Welcome to Class! 
I'm glad you are here!  You can do this!
I'll be your guide as we travel into the world of ASL. I'm an ASL lexicographer (dictionary creator), webmaster, and immersion excursion guide. You've picked a great topic to be studying.  ASL is an  exciting subject that can open for you a new world of relationships and understanding.  - Dr. Bill

Instructor:
William Vicars, Ed.D.  (Dr. Vicars / Bill) 
Email: [xxxx@xxxxxxxx.com]   Phone:  (xxx) xxx-xxxx (vp)
Office: Eureka 308 
Office Hours:  (Winter Intersession) M/T/W Noon - 1pm

Course description:
Students will continue to expand vocabulary and concepts acquired in ASL 1. Expansion of conversational range includes talking about other people and activities, giving directions, and making requests. Students develop discourse skills appropriate for establishing connections with deaf acquaintances and handling a variety of interruptions. Through in-class discussions/demonstrations, and course readings. Students are exposed to elements of Deaf culture and the Deaf Community.

Required textbook:  [Textbook info goes here. Include enough information that the student could easily order the book online. If your campus has a bookstore, include information regarding the location of the bookstore.]

Websites:  Lifeprint.com
Course home page link: [Link goes here.]
Place to learn fingerspelling: http://asl.gs
Place to improve your ability to read fingerspelling: http://asl.ms
 

No-Voicing Policy: 
This is a no voice class.  During class time unless I give you permission you should keep your voice off and not whisper nor rely on "exaggerated mouthing."  If  another student voices to you, you should respond as if you couldn't hear them and ask them (by signing) to communicate with you by signing or fingerspelling (or even writing on paper or the board).  I can reduce your grade, require you to wear ear plugs, or drop you from class for participating in voicing either as a participating listener or the one using voice.  (But, usually I'll just ask you to sit somewhere else.)

Make-ups: 
No make-ups without an obituary of a close relative and a copy of the "program" from the service or note on the funeral home's stationary, or a note from your medical professional specifically stating that you were too sick to take the test, or from school administrator on school letterhead.  You are expected to attend if you want to get credit for the quizzes and tests. Traffic, sickness not requiring a doctor's visit, family responsibilities, and so forth do not count as "excused absences." However, if you are required to miss a quiz in order to participate in  pre-approved University program non-optional school events such as being on an athletic team--show me the letter from your coach and then send me an email for instructions on how to handle your testing.  Even if you do have an excused absence, I reserve the right to either give you a different but equivalent test or to simply assign the percentage of your most recent equivalent test or a future test. It has been my experience in over 17 years of teaching thousands of students that the low performers always have an excuse. The good students head to school early so traffic isn't a problem, allow time to find a parking space in a distant lot and walk the rest of the way, pre-arrange babysitting and work schedules, have backup plans for transportation, have cold-medicine on the shelf in case they get sick, and/or do well enough on most of their assignments and tests that missing a single day, assignment, or test (for example: to go to a funeral) will not hurt their grade.  I encourage you to do the things good students do so you can get the grade that good students get.  Good students, don't oversleep or get drunk and miss class then show up later with some made up story about their grandmother dying.  If she did die, I'm sorry, (really I indeed DO extend my condolences). If I find out you have lied to me I will FAIL you for the course. Sure, that seems strict, and maybe I am, but that doesn't mean I'm not flexible and willing to work with honest, dedicated students.  If you know your daughter's going to have surgery and you will have to miss a test, email me ahead of time and we will work something out.

Ethics, Attendance, Disabilities, and Class Environment:  You may be dropped from class for checking your email during class or accessing websites other than lifeprint.com or asl.ms during class. You may be dropped from class for using your voice or whispering during class.  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. 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 no credit. For information on the University's policy regarding cheating and plagiarism, refer to the Schedule of Courses (Legal Notices on Cheating and Plagiarism) and the University Catalog (Policies and Regulations). Penalties for cheating and plagiarism may include receiving an F for a particular assignment, an F for the course, or expulsion from the university. Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the university, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, contact the office of Services to Students with Disabilities. This syllabus and the schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while you were absent.    [My lawyer made me say all that.  Sorry.]

Pep talk:
You can do this.  I have near infinite patience. I love teaching and explaining.  If you have questions, ask in class or email me with your first and last name, the hour of your class, and the phrase "RESPONSE REQUESTED" in the subject line and I'll strive to 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 (sometimes email doesn't arrive).  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.