American Sign Language

This course introduces the beginning student to interpreting and signing American Sign Language (ASL), the language most widely used by the deaf community in the United States. Within the context of sign language as a language, students will learn basic signs and grammar in a receptive and expressive format. Students will focus on the production and comprehension of vocabulary, numbers, and the manual alphabet. (Please note that this is not a course in finger spelling or Perfectly Signed English as such.) Students will also begin to learn about aspects of the deaf culture in the United States and in selected foreign countries. Three hours weekly, plus tutorial/recitation. Note: Students with prior ASL cannot be admitted to ASL 101, except by special permission of the department.

This is the second part of the yearlong introduction to ASL. The emphasis on the communicative application of ASL continues; partners and group work enhance this. The fundamentals of survival language skills are rounded out. Three hours weekly, plus recitation.