ASL 8
Intensive Elementary American Sign Language
Description: Lecture, 20 hours. Intensive elementary instruction in American sign language equivalent to courses 1, 2, and 3. Offered in summer only. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 15.0
Units: 15.0
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Most Helpful Review
Summer 2020 - I took this class during the corona summer so it was quite different than the professors were used to. I personally was in LaTasha Clay's section (the entire class was split up into smaller discussions of about 8 students each between Ben, LaTasha, and Jennifer Marfino) and I absolutely adored her. The class was listed from 9:30am-3pm, but the actual class time was pretty short. Ben would post the lecture video (around 15-20 minutes long) at 9:30 each morning and you could watch it at your discretion, then you would attend section for 50 minutes at your assigned time (for us, either 1-1:50pm or 2-2:50pm). Ben always made sure to keep things fun by doing different group activities or games to study too, like jeopardy and family feud. The only thing about the class that was bit tougher (though still not super difficult) were the homework assignments. Twice a week we'd be assigned worksheets that were all pretty lengthy (classmates mentioned the optional textbook/workbook recommended for the class was very helpful). They would be posted at 9:30am and due by 12pm, which was a bit of a time crunch given the length, but homework wasn't weighted too heavily. We had weekly quizzes too, which were often easier than the worksheets. Also, Mariam, the class interpreter and tutor, will be your best friend! She is so sweet and a tremendous help with anything, from vocab to presentations to class logistics. Ben, LaTasha, Jennifer, and Mariam are an incredible team and so understanding and compassionate towards their students. Overall this was a super easy and super inspiring class, and I would highly highly recommend taking it with Ben!
Summer 2020 - I took this class during the corona summer so it was quite different than the professors were used to. I personally was in LaTasha Clay's section (the entire class was split up into smaller discussions of about 8 students each between Ben, LaTasha, and Jennifer Marfino) and I absolutely adored her. The class was listed from 9:30am-3pm, but the actual class time was pretty short. Ben would post the lecture video (around 15-20 minutes long) at 9:30 each morning and you could watch it at your discretion, then you would attend section for 50 minutes at your assigned time (for us, either 1-1:50pm or 2-2:50pm). Ben always made sure to keep things fun by doing different group activities or games to study too, like jeopardy and family feud. The only thing about the class that was bit tougher (though still not super difficult) were the homework assignments. Twice a week we'd be assigned worksheets that were all pretty lengthy (classmates mentioned the optional textbook/workbook recommended for the class was very helpful). They would be posted at 9:30am and due by 12pm, which was a bit of a time crunch given the length, but homework wasn't weighted too heavily. We had weekly quizzes too, which were often easier than the worksheets. Also, Mariam, the class interpreter and tutor, will be your best friend! She is so sweet and a tremendous help with anything, from vocab to presentations to class logistics. Ben, LaTasha, Jennifer, and Mariam are an incredible team and so understanding and compassionate towards their students. Overall this was a super easy and super inspiring class, and I would highly highly recommend taking it with Ben!
Most Helpful Review
Summer 2025 - Professor JLynn (Jennifer Marfino) is the best! Her lectures are so fun and engaging. And because you are learning to communicate through sign, you don't speak on Zoom at all (which is really nice if you are concerned about background noises in your house and you get to practice signing more). I wouldn't say that the work is easy, but it is very doable if you pay attention to the lectures and practice the signs. You have class M-Th and quizzes (every week) + interviews (every 2 weeks) on Fridays. You also have video journals due on Mondays. It seems like a lot but each component only takes about an hour and then you are free for the rest of the day (except the assignments - they usually take about 2-4 hrs). You also have to consider that the class is worth 15 units, so this should be expected. Also, we weren't on Zoom the entire 9-3 schedule. First, you had lecture for about an hour. Then, you work on the assignment due about 5 hours later. The assignments weren't very hard, but they were time-consuming, so you just have to make sure you are giving yourself enough time to complete it before the deadline. Also, Professor JLynn was very understanding when I had WiFi issues and couldn't submit the assignment on time. Attendance wasn't mandatory, but it was highly encouraged, especially since you get to practice with the professor, and she corrects your sign if you're doing it wrong. There are also powerpoint projects you have to do, but they are really fun and you get to learn how to sign words and sentences about yourself (hobbies, favorite movie, dream job, etc). You have a final project and a final exam at the end. I personally loved this class, and I would definitely recommend taking this class with Professor JLynn. Before taking this class, I knew nothing about ASL (other than how to sign some letters), so I was a little nervous, but at the beginning of class, the basics are introduced to you and you get some practice & experience with them before moving onto sentences. Overall, this class is amazing. P.S. I'm writing this about four months after taking this class, so I'm sorry if I got some of the specific details wrong. Also, this is just based on my experience. If you're busy during the summer (work, vacation, etc.) and you plan to take this class, you might have a different experience than me. I stayed at home a lot, so I was able to focus in class and complete everything. If you have other commitments, the workload might feel a bit heavier for you. But I would say the workload was reasonable, especially since this is an online course, and you don't have to be there in person. Just make sure you're not skipping a lot of lectures and that you are managing your time well.
Summer 2025 - Professor JLynn (Jennifer Marfino) is the best! Her lectures are so fun and engaging. And because you are learning to communicate through sign, you don't speak on Zoom at all (which is really nice if you are concerned about background noises in your house and you get to practice signing more). I wouldn't say that the work is easy, but it is very doable if you pay attention to the lectures and practice the signs. You have class M-Th and quizzes (every week) + interviews (every 2 weeks) on Fridays. You also have video journals due on Mondays. It seems like a lot but each component only takes about an hour and then you are free for the rest of the day (except the assignments - they usually take about 2-4 hrs). You also have to consider that the class is worth 15 units, so this should be expected. Also, we weren't on Zoom the entire 9-3 schedule. First, you had lecture for about an hour. Then, you work on the assignment due about 5 hours later. The assignments weren't very hard, but they were time-consuming, so you just have to make sure you are giving yourself enough time to complete it before the deadline. Also, Professor JLynn was very understanding when I had WiFi issues and couldn't submit the assignment on time. Attendance wasn't mandatory, but it was highly encouraged, especially since you get to practice with the professor, and she corrects your sign if you're doing it wrong. There are also powerpoint projects you have to do, but they are really fun and you get to learn how to sign words and sentences about yourself (hobbies, favorite movie, dream job, etc). You have a final project and a final exam at the end. I personally loved this class, and I would definitely recommend taking this class with Professor JLynn. Before taking this class, I knew nothing about ASL (other than how to sign some letters), so I was a little nervous, but at the beginning of class, the basics are introduced to you and you get some practice & experience with them before moving onto sentences. Overall, this class is amazing. P.S. I'm writing this about four months after taking this class, so I'm sorry if I got some of the specific details wrong. Also, this is just based on my experience. If you're busy during the summer (work, vacation, etc.) and you plan to take this class, you might have a different experience than me. I stayed at home a lot, so I was able to focus in class and complete everything. If you have other commitments, the workload might feel a bit heavier for you. But I would say the workload was reasonable, especially since this is an online course, and you don't have to be there in person. Just make sure you're not skipping a lot of lectures and that you are managing your time well.
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