Course concentrates on development of conversational fluency in American Sign Language. Students learn to accurately recognize and produce signs in ASL with appropriate nonmanual behaviors and grammatical features. A basic introduction to American Sign Language, course focuses on conversation in signs, fingerspelling, basic rules of grammar, cultural aspects, and nonmanual components, including facial expressions and body movement. Course focuses on continued development of conversational fluency in American Sign Language, including further training in receptive and expressive skills, fingerspelling, vocabulary building, and grammatical structures.
Course also introduces sign variations such as regional and ethnic variations.
Course includes vocabulary building and mastery of grammar through rigorous receptive and expressive language activities. Course includes student-led discussions, debates, and prepared reports on topics in Deaf Culture and current affairs. Course focuses on continued development of receptive and expressive American Sign Language skills through activities including class discussions. Study and practice of storytelling and poetry, ASL features found in theater, as well as discussions of current events. Deaf Culture 3 cr.