing world of signing.
“Education is learning . . .
what you didn't even know . . .
you didn't know.”
A
ASSL
L
~ Daniel J. Boorstin
Pierce College Mission Statement
Welcome to Pierce College! We are a community of learners open to all. Our community is built on a
foundation of respect and openness to change. Together we strive to meet the needs of our diverse
community and develop each member’s abilities. Our commitment to quality education and teaching
excellence prepares learners to live and work successfully in an ever-changing world
Student with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who believe they may need academic adjustments, auxiliary aids or services to
fully participate in course activities or meet course requirements are encouraged to register with the
Access and Disability Services (ADS) Office, Welcome Center, 3 rd floor of the Cascade Building. You may
also call the ADS Office to make an appointment to meet with the ADS Coordinator at (253) 964-6468 or
964-6526.
Student Code of Conduct
I do not condone any acts of academic dishonesty. DO NOT CHEAT! If you plagiarize another student’s
work, I will follow the student discipline process as outlined in the student code of conduct.
Snow Policy
For weather issues, please refer to this web address to find out the status of Pierce College.
http://schoolreport.org/#college
Emergency Procedures for Classrooms
Fort Steilacoom Campus Safety (253) 964-6751
http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/Safety/emp.php
Call 911 and then Campus Safety in response to an imminent threat to persons or property. In the
event of an evacuation (intermittent horns & strobes), gather all personal belongings and leave
the building using the nearest available safe exit. Be prepared to be outside for one hour and stay
a minimum of 200 feet from any building or structure. So long as it is safe to do so, students are
expected to stay on campus and return to class after evacuations that last less than 15 minutes.
Do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed by an Evacuation Director (identified by
orange vests) or by three horn blasts or bell rings. Please notify the nearest Campus Safety
Officer or Evacuation Director of any one left in the building or in need of assistance.
Page 5 of 5
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo