LING 228American Sign Language I

Catalog

Signing naturally will take students who have no knowledge of Sign Language to the point where they can function comfortably in a wide variety of situations in the Deaf community. Since students will be exposed to Deaf people and Deaf culture throughout their lifetimes in a variety of life situations, it is essential they learn appropriate behaviors, showing awareness of and respect for Deaf culture. Deaf culture is taught throughout the curriculum through videotape presentations, discussions, and activities and readings that reinforce what students learn from the videotapes. The functional-notional approach emphasizes interpersonal communication and will help students achieve communicative competence. Functions are emphasized to help students establish and maintain social relationships.