ASL 101- 0004 Spring 2021, ASL 1 Beginning American Sign Language I Instructor: Christopher Walsh Dates/Times: Monday/Wednesday 3:00 pm to 4:40 pm Course Meeting room: synchronous online: We will meet on Zoom.

Subsection Assignment: Day 1, you will be assigned to a sub-group and given the date and time for your synchronous Zoom meetings with your instructor.

Instructor: Christopher Walsh Office Location: Linguistics Office, Science Building, Wing A Room 305

Email: Christopher.walsh1@maine.edu Office Phone: Linguistics (207 780 4582, voice) Administrative Specialist: Kelly Fitzgerald kelly.a.fitzgerald@maine.edu OFFICE VRS: 207-766-7098

Office Hours: By appointment

If you email your instructor and do not get a response in 48 hours, please send an email to kelly.a.fitzgerald@maine.edu and dana.mcdaniel@maine.edu and they will make sure someone gets back to you. If you have technical questions about BrightSpace or GoREACT, please contact the class assistant first, then contact kelly.a.fitzgerald@maine.edu. She will help you or direct you to the right resource.

Course Materials & Books: You will need to have you own personal copy of the textbook and a subscription to the A Sign of Respect on-line program that are in your possession by the beginning of the semester.

Required: Signing Naturally: Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, and Ken Mikos (2008) ISBN: 978-1-58121-207-5 (This book will be used for your first two semesters of ASL.)

Required: A Sign of Respect: Part One online program by Thomas K. Holcomb and Anna Mindess. Homework will be from the A Sign of Respect Part One (ASOR) curriculum. You can purchase the program at: www.treehousevideo.com and scroll down to the LEFT box, “Have a Code From Your Teacher?” Enter the code:

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ntouch://call/207-766-7098http://www.treehousevideo.com/

Course Description, including format: This is a beginning course in American Sign Language (ASL). It will include extensive study of receptive and expressive use of ASL, as well as an introductory discussion of Deaf culture. Course content covers basic principles in the use of sign, sign vocabulary, and aspects of the grammar of ASL. In addition to class sessions, students will use written materials and other media outside of class. This course has a community interaction requirement of four hours over the semester. This requirement will be adapted to our online delivery this semester.

Format: This course will be delivered in a synchronous on-line format (some virtual face-to-face classes during scheduled hours in addition to online work that can be done on your own schedule, provided you meet weekly assignment deadlines. We will use four online venues: BrightSpace (the replacement for BlackBoard), Zoom (online conferencing), A Sign of Respect (for homework). Students need to be available during the scheduled course time, although these hours may be divided among smaller groups of students meeting with the instructor (for a shorted time) and small group activities. The course will also involve viewing of lecture videos, discussion board assignments, and other online activities outside of the class time.

We will be connecting on zoom weekly. The instructor will send you an invitation zoom before your assigned time.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to:

a. Demonstrate skills of effective communication and analysis using ASL skills that correspond tobeginning level ASL or a score of at least level 0+ of 5 on the American Sign Language ProficiencyInterview (ASLPI).

b. Demonstrate competency in introducing oneself, giving basic commands, narrating experiences withlanguages, talking about leisure activities, discussing where you live, giving basic directions, talkingabout roommates and pets, traveling to work and/or school. There are five genres of ASL discourseto be learned: Inquiry, Narrative, Expository, Persuasive, Academic. This class focuses on Inquiry-back and forth basic conversation.

c. Mastery of basic fingerspelling, numbers up to 66 and cardinal numbers.

d. Mastery of basic storytelling techniques including retelling, characterization and role shifting(depiction)

e. Identify ethical issues raised by cultural representations, including what they suggest about studentsin their diverse roles. Understand and show sensitivity to members of the Deaf Community as alinguistic and cultural minority.

Class Schedule and Assignments: Students need to be available for online interaction during the scheduled hours for this class. There will be virtual face-to-face meetings weekly with the instructor for at least one-hour during class hours. There will also be small group activities online during these times.

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This syllabus is your contract for this course. However, there can be events that impact our schedule, or we may notice an error. An updated version of your syllabus will always be available on BrightSpace on the module labeled "SYLLABUS."

A course schedule appears below. Each assignment is designed to supplement your learning of ASL and Deaf culture. Whenever possible, assignments will be accompanied by a rubric, indicating our expectations for your work. We encourage you to review all videos and exercises available in your textbook as well as to explore the web to view ASL as much as you can. You are training your eyes to see and process this visual language and should take any opportunity to view video materials produced by Deaf signers. We will post links for a variety of optional ASL materials to explore as well: stories, interpreting lectures, etc.

Week: Topics Due: by last day of week Week 1 1/25-1/30

Syllabus 1.1-1.6

American Deaf Culture Quiz (no grade)

Week 2 1/31-2/6

1.7-1.10 1st Discussion Board

Week 3 2/7-2/13

1.11- 1.12- Unit 1 Review ASOR Unit 1

Week 4 2/14-2/20

Timber Story, Unit 6.1-6.4 Unit 1 Exam on 2/15

Week 5 2/21-2/27

2.1-2.5 Timber Story Video Due

Week 6 2/28-3/6

2.6-2.10 ASOR Unit 2

Week 7 3/7-3/13

2.11-2.12 Unit 2 Review ASOR Unit 3

Week 8 3/14-3/20

Gallaudet and Clerc Story, 6.9-6.12 Unit 2 Exam on 3/15 2nd Discussion Board

Week 9 3/21-3/27

3.1-3.6 No Zoom Class on 24th

Gallaudet and Clerc Story Video Due

Week 10 3/28-4/3

3.7- 3.13 ASOR Unit 4

Week 11 4/4-4/10

3.14-3.16 Unit 3 Review ASOR Unit 5

Week 12 4/11-4/17

4.1-4.7 Unit 3 Exam on 4/12

Week 13 4/18-4/24

4.8- 4.13 ASOR Unit 6

Week 14 4/25-4/30

4.14- 4.15/ Unit 4 Review Autobiography

Autobiography Video Due

Final Week 5/1-5/7

Unit 4 Exam on 5/3

Assessment: There will be no midterm or final. Instead, there will be exams at the end of each Unit. The assessments for the Unit Exams will be separated into expressive and receptive exams. The expressive exams will be

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signed by the student for a grade while the receptive exams will be the student watching the teacher and responding to that. Other assessments will include students retelling several stories.

Grading Criteria: Unit Exams Unit 1- expressive (7.5 points)

and receptive (7.5 points) 15 points

Unit 2- expressive (7.5 points) and receptive (7.5 points)

15 points

Unit 3- expressive (7.5 points) and receptive (7.5 points)

15 points

Unit 4- expressive (7.5 points) and receptive (7.5 points)

15 points

Discussion Discussion Board 5 points Stories Retell Timber 5 points

Retell Gallaudet/Clerc 5 points Autobiography 15 points

Homework ASOR- Units 1-12 5 points Participation Zoom classes/Assignments 5 points Total: 100 points

Homework from A Sign of Respect (to allow access to cultural opportunities in COVID times) Homework will be from the A Sign of Respect (ASOR) curriculum. For this course we are using Part 1. Do not purchase Part 2.

You will be able to submit all the documents for each unit on Brightspace.

Deaf Events: Due to the current situation, homework has been provided for you to ensure that you will still have opportunities to develop your cultural awareness. Your instructor will inform you of any face-to-face or virtual Deaf events you can participate in this upcoming semester. There will be a module in the class that lists upcoming Deaf events as well as a folder called TRAIN^ZOOM that lists events that were available and are now over. Each event you attend and submit a response to will earn 1 point. You can earn up to 3 points for 3 separate events and 3 separate responses. This will be considered as extra credit. Minimum expectations for Deaf Events:

• If attending an event virtually, you should expect to stay at least 30 minutes.• If you attend a face to face event, there should be at least 10 deaf people present.• For your response, type your response to the event: state what event you attended,

when it was, what type of event it was. Also tell us how long you stayed and what yourpersonal observations were. Identify 3 things you noticed about the event from yourclass instruction/reading. Paper should be approximately 2 pages.

• Submit in Brightspace within 1 week of event.

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Discussion Board Posts: All students will be participating in a discussion on Brightspace. Each student will post and develop two replies to other classmates’ postings. The postings will be evaluated using this rubric:

Proficient (1) Moderate (.5) Below Expectations (0)

Relevance of Post

Post is related to assigned topic and connects the discussion with an appropriate citation. Expresses opinion and ideas in a clear and concise manner

Post is short in length and offers no or minimal insight into this topic. Opinions and ideas may be stated clearly but no connection or weak citation is provided.

No relevance to the discussion and remarks are not backed by a reference. Copies or summaries other postings, unclear connection to topic.

Critical Thinking

Interprets topic in accurate and insightful ways. Uses information thoughtfully, in ways that are factually relevant and accurate; postings show analysis, might offer alternatives or creative viewpoints based on concrete evidence.

Accurately interprets topic; uses main points of information from resources/references; may repeat the ideas of others but attempts to offer new insight; response does not provoke significant new thinking or further discussion.

Makes errors in interpreting topics; opinion based comments only; superficial commentary.

Creating Community

Frequently attempts to motivate the group discussion; presents creative approaches to topic, can differ or counter peers points with diplomacy, if applicable. Refers to peer contributions. Creates community in the discussion. This category is concerned with the quality of interactions.

Displays an effort to become involved with group; interacts with others. This category is concerned with quality of interactions

Argumentative or abrasive. No peer interaction.

Course Evaluations: At the end of each semester every student has the opportunity to provide constructive feedback on the course. It is important to me that you take the time to let me know your thoughts about the course. I use your feedback to make improvements in the course materials, assignments, and outcomes.

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Grade scale: 93 - 100 = A 90 - 92 = A- 87 - 89 = B+ 83 - 86 = B 80 - 82 = B- 77 - 79 = C+ 73 - 76 = C 70 - 72 = C- 67 - 69 = D+ 63 - 66 = D 60 - 62 = D- 0 - 59 = F

COURSE POLICIES ATTENDANCE POLICY Since this is a visual language class, attendance at this Zoom meetings is required. You have only two excused absences. Missing classes could have detrimental effects on your learning and progress in this course. Should you need to miss any classes, you should make efforts to make up for lost learning before the next class if possible. All classes will be videotaped, but this is no substitute for direct interaction. There are tutoring resources listed in BrightSpace that you can use to support your learning or to do necessary catch up. These tutoring sites have agreed to take your class objectives for the week as a guide to work with you, so copy and send what you need. Tutoring services average $30/hour.

VOICE OFF POLICY Please do not use you voice with the instructors or with each other during the class. In an online class, that would include having your mike open and talking or long conversations privately in chat. Talking in front of a person that cannot hear you is extremely rude. Please view the video in your Orientation Module.

CLASS CANCELLATION In Maine, we are used to snow days. Online classes can be affected by weather as well, causing power outages, etc. If inclement weather or other situations result in the University canceling classes, the schedule and campus locations of canceled classes will be posted to the USM website and announced on local radio and television stations. For information on weather delays and cancellations: https://usm.maine.edu/finance/weather-delays-andcancellations. You can sign up for text notification of university cancellations at: Any cancellations during the week of final exams will result in exams being rescheduled for the day following the last day of scheduled exams. We strongly urge all USM students to sign up for emergency text and/or email alerts in the event that USM experiences a delay or closure, or other emergency event.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Inclement Weather From time to time USM will close the University due to inclement weather. When the cancellation is for an entire day, the class content will be made up at another time or through additional, outside of class, assignments.

When the school opens late or closes early, and the time selected is during the middle of class, we will still hold the class unless you are otherwise notified by me. Two examples:

• If class starts at 1pm, but the University is closing at 1:30pm, we will still have class unless youhear from me.

• If class starts at 1pm, but the University is opening at 1:30pm, we will still have class unless youhear from me,

This is because we are an online class. If we were physically on campus, we would need to adhere to the times stated. However, if inclement weather impacts your technology, all classes that meet will be recorded for later viewing.

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https://usm.maine.edu/finance/weather-delays-andcancellationshttp://www.usm.maine.edu/usmalert/

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM In face-to-face classes, cell phones need to be put away and laptops need to be used for in class work only. This cannot be as easily monitored on-line. However, we ask you to not use technology for other purposes during virtual face-to-face class time and to give your full attention to the instructor and other students. Eye contact is essential in an ASL class and it is rude not to attend.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY / PLAGIARISM Everyone associated with the University of Southern Maine is expected to adhere to the principles of academic integrity central to the academic function of the University. Any breach of academic integrity represents a serious offense. Each student has a responsibility to know the standards of conduct and expectations of academic integrity that apply to academic tasks. Violations of academic integrity include any actions that attempt to promote or enhance the academic standing of any student by dishonest means. Cheating on an examination, stealing the words or ideas of another (i.e., plagiarism), making statements known to be false or misleading, falsifying the results of one's research, improperly using library materials or computer files, or altering or forging academic records are examples of violations of this policy which are contrary to the academic purposes for which the University exists. Acts that violate academic integrity disrupt the educational process and are not acceptable.

Evidence of a violation of the academic integrity policy will normally result in disciplinary action. A copy of the complete policy may be obtained from the office of Community Standards and Mediation, online at usm.maine.edu/community-standards-mediation/academic-integrity or by calling and requesting a copy at (207) 780-5242.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS/FINAL PROJECT There is no cumulative final examination for this course. All tests will occur at the end of each course unit.

It is a USM academic policy that no tests or exams may be scheduled during the last week of classes.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND RESOURCES

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS The university is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to all university programs and services. If you think you have a disability and would like to request accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Center. Timely notification is essential. The Disability Services Center can be reached by calling 207-780-4706 or by email dsc-usm@maine.edu. If you have already received a faculty accommodation letter from the Disability Services Center and would like to request accommodations for this course, please provide me with that information as soon as possible. Please make a private appointment so that we can review your accommodations together.

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http://usm.maine.edu/community-standards-mediation/academic-integritymailto:dsc-usm@maine.edu

TUTORING AND WRITING ASSISTANCE Tutoring at USM is for all students, not just those who are struggling. Tutoring provides active feedback and practice, and is available for writing, math, and many more subjects. Walk-in tutoring is available at the Glickman Library in Portland, the Gorham Library, and the LAC Writing Center. For best service, we recommend making an appointment at https://usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/schedule-tutoring-appointment. Questions about tutoring should be directed to Naamah Jarnot at 207-780-4554. Interested in becoming a more effective, efficient learner? Check out https://usm.maine.edu/agile!

The linguistics department tries to offer language tutoring. We are currently looking into workstudy students who can be tutors for all the languages, including ASL. ASL 105 Language Table is also available for as well as an option for a weekly language table. Please check in at the beginning of the semester.

If you have seriously fallen behind, however, we recommend you get professional tutoring services by a Deaf mentor/tutor with native-level signing proficiency to catch you up. We will provide a variety of options for this on BrightSpace in a module called "TUTORING." You can expect professional tutoring to cost about $30/hour.

COUNSELING Counseling is available at USM. The best way to schedule an appointment is by phone at 780-5411. More information is available at https://usm.maine.edu/uhcs.

RECOVERY ORIENTED CAMPUS CENTER (ROCC) A peer support community for students in recovery from substance abuse and other mental health conditions is available at USM. More information may be found online at https://usm.maine.edu/recovery or by containing ROCC at 207-228-8141.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AND BIAS REPORTING The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Amie Parker, Interim Director of Equal Opportunity, The Farmhouse, University of Maine Augusta, Augusta, ME 04333, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System). Incidents of discrimination or bias at USM should be reported to Associate Vice President for Student Affairs David Roussel at 207-780-5242.

STATEMENT ON RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE FOR USM STUDENTS Absence for Religious Holy Days: The University of Southern Maine respects the religious beliefs of all members of the community, affirms their rights to observe significant religious holy days, and will make reasonable accommodations, upon request, for such observances. If a student’s religious observance is in conflict with the academic experience, they should inform their instructor(s) of the class or other school functions that will be affected. It is the student’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements mutually agreed upon with the instructor(s).

TITLE IX STATEMENT The University of Southern Maine is committed to making our campuses safer places for students. Because of this commitment, and our federal obligations, faculty and other employees are considered mandated reporters when it comes to experiences of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, sexual

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https://usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/schedule-tutoring-appointmenthttps://usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/schedule-tutoring-appointmenthttps://usm.maine.edu/agilehttps://usm.maine.edu/uhcshttps://usm.maine.edu/recovery

harassment, dating or domestic violence, and stalking). Disclosures of interpersonal violence must be passed along to the University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator who can help provide support and academic remedies for students who have been impacted. More information can be found online at http://usm.maine.edu/campus-safety-project or by contacting Sarah E. Holmes at sarah.e.holmes1@maine.edu or 207-780-5767.

If students want to speak with someone confidentially, the following resources are available on and off campus: University Counseling Services (207-780-4050); 24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-871-7741); 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (1-866-834-4357). POLICY ON ACCEPTABLE CONDUCT IN CLASS SETTINGS If a student substantially disrupts a class, the professor may ask the student to align with this policy on conduct in a class setting. If the student refuses, the professor may, at their discretion, ask the student to leave. If the professor takes this step, they must attempt to communicate with the student and provide informal counsel and advice. The professor may elect to notify their dean of the situation as well. If the student disrupts the class again, the professor may, at their discretion, provide a written notification to the student, describe the offending behavior, and refer the student’s case to the appropriate academic dean and notify the dean of students that an official student conduct code violation has occurred [https://usm.maine.edu/community-standards-mediation/conduct-process]. COVID FACE COVERING REQUIREMENT Per USM and the University of Maine System, all students, faculty, and staff members are required to wear a face covering, including during all face-to-face classes. Resident students are exempted from this requirement when in their own room in the residence hall. Students seeking additional exceptions from this requirement should refer to the DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS section of this syllabus. https://www.maine.edu/together/community-guidance/everyone/

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https://usm.maine.edu/campus-safety-projectmailto:sarah.e.holmes1@maine.eduhttps://usm.maine.edu/community-standards-mediation/conduct-processhttps://www.maine.edu/together/community-guidance/everyone/

COURSE POLICIESATTENDANCE POLICYUNIVERSITY POLICIES AND RESOURCESDISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONSTUTORING AND WRITING ASSISTANCETutoring at USM is for all students, not just those who are struggling. Tutoring provides active feedback and practice, and is available for writing, math, and many more subjects. Walk-in tutoring is available at the Glickman Library in Portland, the...COUNSELINGCounseling is available at USM. The best way to schedule an appointment is by phone at 780-5411. More information is available at https://usm.maine.edu/uhcs.NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AND BIAS REPORTINGThe University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic in...STATEMENT ON RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE FOR USM STUDENTSAbsence for Religious Holy Days: The University of Southern Maine respects the religious beliefs of all members of the community, affirms their rights to observe significant religious holy days, and will make reasonable accommodations, upon request, ...