COURSE OUTLINE

SCHOOL OF DEAF & DEAFBLIND STUDIES

COURSE NAME: American Sign Language I
COURSE CODE: BINT 1001
CREDIT HOURS: 6
PREREQUISITES: NONE
COREQUISITES: NONE
PLAR ELIGIBLE: YES (X) NO ( )
EFFECTIVE DATE: ​September 8, 2020
PROFESSORS: James Etheridge & Judy Ercolino
OFFICE #: ​ZOOM
EMAILS:​ ​james.etheridge@georgebrown.ca​ & ​jercolin@georgebrown.ca

NOTE TO STUDENTS: Academic Departments at George Brown College will ​NOT​ retain historical
copies of Course Outlines. We urge you to retain this Course Outline for your future reference.

EQUITY STATEMENT: ​George Brown College values the talents and contributions of its students, staff,
and community partners and seeks to create a welcoming environment where equity, diversity, and safety
of all groups are fundamental. Language or activities which are inconsistent with this philosophy violate
the College policy on the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment and will not be tolerated. The
commitment and cooperation of all students and staff are required to maintain this environment.
Information and assistance are available through your Chair, Student Affairs, the Student Association, or
the Human Rights Advisor. George Brown College is dedicated to providing equal access to students with
disabilities. If you require academic accommodations visit the Disability Services Office or the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing Services Office on your campus.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: ​Students should obtain a copy of the ​Student Handbook and refer to it
for additional information regarding the grading system, withdrawals, exemptions, class assignments,
missed tests and exams, supplemental privileges, and academic dishonesty. Students are required to
apply themselves diligently to the course of study, and to prepare class and homework assignments as
given. Past student performance shows a strong relationship between regular attendance and success.

COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 1

COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational ASL skills and the
ability to articulate and comprehend information in ASL face-to-face with other ASL
users. Students develop the ability to converse spontaneously in ASL dialogues and
present in ASL on familiar topics and narrate short stories in front of a live audience.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, the students will have reliably demonstrated
the ability to:
1) Demonstrate interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational ASL skills at a
high-novice level.
2) Express uncertainty, negation, and the ability to confirm/correct information
during spontaneous in-person ASL dialogues.
3) Present information in ASL through video, in person, and in front of a group on
familiar topics.
4) Demonstrate the ability to narrate short stories in ASL in front of a group.
5) Use culturally appropriate ASL conversational and linguistic behaviours to
demonstrate comprehension and requests for clarification when conversing with
others or during live presentations.

DELIVERY METHODS / LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Course material is covered through online lectures and activities in American Sign
Language and English. Activities include assigned readings, in-class, and out of class
exercises, group discussions, and interaction. Classes will be conducted through
Zoom, Whereby, Go React, and Blackboard.

LIST OF TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER TEACHING AIDS:

Required:
● Lentz, E.M., Mikos, K. & Smith, C. (2001).​ Vista: American Sign Language
Series. Signing Naturally Level III First Edition. ​Student Workbook. San Diego,
CA: DawnSignPress.
● Newell, B., et al. (2010). ​ASL at Work​. Student text. Dawn Sign Press: San
Diego.

REQUIRED TECHNOLOGY:
All students are required to have the following aspects of technology and able to use
them effectively in order to succeed in this course:

● A George Brown College e-mail & Blackboard accounts that you can access on
a regular basis.
● GoReact & YouTube accounts
● Access to a stable internet connection
● Access to a working computer/laptop and video recording capabilities with
updated internet platform (i.e. Google Chrome)
● Office 365 Apps (free, provided by GBC for students) to store your documents &
videos

COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 2

COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001
 ● One or more of the following multimedia players:
❖ QuickTime Player (download free from the
Internet)
❖ Video Editing Software (iMovie or
equivalent)
ONLINE CLASSES:
● Students and faculty interactions will take place through the Zoom and
GoReact in the online course, via email, via webcam, and/or other
methods as instructed.
● Students are to use sign language at all times when engaged in courses
with Deaf faculty/students.
● Ensure that you set up a location in your home at a desk/table to
participate online. Do not sit on your bed. Make sure that your location is
well lit with no backlighting, such as a window behind you.
● Remain in regular contact with the course instructors and class via the
online course and email through participation and submitting of
assignments and tests, as directed.
The course professor will communicate through the online forum in the following
sections:
● Announcements, Weekly Assignments, and/or through email:
● Email will be used for students’ assignments and activities, unless
otherwise indicated.
● Students are encouraged to use email to ask questions and/or make
comments that pertain to this course, depending on the nature of the
questions (public impact or private correspondence).

*Tips on how to be a successful student: Refer to your student handbook located

in your course Blackboard for further details and information.

ASSESSMENT POLICY:
Assessment dates will be announced in class by the Professor and can be found within
this course outline. Students must be present in class on the day of an assessment. If a
student is not present for an assessment, the student ​MUST​ send an email to notify the
professor prior to ​8:00 am ​on the day of class​. ​ In exceptional circumstances,
accommodations may be considered for missed assessments on an individual basis at
the discretion of the professor. ​Students who do not follow the above outlined
procedure will not be eligible to do the missed assessment and will be given a
grade of zero (0) on that assessment.

Plagiarism during assessments or in assignments (written, oral, videotaped, etc.) is a

serious form of academic dishonesty, which can result in disciplinary action. Please
review the following college policies regarding​ f​abrication, cheating, forging or
falsification of documents, impersonation, and plagiarism:
http://www.georgebrown.ca/llc/studytools/plagiarism/
COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 3
COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001
and the​ ​Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy
http://www.georgebrown.ca/policies/

Academic Appeals Policy

All students have the right to appeal to academic issues. Please review the Academic
Appeals Policy at ​www.georgebrown.ca/policies/

ASSIGNMENT POLICY:
Assignment due dates will be announced in class by the professor and can be found
within this syllabus. For presentation or dialogue assignments, students are required to
be present in class on the day of all scheduled presentations and dialogues. ​Absence
on the day of your scheduled presentation/dialogue will result in a grade of zero
unless an accommodation has been granted prior to the scheduled day​.
Extenuating circumstances must be discussed with the professor ​BEFORE ​the due
date. The student should not assume that an extension will be granted.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Regular attendance is required as in class practice allows students optimal opportunity
to develop spontaneous ASL articulation and comprehension skills and receive
constructive feedback from professors and peers. Please contact the course professor
if you are unable to attend class before class commences (8:00 am). In the event you
are delayed, please join the class with as minimal disruption as possible to the other
students. Latecomers to class are responsible for announcements, and the collection of
notes or handouts.

RECORDING WORK:
Instructions for recording your ASL assignments will be explained in class. Students are
required to keep a copy of their assignments and tests. Students should be cautioned
that if the assignment (recorded or written) cannot be viewed/read, then their
assignment cannot be marked. Video recorded assignments are expected to adhere to
the American Sign Language Paper guidelines. This guideline will be handed out in
class and posted in the course Blackboard.​ For video assignments, students are
required to include their full name, date and name of the assignment​ in ASL when
submitting.

LANGUAGE POLICY:
As a student of the Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (ASL-English), students are
required to use American Sign Language while in class and when in the presence of
Deaf persons. This ensures full, equal, and accessible participation for all students and
faculty. Please see the program handbook for further information regarding this policy.

COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 4

COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001
 EVALUATION SYSTEM: ​**​All assignments will be recorded using GoReact & posted in
the individual website (guidelines will be posted in Blackboard)
Assessment Tool: Description: Outcome(s) Date / Week: % of Final
assessed: Grade:
ASL Three in-class comprehension 1&3 Week 4 (10%) 30% (10%
Comprehension & reflection assessments Judy each)
Assessments focusing on the ability to Week 7 (10%)
(James & Judy) comprehend and respond to James
ASL texts. ASL Week 11(10%)
Judy
Comprehension assessments
will be recorded using
GoReact and reflections will
be uploaded on individual
website. Guidelines will be
provided in your Course
Blackboard
ASL Dialogues Two in-class dialogues with a 1, 2, 3 & 5 Weeks 5 40%
at the Social partner (based on ASL at Judy (20% each)
Register. Work workbook). Week 13
(Judy) Dialogues will be recorded James
using GoReact. Guidelines will
be provided during class and
in the Course Blackboard.
Units 18 & 21 A Short Narrative 1, 3, 4, & Weeks 14 & 15 20%
Narrative Presentation. Guidelines will 5 Judy
Presentation be provided during class and James
in the Course Blackboard
Individual An Individual Website to be 1, 3, 4, & Week 15 10%
Website created. Guidelines will be 5
provided during class and in
the Course Blackboard.
TOTAL: 100%

GRADING SYSTEM: The passing grade for this course is ​C- or 60%
A+ 90-100 4.0 B+ 77-79 3.3 C+ 67-69 2.3
A 86-89 4.0 B 73-76 3.0 C 63-66 2.0
A- 80-85 3.7 B- 70-72 2.7 C- 60-62 1.7

Excerpt from the College Policy on Academic Dishonesty:

The ​minimal​ consequence for submitting a plagiarized, purchased, contracted, or in any manner
inappropriately negotiated or falsified assignment, test, essay, project, or any evaluated material will be a
grade of zero on that material.
To view George Brown College policies please go to ​www.georgebrown.ca/policies

COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 5

COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001
 TOPICAL OUTLINE: ​Students should be aware that the topical outline is the plan for the course but that the
order of topics may vary in response to current events, student questions, and resource material, etc.
Week Monday - Judy Outcome(s) Wednesday - James Outcomes Resources
Topic/Content: ASL AT Work Topic/Content: SNL III
1 Labour Day - NO CLASS N/A Introductions & Course 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Expectations. Review Course Outline, ASL
Sept. Assignment Guidelines comprehension & presentation
7, 2020 SNL III: assignment guidelines &
Passing Objects: Basic Role demonstrations
Shifting Outcomes A - E ASL at Work:
Content: N/A
“Hit or Miss” Exercise #1 SNL III:
Referential Framework Unit 18 Pp. 2 – 5 & 22 – 23.
Analysis
2 Introductions & Course 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Expectations. Review 5 Passing Objects: Basic Role RSVP Fingerspelling
Sept. Assignment Guidelines Shifting Outcomes A – E​ - Principles. Pp. 25
14 & ASL at Work: Continued Language & Culture notes
16, Introducing Ourselves Content: ASL at Work:
2020 Learning ASL Referential Framework Unit 1 Pp. 1 - 27
Content: Analysis & Unit 2 Pp. 29 - 56
Introducing Oneself & Application/Synthesis SNL III:
Retelling Unit 18
Mock ASL Unit 18 Pp. 2 – 5, 17 & 22 –
Comprehension #1 23.
3 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Sept. People at Work 5 Pass, Throw and Spill Language & Culture notes
21 & Making Appointments Content: ASL at Work:
23, Content: “Oops” Exercise #2 Unit 3 Pp. 57 - 93
2020 Intralingual Skills Referential Framework Unit 4 Pp. 95 - 128
Activities Analysis & SNL III:
Application/Synthesis Unit 18 Pp. 6 18 - 19 & 20 - 26.
4 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Work Duties 5 Tripping and Falling Language & Culture notes
Sept. Content: Different types of Falls ASL at Work:
28 & Prepare for ASL Dialogue Content: Unit 5 Pp. 129 - 160
30, #1 “How Did It Happen?” SNL III:
2020 Intralingual Skills Exercise #3 Unit 18 Pp. 7, 19 - 20 & 22 -
Activities Referential Framework 26.
ASL Comprehension #1 Analysis &
(10%) Application/Synthesis
5 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Introducing Ourselves 5 Injuries and Mishaps Language & Culture notes
Oct. Learning ASL Results of Injuries and ASL at Work:
5 & 7, People at Work Mishaps Units 1 - 6
2020 Making Appointments Content: SNL III:
Work Duties Mock ASL Comprehension Unit 18 Pp. 8-9 & 26 - 30
Content: #2
ASL Dialogue #1 (15%) Referential Framework
Analysis &
Application/Synthesis
6 Holiday – No Class N/A SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Kiss, Hug, and Poke Language & Culture notes
Oct. Two Points of View ASL at Work:
12 & Content: Review Units 1 - 5
14, Role Shift – Initiator’s and SNL III:
2020 Receiver’s View Unit 18 Role Shift Variations

COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 6

COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001
 Developing Own Narrative A-D, Pp.10-13.
Unit 18 Pp. 14 - 16
7 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Sharing Personal 5 Passing Objects Language & Culture notes
Oct.
19 &
21,
2020

COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 7

COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001
 Information Spilling Liquids ASL at Work:
Content: Falling Unit 6 Pp. 161 - 189
Practice Interview Skills in Injuries Mishaps SNL III:
ASL Kiss, Hug & Poke Unit 18 Pp. 14 - 30
Intralingual Skills Content:
Activities “Unforgettable Moments”:
Referential Framework
Analysis &
Application/Synthesis
ASL Comprehension #2
(10%)
8 Intercession Week - October 26 - October 30, 2020
9 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Where People Live 5 Tell about an Incident with a Language & Culture notes
Nov. Time and Activities Horse ASL at Work:
Content: Content: Unit 7 Pp. 191 - 220
2 & 4,
2020 Intralingual Skills Exercise 1: Horse Incidents Unit 8 Pp. 221 - 251
Activities & Narrative Sequence SNL III:
Referential Framework Unit 21 Pp. 72 - 82
Analysis &
Application/Synthesis
10 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Asking for Assistance 5 Tell about an Incident with a Language & Culture notes
Nov. Discussing Weather Bicycle ASL at Work:
9 & 11, Content: Tell about a Near Miss Unit 9 Pp. 253 - 281
2020 Intralingual Skills Content: Unit 10 Pp. 283 - 297
Activities Exercise #2 Bicycle SNL III:
Incidents Unit 21 Pp. 83 - 94.
Referential Framework
Analysis &
Application/Synthesis
11 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Schedules and Events 5 Tell about Getting a Ticket Language & Culture notes
Nov. Discussing Health Content: ASL at Work:
16 & Content: “Terrylene’s Moving Unit 11 Pp.. 317 - 346
18, Intralingual Skills Violation” Unit 12 Pp. 347 - 376
2020 Activities Referential Framework SNL III:
ASL Comprehension #3 Analysis & Unit 21 Pp. 95 - 101.
Application/Synthesis
12 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Locating Objects 5 Tell about a Two-Car Language & Culture notes
Nov. Hobbies and Interests Accident ASL at Work:
23 & Content: Tell about a Single-Car Unit 13 Pp. 377 - 399
25, Intralingual Skills Accident Unit 14 Pp. 401 - 430
2020 Activities Content: SNL III:
Referential Framework Unit 21 Pp. 102 - 116.
Analysis &
Application/Synthesis
13 ASL at Work: 1, 2, 3, & SNL III: 1, 4 & 5 Blackboard:
Spending Money 5 Tell about an Incident with a Language & Culture notes
Nov. Explaining Procedures Horse ASL at Work:
30 & Content: Tell about an Incident with a Unit 15 Pp. 431 - 462
Dec. 2, Intralingual Skills Bicycle Unit 16 Pp. 463 - 493
2020 Activities Tell about a Near Miss SNL III:
Tell about Getting a Ticket Units 18 & 21 - Review
Mock Presentation & Tell about a Two-Car
Feedback Session Accident

COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 8

COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001
 Tell about a Single-Car
REVIEW Accident
Content:
Referential Framework
Analysis &
Application/Synthesis

Mock Presentation &

Feedback Session

REVIEW

ASL Dialogue #2 (15%)

14 SNL III: 1, 3, 4, SNL III: 1, 3, 4, ASL at Work:
Unit 18 & 21 &5 Unit 18 & 21 &5 Unit 1 - 16
Dec. Content: Content: SNL III:
7 & 9, Narrative Presentation Narrative Presentation Units 18 & 21 - All
2020
15 SNL III: 1, 3, 4, SNL III: 1, 3, 4, ASL at Work:
Unit 18 & 21 &5 Unit 18 & 21 &5 Unit 1 - 16
Dec. Content: Content: SNL III:
14 & Narrative Narrative Presentation Units 18 & 21 - All
16, Presentation
2020 Website
Website

COURSE NAME: ​American Sign Language I PAGE: 9

COURSE CODE: ​BINT 1001