Department of World Languages

American Sign Language I

ASL 111: Section 002
3 Credit Hours
Fall 2017

Class Schedule
T/TH: 8:00 am to 8:50 am
Location: Annex B, Room 112

Mae Sellers, Adjunct Instructor Office Hours:

Careers Center (CRSC) 109 by appointment
Mailbox: CRSC 131
masellers@aacc.edu

Faculty Information

Mae Sellers received her Master of Arts in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University in
August of 2017. Mae has extensive and varied experiences in teaching American Sign Language, being a
expert consultant in American Sign Language for interpreters, Deaf theatre, workshop providers,
multicultural leaders, to name a reference. Mae has received numerous awards and honors directly related
to American Sign Language. Mae believes that each unique individual brings their own cultural voice and
experiences to the classroom and collectively we can create a stimulating atmosphere in which to grow
and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. Please contact Mae at the above
information if you wish to make an appointment with her during office hours.

Course Description:
A survey of current systems of manual communications with emphasis upon ASL. Course content
focuses upon the manual alphabet, fingerspelling, vocabulary acquisition, as well as upon syntactical and
grammatical structures that govern the language. Upon completion, students have studied approximately
500 lexical signed items and are able to communicate in a rudimentary manner with Deaf and Hard-of-
Hearing children and adults. (AACC Course Catalog 2016-2017)

In Other Words: This bona fide language requires you to pay extreme attention to details on manual
signs, facial expressions, spatial references, and body language. A slight deviation may cause an entire
different meaning or no meaning at all. By the end of the semester, you will need to demonstrate that you
can hold introductory conversations with Deaf people. <-----final exam hint
Keep in mind that you learned and used language(s) through your ears and mouth. ASL requires you to
use different modalities: your eyes and your hands. Therefore, you will need to do more than the
minimum if you aspire to master ASL.

Upon completion of this course, you will:

1. Differentiate eyebrow placements.
2. Utilize space and spatial references.
3. Learn and use approximately 500 vocabularies.
4. Learn numbers from 1 to 100.
5. Confirm and correct information.
6. Retell information and stories.
7. Incorporate Deaf cultural and behavioral norms.
8. Identify local Deaf residential schools and Gallaudet University.
9. Identify signs for local cities and places.
10. Identify and discuss cultural differences.

Required Textbooks and Materials:

Smith, C., E. Lentz & K. Mikos. (2008). Signing Naturally Student Workbook, Units 1-6. San Diego:
DawnSignPress.

Additional articles and handouts may be distributed or posted online at the instructors discretion.

A YouTube account.

A webcam. (Your phone camera does not count.)

Recommended Textbook and Materials:

Steinberg, M. (1994). American Sign Language Concise Dictionary. Revised ed. New York:
HarperPerennial.

Website: www.aslpro.com

Apps: The ASL App; iASL; ASLPro: ASL Dictionary; Fingerspell

You may purchase these books at the College Bookstore (Arnold and Arundel campuses), or you may
order online at www.aaccbooks.com and have the books shipped to you. If you prefer, you may also
purchase the books from various online retailers.

If you decided to purchase the books other than the AACC bookstore, make sure that you shop using the
ISBN. Below are the following ISBNs:

Signing Naturally: 978-1-58121-210-5

ASL Dictionary: 0-06-274010-5

Please check your textbooks (and DVDs) for any defects, such as missing pages. It is your responsibility
to contact the bookstore (or wherever you purchased your textbooks) for a replacement. Best to do it now
than later.
Transfer Notice:
For those of you who plan to transfer to another college/university to continue your ASL studies or to
begin an interpreter training program, please be aware of their conditions. Most colleges/universities will
accept your ASL courses if your final grade is a B or higher. In addition, you may be subject to an ASL
screening test by the ASL/Interpreting department.

Letter of Recognition in ASL:

As of Fall of 2014, you may apply to be awarded a Letter of Recognition in ASL when you graduate from
AACC. For details, please visit
http://catalog.aacc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=303&returnto=127.

However, please keep in mind that this Letter of Recognition is not a shortcut or a license to interpret.
If you want to be an interpreter, you must complete an interpreter training program such as at Gallaudet
University, Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville (CCBC), or Northern Virginia
Community College Annandale (NVCC). AACC hopes to have an interpreting program up and running
by 2020.

The purpose of this Letter of Recognition is to indicate that you have some knowledge/skills of ASL. For
example, you might be able to work with Deaf students, work at a group home for Deaf people, volunteer
at a Deaf church, participate in a Deaf organization/association, collaborate with Deaf communities, or
attend (or work) at a Deaf residential school or at Gallaudet University.

It is the departments next goal to offer a Certificate in ASL which is earned after completing all ASL
courses and some supplemental courses. A Certificate in ASL will allow you a smooth transition into the
Interpreting program which you will earn a degree upon completion. A degree in Interpreting will then
permit you to interpret.

It is really critical that you do not interpret without a degree in Interpreting and without a state or national
certification as you may be held liable.

The Maureen OGrady Hynes ASL Memorial Award:

Every year in the Spring semester, four (4) students will be selected to receive recognition and a small
monetary award, which will be credited into your student account, for their academic success and
advanced signing skills. Students from the Fall and Spring semesters of the same academic year will be
considered by the instructors of the ASL program.

No Voicing Policy:
To enhance language acquisition of ASL, a no voicing setting will be enforced. Please respect your
instructor and your classmates by refraining from voicing to or interpreting for others. If you do not
understand (or missed a portion of information) me or your classmates, please raise your hand and ask for
clarification. Otherwise, it will be assumed that you understood.

You are expected to cease voicing the moment you walk into the classroom until the moment you
exit the classroom. If youre in the classroom and your instructor is not there or class has not started,
please practice ASL with your classmates. Do not sit there and be checking your phone.
If voicing becomes a persistent problem, I will ask you to leave class for the day which you will be
marked absent.

Previous Knowledge of ASL:

Some of you may already know ASL from high school, previous classes, or from Deaf relatives, friends,
and co-workers. Please be mindful that most of your classmates have never taken ASL before and may
have never encounter a Deaf person before as well.
Please stay with the pace of the course in vocabulary, speed, and knowledge of the Deaf-World.

My Teaching vs. The Textbook:

ASL is a bona fide language that is used by Deaf people in the United States and in Canada (except
Quebec). Like English, there are dialects and accents. In ASL, they are called regional signs or sign
variations. Once in a while, you may see me sign differently than shown in your textbook/DVD. When
in doubt, follow what your instructor teaches/signs. (Signing Naturally was developed in California.
Therefore, there will be few signs that are used by Deaf Californians but are signed differently in the DC
Metro area.)

Electronic Communications:
Due to FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Acts), please use only your AACC or Canvas email
account when emailing me. I will not respond to emails sent via other domains (example: Hotmail,
Gmail, AOL, Blackberry, etc.).

If you do not remember your username and/or password, contact HelpDesk at helpdesk@aacc.edu . If
you have not used it, then start using it! If you do not have one set up, then get one!

Please give me up to 48 hours to reply to your email. If I have not responded within 48 hours, send a
follow-up email. Generally, I do not reply to emails over the weekend. Consider yourself very lucky if
you do get a reply from me during the weekend.

Homework submission must be sent via Canvas (at a designated dropbox), not AACC.

Your AACC Mailbox: You may have allowed your AACC email to max out with emails and junk.
Please clean out your inbox on a regular basis so that you can receive emails from your instructors and
classmates. It is not my responsibility to chase after you because your mailbox was full and you didnt
know what I expected from you or what I had announced that may affect your coursework.

Class Procedures and Expectations:

It is expected that all students will perform professionally in preparing work required for class. Class
starts promptly at 12:00 pm. Please be punctual and prepared. Attendance will be taken in each class.
This course will use the functional-notional approach; therefore, we will be doing activities (games, role-
playing, etc.) as well as lectures.

You are expected to participate in class such as copying signs from your instructor. It does not matter if
you are Deaf, CODA (a Child of Deaf Adult), or have used ASL throughout your life or for a significant
length of time. You are expected to participate just like everyone else.
Lost Items: Your instructor is not responsible for any personal items left behind in the classroom.
Contact AACC Security to see if anyone has turned in your lost item(s).

Food & Drinks: I generally do not mind snack-sized food and drinks in the classroom. Do not bring a 7-
course meal to class. Chips and sodas and bottles of water are acceptable. Please avoid bringing food
that stink up the room like hard-boiled eggs or tuna sandwiches. If you spill, please clean up your mess
immediately.

Restrooms: There is no need for you to ask permission to go to the restroom. Just go.

Drugs & Alcohol: As per AACCs policy, students are expected and required to attend classes in an
appropriate mental and physical condition, free of illegal drugs and alcohol. If I see that you are in an
altered state of mind or inebriated, I will ask that you leave class. You will be marked absent for the
day.

Smoking: As of July 2015, AACC is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. This new policy also bans e-
cigarettes. You are allowed to smoke in your car with the windows rolled up. If you are caught smoking
anywhere on campus, you will be fined $50.

Emergency Preparedness Evacuations:

Please take a moment to review and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in case of emergencies
(fire, hurricanes, etc.)

You are highly encouraged to sign up for AACCs E2Campus Text Messaging notifications. Go
to https://www.aacc.edu/stayinformed/

In the event when AACC is closed due to inclement weather, power outages, or water problems
and has made a public announcement that classes are cancelled, your class is cancelled as well.
Your instructor will make an announcement in Canvas and adjustments will be made at the
instructors discretion.

If you have a personal situation that affects your coursework, such as power outages or computer
problems, it is your responsibility to communicate with me and to find an alternative method to
submit your work.

Please do not wait until the last minute to turn in your homework. It is likely that the Murphys
Law phenomenon will come into play when doing so.

Student Code of Conduct:

All students while engaged in college activities shall comply with all college policies and procedures.
Students shall conduct themselves in accordance with accepted standards of behavior, respect the rights of
others, refrain from conduct or activity that obstructs the work of the college and is damaging to the
welfare of the college community. Please read the student policy related to the Student Code of
Conduct at https://www.aacc.edu/aboutaacc/policies/file/StudentConduct.pdf .
Grading Scale:

A: 90 100 Workbook : 10%

B: 80 89 Video Journals : 20%
C: 70 79 Deaf Events & Reaction Assignments : 20%
F: 69 and below Other Assignments : 5%
Quizzes & Tests : 20%
Final Exam : 25%

Total : 100%

Canvas:
Please familiarize yourself with Canvas. You will be using Canvas to access the syllabus, ASL packet, to
submit your assignments, and to view your grades, among other functions.

ASL Packet:
In addition to the syllabus, you will be provided an ASL Packet. The ASL Packet is available in Canvas.
Please review this packet as it provides additional information about ASL and the Deaf-World that may
assist in your learning of ASL.

Writing Expectations:
All papers must be typed, double-spaced and in 12-point fonts (but none of those fancy, cartoonish, thick
or cursive fonts). In addition, all papers must be edited! I cannot emphasize this enough.

All papers and citations must be in APA (American Psychological Assocation) format. Please
contact the Writing Center, the AACC Library, online AACC Library, or SmarThinking for
assistance in learning about the APA format.

Workbook & DVD:

Bring your workbook to class every time. You are expected to participate in class lectures and
activities (games, role-playing, retelling, etc.). You are responsible for staying current in your workbook
by completing assignments and by watching segments in the DVD.

There will be random workbook checks. No make-up opportunities will be granted for forgetting
to bring the workbook or for not completing every task in the workbook.

Workbook Grading:
Full completion (each unit): 100%
Partial completion (includes doing everything but that one little section): 50%
Blank or Failure to bring workbook: 0%

You are expected to complete assignments in the workbook. Completing assignments outside of the
workbook (personal notebook, sheets of paper, etc.) will not be accepted.
Workbook Rentals: Some of you prefer to rent your ASL textbook which is fine. However, you are
expected to make Xeroxed copies of the workbook and complete them.

Video Journals:
Purpose:
You will be recording yourself in certain assignments. This is an additional opportunity for you to utilize
and improve your signing skills. I highly suggest that you keep a personal file of your recordings even if
you upload your videos in YouTube. Throughout this course and beyond, you will be able to see your
signing skills improve.

For those of you who plan to transfer to another college/university, the ASL/Interpreting department will
want a portfolio of your ASL videos. This will allow the faculty to view your improving signing skills.

Assignments:
You will be completing certain video assignments (video journals, a Deaf event, etc.). If you have a
webcam, iFlip, or a video recorder at home, you may complete your assignments at home. In the past,
those without a webcam could complete assignments at the World Language Lab. Unfortunately, it is
now permanently closed. Therefore, your options are to borrow from a classmate, use an available
computer with a webcam at the AACC Library, or purchase your own.

You will upload your completed video recordings via YouTube. Then, you will email your video links to
your instructor in Canvas. Your instructor will view and grade your recordings. You will receive a
feedback or rubric sheet along with a grade for each video.

1:1 Sessions:
Although one-on-one sessions are not required, they are beneficial for you to improve your signing skills.
If you want in-depth feedback on your signing skills, please set up an appointment with your instructor.

Signing Event & Reaction Paper:

You will be required to attend three (3) signing events, anywhere in the MD/DC/VA area. Afterwards,
you will write a reaction paper after each attendance to a Deaf event. You will be required to carry signed
conversations with signers (Deaf people, CODAs, interpreters, etc.). The purpose is to use what youve
learned in classes and apply them to real life.

Deadlines:
First event: Monday, February 27th
Second event: Monday, March 27th
Third event: Monday, April 24th

Only Deaf events within the current semester are accepted. Attendance to a Deaf event from previous
years/semesters does not count.

Since there are large Deaf communities in the MD/DC/VA area, there are signing events happening here
and there. However, just like any other events, some are known to have been cancelled at the last minute.
Therefore, please do not wait until the last minute or close to the deadline and start looking for a signing
event to attend. The sooner, the better! Requests for a deadline extension will not be granted.
Here are some websites you can check to find upcoming events:
Deaf Coffee Chat (Severna Park - 1st Saturday each month):
http://happy.deafcoffee.com/category/maryland/
ASL Dinner (MD/DC):
http://asldinner.webs.com/
or join (VA/DC):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/138165812880504/
ASL Bridge:
https://www.meetup.com/ASLBridge/
City Life ASL:
https://www.meetup.com/CityLifeASL/
Silent Suppers (Severn):
https://www.meetup.com/Silent-Suppers/
Gallaudet University:
https://my.gallaudet.edu/calendar
ASL Trivia (must be 21+ to participate)
https://www.facebook.com/ASLTriviaDC/

If I discover additional events, I will let you know or post them online.

Acceptable as a signing event:

silent lunches/dinners coffee socials/gatherings
ASL/Deaf expos meet-ups
ASL/Deaf-related workshops/seminars Deaf organization-sponsored events

Unacceptable (although you should not be discouraged from attending):

performing arts Deaf churches/interpreted services
Deaf schools/classes (classroom visits) private/house parties
house visits interviews
friends or acquaintances (through family members or work, etc.)
captioned movies

The consortium of ASL programs of Maryland colleges and universities have created a Facebook page,
ASL Connections of Maryland. The purpose of this group is to allow ASL students, such as you, to find
signing events across Maryland and D.C., network with other ASL students, comment on wall postings
and videos and to discover resources. So, find us on Facebook and join!

A Note about Deaf Events: Most Deaf people and event planners have regular jobs just like the rest of
us. They work during the week. Therefore, the majority of Deaf events tend to occur during the
weekend. Therefore, it is your responsibility to plan ahead and make prior arrangements with your
employer(s) so that you can attend Deaf events and submit your reaction papers/video promptly as part of
a required assignment for this course.
Other Assignments:
You may be assigned to additional coursework at your instructors discretion. You will be notified either
in class or via Canvas. You will be given ample time to complete your assignment. These assignments
may involve film watching, research, information gathering, group work, or projects.

Quizzes & Tests:

I will alternate on testing your receptive and expressive skills on quizzes and tests.

Receptive = I will sign and you will respond

Expressive = you will sign

Quizzes will be based on what you have learned in recent class sessions and/or videos that you have been
assigned to watch. Tests will be based on a unit or two but will also be comprehensively reliant on
previous units (including videos [movies or teaching segments]).

Requests to take tests (including the final exam) earlier or later than scheduled will not be granted
unless you have prior communication with your instructor or have provided documentation that
justify such requests.

Make Up and Late Assignment Work:

Absolutely NO papers, videos, or assignments will be accepted past due dates.

If you miss the deadline, you will earn a zero, no discussion. Allowance will be made in the event of
inclement weather or an unforeseen situation on the instructors end.

If the assignment is due on specific day and the college is closed (example: inclement weather), then the
assignment is due the next class.

Remember, the due date is not the do date! In other words, there is absolutely no rule that says
you must wait until the due date to submit your work. I highly recommend that you get in the habit of
working at least a day or two ahead. For one thing, this will reduce anxiety caused by last-minute
computer problems. It will give you a chance to ask me questions before you turn in your work. And, in
the case of discussions, it will greatly increase your chances of earning a higher score. It takes more
discipline, but its well worth it in the end!

There will be no extra credits offered for this course. Do not ask me for extra credits. It will be at the
instructors discretion if extra credits will be provided.

Academic Integrity:
Please read the colleges policy on academic integrity at
http://catalog.aacc.edu/content.php?catoid=16&navoid=2416#academic_integrity_policy .

Once youve read the policy on academic integrity, please sign and date the acknowledgement form (its
the page after the class schedule for the semester) and return it to me by the next class session.
Academic Integrity in ASL: Learning ASL presents additional learning opportunities and challenges.
Academic integrity is expected to be maintained in ASL courses. The following constitutes as cheating in
ASL:

A. Looking or peeking over at classmates papers and answers especially during exams.
B. Having someone stand behind your computer and feeding you answers or materials as
you complete video assignments.
C. Having another computer run materials (such as DVDs) while you complete your video
assignments.
D. Covering your mouths or mumbling as you provide answers for your classmates.

Last Day to Withdraw:

The last day to withdraw from this class with a grade of "W" is April 18th. After that, withdrawing from
the class will result in a grade of WP or F. To withdraw, file a withdrawal form at the Records and
Registration office, use the STARS system (410-777-2241), or use myAACC. Please note that if you
stop participating in this course but do not officially withdraw, you will receive a grade of F or FX
for this course.

Attendance Policy:
Because this is a skill-based course, attendance is mandatory to each class session. You will be allowed
up to 6 absences before you will be asked to withdraw from the class. After you have used up your
allowance, for every additional absence, you will be dropped a letter grade from your current grade
standing.

There are no excused absences. You must physically be in class to be marked present.

If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to consult with your classmates for any class notes and
assignments. Do not ask your instructor. It would be practical if you exchange contact information
with at least three of your classmates for missed notes and assignments. (A contact list has been created
for you at the end of this syllabus.)

Also, because tardiness is not appreciated, please do not disturb the class. If you have to be tardy, please
take the seats closest to the door.

If you are going to be 15 (or more) minutes late, please do not come to class. When the classrooms door
is closed, do not enter.

If and when class has started and your instructor has not shown up, please wait 15 minutes before class is
automatically dismissed.

If a quiz or a test is given during your absence, a make-up opportunity will not be provided unless
you have prior communication with your instructor and an allowance for a make-up will decided
by the instructor. You will be given a zero for the quiz or test. If you arrive late during a quiz or a test,
you may only begin at the point where the class is currently working on. (Example: if you arrive 10
minutes late and were on #6 on a quiz, you may work on #6 and onwards. You will not be allowed to
work on #1 to #5.)
Special Note:
Illness: Please use consideration of your classmates and instructors health as well as everyone else on
campus. If you have a contagious illness (such as a stomach bug, strep throat, pink eye, H1N1, etc.), stay
home!

Children: Life happens! Weve all been in situations where we have no choice but to roll with the
punches. Those of you who have been blessed with children know that pretty well and quite often.
Unfortunately, due to liability issues, you may not bring your children to class.

Dual Enrollment/JumpStart: Some of you are in high school and are taking courses at AACC. You
must provide an official letter from your teacher or coach if you have to miss class(es) due to mid-term
exams, final exams, athletic competition, field trips, etc. This letter must be given to me before you miss
class(es).

Progress Reports: Some of you are involved in sports at AACC. Your coach may want your instructor
to provide periodic reports of your academic progress. Please email me the day before class that you will
need me fill out your progress report. This will allow me to check the Gradebook and get current
information for your report. Telling me after class that you need me to fill out the progress report now
because it is due today does not work for me.

Absence & Attendance Checks:

Each week, I will submit your attendances in the Gradebook in Canvas. You have one week to ensure
that your attendances and absences are recorded accurately. If you come to me to dispute an absence
from 1 month ago, it will not be changed.

Remember that this is a skill-based course. For every absence, you fall behind in lessons and language
development. You will need to increase your work to stay current. If I see that youre falling behind in
this course, I will recommend that you withdraw from the course.

Federal Mandate: A recent federal mandate requires me to report your attendance. For those of you who
rely on financial aid (government, scholarships, military, etc.), please take note. Your absences are
reported immediately after class and your financial aid may be reduced or stopped. It is your
responsibility to ensure that you attend classes regularly and consistently.

Note: Federal reporting of attendance does not recognize excused absences regardless if you had
legitimate reasons for being absent. Therefore, if you are not in class, you are considered absent.

Attendance Symbols:
You will see these symbols in your Canvas attendance record. Below is what each means:

= Present X = Absent clock = Tardy = Unmarked (represents others such as inclement

weather, class cancelled by instructor, holiday, etc.).

Use of electronics in class is strictly forbidden.

 (phones, laptops, tablets, MP3 players, gaming systems, etc.)

If you need to use your phone, please sit next to the door and step out of the class. If youre caught using
or checking your phone or other electronics, you will be asked to leave the class and marked absent.

Due Process:
If you are not satisfied with your instructor in regards to teaching, grading, policies, etc., please meet with
your instructor for resolution. Please do not wait an extended time (ex. 5 weeks later or the end of the
semester) to raise a concern or a complaint.
If you are still not satisfied with the resolution, you may bring your concerns to:
Scott Cooper, Chair of World Languages
sacooper@aacc.edu
Careers Center - 183

Accommodations:
The College is an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Title 504 compliant situation. Students who
need services because of a documented disability can request assistance by calling Disabilities Support
Services at 410/777-2307 or Maryland Relay 711, or by going to the DSS office in the Student Service
building, Room 200. Appropriate and reasonable academic adjustments will also be provided with
documentation from DSS. Confirmation of a disability will be required (see College Catalog for detailed
information). Students with documented special education or physical needs should notify me
immediately.

A note about disabilities: Most people know that the ADA relates to physical disabilities such as
blindness. However, some of you may not know that it also applies to a wide range of other disabilities
as well. These include learning disabilities, ADHD, brain damage, anxiety disorders, etc. I cannot
diagnose such disabilities, nor do I get to decide which accomodations you can or cannot receive.
However, if you have any sort of disability that might make it challenging for you in this course, I
encourage you to contact the DSS office. They will provide you with more information about your
possible options.

I have done my best to make this course ADA compliant. However, if you find any information that is
inaccessible or a task that is challenging due to a disability, please notify me immediately. I will make all
possible support available.

In other words, please do not wait until halfway through the course before letting me know that you had
needed accomodations. Get accomodations now!

Military Students:
AACC prides itself on being a military-friendly school. Personally, I take this seriously. If you are a
military student (active duty, reserves, veteran, or spouse/dependent), you will find a long list of resources
and other information at http://www.aacc.edu/military/ In addition, if your military obligations conflict
with the requirements of this class, or require accommodations in terms of scheduling, please contact me
ASAP. I will be glad to work with you to the greatest degree possible, but I cannot do that if I don't know
what's going on.

Tutoring:
AACC does provide tutoring for ASL! Take advantage of this! However, please do not wait until
halfway through the semester before you decide to get tutoring. Start now!

The tutor center is located at Library 111.

Student Success Tips:

Planning Your Time

In order to be successful in this course, you need to be organized and manage your time well so that you
can complete all assignments on time. Outside of the classroom, you will need to devote
approximately 10-20 hours per week to complete the learning activities required in this course.
Make sure that you do not allow yourself to procrastinate, and that you communicate with me if you have
any questions on any course materials or need assistance completing any assignments.

Getting Help in This Course

There are a few different places where you can get help in this course:

The Writing Center on campus is located in Annex A and AMIL 204. For details and hours,
see http://www.aacc.edu/english/writingcenter/
The college partners with SmarThinking, which has an online writing lab. You can access
SmarThinking through a link on the Course tab in Canvas.
Peer tutors are available in many classes, including this one. Note that it may take a couple of
weeks to be matched with a tutor, so if you want to take advantage of this option then you will
need to request a tutor right at the start of the semester. For more information,
see http://www.aacc.edu/tutoring/peertutoring/default.cfm

*Closing Statement*
You are about to embark on an exciting journey into the Deaf-World. Please grab every opportunity that
will enhance your ASL skills, such as attending Deaf events and ASL workshops, meeting Deaf people
and reading related materials.

There are a few things Id like to address:

Videophone If youre curious to see what it looks like and how it works, stop by my office for
a preview. When you call me, a relay interpreter will connect you to me. When you speak, the operator
will interpret, in ASL, to me. When I sign, the operator will speak to you. There will be slight lags
during the interpreting process. Please be patient. Also, when you call me or when I call you, the relay
introduction will sound like a telemarketer. Please do not hang upjust stay on the line. It is frustrating
when people hang up!
 Interpreter In some class sessions, you will notice an interpreter. S/he will facilitate
communication between us. Generally, what you hear (conversations, background noises, etc.), s/he will
interpreter it for me. So, if youre carrying a side conversation and the interpreter hears it, s/he will
interpret it for me.
Generally, I prefer not to use an interpreter in class. However, if I plan to lecture on Deaf
culture, history and other aspects, then an interpreter will be used. I strongly encourage you to gesture
and/or sign with me first before resorting to the interpreter.

Dos and Donts with the Interpreter:

Do speak clearly for the interpreter to hear you.

Do direct your conversation (statements, inquiries, etc.) to the Deaf person and not to the interpreter. In
other words, do not say, to the interpreter, tell him that Speak to the Deaf person as if the
interpreter isnt there.

Do not tell the interpreter, dont interpret that or this conversation is not for him. Whatever the
interpreter hears, s/he will interpret it.

The interpreter follows strict codes of professional conduct. Her/his job is to interpret for me, period. If
you ask a question that is meant for the interpreter, s/he will simply interpret for me. (Do not take offense
if the interpreter seemingly ignores you. S/he is simply doing her/his job.) Therefore, do not ask the
interpreter questions related to the course. S/he is not your instructor. The interpreter is not my secretary
so do not bother asking her/him where I am, when I will be back or whatever.

Class Schedule

Note: Please plan your semester schedule in advance as I have done.

subject to change
Additional assignments may be given.

WK DAY IN CLASS DUE!

1 Introduction

1/16- 1/18 First Day of Class 1/20 - Academic Honesty

20 Form
Class Introduction, Syllabus Review
Workbook: 1:1-1:6

2 Unit 1

1/23- Getting to Know You 1/23 Deaf Awareness Quiz

27
1:7-1:12 1/25 Video Journal
(Photos)

3
 1/30- 2:1-2:3 1/30 Syllabus Quiz
2/3 (online)

4 Unit 2

2/6-10 Test #1 (Unit 1) 2/8 - Video Journal

Exchanging Personal Information
2:4-2:8

2/13- 2:9-2:12
17

2/20- 3:1-3:4 Interim Grading

24 Satisfactory or
Unsatisfactory Report to
Academic Advisors upon
completion of this week.

7 Unit 3

2/27- Discussing Living Situations 2/27 1st Deaf Event

3/3 3:5-3:8
3/1 Video Journal

3/6-10 3:9-3:16

3/13- Spring Break No Classes

17

10

3/20- 4:1-4:7
24

11 Unit 4

3/27- Test #2 (Units 2 & 3) 3/27 2nd Deaf Event

31 Talking About Family
4:8-4:15 3/29 Video Journal

12

4/3-7 5:1-5:5

13

4/10- 5:6-5:9
14
 14 Unit 5

4/17- Test #3 (Unit 4) 4/18 Last Day to

21 Talking About Activities Withdraw

15

4/24- (Note: If after the end of Week 15 and your final grade is 97% or higher, 4/24 3rd Deaf Event
28 you are exempt from all parts of the final exam.)

16

5/1-5 Final Exam (Part 1) Receptive Skills 5/5 Part 1 Final Exam

17 Finals Week

5/8-12 Final Exam (Part 2) May 10th 12:30pm to 2:30pm

subject to change

410-777-2222

Course # and Section: __________________________

Instructors Name: ________________________________________________________

I am aware of Anne Arundel Community Colleges Academic Integrity Policy and the related
procedures as cited in the College Catalog. I am aware of the consequences in this class for
breaching the policy by cheating, fabricating, plagiarizing, facilitating another in academic
dishonesty and committing other offenses related to academic dishonesty. I agree to abide by
this policy and the other administrative procedures for this course.

Students Signature: ______________________________________________________

Students Name: __________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________
DEFINITIONS
An incident of academic dishonesty occurs when a student commits any of the following acts
(this list does not preclude other acts of academic fraud):

A. Cheating, which is the use or attempted use of unauthorized material, information,

electronic device, implement or study aid in an academic exercise or assignment without
the instructors permission;

B. Plagiarizing, which is the unacknowledged or improperly cited adoption or reproduction

of the ideas, words, data or statements of others, including fellow students and internet
sources;

C. Fabricating or falsifying, which is the unauthorized falsification or invention of any data,

information or citation in an academic exercise;

D. Impersonating, which is assuming another students identity or allowing another student

to do so for the purpose of fulfilling an academic requirement;

E. Facilitating, which is helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic

dishonesty.

For further information on academic dishonesty policies and procedures consult THE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
POLICY that is included in the College Catalog.

1 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT. Adapted and reproduced with permission of the publisher,
College Administration Publications. July 2012, lms

CONTACT LIST
Collect contact information from at least three of your classmates you can consult
throughout the semester for missed notes and assignments, signing practices, etc.

Name:____________________________________________________________________________

Email Address:_____________________________________________________________________

Phone/Text:_______________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________________________________________
Name:____________________________________________________________________________

Email Address:_____________________________________________________________________

Phone/Text:_______________________________________________________________________
Email Address:_____________________________________________________________________

Phone/Text:_______________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________________________________________
Name:____________________________________________________________________________
Email Address:_____________________________________________________________________
Email Address:_____________________________________________________________________
Phone/Text:_______________________________________________________________________
Phone/Text:_______________________________________________________________________