ASL 125: Elementary American Sign Language
MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE • Summer 2024
COURSE: 6085
WELCOME
The video be sure to click Close Caption to understand my signing.
My name is Tara - you are welcome to call me Tara; The Deaf community has its naming system within their native ASL language, and it's quite a gift to receive a name sign. Even more remarkable is that deaf people only use your name sign—it should not be used on official documents or by people who hear. Most of my family is hearing, but my father and I were both born deaf. American Sign Language is my first language, and English is my second language.
About this class
The American Sign Language (ASL) program introduces the language of the Deaf, the Deaf Community, and the Deaf Culture. ASL classes emphasize conversational skills in functional situations and allow students to explore, in a relaxed atmosphere, the language and culture of Deafness.
How this course works:
The first week of the Canvas meeting is online 05/13/2024 - 06/29/2024 (7-week course).
I will send you a weekly Canvas list of tasks to complete (typically on Sunday). Most of the assignments listed on Canvas will be due on Monday, but you can turn them in anytime during that given week. I recommend you routinely review the Canvas "calendar" on the green left-side toolbar.
Hopefully, you are already familiar with the "modules" and "pages" I have set up in Canvas. You will continue to go through these two or more times a week and watch/complete the tasks under each heading.
How and when to attend our first week:
First Online Meeting On Monday, 05/13/2024 - 06/29/2024 (7 weeks course)
Please log on weekly and take a look at the week's course material. Individual Assignments or Internet Assignments are due each week. Attendance will be taken based on your weekly submitted assignments.
You will need to submit an assignment when it's due; you will be marked absent for that week.
WEEK ONE ASL SUCCESS
Module One- Getting Started: ‘Water Cooler’ - Ongoing General Information - due 05/13/2024
Agreeing to the term of the syllabus - due 05/13/2024
Student Information Survey- due 05/13/2024
Review Week One - due 05/20/2024
Sign In Now- Cavnas: American Sign Language (ASL) Course
The Canvas Welcome shows you to find your courses, contact your instructor, download the Canvas Student app, and get help with Canvas.
Material- ZERO Textbook COST
This course is Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC), which means that all course materials will be available on Canvas without requiring the purchase of a textbook.
Communication Essentials- ASL
The best way to get to me Is by emailing mellot@yosemite.edu or through Canvas inbox. Make sure to include your course and section.
Monday- Friday are my quick response. Sat - Sun are somewhat slow. My response will be less 24-36 hours.
If you have any question about the course, feel free to jump In Pronto Chat Room or Q& A Discussion forum or Student Lounge . I will answer your question.
Our ASL Pact
What you can expect from me:
I will create a friendly and inclusive classroom community that thrives on encouraging support in your ASL learning experience.
I will guide with empathy and provide relentless flexibility (a slogan I try to live by!)
I will provide your ASL questions within about 24 hours and give feedback on your exams within 3 to 5 days.
I will be an active presence and participate throughout the course in regular announcements, home-page updates, discussions, and specific, actionable, and prompt feedback.
What I will expect from you:
Learning sign language will become more fun if you try the following tips:
Our classes are taught primarily in ASL (the target language) and require that all students participate using ASL and adhere to our "ASL Zone" policy.
Our classes are "hands-on" and highly interactive. Students are always involved in whole class, small group, and partner activities using ASL and visual-gestural communication.
You will set up a weekly study routine for about 6 - 9 hours a week to give you more time to complete all assignments and prepare for the exams.
When you have an ASL question, you will ask for help through me, pronto, peers, or course canvas - what the sign and on-campus ASL tutoring. You will be provided with the best and most prompt strategies for getting help.
Our classes provide a positive learning environment where students have fun, get to know one another, and create a unique little community!
Teaching ASL Philosophy
American Sign Language learners must trust themselves, their instructors, and their classmates. That way, in a safe environment, the mistakes they will make as learners don’t knock their confidence. I believe anyone can learn a language given enough time and practice, and I’m willing to be creative and find ways and unusual learning styles to help all students benefit from my lessons. I teach using a variety of techniques because every class is different and has unique needs. I aim to expose American Sign Language learners to more of the world and prepare them for into Deaf community.
My Advice for Success
“The Magnificent Six”
1. Utilize student support Services – instructor office hours, LLC, ASC, Student Success Specialists, Counselors, and computer labs.
2. Develop peer support Networks – form peers student groups, collaborate to accomplish challenging tasks, and reach out for help when absent.
3. Focus on the learning process, not the grade- recognize and appreciate your growing skills and knowledge.
4. Attend canvas and review the TWA eworkbook- make time at home and review them daily.
5. Be open to challenges and support your classmates- try out new ideas and skills in class and an assignment; be receptive to and respectful of views that challenge your way of thing.
6. Participate in class regularly and always ask for clarifications if you feel lost, confused, or frustrated.
Course Goals
Student Learning Outcomes :
Given the following learning context, the student who satisfactorily completes this course should be able to achieve the following goals:
Identify the unique characteristics of Deaf Culture.
Demonstrate the ability to translate the grammar and syntax of ASL at a basic conversational level.
Demonstrate the grammar and syntax of ASL at a basic conversational level.
Support for You
Browse our library of guided Canvas tutorials for students. Canvas Support
The mission of tutoring at the MJC Tutoring Center is to empower to students become more independent learners. Tutoring Center
Support services, specialized Instruction, on educational accommodations for students with disabilities. Application Accommodations and Support Center
Counselors help you Identify your educational goals, create plans and stay on track to completion. Student Counseling Center
Providing opportunities for your physical, and mental health and social service. Health Services
Support with your financial aid application, and available funding to offset educational costs. Student Financial Aid
Problem with True Way ASL, contact the support TWA Support
Grading Procedures
A- 90 - 100%
B- 80 - 89%
C - 70 - 79%
D- 60 - 69%
F < 60%
Assignment Groups Weight
Receptive Practice - 20 %
Unit 1-4 Test - 30 %
Participation and Discussion - 10 %
Quizzes- 20 %
ASL Grammar Homework - 10 %
Expressive Practice - 10 %
Totals - 100 %