American Sign Language
Instructor:
Claryce Cook
Description:
This course will be a basic introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, fingerspelling, and Deaf culture. Students will learn the alphabet, numbers, and common everyday signs. Students will learn to communicate with Deaf people using simple ASL sentences.
The instruction will vary each class period. We will learn basic ASL grammar, drill vocabulary words and fingerspelling, use games to reinforce learning, and tests will be given to evaluate the student’s comprehension and skills. By the end of the first semester, students will be expected to use ASL to communicate in class with the teacher and their peers.
ASL is a visual/gestural language with a rich culture and heritage. Students will be expected to participate in classroom activities and discussions held in English and in American Sign Language. Students will demonstrate a respect for the language, culture, and their fellow students as they begin to use ASL within the classroom setting. Attendance is ESSENTIAL for success and will be graded.
Students will be evaluated regularly through tests, exams, and class discussions. Students should have monitored access to the internet. This course receives one credit in foreign language.
Requirements:
Students will be required to memorize the alphabet, numbers, and vocabulary words in ASL. New vocabulary words will be introduced at the beginning of each unit. Vocabulary words are cumulative, and students will be expected to build their knowledge of the ASL material. Each week there will be homework that needs to be completed on GoReact. By the end of the first semester, students will be expected to use ASL to communicate in class with the Instructor and their peers. The students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their command of the language in front of their peers during assigned class time. A comprehensive exam will be given at the end of each semester. Each test and exam will have a mixture of expressive and receptive ASL. Throughout the school year there will be two books that the students will read to learn more about deaf culture. These review assignments are related to the books that will be assigned. Throughout the semester there will be different deaf individuals that will be guests in the class to give students the opportunity to interact with native language users, ask questions, and learn deaf culture from deaf individuals. At the end of the school year the students will be required to write a two-page Deaf Profile.
Prerequisites:
Students should possess a strong command of the English language.
Grades:
Bell Ringer Activities – 10%
Class participation – 10%
Homework Assignments – 30%
Tests – 20%
Semester exams – 30%
Late work will be accepted according to the MRA Late Homework policies outlined in the handbook.
Level of Parental Involvement
High School:
5 hours independently per day, 1 hour working with a parent per day
Texts:
“El Deafo” by Cece Bell
“Deaf Child Crossing” by Marlee Martin
Supplies:
½” 3 Ring Binder
Notebook Paper
Pencil
Mini White Board
GoReact Account* (provided for full time students)
Access to computer and internet for video review and practice
Access to a printer to print out any assignments needed
*Students should have an account with GoReact for homework assignments. Students will be given reading assignments from various sources provided by the instructor. Students will receive handouts periodically, provided by the instructor.
Other Requirements:
Students will be required to memorize the alphabet, numbers, and vocabulary words in ASL. New vocabulary words will be introduced at the beginning of each unit. Vocabulary words are cumulative, and students will be expected to build their knowledge of the ASL material. Each week there will be homework that needs to be completed on GoReact. By the end of the first semester, students will be expected to use ASL to communicate in class with the Instructor and their peers. The students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their command of the language in front of their peers during assigned class time. A comprehensive exam will be given at the end of each semester. Each test and exam will have a mixture of expressive and receptive ASL. Throughout the school year there will be two books that the students will read to learn more about deaf culture. These review assignments are related to the books that will be assigned. Throughout the semester there will be different deaf individuals that will be guests in the class to give students the opportunity to interact with native language users, ask questions, and learn deaf culture from deaf individuals. At the end of the school year the students will be required to write a two-page Deaf Profile.