Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 1 AMSL 101 A American Sign Language I Summer Session 14.55 June 01, 2015 July 25, 2015 Course Description This course is an entry-level introduction to American Sign Language and fingerspelling. It is designed to explore the fundamentals of ASL including basic vocabulary and language structure. Students are engaged in active language production using authentic conversations. Course meets three hours of Foreign Language graduation requirement. Prerequisite: None Proctored Exams: None Textbooks Smith, Cheri, Lentz, Ella Mae, and Mikos, Ken. (2008) Signing Naturally: Student Workbook (Units 1-6). Dawn Sign Press. 8th edition. ISBN 13: 978-1-58121-210-5 Textbooks for the course may be ordered from MBS Direct. You can order online at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/columbia.htm (be sure to select Online Education rather than your home campus before selecting your class) by phone at 800-325-3252 For additional information about the bookstore, visit http://www.mbsbooks.com. Course Overview This course is the first in a series of five courses. This is the entry level course designed to introduce students to basic vocabulary, sign production, non-manual markers and language structure. This course is taught in American Sign Language. Students will learn: ASL Vocabulary, Cardinal Numbers, Ordinal Numbers, Fingerspelling, Conversational signs, Descriptions, Giving basic directions, Commands, Time signs, Describing shapes, Language backgrounds, Narratives, Biography of Deaf individuals, Cultural notes. After completing both AMSL 101 and 102 you should be able to hold basic conversations with deaf people. My goal is to teach by example the way Deaf people use the language. At times you may become frustrated. This is normal when learning a second language. I am here for you; just let me know if and how I can assist you. Technology Requirements Participation in this course will require the basic technology for all online classes at Columbia College: A computer with reliable Internet access,
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 2 a web browser, Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office or another word processor such as Open Office. You can find more details about standard technical requirements for our courses on our site. To complete assignments specific to this course participants will require the following: Video camera or web cam, YouTube account (Note: each student has a YouTube account that comes along with their CougarMail account) In addition to reliable internet access that is required for all online classes, it is highly recommended that students use broadband internet access for this course as video is the main medium of course delivery and assignment submission Course Objectives To understand American Deaf culture. To understand ASL grammatical structure. To understand signs expressively and receptively. To understand numbers expressively and receptively. To understand fingerspelling expressively and receptively. To understand non- manual markers. To understand conversational/cultural behaviors using ASL. To understand the basic components of American Sign Language. Measurable Learning Outcomes Demonstrate the use of basic components of American Sign Language skills in a variety of interactive situations. Identify and describe general elements of Deaf culture. Demonstrate the use of appropriate ASL grammatical structure. Demonstrate the use of numbers expressively and receptively. Demonstrate the use of fingerspelling expressively and receptively. Demonstrate ability to use and understand ASL expressively and receptively. Demonstrate the use of appropriate non- manual markers using ASL.
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 3 Grading Grading Scale GRADE POINTS PERCENT A 797-885 90-100% B 708-796 80-89% C 620-707 70-79% D 531-619 60-69% F 0-530 0-59% Grade Weights ASSIGNMENT POINTS PERCENT Practice Exercises 120 14% Weekly Video Submissions 70 8% Assessment Quizzes 175 20% Performance Video Exams 200 22% Self-Assessments of Performance Video Exams 100 11% Discussions 70 8% Final Exam 150 17% Total 885 100% Schedule of Due Dates (All assignments are due by 11:59pm Central) WEEK ASSIGNMENT POINTS TRANSMISSION DUE DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 Discussion 10 Discussions Wednesday/Sunday ASL Tips & Quiz 13 Quizzes Wednesday Quality Videos Quiz 12 Quizzes Wednesday Video Upload Practice - Dropbox Wednesday Weekly Video Submission 1 10 Dropbox Sunday Discussion 10 Discussions Wednesday/Sunday Practice Exercises 10 Quizzes Wednesday Week 2 Assessment Quiz 25 Quizzes Sunday Weekly Video Submission 2 10 Dropbox Sunday Discussion 10 Discussions Wednesday/Sunday Practice Exercises 20 Quizzes Wednesday Week 3 Assessment Quiz 25 Quizzes Sunday Weekly Video Submission 3 10 Dropbox Sunday Discussion 10 Discussions Wednesday/Sunday Practice Exercises 20 Quizzes Wednesday Week 4 Assessment Quiz 25 Quizzes Sunday Weekly Video Submission 4 10 Dropbox Sunday Discussion (ungraded) - Discussions - Practice Exercises 40 Quizzes Wednesday Week 5 Assessment Quiz 25 Quizzes Sunday Weekly Video Submission 5 10 Dropbox Sunday Performance Video Exam 1 100 Dropbox Sunday Self-Assessment for Performance Video 1 50 Dropbox Sunday Discussion 10 Discussion Wednesday/Sunday Practice Exercises 30 Quizzes Wednesday
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 4 7 8 Week 6 Assessment Quiz 25 Quizzes Sunday Weekly Video Submission 6 10 Dropbox Sunday Discussion 10 Discussion Wednesday/Sunday Week 7 Assessment Quiz 25 Quizzes Sunday Weekly Video Submission 7 10 Dropbox Sunday Discussion 10 Discussion Wednesday/Saturday Performance Video Exam 2 100 Dropbox Saturday Self-Assessment for Performance Video 2 50 Dropbox Saturday Final Exam (3 parts) 150 Quizzes Saturday TOTAL 885 Assignment Overview Book & DVD Assignments The purpose of the Book & DVD assignments is for you to get the core vocabulary and grammar exposure; these will provide you with the main content of the class. Additionally, due to the unique nature of this course it is imperative that you have a copy of the book for the first day of class. You should complete all activities within the book and watch the DVD clips assigned for the week before completing your weekly work. All assignments rely heavily on this information. Please note that there are significant weekly learning and study aids available through the text. Spend time reviewing these learning resources so you can maximize your learning experience. Instructor Videos The purpose of the instructor videos is to expand on what you are learning in your Book & DVD. Each week in the Content area of the course there are videos of your instructor demonstrating how to properly sign specific words or phrases. These videos are required but like the Book and DVD, are not scored. It is strongly suggested you view the videos weekly before submitting your Performance Video Exams or Weekly Video Submissions. However, the instructor videos *do not* contain all the signs you are to learn, so be sure to also work through your Book and DVD and do not rely solely on the instructor videos. Discussions The purpose of the discussion questions in this course is for you to engage with others (including myself) as we learn about Deaf culture. Language should always be learned in the context of the culture in which it is used, and the same goes for American Sign Language. Each week there will be discussion prompts related to deaf culture. You will be expected to post an initial post by Wednesday and at least 2 substantive replies to your peers within that discussion by Sunday. Weekly Video Submissions The purpose of the weekly video submissions is twofold: (1) to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your expressive ASL skills, and (2) for me to provide you with feedback on those skills. It s something you should look forward to doing! These are not tests or quizzes, but opportunities for feedback that will help you in your performance assessments and overall expressive language skills. My feedback to you will be text and/or signed, and may include links to videos for you to watch if there are errors in your signing.
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 5 You will complete seven Weekly Video Submissions. These are student-created videos (self-made recordings) that demonstrate your ASL skills. Directions for the Weekly Video Submission are located in the Content area of the course under the appropriate week. Students are advised to complete the Book & DVD assignments as well as watch the Instructor Videos for the week before completing the video submissions. Submitting videos: Videos must be submitted using YouTube; as a student of Columbia College you all have a YouTube account associated with your CougarMail account. You may submit your video as unlisted. You are urged to refer to the Video checklist before submitting the assignment to make sure your video permissions are set correctly and your video is good quality. The following reasons will earn you automatic points off of your video score and no instructor feedback: If your video is set to PRIVATE (-10 points, I won t be able to see it at all) If there is more than one video to complete the assignment (-10 points) If the video is not of good quality ( -10 points if I cannot see your signs) If you forget to send the link or for any other reason I can t view your video )-10 points) Assessment Quizzes The purpose of the assessment quizzes is to allow me to assess your receptive skills (how well you understand elements of ASL). Quizzes are available for completion from Monday to Sunday of each week and must be completed no later than Sunday at 11:59PM (Central Time). Quizzes are videos conducted in sign language. You will watch the video and choose the answer you think is correct. You are quizzed on what you have learned in the previous week(s). Quizzes will include phrases, words, numbers, and shapes. There is one quiz required each week. You only have one timed attempt. You are not to use your book as a reference. You are to do these on your own without assistance. Practice Exercises The purpose of the practice exercises is, like the instructor videos and exercises, to expand on what you are learning in your Book and DVD and give you an opportunity to practice and learn until you achieve mastery of understanding what is signed. These should be fun! These exercises are due the Wednesday of each week unless otherwise noted. These are found in the Quizzes section. You are given unlimited attempts, so the focus of these exercises is on learning rather than testing. Your highest score will be the one recorded. However, late submissions or attempts will not be accepted, so start practicing early! Performance Video Exams The purpose of the performance video exams is to allow me to assess your expressive ASL skills (how well you can produce ASL). You will complete two Performance Video Exams during the session (Week 5 and Week 8). These are videos of yourself that demonstrate the ASL skills you have learned. Detailed information used to complete each video is located in the Content area of the course. Videos must be submitted using YouTube. You are advised to complete your Book and DVD as well as watch the instructor videos prior to completing your exam. You are urged to refer to the Video checklist before submitting the assignment to make sure your video permissions are set correctly and your video is good quality. The following reasons will earn you automatic points off of your video score and no instructor feedback: If your video is set to PRIVATE (-10 points, I won t be able to see it at all) If there is more than one video to complete the assignment (-10 points) If the video is not of good quality ( -10 points if I cannot see your signs) If you forget to send the link or for any other reason I can t view your video (-10points)
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 6 Self-Assessment of Performance Video Exams The purpose of the self-assessment of the performance video exams is to allow you to reflect on your video and expressive ASL skills. You are not expected to sign everything perfectly; but even the best signers are able to watch, reflect, and analyze how they can sign it better next time. You will complete a detailed self-analysis on both of your Performance Video Exams. Using the rubric provided in the Content area, you will complete a self-assessment based on the four categories within the rubric. You must provide two examples in each section from your video to justify the score given out of 100 points. Final Exam The purpose of the Final Exam is for me to assess your comprehensive receptive knowledge of ASL that you have learned in this class. The Final Exam is divided into three parts. The exam is video intensive! Please ensure you have a good Internet connection before beginning each portion of the exam. The Final Exam must be completed by Saturday at 11:59PM Central Time of Week 8. The Final Exam will be a comprehensive exam of what you have learned during the session. The exam will consist of videos, much like the quizzes. Signs included but are not limited to phrases, words, numbers, shapes, and special instructions. You will watch the video and select the correct answer (or type the answer, when appropriate.) Course Schedule Week 1: Units 1:1-1:6, Introducing Oneself Note: There are no practice exercises this week. Book & DVD: Pages v-xiv & v-22, Units 1:1-1:6. Complete the Circle the number and Write the number on page 7. Complete Circle the letter and Circle the letter 2 on page 13. Complete Circle the number and Write the number on page 22. Instructor Videos: Watch the instructor videos and the Deaf Culture presentation in the Content area. Discussion: First, introduce yourself, including what you hope to learn and accomplish in this course. Then, look at the Strategies for Learning American Sign Language on pages 4 and 5 in your textbook. Which strategy do you think will be the most important and why? ASL Tips & Quiz: ASL isn t just about making signs with your hands. There are lots of other things that matter like facial expressions, positions of the hand, and word order, all of which are a part of communicating in ASL. After viewing the ASL Tips document in the Content area, complete the ASL Tips quiz in the Quizzes area of the course. Quality Videos Quiz: This practice quiz will help make sure that you are ready to create quality videos for the course and should be completed after viewing How to Make Quality Videos. Complete this practice quiz in the Quizzes area of the course. Video Upload Practice: This uploading practice will guide you through properly creating and submitting a video to the Dropbox. Because videos are the only way you can communicate what you have learned to your instructor, it is important that the technology not get in the way. Therefore, this practice exercise must be successfully completed prior to gaining access to any other folder located in the Dropbox area of the course. Complete this practice by first viewing the video titled How to Make Quality Videos in the Content area, then create your own video and upload it to the Dropbox according to the guidelines located in the Content area. You will receive feedback from your instructor on the quality of the video in order to make future weeks go more smoothly.
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 7 Weekly Video Submission 1: Submit to Dropbox. Directions for the Weekly Video Submission are located in the Content area of the course under Week 1. Week 2: Units 1:7 - Unit 1 Review, Introducing Oneself Book & DVD: Pages 23-44, Units 1:7 Unit 1 Review. Complete Circle the name and cross out the name and Write the name on page 24. Complete Mini-dialogues on page 27. Discussion: There are distinct differences between the terms "Deaf" and "deaf" within the Deaf community. First, read through a few of the articles provided in the Content area. After you have a good idea of the difference between "Deaf" and "deaf," discuss how you feel about this distinction. How does this fit in with any assumptions you had about the Deaf community? Do you feel that these terms symbolize pride in the community or is it some type of prejudice and segregation? Respond to at least two classmates' posts. Practice Exercises: There is 1 interactive exercise: Same, different, which? Week 2 Assessment Quiz: Complete in the Quizzes area. Topics: names and vocabulary. Weekly Video Submission 2: Submit to Dropbox. Directions for the Weekly Video Submission are located in the Content area of the course under Week 2. Week 3: Units 2:1 2:4, Exchanging Personal Information Book & DVD: Pages 48-64, Units 2:1 2:4. Complete Mini-dialogues 1 and Mini-dialogues 2 on page 53. Complete Circle the number and Write the number on page 59. Fill in your language background on page 64 and practice this for your performance video exam 1. Discussion: Read the three "Deaf Profiles" in your book on Andrew Foster (pgs. 14-15), Regina Olson Hughes (pgs. 70-71), and Douglas Tilden (pgs. 113-114). What do you see as the most important similarities (besides being Deaf) or differences between each of these people? Whose contributions were the most significant to the Deaf community and why? Respond to at least two classmates' posts. Practice Exercises: There are 2 exercises. 1: Math problems and 2: Next Number Week 3 Assessment Quiz: Complete in the Quizzes area. Topics: Colors, commands, describing people, numbers, same or different Weekly Video Submission 3: Submit to Dropbox. Directions for the Weekly Video Submission are located in the Content area of the course under Week 3. Week 4: Units 2:5 Unit 2 Review, Exchanging Personal Information Book & DVD: Pages 65-105, Units 2:5 Unit 2 Review. Complete Who enjoys what? on page 69. Complete all assignments on pages 73-74. Complete Mini dialogue 1-3 on pages 78-80. Discussion: Read through the insights on pg. 52 and 54 of your textbook. What insights about the Deaf community did you find most fascinating and why? Respond to at least two classmates' posts. Practice Exercises: There are 2 exercises this week. 1: Shapes from the signer s perspective and 2: Picking people by description Week 4 Assessment Quiz: Complete in the Quizzes area. Topics: Phrases Weekly Video Submission 4: Submit to Dropbox. Directions for the Weekly Video Submission are located in the Content area of the course under Week 4.
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 8 Week 5: Units 3:1 3:6, Exchanging Personal Information and Discussing Living Situations Book & DVD: Pages 109-124, Units 3:1-3:6. Complete all Mini-dialogues 1-3 on pages 120-121. Discussion: Use this ungraded topic to discuss the performance exam and ask questions of your classmates or instructor. Practice Exercises: There are 4 exercises this week. 1: Fingerspelling Part 1, 2: Finding places on a map, 3: Placing objects on a grid, 4: Placement of objects Week 5 Assessment Quiz: Complete in the Quizzes area. Topics: Phrases and vocabulary Weekly Video Submission 5: Submit to dropbox. Directions for the Weekly Video Submission are located in the Content area of the course under Week 5. Performance Video Exam 1: Consist of material covered in Units 1 and 2. Directions for Performance Video Exam 1 are located in the Content area of the course under Week 5. Self-Assessment for Performance Video 1: Directions for Self-Assessment for Performance Video 1 are located in the Content area of the course under Week 5. Submit to the dropbox. Week 6: Units 3:7 3:12, Discussing Living Situations Book & DVD: Pages 125-145, Units 3:7-3:12. Complete Write the number and How many of what? on page 129. Complete Mini-dialogues 1-2 on page 133. Complete Mini dialogues 1-3 on pages 134-135. Complete Activity and Amount of time on page 144. Discussion: Read the "Cultural" features in your textbook on pages 23, 33, and 152. Which of these customs do you feel is the most important to know and why? How are the customs of the Deaf community different from the hearing world and why do you think those differences have developed? Respond to at least two classmates' posts. Practice Exercises: There are 3 exercises. 1: Numbers 30-66, 2: Fingerspelling Part 2, and 3: Crossword puzzle Week 6 Assessment Quiz: Complete in the Quizzes area. Topics: Sentences and vocabulary Weekly Video Submission 6: Submit to dropbox. Directions for the Weekly Video Submission are located in the Content area of the course under Week 6. Course Evaluations: Please evaluate the course. You will be able to submit your course evaluation between Sunday of Week 5 and Thursday of Week 7. A link will be sent to your CougarMail that will allow you to access the evaluation. Week 7: Units 3:13 3:15, Discussing Living Situations Note: There are no practice exercises this week. Book & DVD: Pages 146-174, Units 3:13 3:15. Complete all the strategies 1-5 and Mini-dialogues 1-6 on page 151. Discussion: Read the "Cultural" features in your textbook on pages 56-57 and 150. These two readings focus on the importance of education and living space tailored to the needs of the Deaf community. Do you feel that the emphasis on difference and separation from the hearing community is positive or negative? Explain your answer. Respond to at least two classmates' posts.
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 9 Week 7 Assessment Quiz: Complete in the Quizzes area. Topics: Numbers, phrases, sentences, and vocabulary. Weekly Video Submission 7: Submit to dropbox. Directions for the Weekly Video Submission are located in the Content area of the course under Week 7. Week 8: Review Units 1-3 Note: there are no practice exercises, instructor videos, or weekly video submissions due this week. All assignments are due SATURDAY by 11:59pm Central Time. Book & DVD: Review Units 1-3 Discussion: Reflect back on the last 8 weeks. Have you learned everything you hoped to? What are the next steps in your language and culture learning journey? Respond to at least two classmates' posts. Performance Video Exam 2: Consist of material covered in Unit 3. Directions for Performance Video Exam 2 are located in the Content area of the course under Week 8. Self-Assessment for Performance Video 2: Directions for Self-Assessment for Performance Video 2 are located in the Content area of the course under Week 8. Submit to the dropbox. Final Exam: Comprehensive receptive exam of all information presented in the course. Course Policies Student Conduct Plagiarism All Columbia College students, whether enrolled in a land-based or online course, are responsible for behaving in a manner consistent with Columbia College's Student Conduct Code and Acceptable Use Policy. Students violating these policies will be referred to the office of Student Affairs and/or the office of Academic Affairs for possible disciplinary action. The Student Code of Conduct and the Computer Use Policy for students can be found in the Columbia College Student Handbook. The Handbook is available online; you can also obtain a copy by calling the Student Affairs office (Campus Life) at 573-875-7400. The teacher maintains the right to manage a positive learning environment, and all students must adhere to the conventions of online etiquette. Your grade will be based in large part on the originality of your ideas and your written presentation of these ideas. Presenting the words, ideas, or expression of another in any form as your own is plagiarism. Students who fail to properly give credit for information contained in their written work (papers, journals, exams, etc.) are violating the intellectual property rights of the original author. For proper citation of the original authors, you should reference the appropriate publication manual for your degree program or course (APA, MLA, etc.). Violations are taken seriously in higher education and may result in a failing grade on the assignment, a grade of "F" for the course, or dismissal from the College. Collaboration conducted between students without prior permission from the instructor is considered plagiarism and will be treated as such. Spouses and roommates taking the same course should be particularly careful. All required papers may be submitted for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers may be included in the Turnitin.com reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism. This service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com site.
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 10 Non-Discrimination There will be no discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, ideology, political affiliation, veteran status, age, physical handicap, or marital status. Disability Services Students with documented disabilities who may need academic services for this course are required to register with the Coordinator for Disability Services at (573) 875-7626. Until the student has been cleared through the disability services office, accommodations do not have to be granted. If you are a student who has a documented disability, it is important for you to read the entire syllabus before enrolling in the course. The structure or the content of the course may make an accommodation not feasible. Online Participation You are expected to read the assigned texts and participate in the discussions and other course activities each week. Assignments should be posted by the due dates stated on the grading schedule in your syllabus. If an emergency arises that prevents you from participating in class, please let your instructor know as soon as possible. Attendance Policy Attendance for a week will be counted as having submitted a course assignment for which points have been earned during that week of the session or if the proctoring information has been submitted or the plagiarism quiz taken if there is no other assignment due that week. A class week is defined as the period of time between Monday and Sunday (except for Week 8, when the week and the course will end on Saturday at midnight). The course and system deadlines are all based on the Central Time Zone. Cougar E-mail All students are provided a CougarMail account when they enroll in classes at Columbia College. You are responsible for monitoring e-mail from that account for important messages from the College and from your instructor. You may forward your Cougar e-mail account to another account; however, the College cannot be held responsible for breaches in security or service interruptions with other e-mail providers. Students should use e-mail for private messages to the instructor and other students. The class discussions are for public messages so the class members can each see what others have to say about any given topic and respond. Late Assignment Policy An online class requires regular participation and a commitment to your instructor and your classmates to regularly engage in the reading, discussion and writing assignments. Although most of the online communication for this course is asynchronous, you must be able to commit to the schedule of work for the class for the next eight weeks. You must keep up with the schedule of reading and writing video production and uploads to successfully complete the class. I WILL NOT TAKE LATE WORK! To be fair and equitable to the group you need to turn your work in on time. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED! Time management is an essential part of the college experience. If there are extreme unforeseen circumstances please contact me prior to the due date. No late video submissions accepted. If you submit your video and I am unable to access your video for any reason (eg private setting) it will be considered late. Discussions may never be made up.
Columbia College Online Campus P a g e 11 Course Evaluation You will have the opportunity to evaluate the course near the end of the session. Course evaluations will open on Sunday of Week 5 and will remain open until Thursday of Week 7. A link will be sent to your CougarMail that will allow you to access the evaluation. Be assured that the evaluations are anonymous and that your instructor will not be able to see them until after final grades are submitted. Additional Resources Orientation for New Students This course is offered online, using course management software provided by Desire2Learn and Columbia College. The Student Manual provides details about taking an online course at Columbia College. You may also want to visit the course demonstration to view a sample course before this one opens. Technical Support If you have problems accessing the course or posting your assignments, contact your instructor, the Columbia College Helpdesk, or the D2L Helpdesk for assistance. Contact information is also available within the online course environment. CCHelpDesk@ccis.edu 800-231-2391 ex. 4357 helpdesk@desire2learn.com 877-325-7778 Online Tutoring Smarthinking is a free online tutoring service available to all Columbia College students. Smarthinking provides real-time online tutoring and homework help for Math, English, and Writing. The Writing Center can be used for writing assistance in any course. Smarthinking also provides access to live tutorials in writing and math, as well as a full range of study resources, including writing manuals, sample problems, and study skills manuals. You can access the service from wherever you have a connection to the Internet. I encourage you to take advantage of this free service provided by the college. Access Smarthinking through CougarTrack under Students->Academics->Academic Resources.