ASL 324: American Sign Language (ASL) IV
Prerequisites: ASL 221 /COSD 221, ASL 222, and ASL 323 with a minimum grade of C or departmental permission
Credit Hours: (3)
Provides students with intensive study and practice of advanced ASL vocabulary, syntax,
and pragmatic language sills building upon skills developed in ASL 221 /COSD 221,
ASL 222, and ASL 323.
Note(s): Required for students in the deaf and hard of hearing program.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
ASL 324 represents the final semester of a four-semester sequence. Students study and practice advanced ASL vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatic language skills. The course emphasizes the learning of basic person-to-person 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. Continued emphasis is placed upon cross-cultural perspectives of Deaf or hard of hearing children and the cultural, linguistic, academic and social-emotional impact of educational placement options for D/HH children.
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 will compare and contrast linguistic implications of different educational settings for Deaf and Hard of hearing students and present share their findings through ASL discussion and/or written report. Students attend multiple Deaf cultural and interpretive events that promote maximum interaction with the Deaf community and facilitate understanding of the language and culture of the Deaf.
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:
• Demonstrate proficiency in expressive and receptive sign language to include American Sign Language and contact varieties
• Demonstrate proficiency in the languages/modes of communication used by individuals who are D/HH
• Demonstrate competence in the individuals’ preferred communication mode (s).
• Develop an enriched cultural competency relative to the deaf community and demonstrate awareness of the dynamic language, culture, and multicultural issues alive in the Deaf community today.
• Participate in an academic exploration of the multicultural literacy, linguistic code switching, and sign language as it relates to the 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. DHH majors will be required to take the Signed Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI). 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
None
Review and Approval
Revised 2013
New Course June, 2009