ASL 1 - American Sign Language I

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

4.00

• Lecture: 68.00 Contact hours/136.00 Out of class hours/204.00 Total hours/4.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 68.00 Contact hours/136.00 Out of class hours/204.00 Total hours/4.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is the first of a two part introductory course in American Sign Language (ASL) as it is used within Deaf culture. Topics include basic linguistic structures, facial grammar and fingerspelling as it is used at the novice level. Emphasis is placed on the development of ASL and receptive skills. Students who have completed at least one year of high school ASL with a letter grade of "A" or "B" within one year of the present date, may upon approval of instructor, register for ASL II.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Comprehend and expressively use basic ASL vocabulary as it is used in conversations.
2. Comprehend and expressively use basic fingerspelling and numbers.
3. Demonstrate basic aspects of narrative structure, both receptive and expressive, through storytelling.
4. Demonstrate correct facial grammar for WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW MUCH, YES/NO, topic, comment, and contrastive structure in conversations.
5. Demonstrate appropriate behaviors, showing awareness for the Deaf culture. Examples are turn-taking, negotiating a signing environment, and making connections.
6. Describe cultural topics such as Deaf humor, Deaf artists, Deaf poets, Deaf folklore, Deaf values and ideals.
7. Explain general topics in Deaf culture including Deaf education, oppression by majority culture, and Deaf children of Deaf adults compared and contrasted with Deaf children of Hearing adults.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Class Activities
2. Discussion
3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
4. Lecture
5. Multimedia Presentations
6. The class will be conducted in ASL and written English

1. Quizzes
2. Demonstration
3. Class participation
4. Final Examination
5. Written Assignments
6. Practical Evaluations
7. Short papers
8. Video-taped expressive and receptive skill demonstrations

Reading Assignments

1. Read the article on Regina Olson Hughes in your textbook. Write a summary and reflection discussing the main points of the article.
2. Read the Chapter, “The Promise of a Culture” from Inside Deaf Culture. Write a two page informal essay in which you identify and comment on specific cultural traits and discuss the main ideas of the article.

Writing Assignments

1. Write a one page response to the lesson on Deaf cultural etiquette. Evaluate and discuss how Deaf Cultural etiquette is reflected in the previous articles we have read and how it differs from your own cultural etiquette.
2. Complete the textbook homework exercises on ordinal numbers and spatial agreement with your signing partner. Write a one page description of the challenges you found in this communication.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Watch ASL conversations 1 and 2 from the Unit 2 DVD. Review the vocabulary. Practice the new signs presented.
2. Prepare a signed presentation incorporating vocabulary and grammar from the Deaf folktale, "Timber".

Smith, Lentz, and Mikos. (2008). Signing Naturally. Student Workbook. Units 1-6. Dawn Sign Press, 1st. 9781581212105.

Stewart, David A., Stewart, Jennifer. (2021). Barron's American Sign Language A Comprehensive Guide to ASL 1 and 2 with Online Video Practice. Barron’s Educational Services, 1st. 9781506263823.

TRUE+WAY. (2023). ASL Student eWorkbook: Level 1 (Unit 1-6). TRUE+WAY. Virtual platform.

Sign Language, American

Sign Language/Eng Interpreting