Lan 110 - Comparative Linguistics: Asl and English

SEATTLE CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAN 110: Comparative Linguistics: ASL and English

Instructor: Katie Roberts Office: BE1124 Hours: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM T/TH E-mail: [email protected] or by appointment Phone: VRS (Interpreted Relay to Videophone) (206) 452-5095 Class Website: http://seattlecentral.edu/faculty/kroberts Facebook: facebook.com/Katie.Roberts.Seattle.Central

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course compares the fundamental linguistic structures of American Sign Language and English. It introduces the basic concepts of linguistics: phonology, morphology, syntax, and language use and examines how these are applied to each language.

The course is structured with an underlying assumption that the students already have some fluency with both languages. The course is intended for those students (1) whose current or future interests include teaching ASL, interpreter training, or Deaf studies; (2) current ASL signers who want a better understanding of the framework of the language.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

There are two over-riding goals for the students: (1) to learn the basic linguistic structures of ASL and English, and (2) to teach students to think critically about the languages and to instill in them a sense that linguistic inquiry is a dynamic and flexible undertaking, not a static or frozen one.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify the features that languages share with other communication systems, and the features that are unique to languages.

2. Demonstrate that ASL contains the necessary features that are shared by all other languages; that it is a true, yet unique language.

3. Use linguistic terminology to describe the meaning of and the differences between languages and communication systems.

4. Describe the linguistic principles that are evident in every language.

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

The Linguistics of American Sign Language, 5th Edition, Valli, Lucas, Mulrooney ISBN: 1-56368-507-8. It is a large blue book, hardcover. Do not confuse it with the 4th edition – which is purple. You cannot use the old edition, as the changes have been radical. This text is required. LAN 110 Class Handout This is a compilation of articles and files which are required reading for the class. You must go upstairs to the Copy Center at BE3105 -(206) 587-5419 – and pay for your copy. This text is required.

Canvas: This quarter, the course will be moved to CANVAS. This is a course management software that will allow you have to discussions online, view videos online, have instant access to your grades and more. https://canvas.seattlecentral.edu/login . This is required.

ASL/ITP Lab: The ASL/ITP Lab is located in room BE1148. The lab has a videotape library of more than 200 videos that you may use for your convenience.

TEACHING METHODS

During this course you will be learning about the linguistic structures of ASL and English and how to critically think about them as well. The goal of this class is not rote memorization, but demonstration of an understanding of basic principles of linguistics. There will be plenty of opportunities to work with other students in the classroom on exercises and other work that will challenge your thinking and scholarship.

Therefore the teaching methods for this course will be different than for most courses.

(1) Content information will be provided in the readings and videos. This means you will be expected to come to class having completed your readings, watched your video instruction, reviewed what you have learned in previous classes, so It is vital to your success that you stay on top of your reading. You will not pass this class if you aren’t prepared when you come to class. (2) During class we will engage in small and large group activities based on the discussion that day which will allow you to solidify the content information, ask questions and have access to more examples. (3) We will be also be using the CANVAS software, which is a learning management system. All of the information you will need is posted online. Along with the syllabus, calendar, lecture notes, reading assignments and links to supporting resources and supplemental materials, you will also be required to participate in a discussion forum online. Please check Canvas for instructions.

GRADING and CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY

Quizzes: You will have approximately five to seven quizzes during the quarter. The quizzes will vary, according to the needs of the course. Most of them will be short answer or short essay. Many of them will involve problem solving. You will often have the opportunity to work in small groups to discuss exam problems using an open book and notes. Each quiz will be graded by percentage. Those quizzes together, averaged, will compromise your grade for the quarter.

Discussions: You will have approximately 5 to 10 discussion forums that you must post on. A question will be asked, and then you will need to answer. You will be required to post by specific dates, and follow discussion forum guidelines. You will be earning points for your answers. Keep in mind, only your first answer will be graded.

Standard Grading System The Seattle Community Colleges use a numerical grading system. Numerical grades may be considered equivalent to letter grades as follows: A 4.0 - 3.9 You will need a 2.0 to pass A - 3.8 - 3.5 this class. B+ 3.4 - 3.2 B 3.1 - 2.9 B- 2.8 - 2.5 C+ 2.4 - 2.2 C 2.1 - 1.9 C- 1.8 - 1.5 D+ 1.4 - 1.2 D 1.1 - 1.0 F 0.0

Your Grade-point average (GPA) is determined by dividing total points earned by total credit hours attempted.

Class Attendance Policy: Attendance is very important linguistics classes. You will earn points for each class you attend. If you will be missing a large number of classes you will need to meet with instructor to make other arrangements that may include but not be limited to withdrawing from class or your final grade being docked. If there is a death in the family, a medical emergency or some other serious matter, please see me, and bring documentation if you wish to get a waiver from class. Please use your time wisely.

Class Door Policy: Interruptions cannot be tolerated once class has begun. The class door will be locked at 5 minutes after class begins.

Student Conduct: Students will be held responsible for their conduct during class and the work they submit, as outlined in the student handbook: http://seattlecentral.edu/stu- lead/studenthandbook.pdf. This includes cheating, plagiarism, and otherwise disruptive behavior during class (interrupting others, interrupting the teachers, speaking out of turn, and coming to class under the influence of illegal drugs and/or alcohol).

Snow and Emergency Closure Policy Seattle Central, SVI and The Siegel Center all follow the same schedule for closures. A decision is usually announced by 5 AM about if school will be closed that day. You may find the information on the front page of the website.

Students with documented disabilities requesting class accommodations, requiring special arrangements in case of building evacuation, or have emergency medical information the instructor should know about are asked to contact the disability support services office (DSS) in Rm. 1112. Once the disability is verified with DSS you will be given a letter of accommodation to be handed to your instructor.