ASL: American Sign Language

ASL 101. Elementary American Sign Language I. 3 Credits.

This is the first course in an American Sign Language sequence. Students in this course will develop a fundamental vocabulary and understanding of American Sign Language. They will recognize, comprehend, apply and demonstrate culturally appropriate linguistic behaviors (vocabulary selection, grammar usage, turn-taking skills, feedback signals, eye-gaze, etc.) in order to communicate with other students and signers. In addition, information will be provided about deaf culture, general impact, barriers and opportunities related to hearing loss and Deaf Gain.
Typically offered in Fall.
Cross listed courses CSD 110, ASL 101.

ASL 102. Elementary American Sign Language II. 3 Credits.

This is the second course in the ASL language sequence. In this course students will increase communication skills; develop conversational skills in ASL. The students in this course will also continue to expand their knowledge of deaf culture by being provided with a better understanding of cultural values and behavioral roles of the Deaf community on the U.S. This course includes receptive and expressive activities, sign vocabulary, grammatical structure, receptive and expressive finger spelling, and facial expressions and body language.
Pre / Co requisites: ASL 102 requires a prerequisite of ASL 101 or CSD 110.
Typically offered in Spring.
Cross listed courses CSD 111, ASL 102.

ASL 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.

ASL 201. Intermediate American Sign Language I. 3 Credits.

This course is the third in the ASL language sequence. In this class students will build on what was learned in ASL 101 and ASL 102 (CSD 110 and CSD 111), continuing to emphasize the development of proper ASL grammar, syntax and vocabulary with emphasis on conversation and narration/storytelling. Vocabulary-building and mastery of grammar will be through rigorous receptive and expressive language activities. Topics discussed in ASL include the location and description of items in rooms and buildings, complaints, making suggestions, and making requests. Exposure to and knowledge of Deaf culture is an integral part of the course.
Pre / Co requisites: ASL 201 requires a prerequisite of ASL 102 or CSD 111.
Typically offered in Fall.
Cross listed courses ASL 201, CSD 210.

ASL 202. Intermediate American Sign Language II. 3 Credits.

This is the fourth course in the WCU American Sign Language sequence and provides students with opportunities to expand their sign production and comprehension skills in ASL. Students continue to expand their awareness of ASL conventions, grammar and vocabulary, including an extensive review of topical signs and idioms. Students develop a greater competency in their receptive understanding of connected ASL discourse and in their expression of extended ideas, concepts, and stories in ASL. Their expressive competency in discussion of ideas includes an expression of their understanding of Deaf culture. Students continue the growth of their technical awareness of Deaf culture and ASL linguistics.
Pre / Co requisites: ASL 202 requires a prerequisite of ASL 201.
Typically offered in Spring.
Cross listed courses CSD 211, ASL 202.

ASL 301. Advanced American Sign Language I. 3 Credits.

Development of expressive and receptive skills in the advanced use of American Sign Language, including fingerspelling and numbers. Receptive skills focus on ASL-English interpretation, whole word phase recognition and fingerspelling/number comprehension in text. Expressive skills focus on the development of incorporating advanced skills in storytelling, speech clarity and fluency. Students will learn how to sign cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers, time, money, dates, addresses, and telephone numbers. Fingerspelling will be developed with an emphasis on real world situations. Students will develop skill sets related to ASL-English interpreting skills.
Pre / Co requisites: ASL 301 requires a prerequisite of ASL 102 and a corequisite or prerequisite of ASL 201.
Typically offered in Fall.

ASL 302. Advanced American Sign Language II. 3 Credits.

The linguistic structure of sign languages, including American Sign Language and other used sign languages in the United States (SEE, PSE, etc). How sign languages around the world differ, and what properties they share. Accents and dialects in sign languages and how they are signed. How sign languages are similar and different from spoken languages. How and why sign languages have emerged. Advanced usage of American Sign Language including storytelling and narratives, as well as basic interpreting strategies. This course prepares students to enter interpreter training programs (ITP) to become certified ASL interpreters.
Pre / Co requisites: ASL 302 requires a prerequisite of ASL 201 and a prerequisite or corequisite of ASL 202.
Typically offered in Spring.