Fall 2009

ASL 312K • Second-Year American Sign Language II

Course Description

ASL 312K is a third-semester American Sign Language (ASL) course that emphasizes not only language mastery but also the understanding of Deaf culture, specifically its cultural values, attitudes, beliefs, social norms, and history.

Integrates and refines expressive and receptive skills in American Sign Language (ASL), including recognition of sociolinguistic variation. A practice oriented approach to language acquisition with demonstration of more sophisticated grammatical features of American Sign Language (ASL). Increases fluency and accuracy in finger spelling and numbers. Provides opportunities for interaction within the deaf community. Course requires significant time outside of class.

Course study includes ASL grammatical structures, non-manual behaviors, vocabulary and classifiers, fingerspelling and numbers, communication skills (conversations and discussions), and other language functions. Most of the learning activities are based on the text, Signing Naturally. These activities will include interactive activities such as locating things around the house, complaining, making suggestions and requests, exchanging personal information: life events, describing and identifying things, and talking about weekend activities. Supporting studies include attendance of Deaf events, film and video viewing, ASL literary readings, and other analytical activities.

Grading Policy

This course is offered on a letter grade basis only.

Texts

Cassell and McCaffrey, 1995. ASL Grammatical Aspects: Comparative Translation. Padden and Humphries, 1990. Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture. Supplemental photocopied materials

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