American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL 435 - American Sign Language I

Credits: 0 or 4

Introduction to American Sign Language with emphasis on visual receptive and expressive use of language, as well as providing opportunities for other forms of visual communication such as facial expression, mime, and gesture. Participants develop their skills through videotapes, classroom participation, and readings that cover issues important to the Deaf community. A weekly, one-hour language laboratory is required as part of this course. Limited to 15 students. No credit if credit has been received for COMM 401 (previously COMM 533).

Equivalent(s): COMM 401, COMM 533

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ASL 436 - American Sign Language II

Credits: 0 or 4

Introduction to American Sign Language with emphasis on visual receptive and expressive use of language, as well as providing opportunities for other forms of visual communication such as facial expression, mime, and gesture. Participants develop their skills through videotapes, classroom participation, and readings that cover issues important to the Deaf community. A weekly, one-hour language laboratory is required as part of this course. Limited to 15 students. No credit if credit has been received for COMM 401 (previously COMM 533).

Prerequisite(s): ASL 435 with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 733

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ASL 531 - American Sign Language III

Credits: 0 or 4

Continuation of ASL 436. Expands on groundwork and grammatical principles established in ASL I and II. Introduces the sociolinguistics aspects of ASL as it functions within the deaf cultural context. Limited to 15 students. Lab.

Prerequisite(s): ASL 436 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ASL 532 - American Sign Language IV

Credits: 0 or 4

Continuation of ASL 531. Expands on the groundwork and grammatical principles established in ASL I, II, and III. Introduces the sociolinguistic aspects of ASL as it functions within the deaf cultural context. Areas of investigation include use of formal versus informal sign register; sign variation by region, age, and gender; social factors that give rise to code switching; and political and cultural evolution of the U.S. deaf community. Taught in the target language using the direct experience method. Limited to 15 students. Lab.

Prerequisite(s): ASL 531 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ASL 599 - Special Topics

Credits: 1-4

Occasional offerings dependent on availability and interest of faculty. May be repeated barring duplication of subject.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated up to unlimited times.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ASL 621 - Advanced American Sign Language Discourse I

Credits: 0 or 4

Focuses on the use of ASL discourse in formal as well as informal settings. Students explore the genres of public speaking, artistic expression, formal discussion, interview, and narrative. Development of ASL vocabulary in specialized areas not covered in previous courses. Lab.

Prerequisite(s): ASL 532 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ASL 622 - Advanced American Sign Language Discourse II

Credits: 0 or 4

In this advanced course, students give two PowerPoint presentations on their research on two selected cutting-edge/current Deaf Studies topics, and are assessed on itemized public speaking skills, grammatical features (linguistics) studies that are a culmination of previous ASL courses, and pragmatic language functions. These presentations are to use high/academic register, appropriate for a large academic audience, demonstrating sensitive awareness of visual acuity and its impact on signing production. Lab.

Prerequisite(s): ASL 621 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading