In ASL 1, students will be introduced to the basics of American Sign Language (ASL). The course will use total immersion without voice, meaning that students will learn to communicate in ASL without speaking. Students will be introduced to ASL grammar, facial expressions, basic fingerspelling, and numbers 1-100. Additionally, students will learn basic introductions, family signs, days of the week, daily activities, and how to identify and describe people.

The course also covers real-world spatial relations and signer's perspective, as well as techniques for improving eye-contact for effective communication in ASL. Students will engage in a variety of activities, including group discussions, presentations, and signing assignments.

Successful completion of ASL 1 satisfies the first year for the biliteracy seal.

This course satisfies 1 unit of the World Languages requirement at the University of California and California State University. ASL is a valuable language to learn for those interested in working with the Deaf community, in fields such as education, interpreting, and social work.

At a glance:

• ASL 1 is an introductory course that teaches the basics of American Sign Language using total immersion without voice.

• Students will engage in group discussions, presentations, and signing assignments to practice their skills.

• Successful completion of ASL 1 satisfies the first year for the biliteracy seal and fulfills 1 unit of the World Languages requirement at the University of California and California State University.

ASL 2 is an intermediate level course that builds on the foundation laid in ASL 1. This course is taught entirely in American Sign Language (ASL), with no voice used in class, to provide a total immersion experience for students to continue their assimilation of the Deaf world. The course focuses on the development of expressive and receptive skills in ASL at an intermediate level, covering topics such as descriptions, asking opinions, giving suggestions/advice, and declining invitations.

Students will also explore Deaf culture more deeply through readings, projects, and class discussions, gaining a better understanding of the values, beliefs, and practices of the Deaf community.

The course will continue to develop students' skills in ASL storytelling, grammar, facial expressions, vocabulary, fingerspelling, numbers, and use of classifiers, all at an intermediate level. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate more effectively in ASL and have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Deaf community and its culture.

At a glance:

• ASL 2 is an intermediate level course that builds on the foundation laid in ASL 1 and is taught entirely in ASL for total immersion.

• The course focuses on developing expressive and receptive skills at an intermediate level, covering a range of topics including descriptions, asking opinions, giving suggestions/advice, and declining invitations.

• Students will deepen their understanding of Deaf culture through readings, projects, and class discussions, while further developing their skills in ASL storytelling, grammar, facial expressions, vocabulary, fingerspelling, numbers, and use of classifiers.

ASL 3 is an advanced level course designed for students who have completed ASL 1 and ASL 2. This course will continue to focus on the immersion approach to language learning, with no voice in the classroom, allowing students to develop their fluency and improve their ASL skills.

Students will continue to expand their ASL vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, enabling them to perform narratives in ASL at an intermediate to advanced level. They will also learn how to utilize 3D space and signer’s perspective to give and receive directions, use classifiers, and tell stories in ASL. More complex number combinations and fingerspelling will also be developed through drills and everyday conversation.

The course will also explore Deaf culture through research, presentations, and class discussions, providing students with a deeper understanding of the language and its connection to the Deaf community. Students will continue to develop their understanding of Deaf culture and its history, values, and practices.

By the end of the course, students will have improved their ASL proficiency and acquired a greater understanding and appreciation of the Deaf community and its culture. Successful completion of this course can serve as a valuable credential for college admissions, scholarship applications, and employment opportunities, particularly in fields that require bilingual or multilingual skills.

At a glance:

• ASL 3 is an advanced course for students who have completed ASL 1 and 2, taught using total immersion to improve fluency and ASL skills.

• The course expands on vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, covering topics like 3D space, classifiers, and storytelling in ASL at an intermediate to advanced level.

• Deaf culture is explored through research, presentations, and discussions, offering students a deeper appreciation of the language and its connection to the Deaf community.

ASL 4 is an advanced course that builds on the material learned in previous years. The course continues to be taught in total immersion, providing students with the opportunity to be fully immersed in the Deaf world and communicate exclusively in ASL. Students will focus on using ASL in a more natural manner, with a greater emphasis on conversation, explaining complex ideas, and storytelling.

The course will cover advanced ASL grammar, vocabulary, facial expressions, and fingerspelling. Students will learn to describe a variety of features and match their signing to real-world scenarios. Enhancing both receptive and expressive skills will be a key focus of this class, along with giving clear instructions and explaining complex information.

In addition, the course will expand on students' knowledge of Deaf culture through hands-on assignments and readings. Students will have the opportunity to explore Deaf history, values, and customs in more depth. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of ASL and Deaf culture and be able to communicate effectively in ASL in a variety of contexts.

The course is designed for students who are passionate about ASL and want to develop a high level of proficiency in the language. Successful completion of ASL 4 will prepare students for advanced ASL courses at the college level, as well as provide a foundation for future careers in interpreting, Deaf education, or related fields. Completion of ASL 4 earns the Biliteracy seal that is an award granted by a school, district, organization or state in the United States of America, "In recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation".

At a glance:

• ASL 4 is an advanced course that builds on previous ASL courses, taught in total immersion to provide students with a complete Deaf world experience.

• The course focuses on developing natural ASL conversation, explaining complex ideas, and storytelling with an emphasis on advanced grammar, vocabulary, and facial expressions.

• Students will expand their knowledge of Deaf culture through hands-on assignments and readings, preparing them for advanced ASL courses at the college level and future careers in interpreting or Deaf education.

• Completion earns the Biliteracy seal that is an award granted by a school, district, organization or state in the United States of America, "In recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation".