Foreign Language

American Sign Language 1 (ASL 1) introduces students to this visual/gestural language and the community of people that use it. Students learn the vocabulary, grammar, and culturally-appropriate use of ASL through natural, everyday conversational situations.  This course encourages small and large group activities using exercises meaningfully related to conversational topics. Since ASL is a visual/gestural language, students develop communication skills using hands, face, body, eyes, and space. In order to progress, it is important that students become comfortable using their bodies and “listening” with their eyes. In addition, students are introduced to a core vocabulary, fundamental grammatical components as well as sentence structures, and brief historical perspectives of ASL.

In this course, the student builds on basic knowledge of grammatical constructs, rules, and functions learned in American Sign Language 1. Assignments incorporate usage, responses, expressive assignments, translations, and application in classroom conversation. Concepts covered include vocabulary, fingers, spelling, numbers, expressive and receptive signing activities, as well as a more-detailed history of ASL. Students also become knowledgeable about aspects of Deaf Culture. ASL 2 is designed to give students a solid foundation for signed communication. Students engage in conversation, provide and obtain information, express feelings & emotions, and exchange opinions utilizing ASL.

Spanish 1 introduces the basics of conversational and written Spanish. Students will learn greetings, basic questions, time, important descriptive words, and phrases as well as the use of verbs in the present tense. Emphasis is placed on comprehension and application rather than on specific grammatical rules.

As in any new language, vocabulary development and the ability to make oneself understood are critical. Consequently, in Spanish 1 students will focus upon building a vocabulary base that they can carry on and use as a means to communicate effectively. In addition to learning a new language, they will explore the history and culture of the various Spanish speaking countries and culture through projects, trips, presentations, videos and music.

Spanish 2 continues with the introduction of basic conversational and written Spanish. Students review greetings, basic questions, time, important descriptive words and phrases. Importantly, emphasis is placed on comprehension and application rather than on specific grammatical rules. As in any new language, vocabulary development and the ability to make oneself understood are critical. Consequently, students will develop their own catalog of words, phrases and rules of usage. Because new language development is dependent on experience and practice, students will participate in a variety of interactive activities which simulate real-life language use such as a trip to the grocery store, ordering a meal at a restaurant, asking for directions, and meeting new people. Moreover, in addition to homework, students will be expected to develop a routine of practicing Spanish outside of the classroom. Lastly, students will be exposed to Latin American culture through projects, trips, presentations, videos and music.

Spanish 3 expands upon 2 years of basic conversational and written Spanish. Students will practice and review the vocabulary taught, while learning how to give more descriptive details and use proper verb conjugation in the past, present and future.  Students will develop an extensive catalog of words, phrases and rules of usage. Upon completion of the class it is anticipated that a student will be able to carry on and understand a basic conversation with less hesitation. As with all foreign language instruction, emphasis is placed on comprehension, application and vocabulary development.