American Sign Language I

Catalog description

In this beginning graduate course in American Sign Language (ASL), students are introduced to fundamental vocabulary and grammar, fingerspelling, numbers, linguistic principles, and basic conversation skills with an emphasis on higher order thinking, critical analysis, and cultural competence. Topics revolve around sharing information about themselves and their environment. Grammar is introduced in context, emphasizing developing question & answering skills. Conversational strategies are presented, and interactive activities allow students to rehearse what they have learned during online, real-time conversational practice sessions. Instructor and peer-to-peer feedback contribute to student learning by encouraging constructive reflection of students' learning journey through language analysis and the opportunity to improve by performing the same task (deliberate practice). Students will also complete a project on Deaf Culture.