Course Syllabus

American Sign Language 1

ASL 1 Section 0747

Fall 2024

Instructor: Alvin Singh

Email: asingh@santarosa.edu

Office hours: Office 1629A, Emeritus Building: 

Tuesday, 4:20 pm- 5:00 pm Emeritus Hall 1629A Santa Rosa Campus

Thursday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am- Online (Zoom)

Location/Room:

Tuesday in person, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: 1599 Emeritus Building

Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Zoom Online Synchronous Thursday Zoom

Partially Online Asynchronous access anytime 

Course Description

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-gestural language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States. The course focuses on developing proficiency in ASL through vocabulary and grammar for introducing oneself, exchanging personal information, talking about surroundings, giving directions, describing various activities, and conversational skills. Students will learn about Deaf culture and history and the importance of facial expressions and body language in ASL communication. The course will also cover using classifiers, fingerspelling, and non-manual signals in ASL. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in basic conversations, express opinions, and understand simple narratives in ASL. The course promotes understanding and appreciation of ASL as a unique and vibrant language within the American Deaf community. In addition, you can search for any Course Outline of Record.]

Textbook

Signing Naturally (Units 1-6) (Student Workbook) (w/ Access Code)) by Smith

ISBN: 9781581212105 or SRJC Bookstore

Video Library Subscriptions Video Library Subscription - Signing Naturally 1-6

Student Learning Outcomes

Santa Rosa Junior College student learning outcomes are online at SRJC SLO. After this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Manage a basic vocabulary in ASL, focusing on signs for communicating information about oneself and school life.
  1. Intimate and respond to simple and brief conversations in ASL using statements, questions, and behaviors that are appropriate among ASL signers.
  2. Use and comprehend basic vocabulary for everyday topics and activities, including the manual alphabet and numbers.
  3. Use simple grammatical structures, such as directional verbs, indexing, contrastive structure, and subject-predicate order, with attention to ASL parameters and non-manual markers.
  4. Discuss features of the culture and history of Deaf people and ASL, including sociolinguistic and intersectional variations in the Deaf experiences.
  5. Demonstrate ASL conversation, facilitating/regulating behaviors such as attention-getting techniques, turn-taking signals, leave-taking patterns, etc.
  6. Manage basic grammatical structures in ASL, including manual (i.e., the hands) and non-manual (i.e., the torso, face, etc.) features.

Class Meetings

We will require face-to-face meetings on campus every Tuesday and synchronous meetings online on Zoom every Thursday. We will have material and activities; asynchronous students can access them anytime. 

Course Web Site

Students will use the Canvas course website to receive instructions, submit assignments, view classmates’ work, share resources, and view grades.

Important Dates

Day Class Begin: September 10, 2024

Day Class Ends: December 13, 2024

Last Day to Add without the instructor’s approval: September 12, 2024

Last Day to Drop with a refund: September 17, 2024

Last Day to Add with instructor’s approval: September 26, 2024

Last Day to Drop without “W” symbol: September 26, 2024

Last Day to Drop with a‘‘W’’ symbol: November 18, 2024

Fall Break-NO classes/District closed: Thursday, November 28 to Sunday, December 1, 2024

Last Day to option for Pass/No Pass: December 13, 2024

Final Exam (our class): December, Monday 16 to Thursday 19, 2024

Dropping the Class

Dropping classes is always the student’s responsibility. If you decide to stop this course, you must officially drop it by the deadline above. Also, the instructor may drop a student for several consecutive, unexplained absences.

Pass‐NoPass (P/NP)

You may take this class P/NP. You’ll need to decide before the deadline and add the option online with TLC or file the P/NP form with Admissions and Records P/NP form. With a grade of C or better, you will get a P. You must file for the P/NP option before the deadline. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If you take this course as part of a certificate program, you can still take the class P/NP. Could you check with a counselor to be sure?

Instructor Announcements and Q&A Forum

The instructor will post announcements on the “Instructor Announcement” page in Canvas throughout the semester. When the instructor creates an Announcement, Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences. A “Q&A Forum” is also on Canvas, where you can ask your classmates or instructor for assistance.

Attendance

You will earn points for each class attended!! Because this is a skill-building class requiring interaction with the instructor, regular attendance is strongly encouraged. This course involves class attendance, participation in activities, and completing all assignments. Attendance students should plan on attending all scheduled online Zoom semesters through Canvas. During these sessions, participation and the material covered are vital to your performance in this course. For any unexcused absence, this results in one whole letter grade reduction (for example, from an A to B) and a letter grade reduction for each absence after that (if you started with an A, the first absence brings you to a B; for each absence after that, C, D and so on) I strongly suggest you contact me if you need to miss more than one class or have a homework deadline in a row after the second Day of the class. It is to avoid being dropped from the class.

Late Policy

All assignments are due by Friday and Saturday at 11:59 pm—Pacific Time. A late submission will be considered “missing” and given a score of 0 until it is turned in. Submissions over one week late are only accepted with prior arrangements. No late assignments will be accepted unless discussed with the instructor (within 24 hours of the due date).

Class Policies

I want to establish a classroom environment that is inclusive and accessible to all students. To achieve this goal, I have decided that no talking or voice-offs will be allowed in class. This class policy is not meant to restrict your communication ability but to create space where everyone can participate equally. By using ASL, you will have the opportunity to practice and improve your signing skills, which can be valuable both inside and outside the classroom. 

Establishing some classroom communication guidelines is vital to ensure this policy is effective. To support the policy, here are some details to keep in mind: 

  • When you have a question or comment, please raise your hand and wait for it to be acknowledged before signing. This will help maintain order and ensure that everyone has a chance to participate. 
  • No talking or voice-offs: Please refrain from speaking out loud during class to respect me and your classmates.
  • If you need help signing something, feel free to ask. I am here to support you in your learning journey and will happily assist you in any way I can.
  • Respect everyone in the class, regardless of their sign abilities. Remember that we are all here to learn and grow together.
  • PRACTICE MAKE PERFECT! The more you use ASL in the classroom, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes --that’s all part of the learning process.
  • ASL proficiency: While it is understandable that not all students may be fluent in ASL, I encourage you to try communicating using the signs and skills you have learned. This will help you practice and improve your ASL abilities.
  • Visual aids: To assist with communication, I will provide visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, and handouts. These materials will help us understand the presented content better.
  • Respect and patience: Learning a new language can be challenging, and it is essential to show respect and patience towards yourself and your classmates as you navigate the complexities of ASL. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, so do not be afraid to take risks and try new signs.
  • ASL No VOICE off: when you enter the class, you must use your hand sign language!

Following these guidelines and embracing ASL as the primary mode of communication in the classroom will improve your signing skills, help you gain a greater understanding and appreciation for deaf culture, and contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.

Requiring communication using ASL in the classroom is a valuable opportunity to practice and improve your sign skills. Following the class policies and guidelines outlined above, you can fully participate in the learning process and contribute to a more inclusive and accessible classroom environment. I look forward to seeing your progress and growth throughout the semester. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to learning ASL!

Exams

There will be online/in-person midterm and final exams. The material comes from the textbook, class lectures, and supplemental materials. A zero will be recorded as the score if any exam is missed. It is your responsibility to take in-person and online exams by the due date.

Grading Policy

Visit the “Grade” section on Canvas to keep track of your grades. I grade once a week and post grades and comments on the online Canvas grade book.

Evaluation and Grades will be assigned as follows:

Evaluation
Course Requirement and Knowledge 10 points 10points
Article (5) 30 points each 150 points
Workbook Assignment (5) 20 points each 100 points
Expressive Exam (1) 100 point 100 points
ASL Story (3) 40 points each 120 points
Projects (2) 50 points each 100 points
Final: Story Childhood (1) 100 point 100 points
Receptive and Exam (3) 50 points each 150 points
Extra Credit (3) 10 points each 30 points
Discussion Group (4) 10 points each 40 points
Final Exam Unit 1-5 100 point 100 points

 

Grade

A

90-100%

900-1000 points

B

80-90%

800-900 points

C

70-80%

700-800 points

D

60-70%

600-700points

F

0-60%

0-600 points

 

If you are taking Pass/No Pass, you need to earn at least 70% of the total class points and pass both the midterm and the final exams.

Standards of Conduct 

Students registering in SRJC classes must abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violating the Standards can result in referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or the College. See the Student Code of Conduct page.

Academic Integrity

There is no specific language for the Academic Integrity policy to be included in the syllabus. However, it is good to familiarize yourself with it and describe it in your own words: Policy 3.11 for Academic Integrity.

To be successful in this class, all work on exams and quizzes must be yours and yours alone. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the Santa Rosa Junior College because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. As a member of the SRJC community, you are responsible for protecting your education investment by knowing and following the rules. Review the student’s rights & responsibilities to Academic Integrity at Academic Integrity for specific definitions of what constitutes cheating Academic Integrity.

Collaborating on or copying tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:
SRJC Writing Center Lessons on avoiding plagiarism SRJC’ss policy on Academic Integrity

Title IX Resources and Reporting Requirements

The SRJC offers a variety of resources for any concern regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking. Students can visit the website for her SRJC TITLE IX. To learn more about reporting an incident, please get in touch with the Sexual Misconduct Office at 707-527-4822 or TitleIX@santarosa.edu. Information TITLE IX or report Form Reporting FormLinks to an external site.

Other Important Policies and Practices

Avoid Plagiarism Like the, er, Plague

Although most students have likely heard about Plagiarism during their years of schooling, it is still prevalent even in higher education.

The video below reviews what Plagiarism is and how not to do it.

Plagiarism: How to avoid it

Netiquette, or Why Is It Harder to Be Polite Online?

Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All class members are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications. Use these guidelines:

  • Use capital letters sparingly. THEY LOOK LIKE SHOUTING.
  • Forward emails only with a writer’s permission.
  • Be considerate of others’ feelings and use language carefully.
  • Cite all quotations, references, and sources (otherwise, it is Plagiarism).
  • Use humor carefully. It is hard to “read” tone; sometimes humor can be misread as criticism or personal attack. Feel free to use emoticons like :) for a smiley face to let others know you are being humorous.
  • Use complete sentences and standard English grammar to compose posts. Write in proper paragraphs. Review work before submitting it.
  • Text speak, such as “ur” for “your” or “ru” for “are you” etc., is only acceptable when texting.

Accommodations for students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources at (707) 527-4278 or disabilityinfo@santarosa.edu, and for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing students: (707) 331-1156 Videophone as soon as possible to ensure better such accommodations are implemented promptly. The Santa Rosa DRD office is located in the Bertolini Student Center, on the third floor, in room 4844. The student is responsible for providing the course instructor with an official letter. Any student in this course with a disability that may prevent them from fully demonstrating their abilities should contact me as soon as possible to discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.