ASL 101 : Elementary American Sign Language I
This beginning course introduces students to American Sign Language (ASL), the language used by the American Deaf community and parts of Anglophone Canada. Students focus on developing visual-spatial orientation, using their face and body expressively, and learning targeted vocabulary and grammatical features needed to discuss interpersonal topics at a novice level. Students will develop conversational abilities and apply culturally appropriate behaviors. Lessons are presented in a meaningful/functional context that often requires participation with other students or the whole class. Receptive (what you understand) skills are emphasized; however, expressive (what/how you sign) skills are practiced as well. Cultural aspects of the Deaf community are explored through literature and required community events. All of our ASL courses are fully signing-immersed courses to promote best learning outcomes. Three class hours and one language lab hour per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.
Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Human Expression and Oral Communication.
3 credits Fall
Course Outcomes
1. Communicate targeted vocabulary alone and within short phrases or sentences.
2. Demonstrate proper grammatical features within a variety of communications (including short dialogues, and content specific commands, questions and statements).
3. Demonstrate visual-spatial foundation needed for acquiring American Sign Language.
4. Demonstrate proper pragmatics within short, content specific narratives and dialogues.
5. Discuss cultural awareness needed to interact with the diverse Deaf community.