American Sign Language I
Required Sequence: LANG 190 & LANG191
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LANG 190
Spring 2009 not offered
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This course introduces students to the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL), the principal system of manual communication among the American deaf. Not to be confused with Signed English (to which a certain amount of comparative attention is given) or with other artificially developed systems, ASL is a conceptual language and not merely encoded or fingerspelled English. As such, while to some extent influenced by English, depending on the individual signer, it presents its own grammar and structure, involving such elements as topicalization, spatial indexing, directionality, classification, syntactic body language, etc. By the end of the semester, students should have learned between 700 and 800 conceptual signs and their use. They will also have been introduced to aspects of American deaf culture - sociology, psychology, education, theater, etc. - through a variety of readings and discussions. |
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Essential Capabilities:
This course will focus on developing proficiency in American Sign Language by addressing all skills of language learning, including both expressive and receptive skills. Incorporated into class activities, assignments and with the use of authentic materials, students will also gain an understanding of the unique cultural concepts and values of the Deaf community in the United States, which will help students gain intercultural literacy.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
None |
| Course Format: Language | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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