American Sign Language (ASL)

Formerly SIGN 1A and SIGN 1B. This course introduces the fundamentals of American Sign Language. Topics include conversational methods, vocabulary related to exchanging personal information, hobbies, activities, family relationships, providing directions, basic grammar, syntax, fingerspelling, numbers 1 -100, and an introduction to Deaf Culture and history.

Formerly SIGN 2 and SIGN2B. This course continues further study of American Sign Language (ASL), focusing on comprehension skills, grammatical structures, and practice in sign production (expressive) aspects of the language as well as further exposure to Deaf Culture, including cues/behaviors. Students will build upon vocabulary learned in ASL 1 and be able to create narratives in which they use inflective verbs and depicting verbs and provide spatial information involving themselves and other people/things.

Formerly SIGN 3. This course focuses on developing intermediate comprehension skills as well as conversation skills used in everyday discussions and grammatical structures with continued emphasis on expressive skills in narrative. Students will build upon vocabulary learned in ASL 2. Aspects of Deaf culture will be studied and discussed.

Formerly SIGN 4. This course focuses on intermediate to advanced expressive and conversational skills in American Sign Language, along with continued focus on grammatical and cultural features. Students will build upon vocabulary learned in ASL 3.

The course expands on the students’ knowledge of American Sign Language from Level 1-4. The students will continue to work on and expand ASL expressive and receptive skills. Students will develop and refine intermediate conversational abilities, culturally appropriate behaviors, and learn about the culture and history of Deaf communities.

This course is designed to provide beginning and advanced practice with the sign language component known as fingerspelling. Skill development for expressive and receptive fingerspelling, numerical concepts, and lexicalized signs will enhance the student’s ability to comprehend and utilize fingerspelling with accuracy and clarity.

Introduction to Interpreting, including theories of interpreting, process of interpreting and the history of interpreting. The course will provide a historical framework for the principles, ethics, roles, responsibilities, and standard practices of the interpreting profession.

Students will continue to practice interpreting skills with emphasis on simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. Students will continue to apply theories of interpreting, and process of interpreting while interpreting from ASL to English and from English to ASL.

Formerly SIGN 24. This course will explore the experiences of Deaf people in the United States. This course will foster the investigation of the issues of language, consciousness, cultures, self-representation, identity, and social construction within and between Deaf groups. Focus will be on cultural oppression, power, contributions of folklore, literature, plays, Deaf art, and the impact of modern technology on multiple discourses of Deaf cultures within America.