ASL Instruction Manual – A Must Read
American Sign Language 121 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, Fall Quarter 2010
Contact Information: nclapp@pierce.ctc.edu Subject line must state “ASL Student”
Availability Information: Before class, after 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
 Deaf Again by Mark Drolsbaugh
 3-ring notebook – 1” is adequate
 Writing utensils – 2 colors (No neons!)
Course Objectives
In ASL 121, you will begin to develop your signing skills—learn to fingerspell, use classifiers,
understand signing space, and begin to incorporate non-manual grammatical signals while building a
basic vocabulary. ASL grammar is an integral aspect of this language and embedded within the lessons.
You will begin a journey into Deaf culture. Specifically, you will read about current and historical
contributions of some Deaf individuals, develop an appreciation of the evolution of ASL, gain a basic
understanding of the communication technology available to the deaf in the past and present, and compare
the educational options for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Classroom Expectations
Participation in this class is required.
Practice outside the classroom is required.
Volunteer in class 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




Go to the ANGEL Web Site  http://angel.pcd.edu/
If new to ANGEL, go to Student - Angel Quickstart Guide -- Read this!
Once you are comfortable, login to our class according to the login directions
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.
Page 1 of 6
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo
ASL Instruction Manual – A Must Read
Classroom Participation



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, to prepare mentally for learning, and to 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:
 Commit to signing when asking for clarification and giving feedback
 Ensure each member’s NMM 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 Success
Vocabulary Practice
You will practice the vocabulary from units 1 – 4. You should practice these at the beginning of each unit.
Sign with each model to develop muscle memory. Once you know the signs, turn off the sound and
practice voicing the signs. 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 word” mentality. This will
cripple your ability to voice effectively and accurately. Example: Hello. Hi. Hey.
These vocabulary lessons are found on two sources:
1. online at http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/staff/jstarr/files/ User name: asl Password: lessons
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 practicing 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 practice sessions and submit practice logs weekly. I will fill out an
example document and post it to ANGEL in addition to a blank document for your use. Open the
document, save to your computer, type your information, resave, and submit the completed log as an
attachment to ANGEL for me to assess.
Page 2 of 6
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo
ASL Instruction Manual – A Must Read
Assignments-at-a-Glance

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.

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, NMMs, 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
email it to my Pierce email or Facebook accounts, 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 couple of
cameras you can borrow. 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.

Receptive Practice
The DVD, Narrative 121, 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.

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.

Community Event to Attend
You will find various Deaf events posted on our Pierce ASL Facebook account. Login to your
Facebook account and request a friendship confirmation in order to access this. We will do this
together in 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.
Page 3 of 6
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo
ASL Instruction 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




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 122
Grade Point Equivalents
TIP
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 study on your own at least 5 - 8 hours a week in addition to the weekly study group practice.
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 objects around you to
strengthen the hand-brain 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.
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 4 of 6
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo
ASL Instruction 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, 3rd 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
Puyallup Campus Safety (253) 840-8481
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 6
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo