American Sign Language and Current Issues
Required Sequence: LANG 290 & LANG291
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LANG 290
Spring 2009 not offered
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During this third semester of American Sign Language (ASL) study, students will continue to focus on language acquisition, while also examining the related ethics and controversies surrounding ASL, deaf culture, and disability issues in America. Several key questions will be considered: How are advances in genetic testing impacting the deaf community? What is the cause of a recent emergence of ASL in popular culture and huge increase in university course offerings and enrollments? What is the "least restrictive environment" according to the Americans with Disabilities Act compared to day-to-day reality? Is the deaf community a cultural-linguistic minority group or a disabled population? Are cochlear implants a miracle cure, or are they a tool that is misrepresented in the media and/or an attempt at a form of cultural genocide? Why are many parents of deaf children forced to choose a faction of the ongoing oral vs. signing debate, often made to feel guilty by the advocates of the differing methods of education? Guest lectures and discussions will be conducted in a variety of modalities, such as spoken English, ASL, or simultaneous/total communication. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Ethical Reasoning: In addition to sign language acquisition, students will examine ethical issues related to ASL, deaf culture and disability issues in America.
Intercultural Literacy: 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:
HA LANG |
| Course Format: Language | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: LANG191 OR LANG241 OR LANG242 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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