ASL: Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture
Cross-Listed: COSD 221
Credit Hours: (3)
Introduces cultural awareness, comprehension and production skills, and emphasizes basic sentence structure in American Sign Language with a focus on interactive communicative competence.
Detailed Description of the Content of the Course
ASL 221 represents the first semester of a four-semester sequence and serves as an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). This course introduces students to both the practical elements of producing and comprehending American Sign Language (ASL). Students study and practice basic ASL vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatic language skills while gaining awareness of the culture, heritage, and civic values of the Deaf Community in the United States.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
ASL 221 introduces cultural awareness, comprehension and production skills and emphasizes basic sentence structure (syntax, vocabulary and pragmatics) in American Sign Language (ASL) with the focus on interactive communicative competence. Skill generalization is facilitated through natural conversation requiring spontaneous and contingent responses, and moreover, the use of expressive and receptive ASL clarification strategies. Students study and practice basic ASL vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatic language skills with emphasis on learning basic person-to-person (i.e. “through the air”) conversational signing skills in ASL through demonstration, small group activities, individual, self-reflection and instructor feedback. This course is taught primarily in ASL (voice off) using written language rather than spoken English as needed.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Goals, objectives, and assignments in this class address the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Initial Preparation Standards and related Knowledge and Skill Items, as well as the Virginia Department of Education competencies and requirements for preparing Deaf and Hard of Hearing educators.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Compare students' own culture and customs with those of the Deaf Community in the United States.
2. Collaborate with others and use the target language and cultural behaviors to communicate at a basic level.
3. Ask predictable questions and respond to them at a slower-than-normal speed.
4. Present simple, basic information on very familiar topics using practiced or familiar words.
5. Create structured narratives in context which relate to basic biographical information.
6. Identify practices and beliefs to help understand and connect to the Deaf Community.
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may include but are not limited to:
-quizzes/tests
-expressive signed videos,
-papers/essays
Other Course Information
Videotaped material will be made available to students for viewing on their own time for additional practice in comprehending sign language.
Review and Approval
January 11, 2024
Revised 2013
Revised June, 2009