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American Sign Language (ASL) 1 B Self-Paced

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 4 thematic units:

Unit 1: Home

Unit 2: Food

Unit 3: Around Town

Unit 4: 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.

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 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.

About the Self-Paced Course Model

Self-Paced courses are designed for students who need flexibility in their academic schedule. Teachers answer questions and interact with students in Private Topics, provide feedback on work, and host weekly office hours. Students work independently on course activities; the course does not include class discussion assignments or other collaborative work.

This course has start dates on each Wednesday throughout the year. Students must maintain enrollment for a minimum of 4 weeks and have up to 16 weeks to complete all assignments in the course. It is expected that students will work for approximately 90 hours to complete this course, though the amount of time may vary depending on a student’s work habits and comfort with the material.

Acknowledgements

  • Successful completion of American Sign Language 1 A.
  • I acknowledge that this is a self-paced course.
  • 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 Objectives

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 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.

Additional Requirements

  • Access to a computer with audio, microphone, and camera.
  • Sufficient bandwidth to support video uploads (up to 5 minutes).
  • Access to a device that will enable students to record and upload videos of themselves signing.
  • This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.