American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL 001  Elementary American Sign Language I   Units: 5

This course presents the fundamentals of American Sign Language with an introduction into Deaf Studies. The course is designed with a general orientation into American Sign Language as it is used within the Deaf culture. Instruction in the basic structure of the language and development of its use. Introduction to the history of Deaf culture and the language. Introduction to the Deaf perspective on the establishment of Deaf communities and ASL. Students will learn basic grammar and vocabulary, with an emphasis on both expressive and receptive skills. In addition, a historical, social, cultural and deaf education overview will be investigated with lab required hours. An emphasis on problems that impact the deaf culture and its origins will be provided as we delve into American Deaf Studies, encompassing the history, education, arts, language, and social issues, and its applicability to ASL language acquisition.
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC*                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 6A

ASL 002  Elementary American Sign Language II   Units: 5

This course further develops material introduced in American Sign Language 1. Increasingly complex grammar and vocabulary will be introduced, with the class conducted primarily in ASL. Equal focus is placed on expressive and receptive skill development. Students will explore simple Deaf humor and poetry, and examine writings by American Deaf persons to discover values, attitudes, and themes of the American Deaf culture.
Lecture Hours: 90         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ASL 001 or two years high school American Sign Language.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B, 6A

ASL 003  Intermediate American Sign Language I   Units: 4

This course continues to develop material introduced in American Sign Language 2. Students expand their sign vocabulary and idioms, develop normal conversational signing speed, and express and receive complex ASL sentences. Students comprehend ASL narratives and develop discourse skills with special emphasis on spatial grammar structures. Students increase Deaf culture awareness through the study of Deaf cultural texts and other concepts.
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ASL 002.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B, 6A

ASL 004  Intermediate American Sign Language II   Units: 4

This course continues to develop material introduced in ASL 003. Students demonstrate mastery of ASL vocabulary and idioms, complex ASL sentences and fingerspelled loan signs, and develop ASL storytelling skills while refining discourse skills. Students attain conversational speed in fingerspelling. Students comprehend, examine, and discuss ASL literature. Sensitivity to Deaf cultural issues will be extended through the study of Deaf cultural texts and related concepts. The ability to navigate Deaf culture will be demonstrated in the classroom and the Deaf community.
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ASL 003.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B, 6A