Course Syllabus

ASL 1130 - American Sign Language 3

   Syllabus Spring 2016

GENERAL INFORMATION

Contact Information

Instructor: Stephen Hardy

Office: HPNP, 2^nd Floor, Room 2123

Email Contact: sjhardy@phhp.ufl.edu (preferred)

Phone Contact: 352-642-8632 VP relay

Office Hours:  Monday and Friday 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

 

Basic Course Information

Section 4686 Wednesdays pd. 4-6 (10:40 AM – 1:40 PM)

Class Location: HPNP G103

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The third in a series of courses based on American Sign Language concepts and principles. This course is designed to increase recognition and recall skills in extended dialogue communication and storytelling. American Sign Language idioms are also included as well as a deeper understanding of the grammar, syntax, and complexities within the language.  (Hardy)

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOAL

1. Demonstrate expressive mastery of vocabulary, grammar, and communication behaviors associated with the following language/communication features: extended dialogues, role-plays, storytelling, descriptions, idioms, and ASL literature. Expressive skills include production of linguistically appropriate and accurate expressions, presentational, interpersonal, and interpretative applications, and culturally appropriate behaviors. When presented with language prompts eliciting communication functions students will generate accurate language samples as required which satisfies the function(s) embedded in the prompt.
2. Demonstrate receptive mastery of vocabulary, grammar, and communication behaviors associated with the following language/communication features: extended dialogues, role-plays, storytelling, descriptions, idioms, and ASL literature. Receptive skills include comprehension of discourse and narratives, presentational, interpersonal, and interpretative applications, and culturally appropriate behaviors. When presented with fluent narration in ASL presented by the instructor or via video of communication functions, students will respond appropriately to comprehension questions and/or respond in ASL appropriately.

 

3. When presented with fluent conversational interchanges between two native signers, individual narratives or literature genres via video, students will demonstrate understanding by answering questions designed to focus students’ attention on specific grammatical and cultural aspects embedded in the signing.

 

4. When presented with fluent conversational interchanges between two native signers, individual narratives or literature genres via video, students will practice expressively copying the signing being demonstrated including the specific vocabulary, grammar, and embedded cultural behaviors being demonstrated.

 

5. When presented with narrative prompts demonstrate ability to express self-generated narration of 4 or more sentences using accurate grammar, vocabulary, and language functions using ASL discourse structure. Narrative topics include sharing personal information about food, travel, health, sports & games, and ASL literature genres.

 

6. Effectively engage in one-to-one conversation and present narratives, demonstrating his/her ability to generate questions and responses while incorporating appropriate grammatical features and conversational behaviors in ASL.

 

7. Demonstrate knowledge of American Sign Language literature and cultural information in relation to the history and culture of the Deaf community. Demonstrate understanding of the artistic process in creating ASL literature genres,

 

8. Demonstrate ability to critically evaluate self and classmates’ ASL skills. When viewing live demonstration of classmates’ ASL narration, students will provide supportive feedback. When viewing videoed samples of student’s own signed narratives, student will self-evaluate providing substantive analysis of strengths and areas needing improvement based on student’s own developing sense of correctness for ASL expression.

 

MATERIALS

Check Canvas regularly for course materials, assignments, deadlines, postings, announcements, emails, schedule changes, etc.

FREE registration (2 levels) with Described and Captioned Media Program at www.dcmp.org required by this weekend to allow time for enrollment. Ensure that your registration is still valid and accessible from last semester.

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS

A variety of expressive and receptive activities are provided in and out of class for skills development. Assignments are completed by individuals, pairs, or groups. Videos are viewed outside of class for fuller explanations, enrichment, and additional practice. At no time should anyone have identical or similar work presented since it will be considered cheating. This applies to all forms of communication: written, spoken, signed, gestural, etc. through any media/medium. This includes ‘interpreting’ to help a student or copy-signing.  There will be a schedule for the assignments, which is subject to change with or without notice.

 

GRADING POLICY

https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/grades.aspx

 Grading Scale – Hardy

 

Letter Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	D-	E
Percentage or points earned in class	93-100	90-92	87-89	83-86	80-82	77-79	72-76	70-71	69-67	63-66	60-62	<60
Grade points	4.0	3.67	3.33	3.0	2.67	2.33	2.0	1.67	1.5	1.0	0.67	0.0

 

CLASSROOM COURTESY

No cell phones should ring, vibrate, or otherwise signal from the moment you enter the classroom, they should be turned off. Other personal electronic devices such as laptops, iPads, iPods should also be turned off. If this request is not followed, you will be asked to leave for the session, which will be counted as an absence.

Complete and full participation is expected from the beginning to the end of session including paying attention visually and actively signing at all times. Inappropriate behavior will result in losing participation points or being asked to leave the class.

 

Please dress appropriately for easy sign viewing (solid contrasting tops, muted makeup, jewelry, etc.).

**All must follow the basic ASL cultural rules of eye contact, silence, and signing at all times in the classroom and around any Deaf signers.**

 

COURSE EVALUATION

 

Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course based on 10 criteria. These evaluations are conducted online at https://evaluations.ufl.edu . Evaluations are typically open during the last two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given specific times when they are open. Summary results of these assessments are available to students at https://evaluations.ufl.edu/results

 

Occasionally the teacher may conduct informal surveys to evaluate progress of the class. This does not substitute for the formal online evaluations which must still be done.

 

 

 ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated.  Students suspected of violating the University’s policies on academic honesty will be dealt with in accordance with procedures outlined by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. If you have not done so already, please familiarize yourself with the University's policy on academic dishonesty. You are obliged to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personal. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the professor or TAs in this class.

NOTE: This applies to all forms of communication: written, spoken, signed, gestural, etc. through any media/medium. This includes ‘interpreting’ to help a student or copy-signing.

 

Cheating. The improper taking or tendering of any information or material, which shall be used to determine academic credit. Taking of information includes, but is not limited to, copying graded homework assignments from another student; working together with another individual(s) on a take-home test or homework when not specifically permitted by the teacher; looking or attempting to look at another student's paper during an examination; looking or attempting to look at text or notes during an examination when not permitted. Tendering of information includes, but is not limited to, giving your work to another student to be used or copied; giving someone answers to exam questions either when the exam is being given or after taking an exam; giving or selling a term paper or other written materials to another student; sharing information on a graded assignment.

Plagiarism. The attempt to represent the work of another as the product of one's own thought, whether the other's work is published or unpublished, or simply the work of a fellow student. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, quoting oral or written materials without citation on an exam, term paper, homework, or other written materials or oral presentations for an academic requirement; submitting a paper which was purchased from a term paper service as your own work; submitting anyone else's paper as your own work.

Bribery. The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting any materials, items or services of value to gain academic advantage for yourself or another.

Misrepresentation. Any act or omission with intent to deceive a teacher for academic advantage. Misrepresentation includes using computer programs generated by another and handing it in as your own work unless expressly allowed by the teacher; lying to a teacher to increase your grade; lying or misrepresenting facts when confronted with an allegation of academic honesty.

Conspiracy. The planning or acting with one or more persons to commit any form of academic dishonesty.

Fabrication. The use of invented or fabricated information, or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive for academic or professional advantage.

SPECIAL NEEDS AND COUNSELING SERVICES

The University of Florida, under the guidelines of ADA and 504 federal legislation, is required to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical and mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. To help provide the best possible service to students, staff, faculty and visitors, the University of Florida has an Americans with Disabilities Act Office with a coordinator responsible for access for persons with disabilities. The ADA coordinator assists anyone with questions about access. See http://www.ada.ufl.edu/office/ada.htm for more information.

Students requesting classroom accommodations must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the Instructor when requesting accommodation. This information must be given to the instructor by the second class session of the term.

 

Other resources:

• Disability Resource Center (Reid Hall, 392-8570)
• Student Health Center (The Infirmary, 392-1161).
• Crisis & Emergency Resource Center (CERC; Peabody Hall, 392-1575, ask for the CERC receptionist). Emergency walk-in crisis stabilization
• Counseling & Wellness Center (3190 Radio Road, 392-1575)
  1. Individual, Group, & Couples Counseling
  2. Psychiatric Consultation
• University of Florida Office of Victims Services (392-5648), sexual assault counseling.

Career Resource Center, Reitz Union, 392-1601, career development assistance and counseling

 

University Police Department – 392-1111 or 9-1-1 for emergencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Course Expectations Contract

      American Sign Language

                   Stephen Hardy

         

 

This covers

Attendance

Participation

Honor Code

Silent Hours

Deaf Community Hours

Make-Ups and Review Quizzes

Grade Recording

 

Attendance: Students are responsible for satisfying all academic requirements. Absences count from the first class meeting. In general, acceptable reasons for absence from class include illness, serious family emergencies, special curricular requirements (e.g., judging trips, field trips, and professional conferences), military obligation, severe weather conditions, religious holidays and participation in official university activities such as music performances, athletic competition or debate. Bring documentation to the instructor. Please let instructor know ahead of time of known absences by email.

Absences from class for court-imposed legal obligations (e.g., jury duty or subpoena) must be pre-approved to be excused. Other reasons also may be approved.

Students who do not attend at least one of the first two class meetings and who have not contacted the department to indicate their intent can be dropped from the course. Students must not assume that they will be dropped if they fail to attend the first few days of class. I will notify students dropped from courses by email. Students can request reinstatement on a space-available basis if documented evidence is presented.

The university recognizes a professor’s right to make attendance mandatory. University of Florida policy states that after due warning, professors can prohibit further attendance and subsequently assign a failing grade for excessive absences (including tardies and leaving classes early).

 

Participation: Using cell phones, texting, doing computer work, not being attentive in class, not being involved in all activities, going out to get food, etc. will be considered as a lack of participation and will have 1 – 2 points taken off for each incidence. Daily participation are 2 points and will be deducted for each unexcused session missed. Inappropriate behavior can be cause to being asked leave the class immediately.

 

Honor Code: In adopting this honor code, the students of the University of Florida recognize that academic honesty and integrity are fundamental values of the university community. Students who enroll at the university commit to holding themselves and their peers to the high standard of honor required by the honor code. Violations of the honor code will be addressed.

For example, you have not kept secure your paper and a classmate copied it. Both papers may be subject to a zero grade. This applies to all forms of communication: written, spoken, signed, gestural, etc. through any media/medium. This includes ‘interpreting’ to help a student or copy-signing.

 

The Honor Pledge: We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

On all work submitted for credit, the following pledge is implied: "On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment."

 

Assignments: All assignments must be submitted on time in class. Narratives must be prepared ahead of time and ready for in class performance. Videos must be posted properly and on time. Sakai must be checked regularly for course materials, assignments, deadlines, postings, announcements, emails, schedule changes, etc.

 

Silent Hours: At least seven silent hours are required for this course. Two silent hours must be attended each month, 2 in September, 2 in October, 1-2 in November, and 2 in December. Hours not completed each month cannot be made up. The posted silent hour sign-in log must be presented to the TA at the silent hour to be signed with the times in and out. It is highly recommended that you get in the habit of attending one silent hour every two weeks. No sign-in log, no silent hour credit. Forms must be turned in the last week of each month, and again at end of semester.

 

Community Hours: At least five community participation hours are required for this course. The best Deaf events are those events where there are more Deaf signers than hearing signers or non-signers.

The supplied community participation hour log must be signed by a contact person (such as a supervising teacher, the sign language interpreter, or a Deaf person at an event). If you attend a seminar, workshop, or performance, in lieu of or in addition to a signature, you may attach a receipt, handout, or program from the event.

Volunteer hours that are outside of the Deaf community, i.e. signing with hearing children, count as .5 hour, thus 2 hours must completed to get one hour credit.

ASL movies screened monthly counts as .5 hour, thus 2 hours must be completed to get one hour credit. Use the Video reaction paper guide for this activity.

The hours will not count unless a separate sheet is attached to the log with at least 5-8 sentence descriptive paragraph per hour. Generally, an event that is 2 hours or longer should be at least one full page. Do not write simple sentences such as “I attended a performance. There were three deaf people there. The interpreter was good.” Instead, describe in detail how sign language was used … for example, how the interpreter set up space, used appropriate mouth morphemes, deaf culture issues observed, information-sharing, etc. Of particular interest is your own efforts and observations of cultural behaviors, linguistics in action, communication with Deaf people (or interpreters). Community hours and papers are to be turned in as they are completed. There will be frequent announcements of possible Deaf events to attend locally and around the state of Florida.

 

Make-Ups and Review Quizzes: Any unexcused absences during review quizzes will result in an automatic zero and the review quiz cannot be made up. Extra credit hours can be used instead.

All regularly scheduled tests, if missed, will be made up during a Reading Day at the end of the semester.. Missed make-up tests will result in a zero. Signed assignments such as dialogues and stories are to be made up upon return to the next class.

 

Grade Recording: When assignments are turned in, narratives are completed, review quizzes and scheduled tests are graded, etc. then grades will be posted online. Check your recorded grade and inform your section’s TA of any discrepancies by bringing your original graded paper no later than the 2nd class day after the grades were posted. Corrections will not be made after the 2nd class day. Check your recorded silent meals, and if incorrect, contact your section’s TAs no later than the first week of the following month or corrections will not be made.

 

 

I, __________________________________________ (printed name) have read this course expectation sheet and clearly understand the expectations of this class.

___________________________________________

Signature                                                   Date