American Sign Language II
CSD1406
Semester/Year: Spring 2012
Instructor: Mrs. Wrzesinski
Office hours: M/W 1-5:00
T/R 9-11
Office: Neill Morris Hall 228
Phone: 710-6367
Email: Lori_Wrzesinski@baylor.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will be a continuation of the development of
linguistic and communication skills in American Sign Language, including vocabulary,
grammar, non-manual markers, fingerspelling, and numbers. In addition to expanding
their conversational range, students will continue to be introduced to Deaf culture and the
Deaf community.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Demonstrate conceptual accuracy in conversation.
Demonstrate expressive language skills.
Increase fluency in fingerspelling as used in ASL.
Demonstrate appropriate cross-cultural interaction.
Demonstrate correct grammatical structure of ASL.
TEXTS: 1. "Signing Naturally" (Level 1) by Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos,
and Cheri Smith.
2. Departmental DVDs (set of 4)
EVALUATION CRITERIA: Grades will be based on student performance in the
following areas:
a. Participation/Quizzes/Homework
15%
b. Test 1 (receptive) Feb. 27 and 28
20%
c. Project
Due: April 5
20%
d. Interview
April 16-18
20%
e. Comprehensive final (receptive)
25%
nd
May 2 2-4 p.m
QUIZZES: Several unannounced quizzes will be given during the semester. Quizzes
will contain material that is covered in class AND material from homework that is
assigned. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to attend class each day, complete all
homework assignments, and come to class prepared to participate.
NO MAKE UP QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.
HOMEWORK: Students will receive credit for homework IF it is presented in class on
the day it is due. If a student knows she will be absent she may give her homework to
another student to present in class.
VOCABULARY: I suggest that you keep notes on additional vocabulary learned in
class that is not documented in the text. I will not be checking this, but you will be
responsible for all new signs presented in class. Here is a suggested format:
DATE
1-9-11
SOURCE
in class
ASL description
5 handshape touch
thumb to chin
English Equivalent
mom
ADDITIONAL STUDY INFORMATION
The student is expected to completely master the information in each unit of the
DVD/workbook and departmental DVD. In order to do this, each video segment should
be viewed several times and all corresponding activities should be completed. This
material WILL appear on quizzes and tests.
If there is anything in the homework that you do not understand, come to class prepared
to ask about it. It is your responsibility to check your understanding of all homework,
and to ask specific questions.
Once you have correct answers, go back and review the unit again, paying special
attention to the parts you struggled with the first time through.
Practice “shadowing” each part of the DVD, that is, signing along with it or right after it.
Try memorizing small portions and signing them in front of a mirror or filming yourself
signing them. Try to make your hands, eyes, eyebrows, facial expression, and body
movements as much like the signer as possible. Watch your signing and evaluate
yourself.
Know all the vocabulary at the end of each unit, and be sure to read the language and
cultural notes in each unit.
If you find yourself struggling in class, PLEASE see me ASAP. Contact a tutor using the
email addresses listed on the board in the classroom. I can give you ideas and
suggestions for reviewing the material and improving your performance, but I can’t help
you if you don’t come see me. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. You do not want to
fall behind in this class. Catching up is very difficult to do due to the pace of the course.
DEVICES: All use of cell phones, smart phones, and other mobile communication
devices is prohibited in class. This is an entirely visual class which requires you to be
watching at all times. Any such devices used during class will be kept for you at the
front of the classroom until the end of class.
ATTENDANCE: To earn course credit in the College of Arts and Sciences, a student
must attend at least 75% of all scheduled class meetings. Any student who does not meet
this minimal standard will automatically receive a grade of “F” in the course. Any
University-related activity necessitating an absence from class shall count as an absence
when determining whether a student has attended the required 75% of class meetings.
Three tardies will count as one absence.
FINALLY … OUR CLASSROOM IS AN ALL-VISUAL, ASL ENVIRONMENT.
LEAVE YOUR VOICE OUTSIDE THE DOOR. NO TALKING, WHISPERING,
OR MOUTHING WORDS ALLOWED ONCE YOU ENTER THE CLASSROOM.