Syllabus - Elementary American Sign Language (SIGN 1A)

SIGN 1A Course Description: (5 Units) This course provides students with a systematic introduction to receptive and expressive language skills used in American Sign Language and to the culture of the Deaf community.  Initial emphasis is placed on communication skills in the classroom, then extended to wider cultural contexts.  Individualized work in the World Languages Lab is required.

Course Objectives:

The following objectives and goals will be our focus throughout the semester:

a)      To learn how to fingerspell smoothly and clearly.

b)      To cover the ASL grammar structure at the basic introductory level.

c)      To absorb a large vocabulary of signs for immediate use in the class.

d)      To understand the non-manual language behavior associated with ASL.

e)      To have an understanding of the conceptual thought processes in ASL.

f)        To cover some of the history and background of Sign Language.

g)      To become aware of what the deaf and hearing impaired want and need.

h)      To study the different modes and systems used by the deaf and hearing impaired.

All assignments will be related to the above objectives!

The grading standards:

20%     Exam # 1          Learning American Sign Language                     Units 1-6

20%     Exam # 2          Learning American Sign Language                     Units 7-12

5%       Exam # 3          5-Minute Video Cam (taken in the Lab)

10%     Exam # 4          Final Lab Exam (taken in the Lab)

5%       Exam # 5          Deaf Culture text “Deaf Like Me”

20%     Exam # 6          Learning American Sign Language                     Units 1-12

20%     Lab Hours        Lab provides your grade based on your Attendance

Your final class grade will also take into account the following:

Absences will be equal to a two-point deduction from your final grade total.  For example:  If your final grade was 90% but you were absent 5 times, your grade would be 80% (2 x 5 = 10). So, 90 – 10 = 80%) so you would receive a B instead of an A for the course. 

In addition, class participation, quizzes, completion of homework assignments and Lab notes will also be considered into the determination of your final grade for the course.  You will be signing a song at the end of the semester and will be graded by your peers.

If you are taking the class for a CR/NC (Credit or No Credit) grade you will need to fulfill all of the class requirements.  That means taking all of tests and exams and attending the Lab.