Austin Community College
Introduction to the Deaf Community in America

Summer 2003 May 27-July 2
Course Syllabus

COURSE:                   SLNG 1317                                     SECTION: 001
CLASSROOM:          RGC 111
LECTURE HOURS:  T/TH 8:00 am-12:00 pm
PROFESSOR:            BYRON BRIDGES                         PHONE: 223-3205 voice, 223-3052 TTY
OFFICE:                     201.4                                               EMAIL:  bbridges@austincc.edu           
OFFICE HOURS:      M-Th 2-3 PM                                  RELAY TEXAS: 711

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

SLNG 1317 INTRODUCTION TO THE DEAF COMMUNITY (3-3-0). An overview of the physical, educational, social, and cultural implications of deafness and hearing loss within the context of the individual's personal life, family, and community in today's multicultural world. Emphasis on current educational and vocational programs, legislation, technology, and other issues. (HSR 1183)

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.      Define culture and discuss Deaf community in general terms.

2.      Define oppression in the Hearing/Deaf community.

3.      Discuss ten values commonly held by culturally Deaf individuals.

4.      Identify five Deaf community personalities and/or events and organizations important to Deaf history
   and heritage in North America.

5.      List five issues currently controversial among members of the Deaf community.

 

LEARNING PLAN

1.      Review materials from the videotape/materials on culture and oppression, etc.

2.      Read text recommended.  Take notes of main points and if possible, meet with another student to discuss       what you have read.  This could also happen on email if you couldn’t physically get together.

3.      View each video in sections.  If studying with a partner of study group, discuss the main points of that        section.  If studying alone, write down a list of main points.

4.      Continue to view each section, note/discuss main points and any exercises on tape.

5.      Meet with another student and discuss what you now know about the course objectives.  Could you         explain/answer each of the objectives?

6.      Based on your notes, answer the following questions either in English.

***If at any point you are confused or unsure, please see me.***

 

INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCES:

Please make an appointment to meet with me before or after class. 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Textbook: Mindess, Anna    Reading Between the Signs 1999 Intercultural Press

Assigned reading to be given in class

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT:

Students are required to attend two (2) Deaf social/cultural activities or functions/events and type an observation report. Bring proof of attendance stapled to the report: a ticket, program book, receipt, or two names/signatures from the Deaf people in attendance. No children please.

No papers will be on/about a Deaf family members, a date with a Deaf/deaf friend, church experience, open captioned movies, or anything of that nature.  If you are uncertain, ask for permission.  The report must be neatly type or word-processed, double-spaced, and stapled.  The length should be from 1-1/2 to 2-pages in 12-point font with standard 1” margins on the sides and 1.5” margins on the top and bottom.

SCHEDULE OF STUDY:

The professor will provide students with weekly study guides.

GRADING SYSTEM:

The assignments will be weighted as follows:

            1. Quiz                                                 20%

            2. Midterm:                                          20%

            3. Final                                                 20%

            4. Participation and attendance              30%

            3. Deaf community report                     10%

 

INSTRUCTOR EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT:

1.  More than 3 unexcused absences for class meetings 4 times a week will automatically result in a lower grade than earned.  It is your responsibility to attend class regularly and arrive on time.  I will not negotiate excuses after the fact.  If you know you will be absent from a class, please exercise good judgement about bringing this to my attention.  The professor will conduct a roll call in every class.

2.  Please complete all assigned reading, reports and other class assignments at designated time requirements.  No late homework assignments will be accepted.  In addition, we will not have to negotiate excuses.

3.  There will be no make-up quizzes/tests unless you have extenuating circumstances and have made arrangements with your professor.

4.  Take all written tests at designated times during the course.

5.  All written assignments are to be typed or word-processed.  All references must be properly cited in the text and full bibliographic information and must follow at the end of the written assignment.  In addition, all written work must be carefully proofread and edited for content, style, register, mechanics, dictation and punctuation.

Deaf Event/community reports

Papers are due on or before June 23, 2003.  Earlier papers are always appreciated!  No papers will be accepted after the deadline.  Student will participate in two (2) social/cultural activities and write two separate two-pages papers on their experiences. Bring proof stapled to the report; a ticket, program book, receipt OR three names/signatures from the Deaf people in attendance. No paper will be about a deaf family member, a church service, an interpreted play (with interpreters), a date with a deaf friend, or anything of that nature. If you are unsure, ASK your instructor.  The format requirements for the completed papers are 2-pages, double-spaced, typed, one-inch margin on each side of white unlined paper and font to be Courier, Times or Arial (size 12) and stapled.  The papers must include and answer each of the following questions: Not following any of the instruction will result a lower grade.  Your observation papers should incorporate all of questions:

The goal of these assignments is to discover your own thoughts, opinions or questions. Be sure to include the information below.

·        Name, location, date, and a brief explanation of the event.

·        In various events you will sign with Deaf people.  How do you feel about your receptive and expressive skills? 

·        Were there any communication barriers?  If so, how did they react?  Did they try to work around it to solve the barrier?  Did they start using lip/speech reading and oral methods with you?

·        What things did you find in the behavior that seemed to belong to deaf culture?  How did you determine that?

·        Did you find your social exchange or interaction with them good/bad experience?  Please comment.   

·        What information gave you new insight or understanding about Deaf people, their community and/or their culture as well as about yourself and your perception of them?

If you own pagers, beepers or cell phones, please turn them off. 

You must pick up a copy of the student handbook at the RGC counseling office in room 156.

DEFINITION AND CONSEQUENCES OF CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Refer to the student handbook pages 30-36. 

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Refer to the student handbook pages 32-33

ACC POLICY ON CHILDREN IN CLASS

Refer to the student handbook page 27

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations:

Refer to the student handbook page12.  Please let me know in writing how I can make my class accommodative for you.

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Date:   _________________________

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