Master Syllabus ED1803, Beginning Sign Language

Credits 3 Lab Hours 0 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical Hours 0
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with basic skills in sign language. The student will become familiar with the history of signs, sign language principles, basic hand shapes, manual alphabet, and basic vocabulary. In addition, the student will gain a better understanding of the hearing impaired and an awareness of problems they face.

For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.

Program and/or Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Humanities and Social Sciences is to foster an appreciation of the role that the humanities and social sciences has played in the evolution of civilized society and to explore the ways that an understanding of theory and practice in philosophy, the social and behavioral sciences, the fine arts, and written and oral expression will enable students to participate thoughtfully in a global society.

Academic Year
AY2025-26
SCCC Outcomes

Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.

Course Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students will demonstrate knowledge of conceptually Accurate Signed English.

  1. Each test will be drawn from the appropriate lesson.
  2. If a student scores 70% (C) or higher on each of the ten tests, he/she will have proven mastery of the first outcome.
  3. Competency on the writing assignment will be attained by a student if he/she scores 70% (C) or better.
Course Outline
  1. Definitions of Hearing Impaired.
  2. Psychological and Emotional Problems Associated with Deafness.
  3. Schools, Equipment, and Technical Advances of the Deaf.
  4. History of Signing.
  5. Different Communication System.
  6. Sign Language Principles.
  7. Major Components of Signs.
  8. Signing Space.
  9. Alphabet.
  10. Numbers.
  11. Word Signs.
  12. Making Sentences.
  13. Conversation.
Instructional Methods
  1. Lecture and Demonstration.
  2. Small Group Activities.
  3. Role Playing.
  4. Individual and Group Presentations.
  5. Individual Projects.
  6. Audio/Visual.
Instructional Resources and Materials
  1. Audio-Visual Aids.
  2. Handouts.
  3. Textbooks.
  4. Signing Dictionary.
  5. Sign Games.
Methods of Assessment

Outcome 1.

  1. Students will be required to read their textbook and other assigned readings, and their comprehension, critical analysis, and ability to apply their new found knowledge will be measured by classroom discussion, classroom demonstrations and weekly tests.
  2. Students will be required to engage in receptive practice with other students in class, write a narration paper and take nine weekly tests

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Seward County Community College (SCCC) is committed to ensuring digital and physical accessibility for all students, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Justice Title II accessibility compliance deadlines, SCCC continues to enhance the accessibility of its instructional materials, technology, and online content.

SCCC utilizes tools to evaluate and improve the accessibility of digital course content and help the College reach its compliance goals.

If you need support or academic accommodations due to a documented disability, please contact the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or visit the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic Building, Room A149.

To promote equal access, SCCC strives to provide captions and transcripts for all course videos and multimedia materials. If you encounter any issues with captions, transcripts, or other accessibility features in this course, please notify your instructor immediately so the issue can be addressed and corrected as quickly as possible.

SCCC remains committed to creating a learning environment that ensures all students can fully participate in academic programs and college activities.