American Sign Language I

This course examines the fundamental principles of ASL grammar and syntax, a basic vocabulary, and conventions of conversational discourse in the Deaf community. Emphasis is placed on developing the visual perception skills critical in understanding ASL. This course is taught in a visual-manual method using no spoken English. This course will use interactive storytelling, reading selections from Hand Jive, and learning games. Blackboard and other technology will be used to enhance continued student immersion beyond the classroom. Smart classroom, video-proctored feedback will also be provided to gauge student progress across the arc of the course.You will learn to define Deaf culture. You will be expected to adhere to Deaf norms during class time. That means no voice. No lip-syncing. Class participation is paramount to your success in this course. You cannot practice the language with your coursemates and instructor if you are not present. This syllabus is written with an eye to "The Deaf Way" and it is colloquial, detailed and, at times, blunt about areas of concern that other students before you have found challenging in the learning.

Fall, Spring

FWG - Flexible Core - World Cultures & Global Issues