Anne Arundel Community College

Department of World Languages

Course Syllabus
ASL 111: American Sign Language I (3 Credits)
Fall 2017
August 28, 2017 December 11, 2017
Class Schedule
Mondays: 7:00 to 9:45 PM
Location: Annex B, Room 112
Instructor: Sagar Kothari Office Hours: Mondays
Office Location: Careers Center (CRSC) 133 before or after class or
Mailbox: CRSC 131 e-mail me for an
E-mail: skothari@aacc.edu appointment.
Videophone (VP): 240-449-8434
Skype: spkothari2 (please give me 24-hour notice)

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 Catelog
2017 2018)
http://catalog.aacc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=20&poid=6955&returnto=5117

In Other Words: This bona fide language requires you to pay extreme attention to details on
manual signs, facial expressions, spatial references, 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 minimum if you aspire to master ASL.

Course Pre-requisites: There is no pre-requisites for this course.

Course Outcomes:
Course Learning Objectives
At the end of the course,
students will be able to:
comprehend and produce
the vocabulary, numbers,
fingerspelling, lexical signs as
parts of basic conversation in
ASL within the Deaf
community.
Comprehend and articulate
the ASL grammar and
phrases as part of basis
conversation in ASL with in
the Deaf community.
Comprehend and
differentiate the non-manual
signals and non-manual
markers of ASL
Implement and articulate
knowledge of basic ASL for
family storytelling
Recognize the aspects of
American Deaf Culture
Student Learning
Opportunities
Pair up and small group
works
Pair up and small group
works
Pair up and small group
works
In class presentation
Pair up and small group
works
Assessment Tools
Test Production Rubric
Final Exam (Part 2)
Production Rubric
Test Production Rubric
Final Exam (Part 2)
Production Rubric
Video Journal Assignment
Rubric
Who Am I? Presentation
Rubric

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.

Teaching Methods:

Direct Method The instructor will use PowerPoint with different images, to introduce new
vocabulary signs, using mime, demonstration, and pictures (Richards & Rodgers, 2014, p. 12)
Interactive Learning The instructor will develop communicative competence among students
through interactive nature of learning, through pair up and group works. Also, the instructor
will engage students to use authentic ASL inputs in real-world contexts.

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) The instructor will use authentic conversational ASL
from real world and apply it in the classroom. The instructor will engage his students to use ASL
for pair works and small group works as ASL immersion throughout the class period.

Total Physical Response (TPR) The instructor will bring in materials and distribute them to the
small groups. When given instructions, all groups are to watch and listen to his commands, and
they follow suit.

Required Materials and Equipment:

Smith,C.,Lentz,E.M.,&Mikos,K.(2008).SigningNaturallyUnits1
6,StudentWorkbook.SanDiego,CA:DawnSignPress.

Two DVDs are included.

Goreact.com

Youtube.com (you are required to have your own YouTube account)

Course 1. Internet access

Requirements: 2. webcam (smartphone with 720p or above is acceptable)

Grading Distribution & Letter Grade Equivalent:

Grad GPA Value Definition Point Range (%)

e
A 4.0 Outstanding 90 100
B 3.0 Good 80 89
C 2.0 Fair 70 79
F 1.0 or below Poor 69 and below

Grading Allocation:

Evaluation Components Languages Weight

Class Participation ASL 5%
Workbook English 5%
Video Journals (3) ASL 20%
Deaf Events & Reaction Papers ASL (Deaf events) & English (Reaction Papers) 15%
Other Assignments English 5%
1) American Deaf Culture
Take-Home Quiz
2) Video Stills
3) Syllabus Quiz (online)
Quizzes &Tests ASL 20%
Test # 1
1) Comprehension part (2%)
2) Production part (3%)
Test # 2
1) Comprehension part (2%)
2) Production part (3%)
Test # 3
1) Comprehension part (2%)
2) Production part (3%)
Test # 4
1) Comprehension part (2%)
2) Production part (3%)
Final Exam ASL 25%
Part 1 Comprehension part (10%)
Part 2 Production part (15%)
Final Presentation ASL 5%
TOTAL 100%

assignment description and assessment

Class Participation Grading (5%):
You are expected to show up in class prepared with your completed assignments and ready to
discuss. When the instructor introduce new signs, you are all required to participate and learn
new signs with your hands and your face for ASL grammar, non-manual signals, non-manual
markers.

Workbook Grading (5%):

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 (3 Video Journal Assignments) (20%):
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.

Signing Event & Reaction Paper (20%):

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. Isnt that why
youre taking this class?
Deadlines:
First event: Monday, September 25th
Second event: Monday, October 30th
Third event: Monday, November 27th
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!
Some students will send me a friend request via Facebook. Generally, I will accept your
request. However, I ask that you do not post on my wall or send me a Facebook email in
regards to this course or assignments. If you do, I will remove you from my Facebook without
notice.

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 (5%):

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.

Tests (20%) and Final Exam (25%):

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

In-Class Presentation (5%):

At the end of the semester, each of you will give a 5-minutes PowerPoint presentation in front
of class about your family. The theme is Who Am I?. Your instructor will evaluate your
expressive skills based on what you have learned so far throughout the semester covering in
Units 1 through 5. Rubric is given.

Course Schedule:
WEEK DAY IN CLASS DUE!
1 8/28 Introduction 1) 9/11 American
Syllabus Review Deaf Culture
Deaf Culture Take-Home Quiz
Unit 1 Introducing Oneself
2) 9/11 Video Stills
(photos)

3) 9/11 Workbook:
1:1 1:6

4) 9/11 Academic
Honesty Form &
Contact List Form

5) 9/11 Syllabus
Quiz (online)
2 9/4 Labor Day No Class
3 9/11 Unit 1 Introducing Oneself (continued) 1) 9/18 Workbook:
Review: Workbook: 1:1 1:6 1:7 1:12
American Deaf Culture Take-Home Quiz
Review
 2) 9/18 Video
Journal # 1
4 9/18 Unit 1 Introducing Oneself (continued & 1) 9/25 1st Deaf
review) Event Reaction
Review: Workbook: 1:7 1:12 Paper
Review (Unit 1)
Test # 1 (Unit 1) in ASL Lab
5 9/25 Review: Test # 1 1) 10/2 Workbook:
Unit 2 Exchanging Personal Information 2:1 2:6
6 10/2 Unit 2 Exchanging Personal Information 1) 10/9 Workbook:
(continued) 2:7 2:12
Review: Workbook: 2:1 2:6
7 10/9 Unit 2 Exchanging Personal Information 1) 10/16 Video
(continued & review) Journal # 2
Review: Workbook: 2:7 2:12
Review (Unit 2)
Test # 2 (Unit 2) in ASL Lab
8 10/16 Review: Test # 2 1) 10/23
Unit 3 Discussing Living Situations Workbook: 3:1 3:8
9 10/23 Unit 3 Discussing Living Situations 1) 10/30 2nd
Deaf
(continued) Event Reaction
Review: Workbook: 3:1 3:8 Paper

2) 10/30
Workbook: 3:9
3:16
10 10/30 Unit 3 Discussing Living Situations 1) 11/6 Video
(continued & review) Journal # 3
Review: Workbook 3:9 3:16
Review (Unit 3)
Test # 3 (Unit 3) in ASL Lab
11 11/6 Review: Test # 3 1) 11/13
Unit 4 Talking About Family Workbook: 4:1 4:8
12 11/13 Unit 4 Talking About Family (continued) 1) 11/20
Review: Workbook: 4:1 4:8 Workbook: 4:9
4:15
13 11/20 Unit 4 Talking About Family (continued & 1) 11/27 3rd
Deaf
review) Event Reaction
Review: Workbook: 4:9 4:15 Paper
Review (Unit 4)
Test # 4 (Unit 4) in ASL Lab
14 11/27 Review: Test # 4 1) 12/4 Workbook:
Unit 5 Telling About Activities 5:1 5:9
 15 12/4 Review: Workbook: 5:1 5:9 1) 12/11 Final
Review (Units 1 5) Presentation
Final Exam (Part 1 Comprehension) (Units PowerPoint
1 5) in ASL Lab
Pair up for Final Exam (Units 1 5) (Part 2 2) Pair Up Drill for
Production) & Drill for 10 minutes Final Exam (Part 2)
16 12/11 Final Exam (Part 2 Production)
Final Presentation

Course Policies:

- 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.

- 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.
- 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.

Community College Policies:

- 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 .
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 November 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.
 Appendix

Video Journal Assignment Rubric:

Excellent Fair Poor/Non-Existent Weigh
t
Assignmen Video was submitted by Difficulty with Late submission is not X1
t the deadline. Video submitting video or accepted.
Completio quality is smooth. watching video.
n Video quality is slow
or jerky.
 [ ] 3 points [ ] 1 point [ ] 0 point
Mise-en-Sc Background does not Background is Background is X2
ene have visual noises. somewhat distracting, bringing
Appropriate attire is distracting. Attire is attention away from
worn and is contrasting somewhat the signer. Attire is not
to skin tone. Lighting is appropriate. Lighting appropriate.
appropriate. is dim.

[ ] 3 points [ ] 1 point
[ ] 2 points
Sign All signs and Contains some sign Signs and X4
Production fingerspelling/numbers and fingerspelling/number
are produced clearly and fingerspelling/numbe s are not produced
accurately. r production errors. clearly and accurately.
Errors obscured
meaning.

[ ] 1 0 point
[ ] 5 points [ ] 3 points
Grammar Always follows ASL ASL grammatical ASL Grammatical X4
grammatical structures. structures, structures, contrastive
Use of Contrastive contrastive structure, structure, ranking,
structure/Ranking/Spatia ranking, and/or and/or spatial
l Agreement when spatial agreement agreement erroneous
needed. learned in class are and confusing or
somewhat correct or non-existent.
somewhat confusing.

[ ] 5 points [ ] 3 points [ ] 1 0 point

Non-Manu Facial grammar and NMS are somewhat No NMS are used at X2
al Signals non-manual markers are used. all.
(NMS) always used
appropriately. (Ex:
eyebrows)

[ ] 3 points [ ] 1 point [ ] 0 point

Fluency Signing flows well Signing flows most of Signing does not flow X3
(without pauses). the time or is choppy at all (too many
(with some to many pauses).
pauses)
[ ] 5 points [ ] 3 2 points [ ] 1 0 point
Total
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:________________________________________________________________________
____
Email
Address:_____________________________________________________________________
Phone/Text:____________________________________________________________________
___