| SIGN 0100 |
American Sign Language I |
| Introduces basic ASL conversation. Features core vocabulary, common signing phrases, non-manual components (facial expression, body postures), signing space, finger spelling, numbers, loan signs, cultural protocols, rules of ASL grammar and structure. Deaf cultural behavior is introduced in the classroom and through readings, videotapes, and Deaf community events. - This is the first half of a year-long course whose first semester grade is normally a temporary one. Neither semester may be elected independently without special written permission. |
| SIGN 0200 |
American Sign Language II |
| Introduces basic ASL conversation. Features core vocabulary, common signing phrases, non-manual components (facial expression, body postures), signing space, finger spelling, numbers, loan signs, cultural protocols, rules of ASL grammar and structure. Deaf cultural behavior is introduced in the classroom and through readings, videotapes, and Deaf community events. - This is the second half of a year-long course. |
| SIGN 0300 |
American Sign Language III |
| Explores sociolinguistic aspects of ASL within the Deaf cultural context. Focuses on classifiers, linguistic principles related to dialogues and storytelling techniques (e.g., role-shifting, narrative structure). Deaf culture is experienced by attending events and by voluntary service to the Deaf community. Prerequisite: SIGN 0200 or placement interview. |
| SIGN 0400 |
American Sign Language IV |
| Intensive use of expressive and receptive skills in complex grammatical structures, advanced classifiers, dialogues, and storytelling techniques. Discussion of social factors that give rise to code-switching; regional and ethnic sign variations; social, political, and cultural evolution of U.S. Deaf community. Interaction with Deaf community in directed and non-directed activities. Prerequisite: SIGN 0300 or placement interview. |
| SIGN 0500 |
American Sign Language V |
| Focuses on the use of ASL discourse in formal as well as informal settings. Students will explore and present the advanced ASL genres of public speaking, artistic expression, formal discussion, interview, and narrative projects. Development of ASL vocabulary in specialized area not covered in previous courses. Prerequisite: SIGN 0400 or equivalent. |
| SIGN 0900 |
Introduction to Deaf Studies |
| Introduction to the Deaf community and Deaf culture. Discussion of similarities to, and differences from, mainstream hearing culture. Supplemental videotapes focus on aspects of the culture including Deaf education and history, autobiographical sketches, Deaf norms and values, and Deaf literature, art and folklore. Theoretical issues of culture and linguistics applied to Deaf culture, American Sign Language, and the variety of cultural perspectives of the Deaf community. Students also engage in a research project related to course content. Voice interpreter will be provided; all students are welcome; no previous knowledge of American Sign Language or Deaf Studies is needed. |
| SIGN 1910 |
Independent Study in Sign Language / Deaf Studies |
| Independent study in an area of special interest to the student, with close guidance by a member of the faculty, and leading to a major paper/project. Prerequisite: SIGN 0500 or instructor permission. |
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