AM 153 - DEAF CULTURE
CLASS SYLLABUS - Spring 2015
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Cindy Frank, M.A.
CONTACT INFO: Phone: (775) 445-4274 E-Mail: Cindy.Frank@wnc.edu
OFFICE: WNC Cedar Bldg. Room 323
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment
CLASS: Marlette Hall, Cedar #100
Class Meeting Times: Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 – 10:45
PREREQUISITE: NONE
CREDITS: 4
Course Description: This course, Deaf Culture/AM 153, will cover basic information and research on Deaf
Culture, Deaf Children and their upbringing, Deaf Education, the importance of ASL to the Deaf
Community, Deaf Societies around the world and technological advances/usage of people who are Deaf or
Hard of Hearing. Focus will be on research and progress within the Deaf Culture.
Required Text:
 Harlan Lane, Robert Hoffmeister & Ben Bahn: “A Journey into the Deaf-World”
 Various Research based handouts
Course Objectives: At the conclusion of the course, students are expected to show extensive knowledge of,
or demonstrate, the following:
 The Culture of persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
 Definitions of basic elements and recommended practices of D/HH children and their
upbringing.
 Prominent educational practices of D/HH children
 Study of various Deaf Artists, Storytellers and Poets.
 Signing songs in ASL
 Language and its use within D/HH Communities
 Associations of the Deaf
 Audism, Eugenics and oppression of the Deaf.
 Etiology of deafness, currently and historically
 Overview of major historical events impacting the community.
 Study of Deaf Cultures around the world.
 Technology advancements as well as service provided to the Deaf
 Understand the importance of cultural traditions, diversity and ethics in the modern world.
 Understand and apply social science principles, including an appreciation of participation in
civic affairs.
 Have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of
information.
 Have problem solving, creative and critical thinking skills
Grading:
Mid-Term “Diary”
Chapter Summary/Presentation
Final Examination
Attendance
150 points
200 points
150 points
30 points per class
Grades will be calculated according to WNC policy:
A = 91% – 100% B = 81% - 90% C = 71% - 80% D = 61% - 70% F = >60%
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Midterm: The mid-term will consist of writing a 3-5 page “diary.” This is a fictional, first-person essay,
explaining the experiences of a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person in a particular audiological, educational,
family, and linguistic environment. Students are required to write about possible outcomes of these
situations. 150 Points Possible
Chapter Summary: Students are to work with a partner and present information from their assigned chapter
on the assigned date. This presentation is to include a one-page outline/synopsis, as many visual aids as
possible/appropriate and present the information to the class in an interesting, informative manner. This
activity is designed to emulate the collectivist information sharing aspects of Deaf Culture. Due dates as
assigned – 200 Possible Points
Final Exam: The final exam will be multiple choice/short answer questions that cover all the significant
aspects of Deaf Culture and Deafness presented in student presentations, lectures and classroom videos.
200 Points
Other important information:
 Mid-term progress reports are required for all faculty to submit. They will be accessible on
my.wnc.edu All passing grades are reflected as a “C” for the course; not a reflection of your
current course GPA.
 For a full refund of your class(es), you have until January 26th to drop that class.
 The LAST day to withdraw from a class is March 27th with a “W”
 February 16th President’s Day – College Closed
 March 2nd: Last day to apply for Spring 2015 Graduation
 March 16-20 Spring Break – NO classes but college is open
 Finals week starts May 18th
Deaf Community Involvement: Students are strongly suggested to participate in 8-10 hours of Deaf
Community involvement. Again, this is designed to encourage and involve students in actual cultural events
and to work collectively towards a common goal. Students will be given extra credit points.
Class Preparedness: Please come to every class prepared with your class Binder. If you lose a handout or
are absent for any class material, it is your responsibility to obtain another copy, either by seeing me after
class, on break, or by making a copy from a classmate. It is suggested that students exchange information
with one or two “class partners” so you may help each other cover information if you are absent. Likewise, if
you miss a class it is your responsibility to catch up on missed material. There are some opportunities to
catch up on missed material, you may visit me during office hours, attend tutoring, or catch up with other
students.
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend all classes for which they have registered. Lectures and
in class assignments are critical to understanding the material of this course. It is not the instructor's
responsibility to re-teach a class for students who miss class. It is strongly recommended that you exchange
information with several other classmates to retrieve any information missed. WNC policy states that if a
student misses a number of hours greater than the number of credits to be earned in the course, this may be
considered excessive. That equates to four classes for this four credit class. I allow one "free" absence
(excused or unexcused). Each absence (up to three) after that will deduct 30 points from the points awarded
for attendance. Attendance will be taken at every class meeting.
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If you are more than 10-15 minutes late it is your responsibility to make sure you are marked present.
Please call the instructor if you plan to drop… if you do not officially drop the class, then students will be
given an “F” grade. No “W” grades will be given without the student officially withdrawing from the course.
Students are awarded 10 points per week (5 per class) for attendance and participation. Students in violation
of the classroom rules may have points deducted.
Cell Phones and Games: Please make sure that your cell phones are turned off or on vibrate, and put away.
Please do not text, engage in any sort of activity or play any type of game during class. If you are not
watching the teacher, or whomever is signing, you are breaking one of the cardinal rules of Deaf Culture –
maintaining eye gaze - and are obviously missing out on ASL acquisition. Students who engage in texting or
any other activities during class time will receive a “0” for their participation grade for that day without
warning. CONSIDER THIS YOUR WARNING!
Class Cancellations: In the event of a class cancellation, I will make every effort to notify you in a timely
manner. However, there may be a time when an emergency happens and I am unable to notify you myself.
If I am unable to call you personally, an e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address provided when you
registered so please have your correct e-mail information in the WNC system. Before each class, especially
if there is inclement weather or the teacher has been ill; it is highly recommended that you check your email before leaving for class. Keep in mind that notifying you directly is a courtesy and not a requirement.
You should be checking your email and/or class cancellations listed on wnc.edu
Academic Integrity Policy: I expect all students to conduct themselves ethically as outlined in the student
handbook. Plagiarism or cheating can result in one or more of the following actions: a 0 for that
test/assignment, a possible failure in the class, or immediate dismissal from the course. Plagiarism includes
not only copying the works of another, but it also includes using the ideas of another without citation. Thus,
all written assignments that require research are to be cited and include a works cited page. If you do not
know how to cite sources please visit the Academic Skills Center and they will be happy to help you out!
Code of Conduct: In order for each and every one of us to be successful, it is imperative to create a positive
learning environment. Please treat other students, teachers, visitors and guests with respect. Be courteous
and supportive to your classmates. We are all in the same boat here. Only give constructive and respectful
feedback to one another, respect the views and opinions of everyone. We stretch, learn and grow by
experiencing diversity. Disrespect or disruption of class (including but not limited to: sarcasm, cursing at
anyone, arguing with the instructor or classmates, negative gossip, attending class under the influence etc…),
will not be tolerated; any inappropriate behavior may negatively impact your grade. Severe disrespect or
misconduct may result in immediate removal from the classroom. Violence or threats of violence in any way
will not be tolerated and can result in a failure in the class, suspension from the college or even expulsion as
any and all of this behavior will be reported.
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Four Rules that MUST be followed in this course:
Maintain Eye Contact with instructor or signer at all times.
No talking (e.g. side conversations) unless indicated.
NO TEXTING, Cell Conversations or Laptops during class.
Maintain respectful citizenship at all times.
STUDENTS MUST ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS SET FORTH IN THE
WESTERN NEVADA COLLEGE HANDBOOK
LANGUAGE: As with all natural languages, ASL includes signs and phases of sexual nature as well as curse
words. It is encouraged that all students learn these signs, not for the purpose of using them, but so students
are aware of how NOT to sign unintentionally, and will comprehend people if they use the signs while
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conversing with you. If you are uncomfortable with any of the aforementioned activities, it is the
responsibility of the student to inform the instructor. The vast majority of these signs will be taught outside
of official class times on a voluntary basis.
FERPA- FERPA is the Family Education Rights and Privacy act. I can not share any information about a
student’s academic progress with anyone other than the student themselves, or privileged staff at Western
Nevada College. FERPA also applies to those who are under 18 and taking college classes, so the instructor
can not discuss any academic progress with parents or guardians. Please do not have any one other than
yourself contact me regarding your college experience.
Movies and Classroom Material - As this is a college level course, some movies may be shown in this class
that are rated R (e.g.… “Abababa”). If you are uncomfortable watching an R rated movie, please speak to the
instructor as you may be excused from class and given an alternative assignment.
You will learn as much from your class mates as from me, so please ask questions! There is no such thing as
a “dumb” question. If you have a question, chances are that others in the class have the same question too.
Tell me if you don’t understand! If you understood everything why would you be in this class?
Welcome… Let’s have a great year!!!!
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