IN THIS COURSE, we’re going to learn how to ask and answer the question “HOW are YOU?” in American Sign Language (ASL). We'll also learn how to sign thirty (30) emotion vocabulary words. Then, we’ll get some hands on practice signing mini dialogues using “HOW are YOU?” "HOW are THEY?" "HOW is SHE?" etc and the vocabulary words.

*** This course is designed to INCLUDE complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. Previous ASL skills are welcome but NOT required.

THE TARGET SIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS ARE:

• Signing and recognizing personal pronouns in ASL

• Expanding vocabulary skills with thirty (30) emotions signs in ASL

• Vocabulary enrichment through hands on, step by step creation of each sign

• Creation and use of practical sentences and mini dialogues

IN THIS COURSE:

• Students will learn and practice using the following ASL personal pronouns: I/ME, YOU, HE/SHE/IT, WE/US, THEY/THEM, YOU (plural).

• Students will learn how to create and respond to the following questions: HOW am I? HOW are YOU? HOW is HE/SHE? HOW are WE? HOW are THEY? HOW are YOU (plural)?

• Students will learn and practice using thirty (30) emotion signs in ASL including: ANGRY, BAD, BORED, BUSY, COLD, CONFUSED, CRAZY, DEPRESSED, EMBARRASSED, EXCITED, FINE, FRUSTRATED, GOOD, HAPPY, HOT, HUNGRY, HURT, JEALOUS, MAD, OKAY, PROUD, SAD, SCARED, SHY, SICK, SO-SO, SURPRISED, TIRED, UPSET, and WORRIED.

• Students will learn how to combine the personal pronouns with the vocabulary words to form sentences and mini dialogues.

• Students will be tested on their ability to sign and recognize the material taught in the course.

AFTER TAKING THIS COURSE:

• Students will be confident using and understanding the ASL personal pronouns

• Students will have a larger vocabulary and understand the mechanics of each sign taught in the course

• Students will be able to create sentences using personal pronouns and emotion words in ASL

• Students will be able to participate in mini dialogues using the pronouns and vocabulary from the course

• Students will have thirty (30) different ways to answer the question "How are you?" in ASL

• Students will feel more confident as they continue their sign language studies

REQUIREMENTS:

• A desire to learn, improve, and be more confident your ASL skills

• A desire to enrich ASL vocabulary and communication skills

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone to access the study material

QUESTIONS:

What is the main focus of this course?

• This course focuses on combining personal pronouns and emotion vocabulary words to improve communication abilities in American Sign Language (ASL). It also focuses on vocabulary enrichment and practical usage of the pronouns and vocabulary learned during the course.

Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience with ASL before taking this class?

• No. This course is designed for complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL.

Will this course test me on what is taught?

• Yes. This course contains multiple sections of review and testing where you have the opportunity to demonstrate your signing and recognition skills in ASL.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

• Hello! My name is Michael. When I was three years old, my younger brother became sick with spinal meningitis. In the process, my brother became deaf with an almost complete hearing loss. This difficult situation provided a unique opportunity for my family and I to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Unlike some deaf children, my brother was not sent away to a deaf or hard of hearing school. He grew up with us, his hearing family, and we were active in the deaf community.

• As a police officer and federal investigator, I often used ASL to communicate with and interpret for witnesses, victims, and perpetrators. I decided to create ASL courses because it’s a useful and practical skill to have. Like learning any language, it opens your mind and creates the ability to communicate with a whole new group of people.