American Sign Language (ASL) Courses
Why Study Sign Language
American Sign Language, ASL, has its roots in the Deaf Culture. From the beginning of Level I through the final exam of Level III, ASL is taught at ODA with utmost respect for the Deaf Community.
ASL follows its own set of grammatical rules which distinguishes it from English, and gives it the status among many colleges as a foreign language. The mastery of this language lends itself to a variety of occupational opportunities; i.e., professional interpreting in educational, legal, medical, or technical settings; teaching or administrative positions in a residential school for the Deaf; or,teaching in public school settings with Deaf Education programs. Competent signing skills are highly valuable for special education teachers, speech pathologists, and audiologists.
Students who study and practice this language develop their own unique way of communicating information and concepts through visual gestures and facial expressions. The greatest reward, by far, is the confidence and joy the students experience when they are able to communicate with the Deaf.
Conversational ASL 1
Suggested Age:
8-10
This elementary level course introduces class students to the basic building blocks of American Sign Language such as finger-spelling, numbers, colors, family signs, and short conversations. Games, activities and class discussions re-enforce weekly lessons and add an element of fun while learning! Practicing at home is essential for success in the class.
ASL 2
Suggested Age:
15-18
The ASL 2 course is designed for one full high school foreign language credit. This intermediate ASL course builds on the foundations learned in ASL 1, designed for students aged 15-18 who have completed ASL 1 with a grade of “C” or higher or have instructor approval. The focus moves beyond basic “Social Survival” skills to more advanced communication, allowing students to share information, feelings, and ideas more effectively in American Sign Language.
Weekly classes include new vocabulary, grammar, culture education, group and partner work, translation instruction, quizzes and homework. Also at this level students will practice with translating selections from books, poems, or songs, and attend a at community event. Attendance, participation and completion of homework and lab work is essential for success in this class.
The Final grade for this class is compromised of Exams/Presentations, Quizzes, Homework, Class Participation and Lab work.
Key Learning Points:
Expand receptive and expressive ASL skills with more complex grammar and vocabulary
Deepen understanding of Deaf culture and history
Important Notes:
Consistent daily practice and review are essential as new vocabulary is introduced weekly. Internet access is required for completing online lab assignments. This class is taught using both ASL and spoken English to facilitate learning in a one day a week class structure.
Conversational ASL 2
Suggested Age:
11-13
This middle school level course introduces students to the fundamental building blocks of American Sign Language. Basic ASL grammar, vocabulary and/or culture awareness are introduced weekly in their lessons and homework.
Practicing at home and completion of weekly homework is essential for success in the class, as there will be new vocabulary weekly.
ASL 3
Suggested Age:
16+
Purpose
This class will consist of lessons and conversational practice. Some lessons will cover comparing types of signing systems, ASL Idioms, interpreting unique English concepts, dialects, and current issues in the Deaf Community. A portion of class will be devoted to teacher-directed conversation in ASL. Students will share ideas on topics which are intended to spark interesting discussions.
This course is designed for one full high school foreign language credit. Each class includes review, direct lessons, group and individual practice, and presentations by students.
Assignments include: learning vocabulary and phrases, translating selections of books, poems or songs, and attendance at a community event.
Daily practice and viewing assigned internet videos are essential for success in the class.
ASL 1
Suggested Age:
13/14-18
The ASL 1 course is designed for one full high school foreign language credit. This beginner-level ASL course introduces students to the grammar, vocabulary, and the history of American Sign Language, highlighting how it differs from spoken languages. Designed for students aged 13/14-18, the class develops both receptive and expressive signing skills through a variety of interactive activities.
Weekly classes include new vocabulary, grammar, culture education, group and partner work, translation instruction, quizzes and homework. Attendance, participation and completion of homework and lab work is essential for success in this class.
The Final grade for this class is compromised of Exams/Presentations, Quizzes, Homework, Class Participation and Lab work.
Key Learning Points:
Master foundational ASL grammar and vocabulary
Understand ASL’s unique structure and cultural context
Build practical communication skills through immersive practice
Important Notes:
Daily practice is essential for mastery, with new vocabulary introduced weekly. Internet access is required to complete online lab assignments. This class is taught using both ASL and spoken English to facilitate learning in a one day a week class structure.