Course Title: American Sign Language I

Mrs. DeSano
Room 509
E-Mail: christie.desano@oxfordschools.org

Instructional Philosophy
This class provides an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), the language of the Deaf/Hard of
Hearing. Areas of study will include: Vocabulary Development, Grammatical Features, Cultural
Awareness, and Conversational Fluency. These components will enable the students to develop visual
language skills. Discussion topics include historical information such as sign origin, variations, production,
and use of non-manual features. Students will compare and contrast Deaf and Hearing cultural
perspectives as well as master basic linguistic structures in English and American Sign Language.

Course Standards
The student will develop basic ASL skills through exposure to:
Sign vocabulary
Syntax of American Sign Language, manual alphabet and numbers
Conversation phrases, dialogues and videos
Deaf history and Deaf culture

Text/Resources (Teacher Provided)

Signing Naturally
Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos, and Cheri Smith

Master ASL!
Jason E Zinza

ASLdeafined.com
Materials
Spiral Notebook
2 Pocket folder

Classroom Expectations
1. Arrive on time and prepared to learn (proper materials and positive attitude)
2. Be polite and cooperative
3. Be kind to each other (harassment of any kind will not be tolerated)
4. No electronic devices (devices are stored in the charging station during lessons)
5. Respect the rights of others to express opinions and to learn
6. Be respectful at all times - voices off when requested
7. Treat all school property with respect

Projects/Major Assignments

Research Paper or Create Powerpoint on Deaf culture / person

Signed Recipe
Clothing Line
Day at the Zoo
Dream House
Weather/News Report (group)
Share deaf-related articles or current events in sign language
***All presentations must be given in front of the class***

Make-up presentations/Quizzes
Make-up presentations must be scheduled no more that 2 days after return to school. Quiz make-ups will
be given after school in a group setting. It is solely the student's responsibility to set up times for missed
quiz/presentation(s). If a student is unhappy with the grade they received on a presentation they may re-
present the material before the next class period. This should be done before or after school and must be
discussed with the instructor.

Classroom Rules and Conduct

All District and High School rules as listed in the Student Handbook will be observed and enforced.

Evaluation/Grading Procedure
Grades will be based on class work, participation, homework, quizzes, tests, classroom activities, group
discussions, and thematic projects.

Grade Weights
Participation / Classwork : 10%
Formative (Homework, In-class Conversations / Assignments): 30%
Summative (Tests, Quizzes, and Projects): 60%

Semester grade 85%

Final Exam: 15%