Courses

Designed for students with little or no previous experience in the language. Focuses on communicative skills of sign comprehension and production. Includes high frequency vocabulary, basic sentence constructions, common phrases, and cultural aspects of the Deaf community. Also stresses student participation in skills development.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the rules of ASL by correctly producing signs and facial expressions in simple ASL sentences
2. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend basic ASL grammar by accurately responding to questions dealing with one or more of the following topics: introductions, language and educational backgrounds, residence, family and relationships, or daily activities
3. Identify, at the basic level, Deaf cultural norms, practices, or products
4. List Deaf institutions or organizations that serve deaf and hard of hearing people on a global level
5. Identify, at the basic level, similarities and differences of ASL and Deaf culture at the introductory level with one’s own language and culture
6. Narrate in ASL by introducing oneself and sharing about language background, living situation, or family and relationships

A continuation of ASL 101, with emphasis on basic language skills for communication and on cultural aspects to promote understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture.

Prerequisite: ASL 101 or permission of the instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the rules of ASL by correctly producing signs and facial expressions in complex ASL sentences
2. Integrate several communication strategies, such as using common reference point when giving directions or asking for clarification, to enhance their conversations in ASL
3. Describe Deaf cultural norms, practices, or products
4. Identify ways to actively participate in Deaf communities at local, national, or international levels
5. Apply knowledge and conventions of ASL to real world situations, such as providing directions to different locations or giving prices of household and grocery items
6. Show cultural sensitivity by responding to greetings, managing conversation interruptions, or deferring to deaf and hard of hearing people to determine ways of effective communication

This course provides a thorough analysis of the development of Deaf culture in the United States of America. Topics include: education of the D/deaf; Deaf films, theaters and clubs; preservation of American Sign Language; technology and services in the Deaf community; cochlear implantation. The student's acculturation process is facilitated by active participation in the Rochester Deaf community. This course is taught in ASL.

Prerequisite: ASL 102; Corequisite: ASL 203

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Summarize how Deaf culture has developed in the United States of America.
2. Identify important historical events in the Deaf community in the United States.
3. Correctly identify culturally appropriate participation in Deaf clubs and events.
4. Apply technological resources and services available to the Deaf population.
5. Participate in group discussions in ASL.
6. Deliver a presentation in ASL.

A continuation of ASL 102 for those with a basic foundation in American Sign Language communication. Grammar and vocabulary are continued at a higher level. Cultural topics are included in the study of grammar and structure. Attendance at events in the Deaf community is required.

Prerequisite(s): ASL 102 or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate an ability to express oneself and comprehend messages in large-group conversations by: locating things around the house using classifiers; by complaining, making suggestions and requests using appropriate pronouns, agreement verbs, and ASL inflections; exchanging personal information about life events using transitions and non-manual markers
2. Explore, analyze, discuss, and reflect on patterns of Deaf cultural behaviors and Deaf social, political, and educational institutions and their influences on Deaf culture and related issues
3. Observe and describe the common themes in ASL literature that include viewpoints of Deaf and hearing people and major milestones in Deaf history that have shaped the concept of Deaf pride
4. Investigate the similarities and differences of complex grammatical principles of ASL and Deaf culture with one’s own language, including parameters of ASL phonology, classifiers, agreement verbs, inflections, and non-manual markers, as well as one’s own culture, such as controversial issues in the Deaf community and variations in rhythms used in songs and poems
5. Share and discuss knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture with members of the local Deaf community and participate in cultural events or social activities that reflect Deaf culture.

A continuation of ASL 203 for students with intermediate competency in the language. Special attention is given to application of complex grammatical principles, including non-manual signals and temporal/distributional aspects. Attendance at events in the Deaf community is required.

Prerequisite(s): ASL 203 or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate an ability to maintain intermediate-level ASL communication on a wide range of Deaf-related topics in group settings by incorporating complex grammatical principles
2. Analyze, discuss and reflect on contemporary issues in the Deaf world and themes of oppression and empowerment in expressive and tangible products of Deaf culture
3. Synthesize and analyze information gathered in other disciplines to enhance understanding of ASL and Deaf culture as well as the cultural value and role of collectivism in Deaf culture in contrast with the predominant value of individualism in American Society
4. Compare and contrast ASL and Deaf culture with one’s own language and culture by using increasingly more complex non-manual markers, temporal aspects, distributional aspects, classifiers, and syntax
5. Create video logs in ASL that maintain dialogue and discussion about ASL and Deaf culture.

This course is designed to address specific topics of interest in Deaf Studies and ASL. Offerings are more specific and focused than the Introductory surveys. Offerings provide students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Deaf Studies and ASL. Examples of possible offerings include, but is not limited to: Artistic Expressions of Deafhood, Deaf Art and Cinema, Career Explorations in the Sign Language Field and General Linguistics. Topics may change from semester to semester based on faculty and student interest. The classes will be primarily lecture and discussion based and may include occasional relevant outside events.

Prerequisite(s): ASL 103 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Define Deafhood by referencing well-known works in areas such as ASL & English Literatures, Deaf Cinema, Deaf Theatre, or Deaf Visual Arts.
2. Describe literary expressions of Deafhood.
3. Describe artistic expressions of Deafhood.
4. Describe the Deaf Community's interpretation of known Deafhood artistic expressions.
5. Analyze artistic expressions found in the community and/or on the web.
6. Compare old and new perceptions of Deafhood.
7. Analyze common themes found in Deafhood through known literary works.
8. Describe the challenges that deaf and hard of hearing people face on a daily basis.