American Sign Language II -  Course # 40762
Spring 2010  @ Sierra College
MW 5:30 � 7:35 PM
Gateway Campus, Room 114

Instructor:  Belinda G. Vicars, MFA
Email:  BelindaGVicars@aol.com
Office Hours:  MW - by appointment only

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Course description:
Students will continue to expand vocabulary and concepts acquired in level one. Expansion of conversational range will include talking about other people and activities, giving directions, and making requests. Students will also develop discourse skills appropriate for establishing connections with Deaf acquaintances and handling a variety of interruptions. Through in-class discussions/demonstrations, course readings, and out-of-class field experience, students will be exposed to elements of the Deaf culture and community.

Curriculum and Course home page & syllabus:  www.belindavicars.com

Practice sites: 
�        Manual alphabet: http://asl.gs
�        Fingerspelling recognition: http://asl.ms
�        Number recognition:  http://asl.bz
�        Culture Study Guide:  http://lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/culturestudyguide.htm

Additional Resources (Optional):

Any pocket sign language dictionary such as  Random House Webster's Pocket American Sign Language Dictionary  by Elaine Costello or  American Sign Language Concise Dictionary: Revised Edition by Martin L. Sternberg

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EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Quizzes & Exams	Points	Total
(3) Number Quizzes	20	60
(3) Fingerspelling Quizzes	20	60
(2) Receptive Quizzes	50	100
(2) Expressive Quizzes	50	100
(15) Online Quizzes	10	150
(3) Unit Online Quizzes	20	60
(1) Culture & Essay Exam	70	70
(1) Comprehensive Receptive Exam	200	200
(1) Expressive Exit Exam	200	200
Total Points		1000

 

 

 Grade Scale:  100-95%=A, 90 = A-, 87=B+, 83=B, 80=B-, 77=C+, 73=C, 70=C-, 67=D+, 63=D, 60=D-, 59=F.

Attendance

 This class is a hybrid, using an on-line curriculum for the traditional classroom.  It is entirely possible for the self-motivated student to miss several days of class and still get an �A.�  So, you have some flexibility.  However, I still take attendance � for every class session.  Not only is it required of me to do so, the attendance records are a useful tool.  If a student is not doing well and comes to me for help, I�ll refer to the attendance and take a look at his/her record.

Your grade is not based on attendance, but on performance.  I�m more interested in the results of your studies, on how well you are doing in class.  Is your signing ability up to par?  The best way to improve your signing ability is to practice with someone, to get feedback, and unless you are either related to or are good friends with a deaf person, and the best place to get that is in the classroom.

On days we do not have tests I always aim to the make the class fun and engaging through activities and games.  The goal of every class session is to provide ways for you to improve your receptive and expressive skills, and to bump your communication skills up a notch.

One Caveat:  Attendance is mandatory for all in-class exams and quizzes.   If you are absent on the day of an in-class quiz or exam, you must present proof of a valid reason for your absence before I will allow you to make up the exam.  If you are notorious for being absent, that will have an impact on whether or not you�ll be allowed to make up an exam. 

On being Tardy on Test Days:

Quizzes and exams will start on time, at the beginning of class. If you�re late, I will pause and allow you time to get situated.   Any sentences that you�ve missed during your absence will not be repeated and are exempt from the make-up clause.

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ASSIGNMENTS

On-line Quizzes:  There are 15 quizzes, one for each lesson.  The quizzes can be submitted as early as you like.  They are in multiple choice format.   They must be turned in no later than midnight on the day they are due.  One minute past midnight, zero points

On-line Unit Tests:  There are three unit tests, one for each set of five lessons.   The same restrictions that apply to the on-quizzes also apply to the Unit Tests.

Fingerspelling Quizzes:  There will be three fingerspelling quizzes, 10 words each.  The format will be as follows:    Test #1:    5 letter words.  Test #2:  7-8 letter words. Test #3:  12-13 letter words.  You can prepare for the fingerspelling quizzes by practicing on-line at:  http://asl.ms.

Number Quizzes:  There will be three number quizzes, 10 sets of numbers each.  Test#1:  2-3 digits.  Test #2:  Dollars & Cents.  Test#3: Numbered phrases.  You can prepare for the number quizzes by practicing on-line at: http://asl.bz.

Receptive Exams #1 and 2:  These receptive exams will typically cover the preceding 4-5 lessons, but may also review material from prior lessons as all exams are cumulative in content.   The receptive method tests your reading comprehension.  During the test, I will sign a number of sentences and you will transliterate, either in ASL or English word order � whichever is most comfortable to you.

Studying the material, doing the on-line quizzes and participating in class activities will help you prepare for these exams.  These exams will contain 10 sentences, each sentence worth 5 points.   I mark 2 points off for the first word and 3 points for the second.  If an entire concept is missed, then the entire sentence is marked wrong. 

During the exams, you will be expected to write legibly.  Allow for space between sentences for corrections (skip lines).  Any illegible portion will be marked wrong. 

So�take your time.  No need to rush.  I sign each sentence more than once and allow plenty of lag time.  If more time is needed, you�re welcome to request for more.

Expressive Exams #1 and 2:  The material covered in these exams will be in the form of questions, taken word for word, from the lesson material.  In class, I will call you aside and ask you to sign 5 random questions.    Note:   each student will be given a different set of questions.   Each sentence will be worth 10 points.   Grading will be based on fluency and form

Extra Credit:  Throughout the course of the semester I will be providing opportunities for extra credit.  Such extra credit can only be earned in class, participating in specified activities, and will be announced on the day of the event.   There will never be any advance notices on extra credit and such opportunities will be given at my discretion.

Comprehensive Receptive Exam:  This exam will cover all of the material you�ve learned over the course of the semester.  This exam will contain 10 sentences, each sentence worth 10 points, and two stories, each worth 50 points. 

Point system for the sentences:   Each word is worth 5 points.  If two or more words are wrong, the entire sentence will be marked wrong.  If an entire concept is missed, then the entire sentence is marked wrong. 

Point system for the stories:  Unlike the sentences, the purpose of the stories is not exact transliteration, but rather overall comprehension.  A story will be signed three times, after which you will write down a detailed summary of what you understood.  Sufficient time will be allowed, before moving on to the final story.

Cultural Exam:  The cultural exam is comprised of two parts.  The first part covers common terminology used in the deaf community, wherein you match the 25 words with their corresponding definitions.  The latter portion of the exam will involve a brief essay on a cultural topic.  All material for this exam is located in the on-line study guide:  http://lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/culturestudyguide.htm.   The cultural exam will be given on the same day as the comprehensive receptive exam.

Expressive Exit Exam:  The last two days of the course will focus on make-up and expressive exit exams.   You will reserve a time slot on the sign-up sheet that I will pass out towards the end of the semester.  If you wish to do it earlier, let me know.  Then when you come, you will be asked:
 � to fingerspell the following sentence: The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dogs and numbers.
 � to show me the numbers 1-30, then number 100, the number 1,000 and the number 1,000,000.
 � to sign a set of list of individual vocabulary, to be revealed at time of the exam.
�  to sign 10 sentences, also to be revealed at time of the exam
�  after which, you will be asked to present a 3-5 minute story � either live or in video, wherein you will tell me something about your life.    Video overall is preferred.

Videoing your story will allow you �do-overs� and will ease any apprehension you might otherwise feel while doing it live.   You do not need a high quality camera for this project.  Nor do you need to worry about the perfect background.  A simple web cam will do or even your digital camera.

You will need to particular particular attention to your facial expressions, accuracy of your signs, and general fluency.  If you stop or hesitate once or twice during the videotaping because of some technical issue, it won�t be an issue.  However, frequent hesitations and/or pauses is another story altogether, indicating a lack of preparation and not knowing your story well enough to sign without having to look the words up in the dictionary.  So be prepared and present forth your best work. 

Submitting your work:

�        You can turn it in class, on or before the day of the exit exam. 
�        If you are submitting your video via the mail system, print off your script and mail both it and your video to me at 8506 Everglade Drive    Sacramento, CA  95826
�        If you are submitting your video electronically (youtube, personal website, etc.) then email me your script so I'll have an electronic copy and the address link to the website.
�        If you are sending it as an attachment, include your script in the body of the email.

Video Format:

You may submit this video on any of the following: VHS-format full-size cassette, Mini-DV cassette, Video-CD (VCD) using MPEG-1 formatting, Digital Video Disk (DVD) using [DVD-R+, DVD-R-, or DVD-ROM], or as a video file on either CD or DVD in Windows Media File format, Quicktime, Flash, or just upload it to youtube.com.  Note:  DVD is preferred.

Please, do NOT send me any High 8 tapes or compact-VHS. 

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CLASSROOM POLICIES

No-Voice Rule:  This is a no voice class.  During class time you should keep your voice off and not whisper nor rely on "exaggerated mouthing."  If another student voices to you, you should respond as if you couldn't hear them and ask them (by signing) to communicate with you by signing or fingerspelling (or even writing on paper or the board).  If after repeated requests, you continue to do so, I�ll assign you to sit somewhere else and on rare occasions, if I find that you are, for some reason, unable to adhere to this rule, I�ll ask you to leave the classroom and invite you to return to the next class session with A renewed resolve to adhere to my no voice policy

Open-Communication:  You are welcome to ask questions anytime, in or outside of class.   If you need further clarification, do not ever hesitate to talk to me after class or to email me during the week.

Commitment: You are expected to invest eight hours a week studying outside the classroom.  Come to class prepared.  Know the material.
You will be expected to actively participate in class drills and interaction.    Passively sitting in your chair, checking your text messages, doodling, or doing something other than conversing in ASL conveys that you hadn�t studied and would rather be somewhere else.   Like any conversation, it requires two or more people to participate and like any foreign language, you need to practice in order to retain.  Thus, coming to class ill-prepared upsets the balance of the classroom and robs your classmates of the opportunity to practice effectively.
So� come prepared.

Cellphones:  Turn off your cell phone and put it away. Absolutely NO TEXTING in class.    No checking the time.  Nada.  Because if I catch you checking your mail, texting, or even having a cell phone in hand or on your desk, I stop whatever I�m doing, walk up to you, and take it.  I�m that ornery.  After class, you can come talk to me about your phone

Also
�        Take your baseball caps off or turn it backwards when entering the classroom.  It is difficult to sign effectively with it on.  Try signing �father� with it on.
�        Spit out your gum.  Chewing gum is distracting to the reader.
�        Stow away all non-class related materials (phones, newspapers, etc) once class begins.
�        Be kind and respectful to others.  Be part of the effort in creating a fun and engaging environment, that is ideal for learning.

Make-ups:  No make-ups on any of the fingerspelling or number quizzes, receptive or expressive exams without a valid reason and proof of reason for your absence.   Such reasons fall in category of calamities such serious illnesses, unavoidable accidents, or death in the family.   Traffic delays (or tickets), sickness not requiring a doctor's visit, hangovers, family responsibilities, trips to Hawaii, and so forth, do not count. 

However, if you are required to miss a quiz in order to participate in  pre-approved college or work program non-optional events such as being on an athletic team or having to attend a special training session--show me the letter from your coach or employer and then email me for instructions on how to make up the test and/or presentation.  In making accommodations for the missed quiz or exam, I reserve the right to give you a different but equivalent test to the one given in class.

Caveat on Make-ups:   Absolutely no make-ups on in-class exams missed due to tardiness, regardless of the reason.  The same rule applies for on-line quizzes or tests.  It doesn�t matter if you forgot, or if you to missed deadlines for some reason or another, because these can be turned in early and do not require you to be physically present in the classroom. 

A schedule has been provided.  You will know in advance, what will be covered in class that day or tests will be given or what quizzes will be due.  So, plan your schedule accordingly.  If you know you are going to be absent on the day of a test and have a valid reason for doing so, inform me ahead of time.

A word to the wise:  It has been my experience that many low performers always have an excuse.    Good students head to school early so that traffic doesn�t become a problem and allow time to find a parking spot in a crowded lot.  They pre-arrange babysitting, back-up transportation, talk to their bosses, and work to avoid conflicts that might interfere with their class schedules, and/or they do well enough on their overall assignments and tests that if they need to, missing a single day, assignment, or test will not hurt their grade. 

So, I encourage you to do the things that good students do so that YOU can get the grade good students get.  Good students, for example,  don't oversleep, get hung over, miss class  and then show up later with an elaborate, albeit, entertaining story.    And if calamity does happen (which I most sincerely hope it doesn�t), please keep me in loop.  Email me.  I will work with you.

Plagiarism & Cheating:  Students are always expected to work independently on graded quizzes and/or assignments unless specifically directed otherwise by the instructor. Assignments turned in late for any reason may receive half or no credit. For information on the College's policy regarding cheating and plagiarism, refer to the Schedule of Courses (Legal Notices on Cheating and Plagiarism) and the College Catalog (Policies and Regulations). Penalties for cheating and plagiarism may include receiving an F for a particular assignment, an F for the course, or expulsion from the college. 

Students with Disabilities:  After themselves to the instructor and the college, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, contact the office of Services to Students with Disabilities.

This syllabus and the schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for any announcements made during your absence.

Pep talk:  You can do this.  I have near infinite patience. I love teaching and explaining.  If you have questions, ask in class or email me with your first and last name and the hour of your class in the subject line and I'll strive to get back to you within 48 hours.  If there is something I can do to make the class better for you please suggest it.  This class may be one of your more challenging accomplishments but I know if you work hard and put in the time--you will succeed.

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SCHEDULE OF CLASSES AND ASSIGNMENTS

DATES	LESSONS & IN CLASS EXAMS	ON LINE DUE DATES
Wed., Jan. 20	Syllabus &  Intro to ASL II
Mon., Jan. 25	Lesson 16 & 17:  Intro
Wed., Jan. 27	Practice
Mon., Feb. 1	Class activity Fingerspelling Quiz #1	Quizzes 16 & 17
Wed., Feb. 3	Lesson 18 & 19:  Intro
Mon., Feb. 8	Practice
Wed., Feb. 10	Class Activity Numbers Quiz #1	Quizzes 18 & 19
Mon., Feb. 15	President�s Weekend � NO CLASS
Wed., Feb. 17	Expressive Exam #1
Mon., Feb. 22	Lesson 20:  Intro
Wed., Feb. 24	Practice Fingerspelling Quiz #2
Mon., Mar. 1	Class Activity	Quiz 20 Unit 4 Test
Wed., Mar. 3	Lesson 21 & 22:   Intro Receptive Exam #1
Mon., Mar. 8	Practice
Wed., Mar. 10	Class Activity	Quizzes 21 & 22
Mon., Mar. 15	Lesson 23 & 24:  Intro
Wed., Mar. 17	Practice Numbers Quiz #2
Mon., Mar. 22	Class Activity	Quizzes 23 & 24
Wed., Mar. 24	Expressive Exam #2
Mon., Mar. 29	Spring Break � NO CLASS
Wed., Mar. 31	Spring Break � NO CLASS
Mon., Apr. 5	Lesson 25 & 26:  Intro
Wed., Apr. 7	Practice & Fingerspelling Quiz #3
Mon., Apr. 12	Class Activity	Quizzes 25 & 26 Unit 5 Test
Wed., Apr. 14	Lesson 27 & 28:   Intro Receptive Exam #2
Mon., Apr. 19	Practice
Wed., Apr. 21	Class Activity Numbers Quiz #3	Quizzes 27 & 28
Mon., Apr. 26	Lesson 29 & 30:   Intro Guest Speaker
Wed., Apr. 28	Practice
Mon., May 3	Class Activity	Quizzes 29 & 30 Unit 6 Test
Wed., May 5	Receptive & Culture Exams
Mon., May 10	Make-ups & Expressive Exit Exams
Wed., May 12	Expressive Exit Exams