Course Descriptions

ASL 101 - American Sign Language I
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. 3 Credits.

ASL 102 - American Sign Language II
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. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: ASL 101 or permission of the instructor.

ASL 201 - American Deaf Culture and Community
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. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: ASL 102; Corequisite: ASL 203

ASL 203 - American Sign Language III
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. 3 Credits.

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

ASL 204 - American Sign Language IV
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. 3 Credits.

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

ASL 216 - Special Topics in Deaf Studies and ASL
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. 3 Credits.

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