DRAFT (Update .3)

Sheboygan Syllabus: American Sign Language - Level 1
 

Checklist:

   Bookmark this page so you can find it again
   Read the syllabus thoroughly
   Take the 20 quizzes (keep backup copies).
   Complete and submit a 500 word research paper
   Request and take the receptive final.
   Create and submit your video project (expressive final).  
   Receive documentation of your grade

Course description:
An introduction to American Sign Language. Topics include: basic vocabulary, grammar, history, fingerspelling, numbers, terminology, and Deaf culture.

Course Format: 
This course is an instructor guided online course. The learning and activities will take place on the web and/or digital media (disks). You will complete 20 quiz assignments. You will do a 500 word research paper. At the end of the course you will be take a proctored receptive final exam and you will submit a video-recorded signed presentation (expressive final).  

Course Materials:
The materials for this course consist of six CDs.  Four of the CDs contain video files demonstrating ASL vocabulary and sentences. One of the CDs contains a copy of the ASLU Website.  The last CD contains the "Level 1 Receptive Test." Students who have registered and paid may request the first five CDs from the instructor. After students have submitted all 20 quizzes they may request the Level 1 Receptive Test from the instructor.

Assignments and examinations:
20 Study Quizzes at 20 points each = 400 points
Research Paper = 100 points
Expressive Final (Video Project) = 250 points
Receptive Final = 250 points
Total points: 1000

Grading System: Grades will be based on performance on the quiz assignments, tests, and your research paper according to the following criteria: 100-90% = A, 89 to 80% = B, 79-70% = C, 69-60% = D, below 60% = E (fail)

All quizzes and examinations are cumulative. You design your own schedule of due dates and submit this schedule to your instructor. For full credit, the research paper, and quiz answers are to be submitted in the body of an email on or before the due dates you choose. The quiz assignments are only checked for general accuracy.  If you score lower than 85% on any one quiz the instructor may give you zero for that quiz assignment.

Note: just paste or type your answers and/or paper into the body of the email, do NOT include as an attached document (this costs your instructor extra time downloading and opening your attachment). A good approach is to do your work in a normal word processor document and save your work frequently. Then when your work is ready to submit copy and paste it into an email and send to your instructor.

Quiz assignments:
Your quiz assignments are based on the Unit 1-Unit 4 CDs.

See the schedule below.  Fill in due dates that will allow you to finish the course by the time you need to be done.  The schedule below has active hyperlinks. By clicking on the quiz links you will be taken to the "end of lesson" quiz. You may need to scroll down to see the blank answer sheet. These blank answer sheets for the quizzes can also be accessed from a link at the end of each lesson.

You should go through the lessons sequentially starting with lesson one. Go to the website www.lifeprint.com and enter the main campus. Find the "Lessons" link and click on it. Then open up lesson 1. Read through lesson one and click on the links to the vocabulary. For each vocabulary link you should read the whole page and do the sign until you have it memorized. Then sign all of the practice sentences and read any of the other material in the lesson. At or near the bottom of the lesson find the "quiz" link which will take you to that lessons' quiz page. Go through the practice quiz if you'd like, but the goal is to take the quiz on the CD. To help you do that I've created "answer sheets" with the numbers already typed up for you. At the bottom of the quiz page you will see a numbered list of answer blanks for you to copy and paste into your word processor. For example, on quiz #1 if you scroll down you will see:

Lesson 1: Receptive ASL Quiz #1: Unit 1 CD Numbers 1-48.

Followed by some instructions and the numbers 1-48.

Copy and paste those numbers into your word processor program and save it as "lesson1yourfirstandlastname." It is a good idea to use these answer sheets because they sometimes have clues or "giveaway" answers.

Then put in the Unit 1 CD. The CD should open up on its own (within a few minutes).  If it doesn't, go ahead and browse to the CD by clicking and open the index file by double clicking on it. If it doesn't open on your machine or gives you an error, contact me and I'll send you more info on how to upgrade your system.

On the CD you should see a link to a videofile of me. Not pretty--but functional. The file might jump from sign to sign as I press stop and record on my video camera in-between each question. In the first five or so quizzes I show the sign about 3 times, but in later quizzes I just show the signs once. Feel free to pause and rewind.

You can adjust the size of the file via your media player's configuration settings. You can also pause the file by pressing pause. In the videofile I show a number and then show a sign or a sentence. You type the answer onto your answer sheet. Make sure to save your answers periodically so as to avoid losing your work in the event of a crash or power outage.

Only do the number of questions that correspond to that lesson. For example the Unit 1 has 321 questions numbered 1 to 321. You only do the first 48 questions for lesson one. Then for lesson 2 you do questions 49 through 113.

Save your document in your word processor. Then select your answers and copy and paste into the body of an email. Put at subject line of "Lesson 1 Jane Doe." Then send your answers to me via at BillVicars@aol.com. Don't worry if I don't respond right away. Just keep studying and doing your quizzes. Make sure you keep a copy for your own records until the end of the semester. (I might go so far as to recommend that you keep two copies, one on your hard drive and one on a removable disk, but perhaps I'm overly cautious?). 

Expressive Project
You must earn a score of 70% or better on this test to pass this course.
Pick one sentence from each of lessons 1 through 20. You should end up with 20 sentences.
Copy the sentences to a new document and number them 1-20. Then sit down in-front of a camcorder and videotape yourself signing the sentences the same way I videotaped mine. For example, sign the number and then the sentence. You need only show me the sentence one time. Pay particular attention to your "yes/no" and "WH-question" expressions for each sentence (because I'll be looking for your facial expressions in addition to your vocabulary and general fluency).
If you stop once or maybe twice during the videotaping due to some technical issue or whatever I won't be concerned. But stopping between each question indicates a lack of preparation and smacks of not knowing the material well enough to simply sign the sentences without having to look each sentence up on the web or in the CD.
Some students tape record themselves reading the sentences out loud and then play back the recording while signing the sentences to the video camera. That’s okay.
I've even seen students go so far as to write the sentences on poster paper and stick them on the wall behind the camera so they can read them while signing to the camera. That’s okay, but a lot of work.
Other students just print out a paper with their sentences on it and put it in front of them. They lean forward to read the sentence and then look up at the camera and sign it.
Then print off your script and mail both it and your video to me. ALSO email me your script so I'll have an electronic copy to edit and make notes on for your feedback.
I'll correct it within a week or so of receiving the video. And then I'll email your feedback. You may submit this video on any of the following: VHS-format full-size cassette, Mini-DV cassette, Video-CD (VCD) using MPEG-1 formatting, Digital Video Disk (DVD) using [DVD-R+, DVD-R-, or DVD-ROM], or as a video file on either CD or DVD in Windows Media File format, Quicktime, or Flash. If your video isn't "good enough" as judged by your instructor, you will be given instructions for improvement and required to do the video again. This is regardless of your other scores.

Do NOT send me any High 8 tapes or compact-VHS.

Receptive Final:
You must earn a score of 70% or better on this test to pass this course.  This is a proctored examination. When you've completed the 20 quizzes (or when you've almost completed them), send the instructor a request to take the "Receptive Level 1 final."  Include the name and mailing address of a responsible adult who will function as your proctor.  Upon your request the instructor will mail the testing disk to your proctor. The disk will contain a video file of a person signing various sentences from level 1.

You take the test with the proctor in the room making sure you do not use any books, websites, or other external material.
Insert the CD and it should start automatically after a few moments.  If it doesn’t, navigate to the video file on the disk and double click on it. On the video the instructor will sign a number of sentences to you. Write them down (or type them) in either English or ASL gloss (just string the ASL signs together). You may pause and rewind the video as many times as you would like. If you miss a concept or change the meaning of the sentence you may miss the whole sentence so practice hard and don't try to bluff your way through this test.

The sentences are based on the practice sheets in the lessons.  It is important for you to do the practice sheets throughout the course so you will be able to do well on your receptive final. These sentences will be extremely similar to the ones on the website and on the CDs.
When you get done, email your answers to your instructor. In the email, include your name, address, and local school name along with your answers.  Also include your proctor's name, phone number and email address.

You may take the test after you have turned in most of your quizzes. Your answers need to be turned in, emailed or postmarked by the due you chose at the beginning of the course.

This syllabus and any later email communication from the instructor supersede whatever information you may find at the general ASLU website.

Make ups and backups:
Since this class is offered via the web and you can submit your assignments via email--late submissions of quizzes and assignments may receive zero credit. This is not punishment.  It is simply a grading issue.  Excellent students plan ahead, get organized, keep track of assignments, and turn things in on time (or early).  Poor students wait until the last minute, miss deadlines and then make excuses and ask for leniency.  Excellent students get “A’s.”  Poor students get “D’s” and “F’s.” 

Prepare ahead of time to have backup internet access in case your regular computer crashes. If your computer is prone to crashing, save your work often and submit it early. Dead computers are not an excuse for late work. If you are in doubt as to whether your email has gone through, send a separate email with the subject line

"*** ASLU- Reply requested. First Name, Last Name"

Keep a backup copy of all submissions until the end of the course and your grade has been received.  

Holidays: All federal and state holidays will be observed. Any assignments due on a holiday may be turned in the next business day with no late penalty.

Schedule
Use this schedule or come up with one of your own:

Legal matters:

This syllabus and the schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. For persons physically attending class:  If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while you were absent. No makeup tests without an obituary of a relative or a note from your medical professional or school administrator. Turn cell phones to vibrate or silent settings. Do not wear baseball caps during quizzes. No reading newspapers in class or other distracting behavior. No videotaping the lecture or bringing visitors or guests without permission. All students are always expected to work independently on graded quizzes and/or assignments unless specifically directed otherwise by the instructor. Assignments turned in late for any reason may receive 0 credit. Penalties for cheating and plagiarism may include receiving an F for a particular assignment, an F for the course, or expulsion from the program or university. Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the university, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation.

Pep talk:
You can do this.  I have near infinite patience. I love teaching and explaining.  If you have questions, ask in class or  just email them to me and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.  If you think I've overlooked your email, feel free to send your question again I won't feel bothered--rather I'll be grateful for the communication.  If there is something I can do to make the class better for you please do suggest it.  This class may be one of your more challenging accomplishments but I know if you work hard and put in the time you will succeed.

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Okay, let's review:

The student should have received or will receive four video testing CDs (Unit 1- Unit 4).

After studying a lesson online the student puts in the corresponding CD and plays the test video (it should open automatically) if it doesn't, a student can navigate to the CD icon and open it by clicking and then click on the video file.

There is no voice on the CD.  Nothing fancy.  It is just me signing the number and then the question.

The student watches the video and types his answers.  Or copies and pastes from the study sheet. Most students have better success if they will use the study sheets.

The study sheet contains the answers to the questions, just not in the same order.  This allows the student to simply copy and paste the right answer into his answer sheet.  The quizzes become almost like "matching quizzes" if the student will use the study sheet.

After completing whatever number of questions corresponds to a particular lesson (see the schedule for a list) the student pastes his answers into an email including his full name in the subject line and with the answers and then sends them to Dr. Vicars at (contact info).

Here is an example of the answer sheet which can be found by clicking at the link at the bottom of each lesson at Lifeprint.com: 
_________________________

Lesson 1: Receptive ASL Quiz #1: Unit 1 CD Numbers 1-48.

Instructions:  Use the Unit 1 (ASL101) CD.  Watch the signs and sentences and figure out what they mean.  You can copy and paste the answer sheet (below) into whatever word processor you'd like to use, and then type out your answers.  Then you can copy and paste them into the body of an email and send it to your instructor. Make sure to keep a backup copy for your own records.

Name: (first and last)
Email: 

Signs:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22. THOSE/THEY/THEM
23.
24.
25.
26. THOSE/THEY/THEM
27. WE/US
28.
29.  [sentences...]
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
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Research Paper:
As part of this course you are expected to complete a research paper:
●  Any ASL-related topic
●  500 words
●  3 or more sources: Identified and cited

Instructions for how to write a paper that gets you an "F" for the course:

1.  Browse the internet and cut and paste until you have 500 words worth of plagiarized information. 
2.  Change a word here and  there. Rearrange the information. 
3.  Format it really nice.
4.  Put your name on it and send it in. 

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Instructions on how to write a "D" paper:  

1. Pick an ASL topic that looks easy.
2. Get a few transient references from the net.
3. Write 500 words the night before it is due.

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Instructions on how to write an "A" paper:

Checklist:

  Is the topic an ASL topic? (Don't hand in a paper on "cochlear implants curing deafness.")

  Is my report 500 words or more?

  Did I do a research paper rather than a “book report?”  (Book reports are fine if that is the assignment you are supposed to be doing. This checklist is for "research papers" --not book reports.)

  Did I document where I got my information?  Did I cite at least 3 enduring, traceable sources of information in my references?

  Even if I have changed "every word" in the sentence-- if I've borrowed someone else's idea--did I provide a reference?

  Did I use parenthetical expressions (citations) at the end of ideas that I've gotten from other people? Do these citations correspond to full references at the end of the paper?  Citations in the body of my paper use an opening parenthesis, author's last name, comma, year of publication and a closing parenthesis.  For example (Vicars, 2001).

  At the end of my document I have provided a list of references that include the author's last name and first initial, the publication date, the name of the article, book, or journal, the publisher and the place of publication.  [Dr. Bill recommends "APA style" references.] 

  I have avoided quoting directly out of books or articles, but when it was absolutely necessary to do so I have made sure to cite the exact page number in my reference entry at the end of my research paper.

  Any time I used an author’s ideas word for word; did I put those words in quote marks?  

  Did I limit the number of direct quotes in my paper?  Did I limit the length of the quotes? (No paragraph-long quotes.)

  I have used online references only if I've been able to ascertain the actual author's name, date of publication, title of the document, and name of the publisher. Even so, I’ve still provided at least three other references that are more permanent in nature.

  If I’ve needed to write less than 500 words I secured permission from the instructor.

  I have grammar checked my document.

  Does my paper contain fewer than three misspellings? (Preferably none.)

  I know the deadline for when this paper is due.

  I have submitted my report in electronic format prior to the due date.

  I know that this paper might be published by Lifeprint and I give them permission.

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Acceptable references at ASL University:

In the body of your document just use the last name of the author and the year, for example, (Vicars, 2001). Then at the end of your document you put the word "references"  followed by a list of the books and articles which influenced your writing. 

If reference is a book:
Author's last name, first initial. (year). Title of book-- underline it. Place of publication: Name of publisher. 
Example:
Vicars, W. (1998). Sign Me Up! Salt Lake City, Utah: Lifeprint Institute.

If reference is a Journal:
Author's last name, first name. (year). Title of journal article only capitalize the first letter. Name of journal underline it. Volume number, starting page number-ending page number.
 
Example:
Vicars, William. (1999). Teaching ASL online. Journal of ASL. 7, 139-156.

If you find an online source that specifies the actual author's name, date of publication, title of the document, and name of the publisher--(good luck)--I'll accept the reference.  Note, this must be from an original source document on the web, do not quote someone else's research paper.

If reference is a web page:
Author's last name, first name. (Year, Mo. day). Title of the article or web page goes here, underline it and only capitalize the first letter and words that are always capitalized.  Title of the journal, general website, or book goes here . Name of the publisher or the sponsoring organization goes here. Retrieved day Mo. Year: <full web address>.

Example:
Vicars, William. (2001, Jan. 4). Nonlinguistic communication. ASL University Library. Lifeprint Institute. Retrieved 12, Feb. 2001: <http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/nonlinguisticcommunication.htm>.

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Notes:  One last point.  There is something I wish to give you advance notice of.  Typically students, (even high achievers), do not do as well on the expressive portion of the exam in a "distance education" course as they do on the receptive.  Many students who get an "A" on the receptive end up getting a "C" on the expressive because signing without having had someone to practice with is like swimming without water.  (Which often results in "A" caliber students receiving a combined grade of a "B.")  So, please understand that I will grade you according to college standards as if you were one of my in-class students who had been attending class twice a week for three months. To pass an expressive test in an asynchronous (you and I are in different places at different times) distance education environment will require a serious effort.  I don't wish to discourage you, quite the opposite.  But I do want you to be informed ahead of time that you will need to work hard to do well.