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!

Overall, a nice professor and nice TA classes are engaging. Take major heed to the fact that this is intensive... If you are not familiar with ASL you will be thrown into the deep end. Lecture videos are short but there is no written aid to promote association, you have to decipher everything by yourself. Do not rely on the score averages of the class on BruinWalk. You will be tested regularly from the onset. Assignments are often. Course is strictly visual, you will have to study a lot in order to remember the signs and communicate effectively. Again, videoed study material has absolutely no written aid... you have to interpret everything in order to learn. I was tricked by the score on Bruin walk. I am livid.

I loved Ben! ASL is my favorite course at UCLA. If you are looking to take a language class here, please take ASL. He is so funny, and you get so close with all of your classmates. Even though classes were at 9am, I wanted to get up for them because I looked forward to class that much! PLEASE TAKE ASL!!!!!! :))))

Professor Lewis is a really good teacher! My TA was Kailyn and she was awesome too. All the instructors were always very clear on instruction/ information given out. They create a great atmosphere to learn ASL without judgement or fear of failing. They are very strict on late work or anything related to that, I turned in a journal late due to being in the ER and it was a zero. Definitely tanked my grade lol! Just make sure to get everything turned in on time and try not to miss any lecture or test.

Ben is probably my favorite teacher I've had at UCLA. He's simply delightful, kind, caring, and has a great sense of humor. He makes class very fun and interactive. I'm so glad I decided to take ASL as my foreign language. The classes were fairly easy, but as with any language class you really do need to attend class daily to get hands on practice. Highly recommended!!

This class is amazing. By far my favorite class at UCLA and would be probably anyone's favorite class if they take it. Ben is hilarious and energetic, and very passionate about teaching. Him and his interpreter/assistant Miriam are very helpful and accommodating. Take this class if you want a rich experience and learn more about deaf culture, while learning ASL.

FOR ASL 1-3

HOW HAS NOBODY EVALUATED LEWIS YET. Ben is one of the best professors at UCLA, and if you still need to take a language and don't know which one to choose, TAKE ASL. He makes it so fun, he is incredibly caring, the classes are really easy but you learn TONS. He is the best.

Ben is probably THE best professor I've had at UCLA so far. He's extremely engaging, funny, and helpful. He's more than ready to help out a student during office hours and I've never had so much fun learning before. I really really recommend taking ASL if you can. It's definitely worth it!

Ben is an absolutely amazing professor! This class honestly feels more like a therapeutic fun session more than anything else, although you do learns tons about deaf culture and ASL. Very highly recommended!

Ben is one of the best professors I've had at UCLA! Although the days seemed long at first for ASL 8, it gradually felt like an educational summer camp because of the activities and games that went on throughout the day. Ben's lectures are engaging and interactive, which makes learning ASL more immersive and makes for a more effective learning experience.