SIGN-SIGN LANGUAGE
SIGN 1110. American Sign Language I
3 Credits (3)
American Sign Language I is an introductory level language course in the language of the American Deaf Culture. Content includes ASL vocabulary and conversational skills; linguistic features of ASL; and skills in narrative/storytelling. In-class activities, comprehension and expressive examinations, narrative and storytelling assignments in addition to semester projects are venues for students to demonstrate their learning. In addition, Deaf Culture and Deaf Community issues are addressed. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Engage in basic conversations using ASL, such as introducing oneself, exchanging personnel information, and talking about one’s surroundings.
- Demonstrate the use of grammatical structures, including spatial referencing, use of classifiers, role shifting, ASL syntax, and non-manual signals (NMS).
- Demonstrate clear sign production using an understanding of sign parameters: handshapes, movement, location, palm orientation, and NMS in targeted lexicon.
- Demonstrate the use of basic ASL vocabulary and expressions necessary for conversationsabout real-life situations.
- Evaluate and provide feedback concerning peers’ and one’s own uses of ASL.
- Develop culturally-appropriate behaviors and conversation strategies within a variety of contexts for interacting with people who are Deaf.
- Demonstrate effective use of comprehension and expressive ASL skills through narrative and/or storytelling activities.
- Describe issues of the American Deaf community and Culture.
SIGN 1120. American Sign Language II
3 Credits (3)
American Sign Language II is a continuation course that builds on concepts and skills developed in American Sign Language I. Students gain further exposure to ASL structure and grammar, and Deaf Culture and the Deaf community. Emphasis is on increasing students’ ability to comprehend other signers and express themselves with more elaboration when conversing or presenting in ASL. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Prerequisite: SIGN 1110 or consent of instructor.
Learning Outcomes
- Further develop basic conversational skills in ASL, taking on more complicated topics.
- Apply knowledge of ASL grammar, including classifiers, spatial referencing and agreement, role shifting, and non-manual markers.
- Develop ASL vocabulary, fingerspelling, number, narrative and storytelling skills.
- Evaluate and provide feedback concerning peers’ and one’s own uses of ASL.
- Demonstrate effective use of comprehension and expressive ASL skills through conversation, discussion, narrative and/or storytelling activities.
- Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of the American Deaf community and ASL
- Through first-hand experience in the American Deaf community and ASL, relate and reflect on perspectives of the community.
SIGN 2110. American Sign Language III
3 Credits (3)
This is an intermediate level course in American Sign Language (ASL). Expected areas of intermediate skill and knowledge development include: language comprehension and production, conversational use, narratives, ASL language features and further knowledge of and interaction with Deaf culture and the Deaf community. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Prerequisite: SIGN 1120.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate intermediate ASL vocabulary, conversation and narrative/storytelling skills.
- Demonstrate fundamental ASL features including visual/spatial orientation, constructed dialogue and action, spatial referencing, classifiers, non-manual behaviors and syntax/word order.
- Demonstrate appropriate use of cultural behaviors and conversational strategies.
- Translate written and spoken English to ASL and vice versa.
- Self-evaluate and provide feedback to peers concerning ASL usage.
- Examine the culture of the American Deaf community through engaging in community activities and its language.