General Information

This is an introductory course of American Sign Language (ASL) with an emphasis on signing, receptive skills, signing parameters, the glossing system and numbers. This course provides a historical introduction, cultural awareness and cross-cultural adjustment skills. Non-verbal communication is emphasized. Homework assignments will include, but are not limited to, attendance and involvement at community events.

• Advisory: ASL 1*.

This course is a continuation of ASL 1. Instruction will include further studies of the elementary skills for the fundamentals of ASL: grammar, receptive, and expressive. There will also be extensive instruction on the Deaf Culture and Community, which will be presented in readings, videos and discussion in ASL. Non-verbal communication is emphasized.

• Corequisite: Any course in ASL.

This course — taken in tandem with another course in the discipline — enables a student to apply course content in a meaningful and relevant way to a particular activity. In this hands-on course, students engage in applied learning through unpaid experiential activities organized by the student (in conjunction with SMC’s applied/service learning center) and approved by the instructor. Students will develop a customized reading list relevant to their particular activity, complete a minimum of 15 hours of volunteer work with that activity, and submit academically-sound written reports regarding the activity. By applying course material to their experience, students develop a deeper understanding of the discipline.