Course Descriptions for American Sign Language

 

Fundamental (Level B)

 

0886-150 Introduction to American Sign Language*

Introduces knowledge about American Sign Language (ASL) and provides a basic understanding of ASL and discusses principles of sign formation. The course also compares aspects of different visual communication modalities and spoken language. Strategies for learning ASL will be discussed. There is an additional required Lab hour. Class 3, Credits 3 (F)

 

0886-199 American Sign Language I*

Designed for students who have no previous knowledge of American Sign Language. ASL I includes the linguistic features, cultural protocols and core vocabulary for students to function in basic ASL conversations that include ASL grammar for asking and answering questions while introducing oneself; exchanging personal information; talking about family, friends and surroundings; and discussing activities. Classroom and lab activities include practicing conversations and videotaping. (SIPI/LCBQ 1) Class 4, Credits 4

(F, W)

 

Intermediate (Level C)

 

0886-200 American Sign Language II*

Expands the basic principles presented in ASL I. The course teaches students to use linguistic features, cultural protocols, and core vocabulary to function in additional basic ASL conversations including ASL grammar for giving directions; describing others; making requests; talking about family, occupations and routines; and attributing qualities to others. Classroom and lab activities include practicing conversations and videotaping. (0886-199 or equivalent) Class 4, Credits 4 (F, W, S)

 

0886-201 American Sign Language III*

This course is a continuation of ASL II expanding the emphasis on ASL grammar, syntax, spatial referencing and vocabulary development. ASL III teaches further communicative competencies in ASL conversations beyond the basic level that include telling life events, describing events in time, asking for clarification, correcting, conforming, elaborating on information, agreeing and disagreeing, resolving conflicts, and giving directions. Classroom and lab activities include practicing dialogues, short stories, narratives and short conversations.

(0886-200 or equivalent) Class 4, Credits 4 (F, W, S)

 

Bridging (Level D)

 

0886-249 Structure of American Sign Language*

Provides students with basic knowledge about the linguistic structure of American Sign Language (ASL). Through an introduction to language components, students examine the phonology, morphology and syntax of ASL. Information regarding historical and cultural aspects of ASL is also introduced and discussed. This course is taught in American Sign Language. Class 3, Credits 3 (F, W, S) (Humanities)

 

0886-250 Introduction to ASL Teaching*

Provides an overview of how second languages have traditionally been taught, what the current methods and theories are, and their applications to the teaching of sign language. Students are provided opportunities to practice basic teaching techniques, select appropriate materials, design curriculum and evaluation techniques, including how to teach cultural and grammatical features in lessons. Students learn about resources to support their efforts to teach sign language. Class 3, Credit 3 (W, S)

0886-398 Comparison of ASL & English* course description
This course provides a review of some basic grammar rules in American Sign Language and English, and introduces some of the metalinguistic terms used to discuss each. The approach is of ongoing contrast and comparison of how ASL and English each express and structure similar concepts. Students are provided with opportunities: a) to make a series of entries (on a videotape for personal use) that summarize this information and include examples, and b) to practice using these concepts at the individual sign, phrase and single utterance levels. Some discussion of the rules for manually coding English is included. Students work on both expressive and receptive skills from ASL to English (signed and written) and from English to ASL. This course is appropriate for students who want to know more about why utterances are signed or written as they are. Class 3, credits 3 (F, W, S)

 

* This course satisfies the Deaf Studies/American Sign Language requirement.