College of Southern Nevada

World Languages Department, Deaf Studies

Course Syllabus
Semester: Spring 2024

Course: AM 145 American Sign Language I

Section Code: 2001

Class: Mondays and Wednesdays

Class Time: 3:30 to 5:20 pm

Class Location: Remote via Zoom meeting

Zoom Link:
https://csn-edu.zoom.us/j/84670580856?pwd=swdaCpV55I3bsNnbeoa9Xm
U76RglaR.1

Instructors: Frances Nazloo & Melanie Seaman

Contact Information:

Frances Nazloo's email: [email protected], (temporary)

phone: 704-591-2873 FT, MP, TEXT

Melanie Seaman's email: [email protected], phone: 702-475-4084

Office Hours: Mondays – Thursdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Fridays by

Appointment Eastern Time

Credit Hours: 4 Semester Credit Hours

Course Description:

This course is designed mainly to introduce American Sign Language

(ASL) and focus on developing basic conversational skills, emphasizing
receptive abilities.

Prerequisite: None

This class is being offered face to face, which may include some limited
remote learning and pre-recorded sessions. Students must have a webcam
and a computer (not an iPad or cell phone) for class participation.

COURSE TEXTBOOK:

REQUIRED:

Vista ASL Functional Notional Approach, Signing Naturally Student

Workbook

Units 1-6. Dawn Sign Press. (2008).

Authors: Lentz, Ella Mae, Mikos, Ken, & Smith, Cheri.

ISBN: 978-1-58121-210-5 (Bring to class daily).

Go React subscription (online video feedback and unit assignment project)

http://www.goreact.com

(Purchase it online - access code)

ISBN: 978-1-61165-014-3

AM 145 Course Outline:

Unit 1 – Introducing Oneself (Ask/give names, express pleasure in

meeting, ask/tell what is different, identify others, give instructions to draw,
follow commands, follow instructions, and get another person's attention).
Unit 2 – Exchanging Personal Information (Ask/tell personal information,
ask/tell how many, give instructions, narrate about language background,
give name, discuss leisure activities, ask/give subtraction problems,
describe shapes, identify person & give information, give names, and ask
for a sign).

Unit 3 – Talking About Where You Live (Ask/tell where a person lives and
in which area of the city, give commands, guide others with the face,
ask/tell about residence, ask/give opinion, give directions to places around
the classroom, follow instructions, count off 1-66, tell about living
arrangements, describe pets, express need, ask/give directions, express
gratitude, give names/words, ask/tell how long it takes, ask/provide
personal information, ask for a sign (review) and give instructions).

Unit 4 – Talking About Family (Ask/tell if married, ask/tell if have children,

ask/tell desires for the future, count off 67-98, express likes, wants, needs,
tell what one has, ask/tell about siblings: who is oldest, who is close to,
similarities & differences, give name, ask/tell age, ask/tell about parents'
family and grandparents, ask/tell relationships, tell how two people are
related, discuss relationships, talk about changes in relationships, give the
following number, the number before, the number in between, getting the
meaning across, commenting on family members, & check to be sure
everyone can see the signer).

Unit 5 – Talking about everyday activities (Ask/tell when someone

did/will do an activity, relay information, give name, ask/tell what each
person's household chores are, ask/give an opinion, Ask if completed
tasks, discuss what errands one must do in the next few days, ask/tell how
often person does a specific chore, talk about what person has been doing,
talk about one "out of the ordinary" activity person did over the weekend,
talk about one's work, and sign straightforward narrative).
Unit 6: Storytelling

1. Timber – (Instrument classifier ICL, one-person role shift,

two-person role shift, practice elements needed to tell a cohesive
story).
2. The Gum Story – (Understand and retell the story, practice the
direction of the character's entering and exiting, one-person role
shift of character's manner: attitude and reaction, and practice
elements needed to tell a cohesive story).
3. The Gallaudet and Clerc Story – (Understanding the story and
recognizing the difference between a sign and a gesture,
two-person role shift to show the interaction, maintaining spatial
agreement, and practice elements for telling The Gallaudet and
Clerc Story).

4. Childhood stories – (three different examples of childhood stories

AM 145 Course Outcomes:

AM 145 students' ability to communicate in the target language: American

Sign Language

1. The student will achieve receptive and expressive mastery of targeted,

context-specific commands, questions, and statements by producing live
and video samples of their work in ASL and English.

2. The student will observe a short dialogue in ASL and demonstrate an

understanding of the material by responses in ASL and English.

3. The student will recognize and express a targeted set of ASL vocabulary
items in ASL.

4. Given conversation-regulating behaviors, the student can correctly

demonstrate their use of dialogues.

5. The student will recall and re-formulate short narratives, stories, etc.,
provided in ASL.
6. The student will initiate, conduct, and terminate short context-specific
conversations.

Course Expectations:

1. Course format: This course involves engaging in online class

discussions and activities and viewing online lectures and
academically related videos in ASL.
2. Student Responsibilities: Students are expected to actively
participate by attending class and completing assigned activities,
participating in online class discussions, serving in groups,
completing assignments on time, respecting diverse perspectives
and opinions, and supporting their views and answers with
reasons, explanations and documentation from a variety of
sources.
3. Netiquette for Online Students:
4. Be Scholarly

Do:

1. Use proper language, grammar, and spelling.

2. Be explanatory.
3. Justify your opinions.
4. Credit the ideas of others; cite and link to scholarly resources.

Avoid Misinforming others when you may not know the answer. If you are
guessing about something, clearly state that you need to have all of the
information.

Be Respectful

Do:

1. Respect privacy.
2. Respect diversity and opinions that differ from your own.
3. Communicate tactfully and base disagreements on scholarly ideas
or research evidence.
Avoid Sharing another person's professional or personal information.

Be Professional

Do:

1. Represent yourself well at all times.

2. Be truthful and accurate, and run a final spell check.
3. Write in a legible, black font, and limit the use of emoticons.

Avoid Using profanity or participating in hostile interactions (flaming).

Be Polite

Do: Address others by name or appropriate title, and be mindful of your

tone.

Be polite as you would in a face-to-face situation.

Avoid Using sarcasm, being rude, or writing in all capital letters (shouting).

Written words can be easily misinterpreted, as they need facial

expressions,

body language, and tone of voice.

(Retrieved August 20, 2020, from Arizona State University (ASU) Online.

1. Attendance: You are expected to attend every class. You are

expected to arrive on time and stay the entire class period. You will
be allowed two absences. After your two absences have been
used, you will lose ten percent of your overall course grade for
each class you miss, regardless of the reason. (If you have four
absences and receive 93% for your final grade, you will end up with
83% after losing ten percent due to one over-the-limit absence.)
Two tardies constitute an absence.
2. Peer Network: Each student is responsible for getting access to
and understanding what is expected of each assignment. Please
form a strong network with your peers. If you miss a class, go to
 Canvas for an assignment and ask other classmates to learn about
what you missed.
3. Deadlines: Assignments will only be accepted on due dates.
Allowance will be made in an unforeseen situation on the
instructor's end.
4. Class Discussions: Instructions are to be followed meticulously. It
will count as a missed class discussion and will be counted as a
zero. Late submissions will only be accepted if an agreement is
communicated with your instructor 24 hours before.
5. Office appointments: Please email me if you want to meet with
me at a specific time, and I will make myself available. Please keep
your appointments with me, and if you have to cancel, please email
me.
6. Course evaluation: You will be required to complete the course
evaluation before you will be able to receive your final course
grade.

Course Outcomes:

1. Course objectives: Upon completing this course, students can

sign and practice the unit signs, read review notes in ASL, and
understand how to use classifiers to practice and improve
storytelling skills.
2. Course outlines:

Students will receive a copy of the course outline by email.

Grading System:

· Attendance/Participation/Homework Assignments/Activities
· Experiential Learning Hours
· Assessments and Quizzes
· Final and Midterm
· GoReact videos
 CSN Grading Scale

AM 145-2001 Spring Semester Grading Scale

CSN Grading Scale: ASL 1 Final Grading Scale:

Grade Grade Point Grade Grade Point

Value Value
A 4.0 A 93-100%
A- 3.7 A- 90-92.99%
B+ 3.3 B+ 87-89.99%
B 3.0 B 83-86.99%
B- 2.7 B- 80-82.99%
C+ 2.3 C+ 77-79.99%
C 2.0 C 73-76.99%
C- 1.7 C- 70-72.99%
D+ 1.3 D+ 67-69.99%
D 1.0 D 63-66.99%
D- 0.7 D 60-62.99%
F <60%

A copy of the tentative course schedule will be created and emailed to AM

145 students.

1. Deaf Studies Social Justice Resources – AM 145 – ASL 1 ASL

and Deaf Culture: A natural language. Students must watch the
YouTube videos embedded in AM 145 Canvas and write reflection
papers reflecting on each video. A reflection paper rubric is posted.

Tips for doing well in my class

AM 145 students will learn how to become successful in this class:

 1. Log onto AM 145 CANVAS every time to ensure you see
everything I provide to help you with this class.
2. Follow your Chapter Checklist line by line! Please check items
off the list as you complete them.
3. Make it a point to read class exercises, review notes, and
practice translating facts in your Signing Naturally Level 1
Student Workbook.
4. Begin every class with your printed lesson, workbook, and a
pen or a pencil.
5. Make good use of your partner group and BE a good partner!
Participate when you meet. Try to converse, even if it feels like
"kindergarten-level ASL." It is okay! We all start somewhere.
6. As you do your exercises, TAKE NOTES in your handwriting on
paper. Studies show that typing on a keyboard does not have
the same effect on memory as handwriting.
7. Try to meet every week for study and peer support. The groups
who do so report more significant progress and less stress.
8. Try to schedule an appointment with ASL Facilitators during this
semester.
9. Try to stay a few exercises ahead. Try to practice and prepare
your storytelling skills.
10. Make flashcards to practice the Unit signs, or watch/create
your own quizlet.
11. I am here for you! I am just a click away, so send me a
message in Canvas or schedule a virtual office meeting or chat.

Academic Integrity

Example 1

Taking the words of others or presenting their ideas as your own not only
limits your academic research skills but also violates the CSN's Student
Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating on exams or other coursework violates
the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy. You can find more information
about CSN's Academic Integrity Policy at
https://at.csn.edu/documents/student-academic-integrity-policy. The
minimum penalty for such offenses in this course is to fail the assignment.
Failing the course will also be considered as an option. Infractions of the
CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy may lead to suspensions,
expulsion, transcript notations, or other sanctions.

Example 2

Please familiarize yourself with the CSN's Student Academic Integrity

Policy (https://at.csn.edu/documents/student-academic-integrity-policy).
There will be zero tolerance for plagiarism and cheating. Copying and
pasting from the Internet or paraphrasing a few words is unacceptable in
college. Not knowing the plagiarism rules will not be a good excuse.
Suppose you need clarification about what plagiarism is and is not. In that
case, you can learn more by speaking to a CSN campus writing center or
library staff or consulting the CSN Library Services' Plagiarism guide:
http://libguides.csn.edu/research-101/cite. The minimum sanction for
plagiarism is an F on the assignment; repeated offenses carry an F for the
class as the minimum penalty.

Example 3

You are expected to complete your work in this class. Cheating on exams
or lab exercises is not fair to students who are honestly studying. Cheating
is also subject to penalties, including getting a zero for the exam, lab
exercise, or failing the course. The complete list of possible penalties is
listed in the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy. Please familiarize
yourself with this policy
(https://at.csn.edu/documents/student-academic-integrity-policy).

CSN ADA Statement and DRC Contact Information

Disability Resource Center (DRC) – The College of Southern Nevada is

committed to making physical facilities and instructional programs
accessible to students with disabilities. If you have a disability that may
impact your work in this class and for which you may require
accommodations, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC) so that
such accommodations can be considered. All discussions will remain
confidential. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) has offices at all three
campus locations as the focal point for coordinating services for students
with disabilities. If you have a physical, emotional, or mental disability that
"substantially limits one or more major life activities (including walking,
seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working)" and will
require accommodation in this class, don't hesitate to get in touch with the
DRC at West Charleston (702) 651-5644, or email at
[email protected] at North Las Vegas (702) 651-4045, or email at
[email protected] and at Henderson (702) 651-3795, or email at
[email protected]. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, contact
(702) 651- 4448 or email [email protected]. Students who
receive accommodation letters, please meet with me as soon as possible
to discuss the provisions of those accommodations.

To promote student mental health, faculty can include the following:

"Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – The Counseling and

Psychological Services (CAPS offers short-term, problem-focused
counseling to CSN students who may feel overwhelmed by the
responsibilities of college, work, family, and relationships. Clinicians are
available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may
interfere with their ability to perform in school. The service is provided
confidentially and free to currently enrolled students. To schedule an
appointment, please call CAPS at West Charleston (702) 651-5518, at
North Las Vegas (702) 651-4099, or Henderson (702) 651-3099."

Students' Rights and Responsibilities

When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept the rights and
responsibilities of membership in CSN's academic and social community.
You can find policies covering students, such as the Student Conduct,
Students' Right to Know, Students' Academic Integrity, and Disruptive and
Abusive Student in the following locations:
 · Catalog and Student Handbook: https://www.csn.edu/catalog in the
Policies and Procedures section.
· CSN Website: https://www.csn.edu/policies-procedures under the
heading "Student Policies."

CSN Libraries

CSN Libraries provides support for students completing assignments that

require research and the use of information. Librarians are available to
students for one-on-one assistance locating and citing quality information
online (https://library.csn.edu/ask/) or at one of our campus libraries. Please
find more information on our website (https://library.csn.edu/).

Objectionable Materials

Example 1

Some students may find some material presented in class to be

objectionable. The instructor has the discretion to choose whether to
remove it or not.

Example 2

Instructors are responsible for setting and maintaining classroom behavior

standards appropriate to the discipline and method of instruction. No
objectionable materials or language will be used during this class. This way
includes all possible modes of the class: online and in-person. The
instructor will make the final determination regarding any objectionable
materials or language. Students may refrain from engaging in activities the
instructor deems disruptive or counterproductive to the goals of the class.
Instructors have the right to remove offending students from class.
Recommended wording for additional syllabi statements

Centers for Academic Success

Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality DROP-IN academic

assistance to all students enrolled in for-credit courses at CSN. CSN CAS
Tutors are available online through Smarthinking, accessed in the Canvas
online learning management system. View a tutorial video on accessing
CSN Tutors/Learning Assistants online at How to Access CSN Tutors in
Smarthinking. You may choose "Submit a Question" if you don't have time
for a live session. A Tutor responds to offline questions within 24 hours.
Contact us at one of the campus phone numbers, and we will assist you
with accessing all learning support. Academic learning support includes
assistance with placement test preparation, learning strategies, Canvas,
Smarthinking online tutoring, Microsoft Office, reading, writing, oral
presentations, math, and science. CAS Tutors also provide support in
facilitating study groups. You may experience embedded learning
assistance in one of your first-year courses. Professors and CAS Staff will
inform you how to access services in your course curriculum. CAS is open
Monday through Sunday to be more accessible to all students – Monday –
Thursday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday – Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Smarthinking tutors are available 24/7. You may visit
www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success for more details or contact us at
one of our offices during our regular operational hours: Charleston Centers
(702-651-5732), North Las Vegas Learning Commons (702-651-4232),
Henderson Learning Commons (702-651-3125).

*Students will receive notification as on-ground tutoring services resume.

Early Alert Syllabus Statement

Early Alert Referral Program (MyCoyotePLAN) – A referral program to

connect students with college resources when assistance is needed to
achieve success.
Referrals may be initiated by faculty and staff as well as by students
through MyCoyotePLAN. After a referral is submitted, students will receive
an email notification and be contacted by the department to which they
were referred for help.

Public Health Directives (COVID-19)

Students must follow all active CSN public health directives while enrolled
in this class. Properly worn face coverings are mandatory for all faculty and
students in the classroom as well as on campus. CSN public health
directives are found at https://at.csn.edu/covid-19. Students who do not
comply with these directives will be asked to leave the classroom. Refusal
to follow the guidelines may result in further disciplinary action according to
the CSN Student Conduct Code
https://www.csn.edu/sites/default/files/documents/student_conduct_code_p
olicy_1.pdf,

including being dropped from the course.

Recording Class

No recordings of the class are allowed without the instructor's explicit

permission.

TRIO Student Support Services

One-stop shop for first-generation college, financial aid-eligible, and

disabled students offering tutoring, academic advising, career exploration,
college-transfer assistance, and development of college success
strategies. Contact information: North Las Vegas Campus: Building E
Room 109: 702-651-4441 or https://www.csn.edu/trio.

Statement of Safety or Risk Assumption if Applicable – Safety Procedures

Approved classroom safety procedures are posted in each classroom and

are to be followed. Students must familiarize themselves with the nearest
exit during fire alarm exercises. Do NOT use the elevators during these
drills. Students will take ALL personal belongings with them when exiting
the building. Students will be allowed back into the facility once all clear is
given.

College of Southern Nevada Student Email:

All students enrolled at CSN have a CSN Student Email account.

Beginning February 1, 2020, all information from the college will be sent to
your CSN-issued student email address (enrollment information, financial
aid information, cashier information, college events, etc.). You must check
your student email daily. You can access your student email through Go
CSN (go.csn.edu). Once you validate your student email address, you can
access Microsoft Office 365 for up to five devices and 1 TB of OneDrive
storage (as a current CSN student). Please check
http://www.csn.edu/email.4212.

Canvas Computer Instructions & Technology Help Desk

The Canvas Student Quick Start Guide can be found at

http://guides.instructure.com/m/8470. The entire Student Guide may be
found at http://guides.instructure.com/m/ 4212. Telephone Support for
Distance Education students needing help logging into a course, using
course website tools, or other technical issues can be found by contacting
the CSN Technology Help Desk locally at 702-651-4357 or via
1-800-630-7563 toll-free, 24-hour/

AM 145 students' email:

Personal emails like Gmail, Yahoo, etc., will not be accepted. Please have
your CSN email address and ensure your NSHE ID numbers are
memorized and ready.
Tentative ASL 1 Class Schedule (subject to change)
January 2024
17 First Session – Introduction ASL 1 Class, course Expectations, and
Deaf Awareness Quiz, course syllabi contract, 1.1, 1.2 given due
date before next class
22 Unit 1 Session 2 Lesson Review 1.1, 1.2, homework, start with 1.3,
1.4
24 Unit 1 Session 3 Lesson Review 1.3, 1.4, homework, start with 1.5,
1.6
29 Unit 1 Session 4 Lesson Review 1.5, 1.6, homework, start with 1.7,
1.8
31 Unit 1 Session 5 Lesson Review 1.7, 1.8, homework, start with 1.9,
1.10

February 2024
5 Unit 1 Session 6 Lessons Review 1.9, 1.10, homework, start with
1.11, 1.12
7 Unit 1 Session 7 Lessons Review 1.11, 1.12, Study & Review 1.1 to
1.12
12 Unit 1 Session 8 Lessons Unit 1 Review & Quiz
14 Unit 2 Session 7 Lessons Review 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,
19 President Day
21 Unit 2 Session 8 Lessons Review 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 Unit 6 – Storytelling
“Timber”
26 Unit 2 Session 9 Lessons Review 2.7, 2.8, 2.9
28 Unit 2 Session 10 Lessons Review 2.10, 2.11, 2.12

March 2024
4 Unit 2 Session 11 Review Units 1 and 2 Quiz & Unit 6 –
Storytelling “Timber”
6 Session 12 MIDTERM EXAM & Unit 3: Start study homework 3.1,
3.2, 3.3
11 Spring Break
13 Spring Break
18 Unit 3 Session 13Lessons 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
20 Unit 3 Session 14 Lessons 3.4, 3.5, 3.6
25 Unit 3 Lesson 15 3.10, 3.11, 3.12
27 Unit 3 Session 16 Unit 3 Review & Quiz Unit 6 Storytelling: “The
Gum Story”

April 2024
1 Unit 4 Session 17 Lessons 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
3 Unit 4 Session 18 Lessons 4.5, 4.6, 4.7
8 Unit 4 Session 19 Lessons 4.8, 4.9, 4.10
10 Unit 4 Session 20 Lessons 4.11, 4.12, 4.13 Unit 6 Storytelling: “The
Gum Story”
15 Unit 4 Session 21 Lessons 4.14,4.15 Review for Quiz
22 Unit 4 Session 22 Unit 4 Quiz - Unit 6 Storytelling “The Gallaudet
and Clerc Story”
24 Unit 5 Session 23 Lessons 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
29 Unit 5 Session 24 Lessons 5.4, 5.5, 5.6

May 2024
1 Unit 5 Session 25 Lessons 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 Unit 6 Storytelling “The
Gallaudet and Clerc Story”
6 Unit 5 Session 26 Lessons Unit 1 to 5 Review & Unit 6 Storytelling
8 Units 1-5 Comprehensive Final Exam; 15 hours experiential
learning reflection paper due *
13 Final grades due online, 2024 CSN graduation
Teacher's word of advice:

1. Please clear your schedule to ensure you are present for exam
days.
2. Spring Semester 2024-15 hours experiential learning requirement
– ASL 1 students are responsible for documenting their times and
typing down their reflection papers based on their experiential
learning. They must check AM 145 Canvas' announcements and
modules frequently.

Any of the copies from last semester are not accepted. It will be marked as
a zero and can result in plagiarism.

1. AM 145 Canvas will include PDF posts, homework assignments,

class activities, and more.
2. The GO React video activity will be created and ready with the
rubric evaluation. Please be prepared to pay the subscription
ahead of time.
3. Please make sure to have your homework assignments submitted
to the AM 145 Canvas, not directly to me, an instructor—too many
emails in an instructor's office personal computer – time-consuming
checking and deleting job.
 AM 145-2001 American Sign Language 1

Course Syllabus Contract

Note: This is your first-class assignment and must be submitted by the
start of the 2nd class meeting.

I have read and understand the contents of the syllabus. I am responsible

for meeting the course's expectations and checking the syllabus, Canvas
calendar, Canvas announcements, homework assignments, and my CSN
email account regularly to make myself aware of any changes to the
schedules/rules. I know that meeting deadlines and expectations will result
in a higher grade or failure for the course. I know how to contact my
instructor if I have questions and will DO so proactively.

Signed: ______________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

(Printed Name): _______________________________