American Sign Language 1 Tues

Teacher: Teresa Hatten Date/Time: Tuesday - 10:45 AM to 12:15 PM Room: 255/257 Department: Foreign Languages Grade Level: High School (9th-12th) Maximum Enrollment: 8

American Sign Language 1 (ASL1)

Minimum students:  4

American Sign Language ( ASL) will be open and available to grade levels 8th through 12th.

Course Description:  In this course, the student will be introduced to the basics of ASL.  The focus will be on visual acuity, physical dexterity in accurately producing and understanding signs demonstrated, fingerspelling and numbers, everyday vocabulary, building grammatical structures in conversational fluency in ASL while helping the student to develop an appreciation of Deaf culture.

Though this course may appear simple, it will be a challenge for the student.  The class is designed for students to receive personalized attention as well as allow for the group to work in a team-like atmosphere.  The student will be encouraged to use ASL in the classroom and interact with the deaf community.  Voice in the classroom will be minimal.  This approach which immerses the student in the language is the best way to become comfortable in the language, retain what has been learned and improve both receptive and expressive skills.  The student will learn to sign in context using the text book in the classroom and outside the classroom.  This course will include an opportunity for interaction with the DEAF Community. The Atlanta Area School for the Deaf in the Clarkston community area hosts an Annual Fall Festival event which is always the first weekend in November.  ASL students are expected to attend!  The student will receive a grade for their attendance and interaction there.

Course textbook:  A Basic Course in American Sign Language, by Tom Humphries, Carol Padden and Terrence J. O'Rourke (Illustrated by Frank A. Paul)

Grades: Grades will be based on Homework (includes Deaf events), Quizzes, Class Participation, Attendance and Exams (Mid-Term & Final).  Grades will be posted in Gradebook.

Course Tuition:  $625 if paid before the first day of class or $315 per semester.  The first semester payment is due on or before the first day of class and the second payment is due the day the Spring semester begins.  If additional siblings are enrolled in ASL classes, please ask about a sibling discount.  There is also a One-Time Supply/Activity fee of $45 dollars, due on or before the first day of class.  Enrollment in this course is for the entire school year.  By enrolling in this course you are committing for a complete year of study and full payment of tuition.  Understandably, there may be exceptions.  If for some reason the student cannot continue the class, in such cases parents should contact me to discuss a possible prorated refund.

" Relax and Have Fun! "