COURSE SYLLABUS
Basic American Sign Language (ASL 1)
Instructor: Byron Caldwell, CI CT Email: [email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this course is to enable students to begin to acquire proficiency in American Sign Language through a linguistic, communicative and cultural approach. Emphasis is placed on the development of receptive and expressive signing skills. An exposure to the deaf and hard of hearing culture will be presented to students through video encounters.
MATERIAL NEEDED
Students will receive all documents, vocabulary list and other material needed for the course via the instructor each week prior to the class.
COURSE CONTENT
The course content includes but not limited to the following:
* Conversational expression of feelings, ideas, and opinions in American Sign Language
* Comprehension of American Sign Language signed presentation of information and ideas
* Social interaction patterns within the Deaf culture
* Communication patterns of American Sign Language
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After successfully completing this course, the student will:
1. Engage in conversations in American Sign Language to express feelings, Ideas and exchange opinions.
2. Demonstrate and understand expressive American Sign Language on a variety of topics.
3. Present information and ideas to an audience through expressive American Sign Language.
4. Demonstrate understanding of social interaction patterns within American Sign Language and Deaf culture.
Course Reviews
I spent the majority of my 60 plus years in the deaf community, about half with deaf church groups and remainder in higher education environments. I was too lazy to become proficient in sign until now and was fortunate to find Byron on Facebook. I know enough from my years in the deaf community to say his sign and teaching skills are exceptional. Becoming proficient is actually fun under his tutelage and I look forward to every class. Thanks, Byron!
- Phil Potter
If you ever wanted to learn ASL, be able to begin communicating with the deaf community, or gain confidence in your signing ability, I highly recommend you take one of Byron’s classes! I appreciate Byron’s approach to his presentation, reviewing the material at the beginning of each lesson, and his passion for ASL. Don’t wait..... enroll in ASL 1 class NOW!
- Tommy Duncan
I have just completed the class ASL 1 and this was a very good class. His instructions are good and it is easy to learn. It is quite amazing how much we can communicate now just after eight lessons. I am looking forward to being able to continue studying and learning ASL.
- Sandra Freeman
I’ve just finished ASL 1 in Byron’s class. I’ve been learning ASL for awhile and loved his explanation as he taught. I continue to learn more in each class. He made learning it fun and with no pressure. Always answering any questions we had. Loved the group I was part in and can’t wait for ASL 2. Thanks Byron for all you do!
- Sherry Kennedy
When I first came across Byron doing a song on Facebook I was in awe. You could tell it came from his heart and when he signs you know it’s his passion. I’m totally enjoying his ASL classes and taking them in my easy chair at home is an extra perk. I highly recommend this class for anyone!
- Brenda Alanen
Your Instructor
Byron Caldwell is from Gilbert, Louisiana and currently lives in a small town in southern Arkansas. He is currently active in the Deaf community and interpreters for social, community and special settings. Byron has deaf family and many deaf friends. He started interpreting at a very young age and has had the honor to interpret for 2 of the Presidents of the United States along with many Broadway and well-known artist. Byron has worked as an interpreter for most of his adult life as well as other jobs that relate with deafness. He says, no matter the job, he always has deaf clients. Byron received his SLCPI (Sign Language Communication Proficiency Interview) from Louisiana School for the Deaf. He received the highest level which is a Superior Plus level. He later went on to the National Association for the Deaf and received his Masters Level - 5 Interpreting Certification in Talladega, Alabama. Byron is also a member of several civic organizations for the Deaf and is also a member of the American Sign Language Teachers Association.
When asked Byron Caldwell what his favorite setting to interpret, he always says church. He says that when combining God's anointing with his sign language skills, the emotions and the power is amazing. Byron has over 10,000 followers on social media and the number grows daily. You can find most of his videos and also his interpreting live church services on UPC of Crossett's Sign Language Group Facebook Page. Reviews of former students from his social media websites call him the Best in the Land and that his passion is contagious. With over 20 years experience in teaching and well over 20 years interpreting there is no doubt, Byron is an expert in American Sign Language.