American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most expressive and distinct World Languages. In this introductory course, students will embark on an engaging journey to develop foundational proficiency in ASL, the most widely used sign language in the United States. In addition to language acquisition, students will explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
Students will engage in an investigative approach to study American Sign Language and Deaf culture through the following units:
- Greetings and Basic Conversations
- School and Hobbies
- Relationships
- Home
- Food
- Around Town
- Fun and Travel
Through a combination of carefully selected readings, visual recordings, and interactive activities, students will learn key skills in ASL including production, comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. To showcase their signing abilities, students will record and submit videos of themselves signing, which will also provide opportunities for peer collaboration and teacher feedback. Additionally, they will engage in formative and summative assessments in order to show progress and appropriate language proficiency.
Beyond language skills, this course offers a profound window into the perspectives, history, and culture of the Deaf community. Whether students have existing connections to Deaf culture or are completely new to it, this course will deepen their appreciation and understanding of this vibrant and dynamic community.
This course is guided by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language World Readiness (ACTFL) Standards and is designed to help students begin working towards proficiency in American Sign Language at the Novice level. In this standard-level course, students are expected to invest approximately 6 hours per week on their course work.
Course Essential Questions:
- How does the understanding of Deaf culture and its history influence meaningful interactions with the Deaf community?
- What strategies can be used to accurately communicate in sign language in various contexts?
- How do the unique structures of ASL grammar and vocabulary contribute to effective communication?
- How can nonverbal communication, including facial expressions and body language, enhance clarity and meaning in ASL?
Course Learning Objectives:
- Describe the people and the historical events that have shaped ASL and Deaf culture. (CEQ1)
- Compare and contrast cultural aspects and social norms of the Deaf community with the hearing community.
- Converse with others in ASL by demonstrating comprehension and the use of foundational vocabulary.
- Demonstrate an understanding of ASL linguistic markers to communicate clearly and accurately. (5 parameters, questions)
- Develop fluency in ASL at the novice level by applying basic linguistic and cultural elements to engage in effective communication.