Thursday, 6:00 to 9:00 pm, via Zoom
9/10 to 12/10 – 12 sessions
No Class 11/26
Course Description: This course compares the fundamental linguistic structures of American Sign Language, English and other signed languages. The phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics of each language will be examined. Students will use a descriptive framework to identify and analyze the linguistic features across both spoken and signed languages. Course will utilize theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of sign languages. Fluency in American Sign Language not required.
Performance Objectives: At the end of this course, the student should be able to:
Explain the unique features of sign languages with respect to phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.
Describe how the perspectives of sign language structure and use have changed over time.
Illustrate sign languages’ historical changes.
Compare the features of spoken and sign language discourse.
Identify the impacts of bilingualism and language contact on the Deaf community.
Illustrate how corpora are utilized in sign language research.
Analyze the artistic use of sign language from a variety of perspectives.
Required Texts
Valli, C. and Lucas, C. (2011) Linguistics of American Sign Language, 5th Edition. Washington, D.C.:Gallaudet University Press, ISBN: 978-1-56368-507-1
Online component
You will be working with Blackboard to augment our learning online. Details will be provided in class.
For access and tutorials in learning how to use CourseSites,
check the following websites:
https://help.blackboard.com/Filter/Student/College_or_University
Instructor Contact
The instructor will access Blackboard daily. Assignments will be graded within 3-5 business days. Email responses will be within 48 hours.
Rules of Online Conduct
This class is conducted in American Sign Language. As such, you are expected to follow Deaf Cultural behaviors and norms.
You are expected to use Zoom’s chat feature to ask questions.
Your audio must be on mute at all times during Zoom sessions.
Each student is to be visible from the waist up to include the entire signing space.
All cell phones and pagers are to be turned off.
Class starts promptly at 6:00pm. Please be online on time.
This class will feature a variety of opinions. Listen respectfully and if necessary disagree with civility.
Weekly Process
Students should do the assigned reading and homework*before* each class. Weekly Vocabulary quizzes should be completed on Sundays. The Course Calendar lists any additional work to be completed each week. Instructions for each item can be found on Blackboard. Unless otherwise noted, all items are to be uploaded to Blackboard by 11:59PM of the due date.
Grading
Tests 40 points
Short Papers 20 points
Research paper & Presentation 20 points
Quizzes 8 points
Homework 7 points
Class Participation 5 points
Total: 100 points
Courses Outline
Week Date Topic
1 09/17 Introduction
2 09/24 Phonology Part I
3 10/01 Phonology Part II
4 10/08 Morphology Part I
5 10/15 Morphology Part II
6 10/22 Syntax Part I
7 10/29 Syntax Part II
8 11/05 Syntax Part III
9 11/12 Semantics
10 11/19 Language Use Part I
11 12/03 Language Use Part II
12 12/10 Review & Paper Presentations
F 12/17 Final Exam
Technology Requirements
To complete this course students need the following technologies: access to a reliable high speed internet connection, a webcam, and video recording capability.
The following Microsoft programs are also needed: Word and PowerPoint. Comparable software should be able to produce either PDF, .docx or .pptx files.
Video editing software (iMovie or Windows Movie Maker) while not required is highly recommended.
Students should have access to the following accounts:
email Blackboard Office365
Students should also have access to some form of cloud storage
for the transfer of video files (Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox).
Course Requirements
Tests: 40 points; 4 tests, ten points each.
Three tests will take place during the semester. The fourth test will be administered during Final Exam week.
Test dates are as follows: 09/26, 10/17, 11/07, and 12/19. There are no make up dates.
Short Papers: 20 points; 4 papers, 5 points each.
Select four articles on any aspect of signed languages that interests you from the linguistic literature.
For each short paper (2-3 pages each) present a typed, clear, well organized discussion and critique of your article’s central argument.
The short papers should address each of the following topics.
The order and combination of topics is up to you.
At least one paper focusing on linguistic structure (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics…)
At least one paper focusing on language in society (education, social context, variation, dialects, gender…)
At least one paper on a (natural) signed language other than ASL
The fourth short paper will serve as your research paper proposal to further explore one of the previously presented topics.
You may revisit one of your previously used articles or an entirely new article.
For your short papers, use APA format. All papers are to be uploaded to Blackboard.
Paper 1 due: 10/08 Paper 3 due: 10/29
Paper 2 due: 10/15 Paper 4 due: 11/05
Research Paper: 15 points
One research paper (5-7 pages) with cited references.
The topic will be based on your fourth short paper research proposal.
The topic can be anything you like as long as you discuss some aspect of the linguistics of (one or more) signed languages.
Topics could include description of a particular complex grammatical phenomenon, comparison of some aspect of linguistic structure across multiple signed languages,
acquisition or processing of signed languages, linguistic aspects of education or language policy, or anything else.
This final paper may relate to any or all of your first three short papers, or it may be an entirely new topic.
Due to its length, the research paper is expected to be a more in depth exploration of your topic than the short papers.
For your research paper, use APA format.
Papers are due: 12/10.
Presentation (5 points)
You will give a create a five minute Powerpoint presentation summarizing your Research Paper findings for the class.
Presentations are limited to five minutes. Exceeding the time limit will result in point deductions. Presentation date: 12/10.
Three items must be uploaded to Blackboard:
1. Powerpoint File
2. Script of your presentation
3. Video file of your presentation or a link to the video on cloud storage (Google Drive, etc).
Quizzes: 8 points
There will be 8 short quizzes through out the semester on the class and reading material.
Quizzes will be taken online using Blackboard. Further details will be given during the first class.
Homework: 7 points
Four Homework packets will be assigned to help you apply the concepts learned in the course content and become ready for each test.
Homework packets are due 10/01, 10/22, 11/12, and 12/17.
Class discussion and participation: 5 points
You are expected to be an active participant in class discussions.
This is a student-centered learning experience. Each student is responsible for his/her learning.
It is essential to work with peers as a support team so learning can be advanced. In this class, we will use the direct approach.
It is highly encouraged that you become an active learner and participant in this class.
Cultural values play important role in this class. As such, each culture is respected and incorporated into the language.
Note: Additional readings may be assigned for specific classes as needed. Your pre-class preparation will factor into the class discussion and participation grading.