This introductory course has been created to provide students with the basic skills and fundamentals needed to communicate with a Deaf community member at their comfort level. In this course, students will be educated on Deaf culture, Deaf history, and the language as a whole, and gain an understanding of American Sign Language. American Sign Language (ASL) is recognized as a natural language that utilizes visuals and gestures in its communication. As we know, language cannot be separated from its culture, and students will learn some information on Deaf culture ( how to gain a Deaf person’s attention, politically correct terminology, and behavioral norms/values). Students will also learn beginner ASL vocabulary and grammar, including the use of space, non-manual signals, and classifier usage. By the end of the course, students would have been taught over 500 signs and would be able to communicate with individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Teacher: Faith Moore