American Sign Language: American Sign Language II

Discusses concepts and principles: advanced vocabulary, grammar patterns, use of space/modulation of signs for time/location. Further explores Deaf Culture. Prerequisites: ASL 001 or equivalent.

Restricted to 1st and 2nd year students. Prereq: ASL 001 or successful completion of placement interview.

This course is second in a series of courses designed to further development of comprehension and production abilities in American Sign Language (ASL). Lessons are designed around recognition and demonstration of more sophisticated grammatical features of ASL with focus on increasing fluency and accuracy. Deaf communities will be also discussed.

Attendance is mandatory. Since this course involves many in-class activities and essential language practice with the professor, absences will have an adverse effect on your grade. Students are expected to arrive to class on time. Arriving more than 30 minutes late to class or leaving early from class will be considered as an absence. Exceptions may be made only in cases of medical emergencies and religious holidays. Employment and other academic pressure do not constitute an excused absence. It is your responsibility to notify your professor in advance if you are unable to attend, plan to arrive late or leave early. Notification does not warrant an approval for your request. Method of Instruction: This course will be predominantly conducted in ASL. English (written) will be used at times to clarify linguistic concepts. Class activities may include but are not limited to class discussions, practice conversations, collaborative activities, viewing video texts in ASL, and translation exercises. No Voice or English Mouthing Policy: This course has a strict no voice and mouthing in the classroom policy. All conversation in the classroom should be in ASL before, after, and during class. This allows you to learn ASL more quickly and effectively. This will improve your fluency in ASL, encourage you to become visual communicators, and allows everyone to maintain visual concentration in the classroom. This policy also prevents any suspicion of academic misconduct or inappropriate comments directed to other students that the instructor is unable to monitor. Last but not least, it is culturally inappropriate to talk without signing in a Deaf person’s presence. Voicing or mouthing during class will result in a grading penalty. Persistent disregard of this policy will result in you being asked to leave the classroom and to meet with the instructor during office hours.

Tests - 45% Quizzes - 10% Assignments - 40% Participation - 5%