American Sign Language (ASL) is a powerful language that connects the Deaf and hearing communities by fostering understanding and inclusivity. Learning ASL equips students with essential skills to confidently interact with the Deaf community and embrace a rich, visual language. 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.
In this course, students will explore 7 thematic units:
Unit 1: Greetings and Basic Conversations
Unit 2: School and Hobbies
Unit 3: Relationships
Unit 4: Home
Unit 5: Food
Unit 6: Around Town
Unit 7: Fun and Travel
Through a combination of carefully selected readings, videos, and interactive activities, students will learn basic vocabulary signs and fundamental grammar using facial expressions and body language to develop both expressive skills (ability to sign accurately and effectively) and receptive skills (comprehension of sign language). Students will also learn how to translate signs into ASL gloss. To practice and demonstrate their signing abilities, students will record and submit videos of themselves signing, providing opportunities for peer collaboration and teacher feedback.
Beyond language skills, this course offers a profound window into the perspectives, history, and culture of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 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. Throughout the course students will explore ASL language and culture by engaging in vibrant discussions and researching ASL topics of choice, as well as completing regular formative and summative assessments in order to gauge progress and demonstrate appropriate language proficiency.
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.
This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.
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.
- 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.
- Develop fluency in ASL at the novice level by applying basic linguistic and cultural elements to engage in effective communication.