Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    ASL&

 Course #:    121

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    230601

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2024

 Course Description  

An introduction to conversationally relevant signs, finger spelling, grammatical principles of American Sign Language (ASL), cultural background and information relating to the deaf community and American Sign Language.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 097, or AESL 098, or appropriate test score.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Humanities  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand basic differences between American Sign Language syntax and structure and its English translation
2. Acquire and perform basic vocabulary in conversational settings.
3. Understand and use appropriate facial expressions and body language in conjunction with conversational vocabulary.
4. Learn through visual instruction only (experiencing use of signs).
5. Basic understanding of deaf culture and community interaction
6. Discuss issues and problems faced by the deaf community in a hearing world.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

1. ASL characteristics/concepts/syntax-distinguishing features/English counterparts
2. Finger spelling and number formation techniques and palmer orientation
3. Deaf culture, etiquette, history of ASL, deaf education past present
4. Current issues, misconceptions about the deaf. Deaf differences, values and traditions
5. Vocabulary introduced in sign topics: Pronouns, verbs, adverbials, adjectives, and idioms, nouns, proper sign placement, movement, and orientation. Introduction to classifier predicates, determiners.
6. Nonmanual markers, including facial expression/body shifting in conjunctions with ASL conversation, temporal aspects of directionality