SIGN LANGUAGE

We offer three levels of American Sign Language. All of the courses focus heavily on the grammar and syntax of ASL and the culture of the Deaf.

• Sign 125, Beginning ASL covers a minimum of 1,000 sign glosses and 20 language patterns. Knowledge of the basic grammar and syntax of ASL is developed. Students are required to read a novel about Deaf culture, complete a research project about a Deaf individual in history and to communicate with Deaf people in our community.

• Sign 126, Intermediate ASL incorporates the language and syntax patterns of the Deaf into dialogues and stories for consecutive discourse. There is heavy emphasis on facial expression, idioms, nonverbal manual cues and translation of English into ASL. A variety of projects require students to demonstrate their fluency and accuracy in both receptive and expressive modes. Students are expected to become involved in the Deaf community.

• Sign 127, Advanced ASL requires students to demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge of ASL grammar, syntax, sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign skills while incorporating all of the sign and language knowledge of the previous two courses. Advanced reading about Deaf culture and projects demonstrating an ability to translate and analyze the language of the Deaf are required. Students are expected to participate regularly in the activities and programs for the Deaf in our community.

For more information, please choose one of the following options:

• MJC Sign Language Club
• Links to Resources on Deafness
• Barbara Wells' home page

Division Home Page | English | Reading | Foreign Language | ESL | Sign Language | Labs | Faculty

Last Updated: January 07, 2003