World Languages and ASL Continuing Education Courses

Students learn basic skills of the American Sign Language (ASL) used by and for the deaf. This is an introductory course for those wanting to learn a second language or those who want to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Clinical and cultural aspects are covered as well as basic tips on how to best communicate with people who have hearing loss. Receptive and expressive sign vocabulary building activities are introduced through class activities stressing conversational skills. Students learn basic ASL questions, commands, and simple sentences. Information about the deaf community is also presented. Students practice with non-verbal/gesture activities, alphabet, and numbers.

For students who have completed one or two semesters of introductory American Sign Language and want continued practice with previously introduced sign vocabulary, nuances of ASL non-verbal communication, expression, and structure. The class features further vocabulary building, advancement of grammar pattern use and increased ASL conversation without voice. Guest deaf participants provide receptive finger spelling and conversational skill practice.

For students who are conversant with ASL and want to explore further structure, vocabulary, and use of the language. The course is not recommended for students who may have taken levels 1 and 2 and are still not comfortably conversant with ASL.

Continuing building on your conversational skills that you learned in Sign Language 3.

Refine your expressive skills and develop confidence in signing complex English concepts into ASL! Designed for students who have completed at least ASL 3, ASL 4 preferred, or equivalent, this advanced course focuses on converting English phrases into American Sign Language using accurate grammar and structure. Through interactive practice and discussion, you will deepen your understanding of ASL syntax, non-manual markers, and linguistic nuances that differ from spoken language.