American Sign Language I

Instructor Information

Instructor's Name:

Alicia La Franco

Instructor's Location/Office Hours:

Office Hours by appointment only before or after school and during lunch

Instructor’s email:

alicia.lafranco@boerneisd.net

Course Information

Students learn to handle basic everyday communication: exchanging information, beginning with exchanging names and moving to talking about one's background; identifying others; making requests; giving reasons; giving opinions; giving simple directions. Topics center around personal information and the immediate environment. Grammar is introduced in context with an emphasis on developing question and answer skills. Students rehearse conversation strategies for getting attention, asking for clarification, and correcting information to minimize misunderstanding.

Course Description:

Develops a basic syntactic knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL), basic vocabulary and basic conversational skills. Incorporates vital aspects of deaf culture and community. The direct experience method is used to enhance the learning process. Students must complete this course with a `D` or higher prior to acceptance into ASL II class.

Standard Competencies

1. Describe how American Sign Language developed as a language, and the role of ASL in the Deaf community.
2. Identify the five parameters of a sign.

III.           Employ appropriate attending techniques consistently.

 IV.         Use appropriate attention getting techniques consistently.

 V.          Maintain an appropriate signing space.

VI.          Recognize appropriate turn taking techniques in discourse.

VII.        Demonstrate ability to carry simple conversations in ASL about topics such as:  family background, routine activities, occupations, and technological devices used by deaf persons (TTY¿s, decoders, flashing lights) and giving directions for locations.

VIII.       Recognize various forms of non-manual grammar in context.

IX.     Use appropriate non-manual grammar for the following sentence types:  assertion and negation, yes/no questions, wh-word questions, topicalized sentences (simple), and rhetorical questions.

X.       Discriminate among various non-manual modifiers in context.

XI.     Consistently use appropriate non-manual  affective markers

XII.    Recognize use of head, eye gaze and body shifting to indicate the following:  direct address, comparisons/contrasts, topic shifts or aside comments.

XIII.   Discriminate among various classifiers in context: descriptive, locative, semantic, body and body part, instrument and plural classifiers

XIV.    Use various classifiers appropriately in context: descriptive, locative, semantic, body and body part, instrument and  plural classifiers.

XV.     Use appropriate eye gaze in referencing.

XVI.    Use appropriate personal and personal pronouns in context.

XVII.   Make appropriate and correct use of space when referencing.

XVIII.  Discriminate among various forms of ASL syntax: i.e. narratives, dialogues, question and answer sessions.

XIX.    Use correct syntax for the following sentence types:  negation, yes/no questions, wh-word questions, topicalized sentences (simple) and rhetorical questions

XX      Identify the difference between verbs and nouns in noun?verb pairs.

XXI.    Identify the subject and object when directional verbs are used.

XXII.   Use emphatic inflection with adjectives in context.

XXIII.  Identify specified core vocabulary used in context.

XXIV.   Recognize colloquial signs and idiomatic expressions used in context.

XXV.    Demonstrate appropriate use of a specified core vocabulary in context.

XXVI.   Demonstrate the appropriate arm and hand position for clear signing.

XXVII.  Demonstrate ability to correctly form each sign in repertoire of sign vocabulary

Textbook(s), Title, Author, Publisher and ISBN Number:

Signing Naturally (Units 1-6), Dawn Sign Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1581212105

Required Materials:

1. Textbook and CD
2. Paper and pencil
3. Web-cam provided in the classroom for you are required to record yourself signing multiple assignments

Statement of Academic Integrity:

Champion High School is committed to academic honesty and scholarly integrity. The school can best function and accomplish its mission in an atmosphere of the highest ethical standards.  All members of the high school community are expected and encouraged to contribute to such an environment by observing all accepted principles of academic honesty.  Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, grade tampering, misuse of computers and other electronic technology, and facilitating academic dishonesty. Those found in violation may be subject to academic consequences as determined by the building administration

Discussion, Inclusiveness, and Student Behavior:

This classroom is a safe space for learning. This is an academic environment; you should expect to have your ideas, work, and arguments respectfully challenged. Our population is comprised of a variety of students with a great diversity of beliefs, and it is important that the class be respectful of all members.  

Grading:

Students will be evaluated through a variety of assessment techniques to include group work, projects, quizzes, and tests.

Timely completion of assignments, prompt attendance, participation in class activities and discussions, and the tested ability to apply learned knowledge to common-life experiences will weigh toward the grade. In this course, students will develop syntactic knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and continue to learn about Deaf culture. Students will analyze one language (ASL or English) then produce their interpretation into the target language (ASL or English). The student’s knowledge and comprehension of ASL will be demonstrated by their application of what they have learned to new situations. Students will be evaluated through a variety of assessment techniques to include group work, projects, quizzes, and tests.

Students are expected to complete 7 minor assignments and 2 major assignments. Below is a breakdown of the grading system

7 minor and 2 major exams/projects are worth 50% of the entire grade

The final exam consists of 15% of the overall semester grade

Late work:

1 day late – student will receive a 70% of the credit

2 days late, student will receive half of the credit

Assignments submitted after the 2^nd day will not be accepted.

ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION:

Video Journals:

ASL is not a written language therefore, you will be given video assignments to demonstrate your ASL skills and competency. You will need a recording device such as an iPad, phone, or computer. Once completed, you will then submit the link via D2L or by text or email to me by the due date. You will be responsible for 6 video journals throughout the semester. Detailed instructions will be provided the first day and throughout the semester.

Video Journal Description:

#1: Find 3 people in your household or pictures of 3 different people. Describe them from top to bottom with focus on clothes, hair type, build, height, colors of their clothes, and unique features (signed, 25 pts)

#2: Share a timeline of events from when you were born till now (signed, 25 pts)

#3:  Give directions from your house to Home Depot in Boerne. Make sure to label businesses or markers on the way as a way to make it more visual to the person receiving the directions. (25pts)

#4: You will voice what I sign on a video. The video will be available to you on Google Classroom. Record yourself (with your lips present) as you watch my video. (VOICED individually, 25 pts)

#5: Choose a children’s story to sign. Make sure you use the 5 components of ASL and expand in order to make it visual. (25pts)

Student Work Groups:

Students will be assigned to groups in which they will be expected to work together during class and outside of class time to practice ASL as well as complete partner or group video assignments. Students should select a group leader to facilitate communication as well as keep dialogs going among group members.

Website:

http://aslpro.com/

http://www.handspeak.com/

Students will be expected to complete exams. Examples are listed below but may be adjusted by the instructor at any time. Points will be earned from the following sources:

SECTION IV:  TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

1. Assignments:  The planned schedule for readings, examinations and projects is contained in Section IV of the syllabus.
2. Reading Assignments: The assigned reading in Section IV is to be accomplished during the week identified in the schedule.
3. The instructor reserves the right to change the daily teaching schedule to facilitate learning, understanding, and critical thinking.  Assignment Due dates and the testing schedule may change with as much advance notice as possible.  Students will be required to fulfill all assignments as outlined unless otherwise notified.

     Weekly

      Topics                               Class Activities                               Class Assignment

Number of Examinations:

One exam for each unit, midterm, final exam, and signed videos.

Make-up Policy:

Make appointment with Instructor to make-up exams only.

Examination Retake Policy:

If you need to retake an exam, please communicate with the instructor for approval.

Attendance Policy:

Attendance will be taken at each class period. Consistent attendance means consistently better grades. To help you learn the lessons this class teaches you, your attendance is critical. American Sign Language is a language that requires another person to practice your receptive and expressive sills. Frequent absences put you in danger of failing this class. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to come to class.

Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams: Assignments and Exams:

All assignments are to be submitted via Google Classroom or in your workbook. You will need to complete your quizzes and tests when scheduled. Exceptions to this needs to be arranged with the instructor.

Classroom Etiquette:

Basic classroom etiquette includes turning off external electronic devices that may interfere with class participation. Arrive on time to class and avoid behavior that disrupts learning and student concentration. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, pair and group activities, and completing assignments on time. Most importantly, respect diverse perspectives and opinions of others around you.

Voice “off”:

You will not use your voice during class time after the first 2 sessions. I expect that you will respect your instructor and peers by not distracting their concentration by using spoken English or other vocal language in the classroom.  When sharing out answers, ideas, or feedback you will do so with ASL, gestures, or by writing notes. This will help give you a better perspective of how Deaf people communicate with non-signers in general. If voicing and/or whispering becomes excessive, you will have a meeting with your instructor. Remember, this is your only opportunity to practice total immersion of ASL!