Apr 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

AMSL 101 - American Sign Language I


PROGRAM: Foreign Languages
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 4
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 4
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall, 2018

American Sign Language I is an introduction to ASL as it is used within the deaf culture. Students will learn the basic grammatical structure of the language and basic communication skills including finger spelling, facial expressions and non-manual behaviors. Students will gain an understanding of the history and development of deaf culture, its values and literature. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate sign language at a basic, introductory level. Class activities will include the use of storytelling as a way for students to practice and read ASL.

MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:

  1. Demonstrate one’s understanding of the early historical development of deaf communities through recognition of deaf and hearing leaders.
  2. Identify the historical significance of Gallaudet University and its political influence.
  3. Contrast deaf culture/community values with hearing culture values.
  4. Demonstrate one’s understanding for the deaf perspective on living in a hearing world.
  5. Demonstrate one’s understanding of the role of sign language in deaf humor and literature.
  6. Examine basic linguistic features of ASL as a language different from English.
  7. Produce and demonstrate the ability to communicate sign language at a basic, introductory level.
  8. Construct and compose the basic grammar structure of sentences in ASL to include the use of facial expression and non-manual behaviors.
  9. Accurately formulate and express the vocabulary of ASL beyond five word phrases.
  10. Relate the origins of the sign.
  11. Distinguish the difference between the different forms of sign language.
  12. Utilize transition verbs in the appropriate context.


COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -  

  • Culture related topics
  • ASL characteristics
  • Facial expression and non-manual behaviors
  • Finger-spelling
  • Grammatical structure and syntax
  • Skill development
  • Vocabulary, time periods, and tenses

 
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)