ASL 110 Syllabus

Course Syllabus:  ASL 110 MW 530-720p D105

DR. KEITH GAMACHE JR (KJ)

KJ is Deaf of Deaf parents, a native Californian, and well traveled through the states.  He has taught ASL/Deaf Studies/Interpreting for more than 20 years.  He is actively engaged not only in teaching but new research, giving presentations at various conferences.  In his leisure time, he likes to go outdoors (hiking, camping, swimming), reading various books, and watching either football games in season or certain shows on Netflix.  

Course Description: 

This entry level course is designed to introduce students to American Sign Language (ASL) and fingerspelling as it is used within American Deaf culture. Instruction includes preparation for visual/gestural communication followed by intensive work on comprehension through receptive language skills, development of basic conversational skills, modeling of grammatical structures, and general information about American Deaf culture. Sign Language 110 is equivalent to two years of high school ASL.  Students are required to attend at least one off campus event.

Textbook Information: 

1. Signing Naturally: Student Workbook, Units 1 - 6 with DVD by Cheri Smith/Ella Mae Lentz/Ken Mikos. 2008.
2. The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language by Clayton Valli, Editor in Chief. 2005. Gallaudet University Press. ISBN: 1-56368-282-6.
3. A Sign of Respect, Part One. Thomas Holcomb. treehousevideo.com Eye2Eye Productions.   2017.
4. 3 scantrons 882-E (green 4” x 11”)

Student Learning Objectives: 

• To use American Sign Language vocabulary, grammar, syntax and morphology to express and receive information about yourself, your family, surroundings and activities.
• To develop beginning awareness of the unique cultural aspects of the American Deaf Community as it relates to greeting, attention getting and conversational behaviors.
• To participate in a conversation with two or more other signers demonstrating the ability to incorporate the linguistic structures learned during the course.