SYLLABUS

START ASL 1 ONLINE COURSE

Welcome to the Start ASL 1 course! We are so happy to have you as a student and we cannot wait to
support you through your ASL journey and throughout this course.

This course is an online independent study course supported by an instructor. All lessons, activities,
quizzes, and assignments take place in the online classroom here: Start ASL 1 Online. To be considered
a student of this class and receive the benefits herein, you must sign up for our official Online Course,
which can be found at https://online.startasl.com.

INSTRUCTOR EMAIL: [email protected]

COURSE OVERVIEW
The Start ASL 1 course aims to provide students with the ability to begin to acquire proficiency in
American Sign Language using a comprehensive, systematic approach. Developing spontaneous
communication competency will be heavily stressed through the direct experience method/natural
approach with some structured approaches for further reinforcements. Dialogue will be presented using
videos for which students are required to deduce itemized vocabulary and phrases from common
semantic groups and/or meaningful functions, situations, and contexts. Incorporated in this American Sign
Language course will be the study and exploration of Deaf Culture and the Deaf Community.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Attend Deaf cultural events to gain a deeper understanding of the culture/community
2. Include the cultural norms that are part of the initial meeting of a deaf person
3. Receptively and expressively sign ASL conversational phrases and basic greetings
4. Sign vocabulary related to animals, home and transportation, colors, time and routine, food and
drink, school and education, physical features and clothing, emotions and character traits, jobs
and careers, sports and music, friends and family.
5. Introduce classifier knowledge with basic handshapes
6. Expand phrases and conversational ASL related to describing people, emotions and character
traits, friends and family, questions and responses, classifiers
7. Introductory understanding of Deaf Culture and the Deaf Community
8. Learn how and when to use fingerspelling the manual alphabet
9. Learn terminology used within the Deaf Community
10. Receptively and expressively sign the following numbers: cardinal, ordinal, money, age, time,
fractions, and height
11. Research a topic related to Deaf Culture/Community
12. Understand ASL grammatical structure associated with wh-word questions, yes/no questions,
declarative sentences, pronouns, ASL parameters, negation, pronouns/indexing, verbs, topic +
comment structure, and word order variations
13. Understand the importance of non-manual markers and facial expression in ASL

COURSE COMPETENCIES
1. Acquire conversation skills
2. Ascertain handshapes of numbers
3. Assemble non-verb pairs
4. Construct WH Question expressions along with self-pronouns

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 5. Define movement and placement of classifiers in appropriate context
6. Demonstrate fingerspelling skills
7. Determine basic sentence structure using Modals
8. Determine sentence types
9. Develop awareness of Deaf Culture & the Deaf Community
10. Illustrate understanding of visual methods used in signing for personal pronouns in a specified
vocabulary list
11. Process directional/non-directional verbs
12. Summarize key signing concepts by set of queries

REQUIRED MATERIALS
TEXTBOOKS

Jay, Michelle. Don’t Just “Sign”… Communicate! A Student’s Guide to ASL and the
Deaf Community. 2011.

Jay, Michelle. Don’t Just “Sign”… Communicate! A Student’s Guide to Mastering

ASL Grammar. 2011.

WEBCAM

In all four course levels, you will be completing expression assignments by recording your signing. You
can use a standalone webcam or a built-in laptop/cellphone/tablet webcam.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
QUIZZES
There are quizzes throughout the course to practice what you have learned and test your knowledge. You
may take a quiz up to 5 times to improve your grade.

READING ASSIGNMENTS
This course includes Reading Assignments and Reading Assignment Quizzes using the texts listed
above.

DEAF EVENTS
Attending Deaf events is a very important part of learning ASL and practicing what you have learned. You
will be attending at least 3 Deaf events over the course of this class and writing one paper for each to
share your experiences.

RESEARCH PAPER

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You will be responsible for writing a research paper for this class. Papers must be more than 500 words
on an appropriate ASL or Deaf-related topic. Make sure to complete your Reading Assignments so that
you will know what an appropriate topic would be. For example, a topic about curing deafness would be
inappropriate. If you use any quotes or ideas from any resources, they must be cited at the end of your
paper. Papers will be checked for plagiarism and will result in a 0 grade if not cited properly.

EXAMS
This course includes both a Midterm and Final Exam where you will be tested on what you have learned
in the course. You may take each section of each exam up to 5 times to improve your grade.

EXPRESSIVE VIDEO MIDTERM AND FINAL

As part of the Midterm and Final Exams, you will be tested on your signing ability by submitting a video of
yourself signing an assignment.

We reserve the right to make any changes to accommodate class progress.

EXPECTATIONS FROM STUDENT

Since this is an independent study course, self-discipline is crucial for success. To get the most out of this
class, we recommend taking the time to truly learn and internalize each lesson. Do not rush through it.
This means that when you learn vocabulary, take advantage of our vocabulary study sheets to better
retain what you are learning. Try to get to the point where you can look at the list and know how to sign
every word without watching the videos before moving on. This also means that when you learn a certain
concept, strive to practice when away from your device. Find a study partner or someone with whom you
can regularly sign. Practice, practice, practice! That is the best way to truly learn this language, become
proficient, and move toward fluency.

GENERAL POLICIES
COURSE DOWNLOADS
If you have any downloads included with your course enrollment, be sure to visit your My Account page to
download your files.
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION
Be sure to only submit full and complete assignments to the best of your ability or your points may be
revoked and you may not be able to earn them again.
ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK
Instructor feedback is provided on all submitted Expressive Video Assignments. Please keep in mind that
assignments may take up to 7-10 business days to be reviewed.
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
To receive your completion certificate, you must pass all quizzes, assignments, exams, and the course
with at least a 70% grade. Be sure to download your completion certificate here before your course
access expires: Start ASL 1 Completion Certificate.
QUESTIONS FOR THE INSTRUCTOR
The best way to contact the instructor is to send an email to the instructor email shown above or use the
Instructor Chat feature within the course. Be sure to send your email from the email address you used to
sign up for the course. We’re happy to help!
RESEARCH PAPER POSTING
Student research papers are often posted on the website to share with other students. If you do not wish
to have your name published with your paper, please submit your paper with ANONYMOUS typed clearly
at the top of your paper.
COURSE SUBSCRIPTION
If you are subscribed to our monthly course subscription, please keep in mind that your subscription will
persist even after you complete the course. When you have completed the course and wish to cancel

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your subscription, you can do so by logging in and going to My Account > Subscriptions > View > Cancel.
If you are signed up for our year-access course, your subscription will automatically expire at the end of
the term and you will not be charged again.

LANGUAGE STANDARDS
WORLD LANGUAGE STANDARDS FOR CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WL.CM1.N Demonstrate understanding of the general meaning and some basic information on very
familiar common daily topics. Recognize memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences in authentic
texts that are spoken, written, or signed.

a. Receptively and expressively be able to fingerspell

b. Understand and be able to sign basic greetings

WL.CM2.N Participate in real-world, spoken, written, or signed conversations on very familiar topics. Use
memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences, and questions in highly predictable common daily
settings.

a. Receptively and expressively be able to engage in basic ASL conversation incorporating

basic grammar
b. Receptively and expressively be able to sign basic numbers
c. Receptively and expressively be able to engage and sign WH questions

WL.CM3.N Present information in culturally appropriate ways on very familiar common daily topics using
memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences through spoken, written, or signed language. Use the
most suitable media and technologies to present and publish.

a. Receptively and expressively be able to recognize and sign basic ASL phrases for
conversation
b. Incorporate technology to video yourself signing and understand teacher feedback
c. Gain an understanding of basic Deaf Cultural awareness

WL.CM4.N Recognize opportunities to use age-appropriate, culturally authentic, real-world, and

academic language in highly predictable common daily settings within target-language communities in the
United States and around the world.

a. Understand Deaf Cultural impact on society

b. Understand Deaf Culture views and experiences
c. Apply understandings of Deaf Culture to your life

WL.CM5.N Demonstrate understanding of words, phrases (signs and fingerspelling in ASL), and simple
sentences on very familiar common daily topics. Use orthography, phonology, ASL parameters, and very
basic sentence-level elements (morphology and/or syntax).

a. Understand the use of ASL parameters and be able to identify all 5 and write out samples
b. Be able to formulate ASL sentences using appropriate ASL grammar (ie: topic comment, rh
questions, etc.)
c. Receptively and expressively be able to sign basic conversations incorporating newly learned
vocabulary

WL.CM6.N Communicate about very familiar common daily topics using words and phrases (signs and
fingerspelling in ASL), and simple sentences. Use orthography, phonology or ASL parameters, and very
basic sentence-level elements (morphology and/or syntax).

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 a. Receptively and expressively communicate about topics known to you, incorporating newly
learned vocabulary and fingerspelling
b. Receptively and expressively communicate using ASL grammar in appropriate formation

WL.CM7.N Identify similarities and differences in the orthography, phonology, ASL parameters, and very
basic sentence-level elements (morphology and/or syntax) of the languages known.

a. Recognize and be able to produce non-manual markers

b. Recognize and be able to write basic ASL gloss

CULTURAL STANDARDS

WL.CL1.N Use age-appropriate gestures and expressions in very familiar, common daily settings.

a. Understand ASL non-manual markers and be able to produce appropriate expression and
gestures

WL.CL2.N Experience, recognize, and explore the relationships among typical age-appropriate target
cultures’ products, practices, and perspectives in culturally appropriate ways in very familiar common
daily settings.

a. Research and understand Deaf Culture events, topics and how they relate to Hearing Culture

WL.CL3.N Identify some similarities and differences among very familiar, common daily products,
practices, and perspectives in the mainstream cultures of the United States, the students’ own cultures,
and the target cultures.

a. Compare and contrast Deaf and Hearing Culture (values, beliefs and customs)

WL.CL4.N Identify cultural borrowings.

a. Understand Deaf Culture history and its impact

b. Understand ASL storytelling and its impact on Deaf Cultural traditions

CONNECTIONS TO OTHER DISCIPLINES

WL.CN1.N Acquire, exchange, and present information primarily in the target language about very
familiar common daily elements of life and age-appropriate academic content across disciplines.

a. Expressively communicate about daily life occurrences that apply to your current life (ie:
school day, transportation)

WL.CN2.N Recognize diverse perspectives and distinctive viewpoints on very familiar common daily
topics, primarily in the target language, from age-appropriate authentic materials from the target cultures.

a. Receptively and expressively be able to communicate simple personal opinions such as likes
and dislikes

COURSE STANDARDS FROM AMERICAN COUNCIL ON THE TEACHING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES (ACTFL)
Communicate in American Sign Language

Standard 1.1 Students engage in conversations and correspondence in American Sign Language to
provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.

Standard 1.2 Students comprehend and interpret live and recorded American Sign Language on a variety
of topics.

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Standard 1.3 Students present information, concepts, and ideas in American Sign Language to an
audience of viewers on a variety of topics.

Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Deaf Culture

Standard 2.1 Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and
perspectives of American Deaf culture.

Use American Sign Language to Connect with Other Disciplines & Acquire Information

Standard 3.1 Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through American Sign
Language.

Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture

Standard 4.1 Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of
American Sign Language and their own languages.

Use American Sign Language to Participate in Communities at Home and Around the World

Standard 5.1 Students use American Sign Language within and beyond the school setting.

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ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
Below you will find our course assignment schedule/checklist. Click on each lesson and assignment name to be
taken to those sections in the online classroom. The weeks that are shown are suggested to complete the course
within a college semester. To complete the course within a high school year, we recommend allotting two weeks to
complete each suggested week.

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WK UNIT LESSONS ASSIGNMENTS √
GRADE
1 Intro Introduction
To Do: Introduce Yourself
Assignment: Online Student
Community Group Reponses
Unit 1 Unit 1 Vocabulary – First Signs
Conversation 1.1
Fingerspelling Lesson
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.1
2 Unit 2 Unit 2 Vocabulary – Food & Drink
Cardinal Numbers 1-10 Lesson
Lexicalized Fingerspelling Lesson
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.1
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.2
3 Unit 3 Unit 3 Vocabulary – School & Education
Conversation 1.2
The Five Sign Parameters – Part 1 Lesson
Receptive Numbers and Vocabulary
Quiz 1.1
Receptive Numbers and
Fingerspelling Quiz 1.1
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.3
Deaf Event Assignment 1.1
Unit 4 Vocabulary - Animals, Home, &
4 Unit 4
Transportation
The Five Sign Parameters - Part 2 Lesson
Five Parameters Quiz
Expressive Fingerspelling Practice
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.2
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.4
5 Unit 5 Unit 5 Vocabulary - Colors, Time, & Routine
Conversation 1.3
Word Order Lesson
Cardinal Numbers 11-20 Lesson
Word Order Quiz
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.3
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.5
6 Midterm Receptive Midterm Exam
Receptive Comprehension Midterm
Exam
7 Expressive Midterm Exam
Research Paper

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8 Unit 6 Unit 6 Vocabulary - Sports & Music
Sentence Types: Questions Lesson
Sentence Types: Questions Quiz
Sentence Types: Declarative Sentences
Lesson
Sentence Types: Declaratives Quiz
Receptive Numbers and Vocabulary
Quiz 1.2
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.4
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.6
9 Unit 7 Unit 7 Vocabulary - Friends & Family
Conversation 1.4
Pronouns and Indexing Lesson
Pronouns and Indexing Quiz
Cardinal Numbers 21-30 Lesson
Receptive Numbers and Vocabulary
Quiz 1.3
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.5
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.7
Unit 8 Vocabulary - Physical Features &
10 Unit 8
Clothing
Classifiers Lesson (CL:1, CL:2, CL:3)
Classifiers Quiz 1.1
Cardinal Numbers: 2-Digit and Multiples of
10 & 11 Lesson
Receptive Numbers and Vocabulary
Quiz 1.4
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.6
Deaf Event Assignment 1.2
11 Unit 9 Unit 9 Vocabulary - Jobs & Careers
Conversation 1.5
Verbs Lesson
Verbs Quiz
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.7
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.8
Unit 10 Vocabulary - Emotions & Character
12 Unit 10
Traits
Classifiers Lesson (CL:4, CL:5)
Classifiers Quiz 1.2
Receptive Comprehension Quiz 1.1
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.8
13 Unit 11 Conversation 1.6
Identifying People Lesson
Identifying People Quiz
Cardinal Numbers: Numbers 100 and
Above
Receptive Numbers and Vocabulary
Quiz 1.5
Deaf Event Assignment 1.3
14 Unit 12 Unit 12 Vocabulary - Advanced Numbers

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 More Numbers Lesson
Number Types Quiz
Receptive Fingerspelling Quiz 1.9
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.9
15 Final Receptive Final Exam
Receptive Comprehension Final
Exam
Receptive Classifiers Comprehension
Final Exam
Expressive Final Exam
Reading Assignment Quiz 1.10

FINAL GRADE:

This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time.

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