Applied American Sign Language Studies

ASLI 1100 Introduction to American Sign Language I (TAG) 4 Credits

This introductory course focuses on developing an understanding of Deaf and nonverbal populations and ways to communicate effectively with them using American Sign Language. The course introduces fingerspelling/manual alphabet and basic grammar and vocabulary.

(4 contact hours)

ASLI 1200 Introduction to American Sign Language II (TAG) 4 Credits

Prerequisite: ASLI 1100 or proficiency test.

This course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in ASLI 1100 Elementary American Sign Language I, focusing on increasing speed, fluency, vocabulary, receptive skills and knowledge of grammatical structures. It introduces proper translation of English idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.

(4 contact hours)

ASLI 1400 Fingerspelling 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ASLI 1100 or proficiency test or permission of instructor.

This course provides concentrated instruction and practice of fingerspelling at increasing levels of complexity including sign names, loaned signs, expressive use, receptivity, various sign systems, and numbering systems.

(3 contact hours)

ASLI 1550 Deaf History and Culture 3 Credits

This introductory course surveys the history, structure, power interactions, and culture of the Deaf community and its impact on hearing and non-hearing populations. Experience with American Sign Language is not necessary.

(3 contact hours)

ASLI 1700 Deaf Literature 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the literary work of and about the Deaf community. The literary work addresses the effects of history, social systems, and individual experiences on Deaf literature and its subsequent impact on hearing populations and Deaf culture.

(3 contact hours)

ASLI 1800 American Sign Language I 4 Credits

Prerequisite: ASLI 1200 or proficiency test or permission of instructor.

In this intermediate level course, students review the grammatical features of American Sign Language (ASL) and further develop communicative functions using ASL. They learn common English idiomatic expressions, refine signing and fingerspelling skills, and increase receptivity skills. Students will observe the norms of Deaf culture in class. They may not use any voicing. Instead, all communication will be by body language and ASL vocabulary and structure.

(4 contact hours)

ASLI 1830 American Sign Language: Discourse 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ASLI 1800 or permission of instructor.

This course provides for ongoing interactions using American Sign Language (ASL). Students will conduct interviews and prepare presentations in ASL. The course develops the expressive and receptive skills of each student. Students will observe the norms of Deaf culture in class: they may not use any voicing; instead, communication will be by body language and ASL structure only.

(3 contact hours)

ASLI 1850 American Sign Language II 4 Credits

Prerequisite: ASLI 1800 or permission of instructor.

In this intermediate level course, students review and further develop communicative functions using American Sign Language (ASL). The course reviews English idiomatic expressions, and students will learn common ASL idioms while further developing expressiveness, fingerspelling, and receptivity skills. Students will observe the norms of Deaf culture in class. They may not use any voicing. Instead, all communication will be by body language and ASL structure and vocabulary.

(4 contact hours)

ASLI 2700 Resources Concerning the Deaf Community 3 Credits

This course introduces students to organizations and other resources available within the local and national Deaf community, parent organizations, community agencies, advocacy resources, journals, and Deaf community publications.

(3 contact hours)

ASLI 2750 Applied Issues Concerning the Deaf Community 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ASLI 1550 (can be taken concurrently).

This course examines key issues concerning the Deaf community including ethics, paternalization, and deafness as difference versus deafness as a disability. The course includes a study of the parallels between issues of diversity such as gender and race with those of deafness.

(3 contact hours)