Humantities

American Sign Language

American Sign Language courses fall within Area V in degree plans. Students may take ASL courses for elective credit. Students may also pursue the Associate in Science degree in American Sign Language. After completing courses in American Sign Language, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of American Sign Language.
2. Identify major features of American Sign Language.
3. Communicate effectively with members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities.
4. Attend Deaf-related events in the community.

Oct. 12th, 2009 – Bishop State Trains Sign Language Interpreters.

Course Descriptions

View Schedule of Classes for Current Offerings

ASL 101 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I: 3 credits
This course is an introduction to American Sign Language. Students will learn the basics of nonverbal communication skills as a foundation for learning American Sign Language. Upon course completion, students should be able to introduce themselves, exchange personal information, talk about one’s family activities, give directions, and describe others utilizing sign language.

ASL 102 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I: 3 credits
Prerequisite: ASL 101 or program approval
This course is part two of a five-part sequence and allows students the opportunity to practice sign language skills. In addition, the course provides students with instructions on how to make requests, talk about family, occupation, and daily routines in sign language. Upon course completion, students should be able to conduct a basic conversation utilizing sign language.

ASL 103 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE III: 3 credits
This course is part three of a five-part sequence which allows students to continue improving their sign language skills. This course provides students with instruction on locating items in the household, making suggestions and requests. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct an intermediate conversation utilizing sign language

ASL 104 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE IV: 3 credits
Prerequisite: ASL 103 or program approval
This course is part five of a five-part sequence which allows students the opportunity to increase their ability to accurately produce and comprehend ASL through narrative stories given by Deaf individuals so that students may gain insight into the culture and life experiences of persons who are Deaf/ Hard of Hearing. Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend basic narrative stories presented in American Sign Language.

ASL 105 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE V: 3 credits
Prerequisite: ASL 104 or program approval
This course is part five of a five-part sequence which allows students the opportunity to increase their ability to accurately produce and comprehend ASL through narrative stories given by Deaf individuals so that students may gain insight into the culture and life experiences of persons who are Deaf/ Hard of Hearing. Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend basic narrative stories presented in American Sign Language.

ASL 120 CAREERS USING AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE: 3 credits
Prerequisite: ASL 103 or program approval
This course will provide students with an awareness of various career options related to the field of sign language interpretation and Deafness. Upon completion, students will be aware of various career choices related to the field.

ASL 121 DEAF CULTURE: 3 credits
This course will acquaint students with a basic cultural concept and understanding of the American Deaf Community and its language. Students will explore the similarities and differences between Hearing and Deaf communities and their culture. Upon completion, students will have an understanding of the American Deaf Community.

ASL 122 INITIAL OBSERVATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN ASL: 2 credits
Prerequisite: ASL 105 or program approval
This course will provide students with exposure to various situations where American Sign Language is utilized. Students will observe American Sign Language usage at various functions. Upon completion, students will have an understanding of how the language is used by members of the Deaf community.

ASL 201 LINGUISTIC STRUCTURE OF ASL: 1 credit
Prerequisite: ASL 104 or program approval
This course will acquaint students with the analysis of the major structural features of American Sign Language. This includes phonology morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse and variation/historical changes in ASL. Upon completion, students will be familiar with the major grammatical features of American Sign Language.

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