ASL 50: American Sign Language 1 (4 Credits)

Berkeley City College Fall 2015

August 24, 2015 to December 18, 2015
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:00am-11:45am
Room: 226
Class Code:
Instructor:
Contact Information:
Office Hours:

40022 (Lecture) & 40023(Lab)

Gerardo Di Pietro
Concerns:
gdipietro@peralta.edu
Assignments: bccasl50@gmail.com
By Appointment.

ASL 50 (American Sign Language 1) is an introductory course for the American Sign Language degree and
certificate. It is transferable as part of General Education requirements for UC and CSU schools. It also meets
foreign language transfer requirements for high school students (for details, meet with a counselor). The ASL
program offers either a degree or certificate option. The program prepares students to enter an interpreter
training program after graduation. In addition, knowledge of ASL provides new skill-building opportunities for
any organizations staff and it may make you eligible for bilingual pay if American Sign Language is used at
your workplace.
Required Materials
Signing Naturally Units 1-6 Student Set by Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz and Ken Mikos.

ISBN: 978-1-58121-2105
Student Workbook comes with 2 CDs.

Bring your workbook to class each time, along with pencil and notebook, so that we can review vocabulary.
and, at times, we will use some of the pair or group exercises in the workbook as classroom exercises.
Bring your flash drive 4G to class.
Create a new YouTube account (free) for video assignments at www.youtube.com .
Internet access MOODLE at http://eperalta.org/fall2015/ .
Student Learning Outcomes
Unit Outcome
At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

Align with course

outcomes

Align with ACTFL

standards

Use grammar and vocabulary necessary for carrying out basic

functions in ASL (commands, questions, summaries.)

1,2,4,5

1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 4.1

Perform culturally specific social/language responses necessary for

sending and receiving messages effectively in ASL.

2,3,5

2.2, 3.1, 5.2

ASL 50: American Sign Language 1

Course Description
Everyday communication is the centerpiece of every lesson. Topics revolve around sharing information about
our environment and us. Grammar is introduced in context, with an emphasis on developing question and
answering skills. You learn conversational strategies to help you maintain a conversation. Interactive activities
allow you to rehearse what youve learned.

Course Outline
Unit 1: Introducing oneself
Unit 2: Exchanging personal information
Unit 3: Talking about where you live
Unit 4: Talking about family
Unit 5: Talking about everyday activities
Unit 6: Storytelling
Teaching Methods
Direct Method
Students will comprehend and produce vocabulary words using the target language of ASL by looking at
images and demonstrations based on colors, clothing and physical description via PowerPoint (Richard and
Rodgers, 2014, p. 12). Once they have receptively understood the signs, they will be able to express the signs
appropriately.
For example: A picture of a purple shirt will be shown via PowerPoint. Students will observe the teacher signing
purple shirt as well. They will be able to analyze and receptively copy the teacher, and then eventually be able
to express the sign within phrases and sentences.
Interactive Learning
Students will apply interactive learning to what they will learn in the classroom. These hands-on activities
include pair and group work to increase their communicative competence. Also, they will gain a basic
understanding of identifying person: gender, description and point out/glance through classroom discussions.
For example: The teacher will briefly explain about pointing at a student in room and introduce FEMALE and
point out basic clothing, appearance and made a massive impact within Deaf culture.
Communication Language Teaching
Students will learn to focus on collaboration, social interaction, and participation within the classroom that will
apply to real life settings, as well as a balance of fluency and accuracy within the proper production of signs
(Brown, 2007; Richard and Rodgers, 2014, p. 87, 390). Also, they will develop communicative competence.
Vocabulary and phrases based on sports will be described as well as the significance of identifying others and
asking wh-word questions within Deaf culture.
For example: After students have successfully understood how to sign all of the gender, clothing and physical
description, they are to actively engage themselves in social interactions and dialogue by asking their partner
questions to increase their communicative skills, which will apply to real-world settings. They will ask each
other, Who is Mary? They are expected to participate and develop critical thinking skills through pair and
group dialogue interactions.

Learning Approach
The curriculum parallels what we know about language development and second language learning. We
focus on introducing language in context and reinforcing what is learned by engaging you into various
interactive activities. A conversational curriculum requires you to be an active learner. You need to come
ASL 50: American Sign Language 1
2

prepared to sign with me and other classmates. Our classes are conducted in American Sign Language
(ASL) from the very first day. You are immersed in the language for 6 hours a week to maximize your
language learning. The teacher will use gestures, signs, drawings or act out situations to get the point
across and your job is to keep trying.
No Talking Zone
We insist on maintaining a signing environment at all times in the classroom for
2 reasons: first, it is considered RUDE to talk in front of a Deaf person and not make the information
passing between you and the other person accessible. Since a good number of your teachers will be Deaf
and your goal is to get to know Deaf people in the community. It is imperative that you develop the habit of
signing when Deaf people are present. Secondly, this is an immersion class, which means only the target
language is used. Using only ASL helps you to develop both your comprehension skills and your
expressive skills quickly and effectively. Talking disrupts this process and delays your language
development.
If a classmate asks you for help, feel free to help by using signs you have learned or by writing back and
forth. In this way, I can see what is being said and can join in to help, if needed.
If you don't comply with this policy, I will ask you to leave the classroom and you will be marked absent.
You will not be able to return until you have met with the Dean of Student Services. It is your responsibility
to do the homework assigned while you are not attending class. In addition, I will not teach the lessons
you missed over again. Also, note that you are only allowed 4 absences, after that I have the right to drop
you. Continuing violations of the no-talking policy after being referred to the dean can result in you being
removed from the class, regardless of the number of absences.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory and class participation is crucial to your success in this course. The class forms
a small community and your effort impacts the success of the group. Make every effort to be ready to
learn and participate in all pair, small group, and other class activities. Participation includes presenting a
comment, opinion, story, etc. or contributing to a discussion with your partner or group. Some class
activities require that you have completed your homework prior to the activity. Make every effort to come
to every class with your homework done. If you have not completed your homework for one of these
activities, in fairness to other students, you cannot participate in that activity.
If you know you will be absent, please let me know ahead of time (either in person or via email). It is your
responsibility to ask your classmates or check Moodle for assignments that you will miss. I will not repeat
lessons you miss. Be sure to arrange for a classmate to take notes and collect handouts for you. It is up
to you to review and practice what was covered during the class you missed before returning to class. I
will expect you to show up prepared.
Lateness
The class will begin and end on time. Students should arrive on time and stay for the entire class session.
We will take a break during each class. I expect you to return from the break on time and ready to
participate. Attendance will be taken for the entire class period.
You can be absent up to 4 times per semester. If you show up late or leave early, I will consider that as
having "attended class half time." If you leave early without notifying me, I will consider you "absent",
instead of "attended class half time". If you are marked absent for four classes (regardless the reason-medical, family, travel, prior commitments, etc.), I can drop you from the class. So, reserve your absences
for emergencies only.

ASL 50: American Sign Language 1

Homework
You will have a homework assignment after every class, about 1 to 2 hours of work. It is important that
you do the homework because the next class builds on the material covered. After I have taught the unit, I
will inform you what assignment you should complete. Bring your completed assignment to class to be
checked off. If you havent completed it, 0.5% will be deducted for each missed assignment. There are no
make-ups for late or missed assignments regardless of whether you were absent from previous class.
Moodle Use
You are required to use Moodle to obtain copies of the syllabus, homework, assignments, study guides,
etc. During a session in the first or second week of semester, I will help you access Moodle, if needed.
After that, it is your responsibility to contact the help desk (shown on Moodle) if you have trouble logging or
forget your password. Internet access is http://eperalta.org/fall2015/ .
Electronic Devices
In consideration of your classmates, please turn off all of your electronic devices (such as cell phones,
tablets, music players, etc.) when you are in the classroom. Checking your phone, including text
messaging, during class is not permitted. If you must answer an urgent call, please do it outside of the
classroom. Be aware that I will not review the lessons you missed when you go out to answer your call.
Grading
Your final grade will be based on your ability to demonstrate specific comprehension and expressive
language skills. Those skills will be tested and your grade will be determined as follows:
Assignment
Contract/Syllabus
Internet Access
Attendance/Participation
Comprehension Exam #1
(Unit 1-3)
Expressive Exam #1
(Gum Story)
Comprehension Exam #2
(Units 1-6)
Expressive Exam #2
(Childhood Story)
Interview Exam
Total:
Homework

Languages
English
English
ASL
English

Weight
Required
Required
Required
15%

ASL

15%

English

25%

ASL

25%

ASL

20%

100%
0.5% deducted for each missed homework

Quizzes and Exams

Quizzes: 0.5 % per quiz will be added to your final grade if you earn full credit. Missed quizzes cannot be
made up regardless your reason.
Expressive Exams: The expressive exams test your expressive skills. Its up to you to rehearse the
material and be ready for the exam.
Comprehension Exams: Comprehension exams test your receptive skills. I will sign information that
requires you to answer in writing. Its up to you to rehearse the material and be ready for the exam. If you
show up late for your comprehension exam, you cannot make up the missed sections.
ASL 50: American Sign Language 1

IMPORTANT: Expressive and comprehension exams cannot be made up except in the case of in serious
emergencies (i.e., you were hospitalized on the day of the exam). An official document with the exact date
of the exam is required to be permitted a make up exam. Examples of acceptable documentation include
but arent limited to: a police report, insurance claim, letter from health care provider on official hospital
letterhead with your providers signature, address and contact information. Check the schedule for test
dates.
Grading Distribution
Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF

Percent Range
100%-96%
95%
94% - 90%
89% - 86%
85%
84% - 80%
79% - 76%
75%
74% - 70%
69% - 66%
65%
64% - 60%
59% or below

Definition
Outstanding
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
with Final
Comprehension Exam,
Repeat ASL 1
Failing, No Credit

Note: Please read about our Grading Procedures and Policies on

http://web.peralta.edu/admissions/2011/07/grades/ . A C or below indicates automatic retake of the
course, from the ASL program.
Exam Schedule
Oct 20

Comprehension Exam #1 (15%) This exam covers units 1-3. The exam tests your
ability to understand what is being signed to you.

Oct 22

Expressive Exam #1 (15%) You will be filmed telling The Gum Story. You will do selfevaluation of your story. You need saving your USB drive. You will get more information on
this later in the semester.

Dec 8

Comprehension Exam #2 (25%) This exam covers units 1-6. The exam tests your ability
to understand what is being signed to you.
You must pass this exam with a 75% or better to advance to the Interview Exam.

Dec 10

Expressive Exam #2 (20%) You will tell a story about a memorable childhood incident. The
story will be told in front of a group rather than a camera. More specific guidelines will be
given later in the course.

Dec 15

Interview Exam (25%) The last exam is a 20 minute signed conversation you have with
your assigned partner. The topics covered during the interview are outlined for you in
advance and covers everything you learned during the semester.

***Mark your calendars for exams! J

Disclaimer: this syllabus is tentative and may be subject to change if circumstances beyond my control require it.

ASL 50: American Sign Language 1

Class Schedule (This schedule is subject to change at the instructors discretion.)

AUGUST
25

Topic
Introduction, Syllabus, Ice Breaker Activity,
American Deaf Culture Awareness (ADC)
Review Syllabus, Activities &
Introduce Unit 1: INTRODUCING ONESELF

27

SEPTEMBER
1
Unit 1: INTRODUCING ONESELF
3
Unit 1
8
Unit 1
10
Introduce Unit 2: EXCHANING PERSONAL INFORMATION
15
Unit 2 & Introduce Unit 6: Storytelling
17
Unit 2 & Unit 6
22
Unit 2 & Unit 6
24
Unit 2 & Unit 6
29
Unit 2 & Unit 6
Sept 6: Last day to drop with a Refund, and Last day to add Classes
Sept 14: Last day to file for PASS/NO PASS grading option

Homework Due
Read Syllabus, Check in internet access, and
agreement via email
Unit 1:1 1:4

Unit 1:5 1:7

Unit 1:8 1:9
Unit 1:10
Unit 1:11 1:1, Unit 1 Review
Unit 2:1 2:3, Unit 6: Storytelling Timber
Unit 2:4 2:6, Timber Practice
Unit 2:7 2:8, Timber Video
Unit 2:9 2:12, Storytelling Gum
Unit 2 Review, Gum Rehearsal

OCTOBER
1
6
8
13
15
20

Unit 3: TALKING ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE

Unit 3 & Unit 6
Unit 3
Unit 3
Unit 3
Comprehension Exam #1 (Units 1-3)

22

Expressive Exam #1 - The Gum Story

27
29

Unit 4: TALKING ABOUT FAMILY

Unit 4

NOVEMBER
3
5
10
12

Unit 4
Unit 4 & Introduce Unit 6
Unit 4
Unit 4 & Unit 5: TALKING ABOUT EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES &
UNIT 6
17
Unit 5/6
19
Unit 5/6
24
Unit 5/6
Nov 11 Veterans Day Holiday
Nov 14: Last day to withdraw from regular session classes and
Receive a W
Nov 26-29 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
DECEMBER
1

Unit 5/6

3
8

Units 1-5 REVIEW & Unit 6 Childhood

Comprehension Exam #2 (Units 1-6)

10
15

Expressive Exam #2 The Childhood Story

TUE - Interview Exam
(Final Comprehension Pass 75%)
TBA

17

ASL 50: American Sign Language 1

Unit 3:1 3:4

Unit 3:5 3:8
Unit 3:9 3:12
Unit 3:13 3:16
Unit 3 Review, Gum Rehearsal
Bring 2 pencils & eraser, if miss exam, no
makeup
Gum Story Presentation in one-to-one
session
Unit 4:1 4:4
Unit 4:5 4:7

Unit 4:8 4:10

Unit 4:11 4:13, Childhood Story
Unit 4:14 4:15
Unit 4 Review
Unit 5:1 5:3
Unit 5:4 5:5, Childhood Story Script Draft
Unit 5:6 5:7
Unit 5:8, Childhood Story Final Draft, Practice

Unit 5:8 5:9, Childhood Story for Group

Feedback
Unit 5 Review, Childhood Rehearsal
Bring 2 pencils & eraser, If miss exam, no
makeup
Childhood Story Presentation in front of class
Check email for passing the comprehension
then prepare interview

Storytelling Rubric
4 = very good 3 = good 2 = adequate 1 = needs work 0 = missing
Signing Naturally Unit 6: The Gum Story Expressive Exam
Scene 1:
the boy

Opening the story (introduce boy and gum)

Transition (mother yelling)
Two-person role shift (mother and boy)
Gum placement
Exit (direction and manner)

4
4
4
4
4

3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2

1
1
1
1
1

0
0
0
0
0

X=1
X=1
X=1
X=2
X=1

Scene 2:
the man

Transitions (pause and man entering)

Direction of entrance
Description: 1) Appearance
Description: 2) Manner of walk
Description: 3) Becoming unstuck
Sign production
Exit (direction and manner)

4
4
4
4
4
4
4

3
3
3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2
2
2

1
1
1
1
1
1
1

0
0
0
0
0
0
0

X=1
X=1
X=1
X=1
X=4
X=1
X=2

Scene 3:
the woman

Transitions (pause and woman entering)

Direction of entrance
Description: 1) Appearance
Description: 2) Manner of walk
Description: 3) Becoming unstuck
Sign production
Exit (direction and manner)

4
4
4
4
4
4
4

3
3
3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2
2
2

1
1
1
1
1
1
1

0
0
0
0
0
0
0

X=1
X=1
X=1
X=1
X=4
X=1
X=2

Scene 4:
the couple

Transitions (pause and introduce couple entering)

Direction of entrance
Set up girl, tree and boys position
Becoming unstuck
Gum placement
Exit (direction and manner)

4
4
4
4
4
4

3
3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2
2

1
1
1
1
1
1

0
0
0
0
0
0

X=1
X=1
X=1
X=1
X=4
X=2

Scene 5:
the boy
again

Transitions (pause and reintroduce boy)

Direction of entrance
Reference to mother
The gum
Closing the story (boy walking off with gum)

4
4
4
4
4

3
3
3
3
3

2
2
2
2
2

1
1
1
1
1

0
0
0
0
0

X=1
X=1
X=2
X=1
X=1

Delivery

General fluency
Engaging the audience

4
4

3
3

2
2

1
1

0
0

X=3
X=2

Total Points:

__/100

4 = very good 3 = good 2 = adequate 1 = needs work 0 = missing

ASL 50: American Sign Language 1

College Policies and Procedures

Academic Integrity Policy
All students must read and understand the Berkeley City College Academic Integrity Policy. This policy
applies to both ASL and English.
Class Conduct Policy
Students are responsible for adhering to the Code of Student Conduct outlined in the Berkeley City College
Catalog and the Student Handbook.
Disability Support Services
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please contact the office the
Disabled Students Programs and Services. The College will make reasonable accommodations for person
with documented disabilities. Students should notify Student Services and their instructors of any special
needs. The DSPS services will ensure students with disabilities. Visit the DSPS office at room 261 or call
(510) 981-2812 or (510) 981-2813 to make an appointment with a counselor. Students are encouraged to
make an appointment early in the pre-registration period so DSPS staff can arrange the required support
services for the first day of classes. (http://www.berkeleycitycollege.edu/wp/pssd/)
Student Responsibilities
If you are to be to (or miss a class), you are to follow the policies at your school, and to notify your college
faculty immediately. If you do not notify your faculty of your tardiness or absence(s), you will receive an
automatic drop class or automatic F for the course. If this absence affects your required number of
attending classes hours, please come up with alternative arrangements immediately and communicate
with your faculty.
Please read available online at http://online.flipbuilder.com/creaseyprepress/alpc/#p=34 .

ASL 50: American Sign Language 1

Acknowledgement
Berkeley City College
Student ID Number: _____________________
Course: American Sign Language 50
Section: _____________
Course Units: 4
Class Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 am to 11:45
Location: Room 226
Date Range: August 24, 2015 to December 18.

I have read and understand the syllabi from my instructor, Gerardo Di Pietro with an interpreter
explaining in the class on a first day.

___________________________________________________________________________
Student name (print)
Signature
Date

Gerardo Di Pietro
___________________________________________________________________________
Instructor name (print)
Signature
Date
INSTRUCTION: Complete
Please copy and paste this agreement with your signature.Then email me with your attachment.
Friendly reminder, you are responsible for acknowledge of this syllabus.
***Please mail me at gdipietro@peralta.edu .***
Thank you for taking ASL course.

ASL 50: American Sign Language 1