Chabot College
Fall 2010
Replaced Fall 2011
Course Outline for Sign Language 64
ASL BEGINNING SIGN LANGUAGE
Catalog Description:
64 - ASL Beginning Sign Language
3 units
Introduction to beginning communication skills through the language of sign, with emphasis on American
Sign Language (ASL). Introduction to an understanding of deafness and the deaf culture. Basic sign
vocabulary, the manual alphabet, and a contrast with various other sign systems used throughout the
United States. 3 hours
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
demonstrate a basic knowledge of ASL sign vocabulary;
demonstrate the manual alphabet;
demonstrate the basic knowledge of ASL grammatical structure;
demonstrate awareness and respect for the American Deaf Culture, American Deaf
Community, and American Sign Language through active interaction with deaf people .
Course Content:
1. Basic ASL sign vocabulary
2. ASL grammatical structure, including
a. sentence structure
b. time indicators
c. classifiers
d. yes/no and why questions
e. negatives
f. directional verbs
g. imperatives
3. 3. Manual alphabet
4. Components of ASL
5. Parameters of sign
6. Facial expression/body language
7. Visual language etiquette
8. Symbolic language related to deaf culture
a. cross cultural discussions
b. cultural exercises
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lectures, demonstrations, stories, dialogues, ASL games
Classroom practice
Audio-visual materials
Guest speakers
Field trips
Chabot College
Course Outline for Sign Language 64, Page 2
Fall 2010
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. attend one deaf cultural event
b. demonstrate two dialogues using culturally specific vocabulary
c. class dialogue assignments
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. exams/Quizzes
b. homework and Class Presentations
c. final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Learning American Sign Language Level I & II, Beginning & Intermediate, Tom Humphries, Pearson
Education, 2007
Special Student Materials:
None
dk 12/14/09
curriculum 0910