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.
ASL: Conversational 2
Suggested Age:
10-12
This course is a continuation from ASL Coversational 1. It further introduces students to the basic building blocks of American Sign Language such as finger-spelling, numbers, colors, family signs, and short conversations.
Practicing at home is essential for success in the class, as there will be new vocabulary weekly.
American Sign Language 2
Suggested Age:
15-18
Purpose
In this course, students continue learning the fundamentals of American Sign Language. This class moves from “Social Survival” skills, to sharing information, feelings, and ideas. Students improve their receptive and expressive skills as they continue learning more vocabulary, grammar, and knowledge of Deaf Culture/history.
This course is designed for one full high school foreign language credit. Each 90 minute class includes review, direct lessons using the textbook and other materials, group and individual practice, and occasional presentations by students.
Assignments include: learning vocabulary and phrases, writing/translating phrases, translating selections of books, poems or songs, and attendance at a community event.
Daily practice and review is essential for success in the class, as there will be new vocabulary weekly and frequent assignments. Access to the internet is necessary to complete assignments.
ASL: Conversational 1
Suggested Age:
10-12 (or see instructor)
Purpose
The course introduces students to the basic building blocks of American Sign Language such as finger-spelling, numbers, colors, family signs, and short conversations.
Practicing at home is essential for success in the class, as there will be new vocabulary weekly.
American Sign Language 3
Suggested Age:
16-18
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 90 minute 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.
American Sign Language 1
Suggested Age:
13-18
Purpose
The course introduces students to the grammar, vocabulary and history of ASL, and how it differs from spoken languages. Students will engage in a variety of signed situations intended to develop receptive and expressive skills. This class is taught using ASL and spoken English.
This course is designed for one full high school foreign language credit. Each 90 minute class includes review, direct lessons using the textbook and other materials, group and individual practice, and occasional presentations by students. Assignments include, but are not limited to, learning vocabulary and phrases, writing/translating phrases, and attendance at a community event. Daily practice is essential for success in the class, as there will be new vocabulary weekly and frequent assignments. Access to the internet is necessary to complete assignments.