Course Title, Number, Section Number: ASL 201 Intermediate ASL - 0002 Course Meeting dates/times Monday/Wednesday 5:00 pm to 6:40 pm Course Meeting room: synchronous online 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.a.fitzgerald

Office Hours: By Appointment through ZOOM

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 if we have one, then contact kelly.a.fitzgerald@maine.edu. Course Materials & Books: You will need to have you own personal copy of this book that is in your possession by the beginning of the semester.

Required: Signing Naturally: Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, and Ken Mikos (2014) Units 7-12 Student Workbook and DVD. CA: Dawn Sign Press ISBN: 978-1-58121-221-1

• We will be covering Units 8-9 and parts of unit 12 this semester.* A Sign of Respect 2 (ASOR) online program by Thomas K. Holcomb and Anna Mindess

Sign up yourself at www.treehousevideo.com and scroll down to the LEFT box, “Have a Code From Your Teacher?” Enter the code:

Attention: USM and GoReact have agreed to include it on brightspace. When you click on any assignment with GoReact, you will see it. Therefore, you don't have to open a GoReact account or to sign it up!

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Course Description, including format: This is an intermediate 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 three online venues: BrightSpace (the replacement for BlackBoard), Zoom (online conferencing), and 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.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to: a. Demonstrate skills of effective communication and analysis using ASL skills that correspond

to beginning level ASL or a score of at least level 1+ of 5 on the American Sign LanguageProficiency Interview (ASLPI).

b. Demonstrate competency in making requests, agreeing with conditions, asking for advice,discussing neighborhoods, describing your own neighborhood, describing a restaurant andsuggesting a place to eat.

c. Mastery of agreement verbs, negations, numerical chunking, time, yes/no questions,topicalization.

d. Mastery of more intermediate storytelling techniques including depiction, spatialagreement, descriptive classifiers, instrument classifiers, locative classifiers, role shift and eyegaze.

e. Identify ethical issues raised by cultural representations, including what they suggest aboutstudents in their diverse roles. Understand and show sensitivity to members of the DeafCommunity as a linguistic 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.

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."

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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: Week 1 8/31-9/6

Syllabus Review Units 5-7

Unit 1- ASOR

Week 2 9/7-9/13

8.1-8.3 Unit 2- ASOR

Week 3 9/14-9/20

8.4-8.6 #1 Discussion Board Post

Week 4 9/21-9/27

8.7-8.9 HW 8.7-8.8

Week 5 9/28-10/4

8.10-8.12 HW 8.10 & 8.12

Week 6 10/5-10/11

8.13-8.14 Unit 3 ASOR

Week 7 10/12-10/18

Review Unit 8 Unit 8 Exam Monday 5pm on GoReact Unit 4 ASOR

Week 8 10/19-10/25

12.1-2 Unit 5 ASOR

Week 9 10/26-11/1

12.5-12.7 (One Fine Day) Unit 6-7 ASOR

Week 10 11/2-11/8

Unit 13/ASL Classifiers One Fine Day Video Due on GoReact

Week 11 11/9-11/15

Unit 13 The Rooms on First Floor of House Video

Week 12 11/16-11/22

9.1-9.4 HW 9.1 & 9.3

Week 13 11/23-11/29

9.5-9.7 #2 Discussion Board Post My Neighborhood Video

Week 14 11/30-12/6

9.8-9.11 HW 9.10

Week 15 12/7-12/11

9.12-9.14 Review Unit 9 HW 9.14

Finals Week 12/12-12/18

Unit 9 Exam Wednesday 5pm on GoReact

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Assessment: There will be no midterm or final. Instead, there will be exams at the end of each Unit with the exceptions of Unit 12 & 13, which focus only on stories/description. The assessments will be done in Goreact. The teacher will sign questions and you will reply by signing back with your video recording what you are signing. At the conclusion of the test, the video will automatically be uploaded to Goreact for assessment. Other assessments will include students retelling several stories.

Grading Criteria: Unit Exams Unit 8- interactive exam 20 points

Unit 9- interactive exam 20 points Homework A Sign of Respect –Part 2 10 points

Workbook Homework 5 points Participation Participation in discussion board 5 points

Participation in zoom classes 10 points Stories/Narratives Retell One Fine Day Story 10 points

My Neighborhood Video 10 points The rooms on first floor of house 10 points

Total: 100 points

Homework: This course has 2 different types of homework. Homework will be from the workbook and homework from the A Sign of Respect curriculum. For this course we are using Part 2. Do not purchase Part 1.

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

For the homework in the workbook and all exercises from A Sign of Respect Program: all submissions will be signed.

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. However, this homework should not be considered an equal substitute for attending any deaf events. Your instructor will inform you of any face-to-face or virtual Deaf events you can participate in this upcoming semester. If you are able to attend, your instructor will also inform you how this will be graded. 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.

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• If you attend a face to face event, there should be at least 10 deaf peoplepresent.

• For your response, sign your response to the event: state what event youattended, when it was, what type of event it was. Also tell us how long youstayed and what your personal observations were. Identify 3 things younoticed about the event from your class instruction/reading. Signing in thevideo should be approximately 2 minutes.

• Submit in Brightspace within 1 week of event.

Discussion Board Posts: All students will be participating in a discussion on Brightspace every Unit. 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

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.

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discussion. This category is concerned with the quality of interactions.

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.

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 POLICYSince this is a visual language class, attendance at these Zoom meetings are required. However you still can have only 2 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.

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:

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

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

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/ 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 documented disabilities equal access to all university programs and services. If you think you have a disability and would like to request accommodations, you must register with the Disability Services Center. Timely notification is essential. The Disability Services Center can be reached by calling 207-780-4706 or by email dscusm@maine.edu. If you have already received a faculty accommodation letter from the Disability Services Center, please provide me with that information as soon as possible. Please

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make a private appointment so that we can review your accommodations. We will make every effort to accommodate you. However, accommodations will not be made without a faculty accommodation letter, not will they be made retroactively. So, please submit your letter ASAP.

TUTORING 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 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, 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.

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.

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 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).

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, 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).

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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 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).

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