ELEMENTARY ASL I

Catalog description

This course presents the fundamentals of American Sign Language with an introduction into Deaf Studies. The course is designed with a general orientation into American Sign Language as it is used within the Deaf culture. Instruction in the basic structure of the language and development of its use. Introduction to the history of Deaf culture and the language. Introduction to the Deaf perspective on the establishment of Deaf communities and ASL. Students will learn basic grammar and vocabulary, with an emphasis on both expressive and receptive skills. In addition, a historical, social, cultural and deaf education overview will be investigated with lab required hours. An emphasis on problems that impact the deaf culture and its origins will be provided as we delve into American Deaf Studies, encompassing the history, education, arts, language, and social issues, and its applicability to ASL language acquisition.