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SIGN 101 - American Sign Language 1 - Wendy Wiewel

Course:American Sign Language 1
Professor:Wendy Wiewel
Email:wendy.wiewel@canyons.edu
Format:
  • InPerson
Course Length:
  • 5 Week

Introduction

Summer 2023

I have been teaching American Sign Language 1 (SIGN 101) since 2015 at College of the Canyons. I’ve also been teaching Deaf Preschool/TK/Kindergarten students since 1999. I do have some hearing students in my TK/Kindergarten class. They have either Deaf siblings or Deaf parents. I love having hearing students in my class so they can sign to communicate with their Deaf siblings at home. I am Deaf and I grew up with a family who do not sign which is why having hearing students in my class is so important to me. When I first started teaching ASL/SIGN 101 at College of the Canyons, I realized how passionate I am teaching my hearing students ASL just as much as I love having my hearing TK/Kindergarten students in my class.

Course Description

A fundamental study of American Sign Language (ASL) whereby students develop expressive and receptive language skills through the learning of basic vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural awareness.

What to Expect in this Course

Throughout this summer session, you will be asked to do your assignments online on both Canvas and GoReact. You will also be assigned other assignments such as two essays, storytelling presentation and interview. These assignments will be assigned on Canvas in the Announcements. Please read the Announcements on the day of your classes: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please pay attention to the due dates. Turn in all of your assignments on time.

This class meets in person beginning Monday, June 5th through Thursday, July 6th. This class will require an average of 16 hours per week: reading materials, watching videos, doing assignments on both Canvas & GoReact, completing quizzes, exams, doing projects such as storytelling

Types of Assessments

Students are required to regularly participate in class. They will be asked to answer questions. Students are required to work on their assignments, participate in some discussion groups, and watch some online lectures & films on Canvas. Students will be assigned to do their video assignments, quizzes and exams on GoReact.

Textbook Information

The required book for the semester is:
Smith, C., Lentz, E., and Mikos, K. Signing Naturally: Student Workbook & DVD, Units 1-6 Dawn Sign Press, 2008.

ISBN: 978-1581212105

To order your textbook, you can either follow the link in your MyCanyons account under the Admissions and Records Tab or you can order directly through this website coc.bncollege.com (click on the “Textbooks”). They offer free shipping.
Why is your textbook required? This curriculum parallels what we know about language development and second language learning. We focus on introducing language in context and reinforcing what is learned by engaging you into various interactive activities. A conversational curriculum requires you to be an active learner. You need to come prepared to sign with me and other classmates. Our classes are conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) from the very first day. You are immersed in the language for at least 4 hours a week to maximize your language learning. I will use gestures, signs, drawings, and act out situations to get the point across and your job is to keep trying. This may sound daunting at first, but trust me, it works!

Other Relevant Course Information

Let me know if you have any additional questions about the class. Please do not hesitate to email me at wendy.wiewel@canyons.edu


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 05/01/2023 Sub#: 1412