Students will learn a functional knowledge of basic ASL vocabulary and grammar using signs from common, everyday life situations.  Specifically, students will:
1. Build a basic vocabulary of signs in a broad range of common topics.
2. Gain a basic understanding of the grammatical structure of A.S.L.
3. Understand a brief history of American Sign Language and Deafness
4. Appreciate and understand fundamental practices of Deaf culture

Topics covered include:
1. Brief history of American Sign Language
2. Basic grammatical structure of A.S.L., 
3. Deaf cultural foundations
4. Basic A.S.L. vocabulary related to common conversational topics including:
      -Colors
      -Numbers
      -Animals
      -Emotions
      -Foods
      -Sports
      -Time

I have an A.S. degree in American Sign Language I received from American River College.  I worked with the Deaf community as the full-time Program Director at the Aspen Camp and School for the Deaf and have taught A.S.L. as a foreign language on the collegiate level at Union College for five years.

Homework Offered
When it comes to learning any language, the best way to learn is using it and practicing everyday.  For this class, students will be encouraged to practice each weeks vocabulary words and fingerspelling every day.  Online flash cards and quiz games will be available for students to practice.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Quizzes are given each class and charted for improvement over the course of the class.  The objective is not scoring points as much as it is to give practice and show improvement over the course of the class.  The instructor will evaluate each student every class period offering corrections and critique.
Grades Offered

There are no outside required sources, but students are invited to join a Google Classroom where they will have access to PDFs of all signs covered, links to videos and practice activities.  Students are welcome to use these resources both during and after the course completes.