American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Undergraduate Courses

American Sign Language Courses

ASL 101 Basic American Sign Language (3)
This course introduces the student to basic knowledge about American Sign Language and deaf people. Emphasis in the course is upon acquisition of both comprehension and production skills as well as upon knowledge of the deaf community and the development of cultural awareness necessary for maximal communication interaction. The student will begin with visual readiness activities and then progress through a group of targeted lexical items taught within meaningful contexts that stress use of questions, statements, commands, and conversational rules such as attention-getting and turn-taking. Basic fingerspelling skills will also be stressed. This course is designed to help the emerging signer develop basic skills and knowledge in American Sign Language and deaf culture. If students do not achieve the necessary placement test score to advance to ASL 102 by the end of the semester, they may elect to repeat ASL 101. A grade of IP (in progress) may be given to any student who has made satisfactory progress but who has not satisfied the requirements for entry into the next level. The requirement for entry to the next level of ASL is based on the end-of-semester ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). In order to qualify for the ASLPI, students must receive a passing grade in the course, or with permission of the chair. This ASL course meets for a total of six hours each week and is suited for those with an ASLPI score of 0 or 0+.

Prerequisite: None. This course is designed to help the nonsigner and/or the beginning signer develop basic skills and knowledge in American Sign Language and deaf culture.

ASL 102 Basic American Sign Language (3)
This course is a continuation of ASL 101 and emphasizes expansion and refinement of the fundamental comprehension and production skills covered in ASL 101, with the acquisition of additional functional grammatical structure and targeted lexical items. Spontaneous, interactive use of American Sign Language is stressed through discussion of Gallaudet-related events and activities, and the student will continue study of information related to everyday life experiences of deaf Americans and deaf people elsewhere in the world. If students do not achieve the necessary placement test score to advance to ASL 201 by the end of the semester, they may elect to repeat ASL 102. A grade of IP (in progress) may be given to any student who has made satisfactory progress but who has not satisfied the requirements for entry into the next level. The requirement for entry into the next level of ASL is based on the end-of-semester ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). In order to qualify for the ASLPI, students must receive a passing grade in the course, or with permission of the the chair. This ASL course meets for a total of six hours each week.

Prerequisite: Students may enroll directly into this course without taking ASL 101 if they earn an ASLPI score of 1.

ASL 195 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for freshmen. Students may enroll in 195 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

ASL 201 Conversational American Sign Language I (3)
This course applies knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) grammar and vocabulary to the description of increasingly complex constructs, processes and situations. Students incorporate multiple characters using constructed dialogue and constructed action into medium-length stories, narratives and the discussion of hypothetical issues. Information on cultural values and attitudes as they relate to the deaf community are also examined. If students do not achieve the necessary placement test score to advance to ASL 202 by the end of the semester, they may elect to repeat ASL 201. A grade of IP (in progress) may be given to any student who has made satisfactory progress but who has not satisfied the requirements for entry into the next level. The requirement for entry into the next level of ASL is based on the end-of-semester ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). IN order to qualify for the ASLPI, students must receive a passing grade in the course or permission of the chair.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 102 with a grade of C or above; or ASLPI score of 1+.

ASL 202 Conversational American Sign Language II (3)
This course builds on the cultural competence and language skills developed in ASL III with increased focus on developing comprehension and production skills in various ASL genres and registers. Continued critical analysis of cultural values and attitudes as they relate to the deaf community is also examined. If students do not achieve the necessary placement test score to advance to ASL 203 by the end of the semester, they may elect to repeat ASL 202. A grade of IP (in progress) may be given to any student who has made satisfactory progress but who has not satisfied the requirements for entry into the next level. The requirement for entry into the next level of ASL is based on the end-of-semester ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). In order to qualify for the ASLPI, students must receive a passing grade in the course or permission of the chair.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 201 with a grade of C or above; or ASLPI score of 2.

ASL 203 Advanced American Sign Langauge (3)
Advanced study of ASL grammar through ASL narratives and literature is covered. Further development and refinement skills including fluency of signing are expected. Accentuates aspects of deaf culture and community through spontaneously generated conversations including strong emphasis on receptive and expressive skills. Semantic analysis of ASL is required. This course also includes assessment of students' sign production and comprehensive skills to prepare for language proficiency examinations. The assessment will include the following areas: grammatical accuracy, vocabulary development, fluency, production (accent), and comprehension.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 202 with a grade of C or above; or ASLPI score of 2+.

ASL 270 ASL and English: Comparative Analysis (3)
This course covers areas of vocabulary, semantics, grammar and organization of ASL and English. Students look at the linguistic aspects of both languages and compare the two. The class also covers word classes and sentence structure of both languages. To assist students in understanding the structure of both languages, discussion of how languages work is included.

Prerequisite: LIN 101, GSR 102, and GSR 103 or equivalent.

ASL 295 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for sophomores. Students may enroll in 295 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

ASL 302 Visual Language Resource Development (3)
Visual media has changed the way we work with American Sign Language. With the advent of new tools and platforms, possibilities of publishing have proliferated, allowing a wider discourse of ideas to be shared with a vast audience of people who work with ASL and ASL learners. This course explores these opportunities through a hands-on approach and introduces students to the tools and skills necessary to produce digital video, websites, interactive presentations and social media and integrate those with the field of ASL.

Prerequisite: ASL 270 and permission of instructor or program coordinator.

ASL 303 Depiction:Theory & Applications (3)
This course introduces the history of classifier theory and the three levels of complexity of classifiers. This course will also focus on depiction theory, which is one of the most complex areas of ASL linguistics, to enhance students' understanding of ASL structure in general. Students will develop lesson plans and materials to teach ASL depiction, as well as evaluation materials.

Prerequisite: ASL 270 or permission of instructor.

ASL 304 Fingerspelling & ASL Numbers: Theory and Applications (3)
This course introduces students to fingerspelling and numbers in ASL. The course covers topics including grammatical techniques and forms of fingerspelling and numbers in ASL. The use of ASL fingerspelling and numbers are also analyzed in within the linguistic structure of ASL. Students will develop teaching materials and ways to assess the skills of their students.

Prerequisite: ASL 270; or permission of the instructor.

ASL 305 Non-Manual Grammatical Signals in ASL (3)
This course covers the non-manual aspect of the language. The upper part of the face demonstrates sentence types and the lower part demonstrates modifiers. Other parts of the body (e.g., shoulder shift, eye gaze) used to demonstrate grammar will also be covered. Students will do analysis of specific features (e.g., brow raise, clenched teeth) required for each aspect. Their development of or improvement on these skills is expected.

ASL 314 ASL Literature (3)
Study of selected videotapes and films ranging from the early 1900s to the present. Emphasis will be placed on historical background (deaf actors/actresses in silent films), meanings of the story content, discussion of grammatical features in ASL or ASL expressions signed by deaf people, and discussion of the various signing registers and styles revealed in these contents. A critical analysis of the value of available videotapes and films (appropriate selection of grammatical features, cultural information provided in the tapes, mannerisms); producing ASL literature in accordance with the development stage of readiness in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students (making videotapes that are appropriate for various age groups).

Prerequisite: DST 314, LIN 263; or permission of the department chair.

ASL 380 ASL Elocution: Applications (3)
This course covers elocution, in other words, registers of ASL discourse -- frozen, formal, consultative, casual and intimate. Students will be able to discuss using ASL in the most common registers (formals, consultative and casual) in classrooms or at social events. They will also learn how to refine their skills in giving presentations using formal ASL.

Prerequisite: ASL 270; or permission of instructor.

ASL 395 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for juniors. Students may enroll in 395 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

ASL 401 ASL Practicum (1-6)
This is a supervised practicum in which the student is assigned to a site to work with experts in the field of ASL. The student will observe and participate in actual classroom teaching, tutoring, consulting, diagnosis and modeling of ASL under the supervision of an experienced cooperating supervisor. Feedback forms will be used to keep the student, cooperating teacher and the practicum supervisor informed of progress throughout the course. Students are required to attend a weekly seminar conducted by the practicum supervisor. Students may repeat ASL 401, when the practicum content varies.

Prerequisite: ASL 270 and permission of instructor or program coordinator.

ASL 403 Communication in Gestures (3)
This course provides an introduction to communicating with gestures. Students learn to describe objects, ask for and give directions, discuss limited hypothetical issues, paraphrase, describe floor plans, and develop a skit through the use of gestures. The instructor uses gestures throughout the course.

ASL 405 Discourse Features in ASL (3)
This course demonstrates the use of space and eye gaze. It also demonstrates the use of role shifting to indicate speaker or locus of the subject/object in the ASL text. Organization of an ASL text and the function of these features will be covered. How they overlap with other features of the language will also be covered. Turn-taking regulators will be discussed within the conversation style of a discourse text.

Prerequisite: ASL 303, 305.

ASL 421 Introduction to ASL Instruction (3)
This course introduces ASL majors to the field of ASL instruction. Areas covered will be methods, curriculum and training in the field. Discussion of ASLTA certification will be covered as well. Students will be able to observe ASL classes to assist them in understanding the pedagogy of ASL teaching.

Prerequisite: ASL 303, 304, 305.

ASL 490 ASL Internship (1-6)
This course is intended as a cumulative application of theories and methods learned in previous courses. Students will, with approval from internship supervisor and cooperating supervisor, select an internship site and responsibilities equivalent to number of credit hours earned. The responsibilities may include ASL tutoring, teaching, consulting, modeling, diagnosis, research and/or resource development. Students are responsible for reporting and reflecting on weekly responsibilities and attending weekly seminars with other interns. The reports and reflections will be integrated in an internship portfolio checked periodically throughout the semester by both the cooperating supervisor and the internship supervisor.

Prerequisite: ASL 401 and permission of instructor or program coordinator.

ASL 494 Senior Seminar (3)
This capstone course is required for those students who complete the prerequisite courses, and it is to enable them to review their prior learning in the program. The course is also designed to give students the opportunity to develop an integrated approach to the study of ASL. Students will be expected to do at least one research paper on a selected topic to be approved by the faculty member.

Prerequisite: ASL 304, 405.

ASL 495 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for seniors who are majors or minors. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

ASL 499 Independent Study (1-3)
A project in the area of the student's special interest as it relates to sign communication. Title indicating the content must be available at time of registration.

Prerequisite: Permission of the department.

ASL 595 Special Topics (3)
Special Topics

ASL 601 Communication in Gestures I (1)
This course is taught in five 3 hour sessions which provide an introduction to communicating with gestures. Students learn to describe objects, ask for and give directions, and discuss limited hypothetical issues through the use of gestures. The instructor uses gestures throughout the course.

ASL 602 Communication in Gestures II (1)
This course is taught in five 3-hour sessions which build on the skills learned in ASL 601. Students learn to paraphrase, describe floor plans, and develop a skit through the use of gestures. The instructor uses gestures throughout the course.

Prerequisite: ASL 601.

ASL 661 American Sign Language Curriculum (3)
This course teaches curriculum planning and specialized adaptations in teaching ASL for various types of students. The course features reading and analysis of other ASL curricula. Focus is on tailored lesson planning, material and method selection and type of evaluation tools.

ASL 695 Special Topics (1-3)
Grading System: letter grades only.

ASL 699 Independent Study (1-3)
Grading System: letter grades only. Individualized course of study focusing on particular problem not covered in regular courses.

Prerequisite: Appropriate level of matriculation, permission of instructor and Special Independent Study Form.

Deaf Studies Courses

DST 195 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for freshmen. Students may enroll in 195 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

DST 201 Deaf Culture (3)
This course will begin with a macroscopic view of culture, and then will focus on the microscopic view of the Deaf experience. Multi-disciplinary approaches --- sociological, educational, linguistic, psychological and humanistic -- will be taken to study important persons, historical events and diversity within the global Deaf community.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GSR 103.

DST 202 Introduction to Cultural Studies (3)
This course investigates how culture shapes the way people see the world. Students will explore cultural readings and examine various texts around us to understand how culture, identity and history frame experiences. Traditional courses in cultural studies assume that the meanings in this world are central in creating us -- individually and collectively. Students will examine how culture transmits a view of the world and power through critical analysis.

Prerequisite: DST 201 or permission of the instructor.

DST 205 Intro to Deaf Space Concept & Methodology (3)
This course introduces students to Deaf Space concept and methodology. The unique sensory orientation of Deaf people shapes how they inhabit the world, as well as their relationship with people and space. This course will explore the ways of dwelling of Deaf people and engage in methodological exploration derived from proxemics and visual studies fields to gain a better understanding of the characteristics and principles of Deaf Space.

Prerequisite: DST 201 or permission of instructor.

DST 295 Special Topics (1-5)
Special Topics in the discipline, designed primarily for sophomores. Students may enroll in 295 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

DST 301 Introduction to History, Theories & Methods in Deaf Studies (3)
This course will introduce students to several research methodologies, particularly ethnographic and historical, that are commonly used by Deaf Studies scholars. Students will learn how to analyze various "texts" that shape the field of Deaf Studies. Their research projects will be disseminated either to a live audience or on the Web.

Prerequisite: DST 202; and admission to the major or minor; or permission of instructor.

DST 311 Dynamics of Oppression (3)
This course examines various forms of oppression by looking across different cultures and communities, then examines possible parallels occurring within the deaf community.

Prerequisite: DST 101 or GSR 103.

DST 314 Oral Traditions in the Deaf Community (3)
The dynamics of oral cultures and their traditions will be introduced in this course by studying the development of oral literature and literary artists in other cultures. Then using this as background, attempts will be made to study ASL literary tradition by looking at life histories, narratives, and poetry performances.

Prerequisite: DST 201.

DST 315 Introduction to Deaf View/Image Art (3)
This course introduces a humanistic perspective on De'VIA and Deaf artists. Deaf View/Image Art ( De'VIA ) refers to works by artists who express their Deaf experiences through visual art. Students will also explore how other minority groups ( such as feminists, African Americans, Native Americans, etc). Use art as an expression of resistance. this course involves slide presentations of minority arts and De'VIA and group discussions.

Prerequisite: DST 201.

DST 316 Disability Studies (3)
This course will introduce students to the field of Disability Studies. As an emerging interdisciplinary field of study, Disability Studies does not approach disability as a "medical condition, but as a human condition" (Charlton). Instead of studying the causes and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, we will explore the historical, social, political, religious, philosophical, and cultural influences that "construct" the category of "disability." We will also examine how persons with disabilities construct their own meanings and identities.

Prerequisite: DST 101 or GSR 103.

DST 320 Internship I (3 or 6)
In this senior-level internship course, Deaf Studies majors will volunteer for a Deaf organization. Students can earn three or six credits depending on the hours worked at an internship site. Students will be supervised by a Field Supervisor at the organization and reviewed by a faculty member. The internship will serve as a field experience for students, allowing for the application of what has been learned in the academic setting. Students will develop skills working with individuals, groups, agencies, and communities. In addition, students must submit a journal logging their activities to the Internship coordinator. Internships can be either in the United States or abroad.

Prerequisite: Deaf Studies major and permission of the instructor.

DST 395 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for juniors. Students may enroll in 395 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

DST 401 Black Deaf People's Studies (3)
This course primarily examines black deaf people in America including the Caribbean Islands and Africa. The course is organized to focus on the history, education, community and culture, language, and psychosocial forces that influence black deaf people's experience. It will concentrate on the social, political, and cultural development of a unique group of people that is a part of the general deaf community and the black community.

Prerequisite: DST 201.

DST 402 Deaf Women's Studies (3)
This course will explore how the field of women's studies came into being by way of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention. Issues faced by both hearing and deaf women will be investigated: career, educational opportunities, reproduction, and patriarchy, among others.

Prerequisite: DST 201.

DST 410 Multicultural Deaf Lives (Topic to be specified) (3)
This course will focus on cultural issues, values, behaviors, identities and language of Deaf people from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. Students will examine autobiographies, documentaries, films, videos, and academic literature to help understand the contributions and historical development of the emerging majority of the Deaf community that is underrepresented in the United States and the world. Course may be repeated as topics change.

Prerequisite: DST 201.

DST 494 Senior Seminar (3)
This seminar gives students the opportunity to develop an integrated approach to the study of deaf and hard of hearing people in America and abroad. Students will be asked to investigate a particular topic in depth.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the core major program with a GPA of 2.5 or better.

DST 495 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for seniors who are majors or minors. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

DST 498 Senior Thesis (3)
The course allows interested seniors to study a specialized topic of their choice in depth. It encourages the students to conduct a case study or cross-cultural comparative study in consultation with the Deaf Studies Department and another appropriate department or research program.

Prerequisite: Deaf Studies major and permission of the instructor.

DST 499 Independent Study (1-3)
Intensive supervised study and research on topics of the student's selection.

DST 595 Special Topics (3)
Grading system: letter grades only.

DST 695 Special Topics (1-3)
Grading System: letter grades only.

DST 699 Independent Study (1-3)
Grading System: letter grades only. Individualized course of study focusing on particular problem not covered in regular courses.

Prerequisite: Appropriate level of matriculation, permission of instructor and Special Independent Study Form.