ASL 323: American Sign Language (ASL) III
Prerequisites: ASL 221/COSD 221 and ASL 222 with a minimum grade of “C” or departmental permission
Credit Hours: (3)
Provides students with intensive study and practice of ASL vocabulary, syntax, and
pragmatic language skills building upon skills developed in ASL 221/COSD 221 and ASL
222.
Note(s): Required for students in the deaf and hard of hearing program.
ASL 323 represents the third semester of a four-semester sequence. Students study and practice intermediate ASL vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatic language skills. The course emphasizes the learning of basic person-to-person (i.e. “through the air”) conversational signing skills in ASL, including an expanded study of both visual literature (ASL) and written literature (English) authored by members of the Deaf culture. An emphasis is placed upon cross-cultural perspectives on Deaf or hard of hearing children and the linguistic impact of educational placement options.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course is taught in ASL (“voice off”), using written, rather than spoken English, as needed. ASL syntax, grammar, and vocabulary are studied via lecture supplemented with videorecordings of fluent ASL signers. Students work in small groups to complete structured practice exercises guided by the instructor. Skill generalization is facilitated through natural conversation requiring spontaneous and contingent responses, and moreover, the use of expressive and receptive ASL clarification strategies. Multicultural issues, linguistic code-switching, and language dominance in Deaf education are studied via assigned readings, lecture, and discussion, drawing upon the scholarly literature and on visual literature (ASL) and written literature (English) authored by members of the Deaf culture. Students attend Language Labs that promote maximum interaction with the Deaf community and facilitate understanding of the dynamic language, culture, and multicultural issues alive in the Deaf community today. Students continue to develop a multimedia portfolio that offers samples of their ASL skills.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Goals, objectives, and assignments in this class address the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Initial Preparation Standards and related Knowledge and Skill Items, as well as the Virginia Department of Education competencies and requirements for preparing educators.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
•Develop proficiency in expressive and receptive sign language, to include American Sign Language and contact varieties.
•Develop proficiency in the languages/modes of communication used by individuals who are D/HH
•Increase competence in the individual’s preferred communication mode(s)
•Participate in an academic exploration of multicultural issues, linguistic code-switching, and language dominance as it relates to spoken languages in general as well as Deaf culture uniquely
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may include class participation, announced and unannounced quizzes, in-class exams, student presentations completed in ASL, conversational assignments completed in and outside the class, and a research paper or academic essay on the language, culture, and/or literature of the Deaf community. Exams may include interpretation of ASL presented live or on videotape, expressive signing exercises, and objective, written questions. A final comprehensive exam, which may include an ASL component and a written English component, is administered.
Other Course Information
Videotaped material will be made available to students for viewing on their own time for additional practice in comprehending sign language.
Review and Approval
Revised 2013
Revised April, 2009