ASL& 122 Syllabus

Item #1416 | Winter 2013

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Instructor:               Dimitri Azadi

E-mail:                    dimitri.azadi@bellevuecollege.edu

Phone:                    425-564-4159

Office location:        B132

Office Hours:           By Appointment

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Course Information

 

Course Description

 

ASL 2 is the second quarter of the first year of college level, transferable, language education designed to introduce the student to American Sign Language (ASL) and to the people who use it.  In the study of ASL as a second language the student will expand his or her knowledge of fundamental ASL grammar and communication, will discover issues unique to the Deaf community in America, and learn that this beautiful, natural, rich language cannot be separated from the community that developed it.  Above all, this is a class that requires your attendance, involvement, and practice if you plan to succeed.

 

 

Course Outcomes

 

How Outcomes will be met

 

 

Web Resources     Many of your class guidelines, assignments, homework, and handouts are accessible to you only through the internet. You will need to check frequently to find the resources you need.  You can find these important materials in MyBC:

If you haven’t used “my bcc” yet, log on to create an account as soon as possible.  It may take a few days for your classes to show up on that site.  Be patient.  Once your MyBC account is up and running, check it frequently for class handouts, study guides, homework, and more. If I posted something, I don’t want to hear, “I didn’t know.”

 

Attendance &

Participation:         Your attendance is required if you are to succeed in any language class.   ASL 122 is no exception.  Because the language is visual and manual, your eyes, body and mind must be present or you cannot learn.  Your participation in class activities is a required part of your attendance.  American Sign Language is all about communication and communication is the interaction between individuals sharing information. A book or videotape can never provide this communication environment. If for any reason you miss a class, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate and find out what was missed If you missed a handout it is your responsibility to make a copy of that handout from a fellow student or to contact the instructor for a copy.  Make-ups are not possible for missed tests or quizzes.  Your attendance will be recorded and your percentage of attendance will be factored into your final grade and will earn you part of your Participation points. Showing up late and leaving early are disruptive to the class. You will be counted present only if you are present for the entire class period. Attendance -100 and Participation – 100 Total = 200 Points

 

 

Quizzes:                Throughout the quarter, you will be quizzed on each unit. Specific dates will be announced in class. Possible Points: 100 each = 400 Total

 

Self-Evaluation:     There will be two group activities that will include a way for you to evaluate yourself by using feedback from your classmates. I will announce these during class. You will then write a paper to turn in to me. 50 Points each. Total 100                   

 

 

Deaf History

Project:                  I will provide a list of potential topics from which you may choose. You will create a PowerPoint presentation for the class. You will be able to present in English. Due: February 3 Possible Points: 200

 

 

Fingerspelling

Quizes:                  There will be surprise fingerspelling quizzes worth ten points each. 

                              Possible Points: 100

 

 

Deaf Activity:         You will be required to attend at least THREE deaf community activities or events. Information will be given out in class. This will help increase your receptive and expressive skills. The more you are involved, the more fluent you become. Events are widespread in the Seattle metro area. I will post an assignment for the paper you will write regarding this experience. All must be contacting Deaf people. No videos or movies can substitute. One of these can be going to an interpreted event.

                              Possible Points: 100

 

 

Homework:            Book exercises and other assigned homework activities. 

                              Possible Points: 100

 

 

                              Total Possible Points: 1200

 

 

Grading

 

Grading:   Your grade is a numerical reflection of the effort and dedication that you invest toward your learning of this subject and you’re ability to apply what you have learned.  You are the only person responsible for your grade.  The sum of all of your work points comprises this numerical value that is your grade.  As per BC policy, you will receive a letter grade after the completion of the quarter.  This letter grade is assigned as an equivalent to your total earned numerical points.  You must have no less than 60% of all possible points to receive a passing grade in this class.

 

There are a total of 1200 points possible for this quarter.  Your grade will be a fraction of that number.   You must achieve a minimum of a C grade to transfer to the next level of ASL.

 

Grading:

 

Points for this class will be earned in the following areas:

A

96%

 

 

Attendance

100

 

A-

90%

 

 

Participation

100

 

B+

87%

 

 

Signing Naturally Quizes

400

 

B

83%

 

 

Self Evaluations

100

 

B-

80%

 

 

Deaf History Project

200

 

 

 

 

 

Fingerspelling Quizes

100

 

C+

77%

 

 

Homework Assignments

100

 

C

73%

 

 

Culture Contact

100

 

C-

70%

 

 

Total:

1200

 

D+

65%

 

 

 

 

 

D

60%

 

 

 

 

 

The College Grading Policy is located on page 10 of the Course Catalog and also on the web at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/policies/3/3000_grading.asp.

 

 

Books and Materials Required

 

Signing Naturally Units 1-6.  Smith, Lentz, Mikos (2008) Dawn Sign Press

Signing Naturally Units 7-12.  Smith, Lentz, Mikos (2008) Dawn Sign Press

1001 Signs for ASL Students, Volumes 1 & 2 (ASL Course Packet & DVD)

 

Classroom Learning Atmosphere

Instructor’s Expectation

 

Course Policy:       During the class, the use of voices is prohibited.  Your voice is not invited to the class.  The Instructor will voice only necessary discussions and students may be invited to do likewise; however, one cannot learn ASL by practicing spoken English.  That is why a silent environment will be maintained throughout the class, unless otherwise established by the instructor.  Upon the teacher’s discretion, a penalty of 5 points per infraction may be implemented for students who speak in class without the teacher’s permission.  Whispering is not allowed.

 

Respect of

Others:                  In starting, I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you as an adult can handle responsibility for your actions. I will expect courtesy, attentiveness, and a willingness to learn. In so doing, you will earn my respect as a responsible adult, and be treated accordingly. What I will not tolerate is your interference in another student’s learning experience. That includes, distracting noise or behavior, Cell-phone use, text messaging, whispering, insults, cruelty, harassment (of any kind), or ridicule of others. I am sure that you as a responsible adult will not tolerate these things either. I whole-heartedly believe that learning requires the making of mistakes. My classroom is a place where your well-intentioned errors are welcomed. Sometimes, mistakes are funny and laugher follows naturally, good-natured laughter is welcomed, especially where we learn to laugh at ourselves -- with our classmates not AT them. Keep in mind that no one feels free to take risks in an environment where they fear being ridiculed or criticized and learning requires risk-taking. You are responsible for creating an open environment where all are feel free to make mistakes, and find understanding, and support from those around you. In other words:

 

                              EVERYONE is to feel WELCOME in my class. If you change that feeling for anyone you will be asked to leave. YOU REALLY DON’T WANT TO CHALLENGE ME ON THIS. A second offense would mean a trip to the behavior compliance officer.

 

Active Listening:    Active Listening Behaviors: Certain “active listening” behaviors are expected as part of American Sign Language.  That is, certain manual (Oh-I-See; Huh?; Wow; Really?) and non-manual signals (Nodding; Facial Expression; Mouth Movements) are not only ways of showing the signer that you understand, but it is a Social Norm! ~ Part of the culture.    Blank looks or lack of active listening behaviors will not only interrupt the conversation (such as causing your instructor to stop and ask if you understand, or needlessly repeat the information), but can be interpreted as rudeness in many social situations.

 

 

Areas of note:

 

·       I strongly encourage classmates to get together and practice outside of class to maintain signing skills. Look for ways to keep your hands moving every day! Trust me! You will appreciate what it does for you!  If you have any concerns or are in need of help please feel free to see me. I am here to help each of you. My goal is that all of you enjoy and pass this course!

 

·       Signing Naturally is the main text of this class. A combination workbook and video, it gives you out-of-class exercise in reception, translation, and understanding not only of American Sign Language, but of the culture that uses it: American Deaf Culture.  It is your responsibility to work and re-work the lessons until the information becomes completely understandable to you. You MUST stay abreast of scheduled workbook assignments and bring to class any questions that arise.  Not all exercises in the chapter will be done in class; nevertheless, you will be responsible for all of the material in the assigned chapter.  Reading and practicing is your responsibility. Your ability to follow through on this responsibility will be measured by means of regular Signing Naturally Quizzes.  These quizzes will include vocabulary and grammar from the assigned chapters of your workbook

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·       You are expected to assist your classmates and facilitate their effective learning by letting them wrestle with their own questions. Whispering answers to them does not help them learn anything.

 

·       Don’t be afraid to make mistakes!! It is through our attempts and mistakes that we learn. Instead of looking at each mistake as a reason for embarrassment, think of each one as a place you learned. How many mistakes did I make this week? Wow! I am learning a lot!  =)

 

·       While I endeavor to grade papers and exams as quickly as possible to return them to you, I cannot always get them back to you by the next class. Please be patient and I will make sure you get them as quickly as I am able.

 

·       Grades are based on your work and learning throughout the quarter. This means that grades are not negotiable. Doing some extra credit assignment to improve your grade, when you cannot show me that you actually learned any more devalues the meaning of a grade. If you want a better grade, start from the beginning of the quarter and do the work.

 

 

*Inclement weather: please check Bellevue College’s website. I will email you with instructions if necessary*

 

 

Affirmation of Inclusion

 

Bellevue College is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the campus community feels welcome to participate in the life of the college, free from harassment and discrimination.

We value our different backgrounds at Bellevue College, and students, faculty, staff members, and administrators are to treat one another with dignity and respect. http://bellevuecollege.edu/about/goals/inclusion.asp

 

 

Division Statements

 

Arts and Humanities Division Policies for student procedures and expectations can be found here: http://bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/policy.html

 

 

 

Student Code

 

“Cheating, stealing and plagiarizing (using the ideas or words of another as one’s own without crediting the source) and inappropriate/disruptive classroom behavior are violations of the Student Code of Conduct at Bellevue College.  Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to: talking out of turn, arriving late or leaving early without a valid reason, allowing cell phones/pagers to ring, and inappropriate behavior toward the instructor or classmates.  The instructor can refer any violation of the Student Code of Conduct to the Vice President of Student Services for possible probation or suspension from Bellevue College.  Specific student rights, responsibilities and appeal procedures are listed in the Student Code of Conduct, available in the office of the Vice President of Student Services.”  The Student Code, Policy 2050, in its entirety is located at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/policies/2/2050_Student_Code.asp

 

 

Bellevue College E-mail and access to MyBC

 

All students registered for classes at Bellevue College are entitled to a network and e-mail account.  Your student network account can be used to access your student e-mail, log in to computers in labs and classrooms, connect to the BC wireless network and log in to MyBC. To create your account, go to:  https://bellevuecollege.edu/sam .

 

BC offers a wide variety of computer and learning labs to enhance learning and student success. Find current campus locations for all student labs by visiting the Computing Services website.

 

Disability Resource Center (DRC)

 

The Disability Resource Center serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities. If you are a student who has a disability or learning challenge for which you have documentation or have seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in college, please contact us as soon as possible. If you are a student with a documented autism spectrum disorder, there is a program of support available to you. 

 

If you are a person who requires assistance in case of an emergency situation, such as a fire, earthquake, etc, please meet with your individual instructors to develop a safety plan within the first week of the quarter.

 

The DRC office is located in B 132 or you can call our reception desk at 425.564.2498. Deaf students can reach us by video phone at 425-440-2025 or by TTY at 425-564-4110.   .    .  Please visit our website for application information into our program and other helpful links at www.bellevuecollege.edu/drc

 

Public Safety

 

The Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department’s well trained and courteous non-commissioned staff provides personal safety, security, crime prevention, preliminary investigations, and other services to the campus community, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Their phone number is 425.564.2400.  The Public Safety website is your one-stop resource for campus emergency preparedness information, campus closure announcements and critical information in the event of an emergency. Public Safety is located in K100 and on the web at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/publicsafety/

 

Final Exam Schedule

 

The fourth Signing Naturally Quiz serves as the course final. Please refer to calendar.

 

 

Academic Calendar

 

The Bellevue College Academic Calendar is separated into two calendars. They provide information about holidays, closures and important enrollment dates such as the finals schedule.