American Sign Language

Associate Professor April Haggard, Coordinator

Two majors offered at Maryville College draw on American Sign Language, the Major in Sign Language Interpreting and the Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. Courses and major requirements for the Major in Sign Language and Interpreting are listed under Sign Language Interpreting in this catalog. Success in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies require being able to perceive signers’ faces, hand movements and body movements and being able to convey and receive ASL through these channels quickly at the natural pace of language. Also essential is the ability to perceive and process visual information and eye-hand coordination that allow effective communication. A good foundation in basic ASL is critical to advancing successfully in the Major in ASL and Deaf Studies.

The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is intended for those desiring to pursue studies in the areas of linguistics or anthropology at the graduate level or communication skills/cultural knowledge for use in counseling, social work, teaching, working in schools for the Deaf, or other service fields. Audio-visual materials are accessible for individual study of a broad cross-section of communication methods. Interactions with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and regular practice using videotaping equipment are principal means for the development of skills. Successful graduates of the ASL studies major will be able to comfortably communicate in ASL receptively and expressively and to interact comfortably and appropriately in the Deaf community at entry level. The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies requires 45 hours with 30 hours beyond ASL 110 and 120 and 15 hours for related courses. Required courses are: Sign Language Interpreting 215, ASL 203, 204, 305, 307, 331, 335, 343, and 351-352. Required related courses are Psychology 101, 211 and 306, Social Science 301, and one course from Sociology 202, 211, or Psychology/Sociology 221.

The Minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies consists of ASL 203 and 307 and nine additional hours above the 100-level. The Minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is not open to interpreting majors.

Course Descriptions

110. American Sign Language I
4 credit hours
An introduction to American Sign Language using concepts related to people, places and objects within the immediate environment. Emphasis is placed on appropriate language and cultural behaviors in various situations with students learning grammar in the context of communicative activities. Laboratory classes are used to expand expressive and receptive skills.
120. American Sign Language II
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: ASL 110 or permission of the instructor
A sequel to ASL 110 which is designed to encourage students to talk about people in a more abstract way and learn to narrate events that occurred in the past. Students learn appropriate cultural behaviors for directing and maintaining attention as well as strategies for controlling the pace of conversation and resuming conversations after an interruption. Laboratory classes are used to expand expressive and receptive skills.
203. American Sign Language III
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ASL 110-120 or permission of the instructor
A sequel to ASL 110-120 designed to encourage students to talk about people in a more abstract way and to talk about the environment removed from the classroom. Students learn also to narrate past events. Laboratory classes are used to expand expressive and receptive skills.
204. American Sign Language IV
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: American Sign Language 203 or placement into the course
Students increase vocabulary, develop everyday conversational skills, develop skills to translate written text into ASL, and improve ability to make formal presentations in ASL. Laboratory classes are used to expand expressive and receptive skills.
305. American Sign Language V
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: American Sign Language 204 or placement into the course
Vocabulary building and mastery of grammar through rigorous receptive and expressive language activities. Includes student-led discussions and debates on topics in Deaf culture, society, and current affairs. Introduces language forms found in ASL storytelling.
307. History and Culture of the American Deaf Community
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior level standing or permission of the instructor
The history of Deaf people in the Western world, with emphasis on the American Deaf community and the status of Deaf people as both a linguistic and cultural minority. Designed for individuals who may or may not have had prior experience with Deaf people, the course raises questions concerning the nature of sign language and its various categories, the education of Deaf people, the historical treatment of deafness, and the sociological and cultural makeup of Deaf individuals.
331. Introduction to Linguistics of ASL
3 credit hours
Prerequisite or co-requisite: Psychology 306
Conducted in ASL, the course is descriptive and data-oriented rather than theoretical. An introduction to the “phonology,” grammar, and semantics of ASL, including studies of variations in structure related to factors of region, social class, ethnicity, age, and sex. There will be extensive use of research articles.
335. ASL Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ASL 305
Focuses on various genres of literature by and about Deaf people. Concentrates on Deaf characters and the influences Deaf culture and Deaf history have on literary works from the early 1900s to the present. There will be extensive use of videotaped materials.
337. Internship
9 to 15 credit hours
Practical experience in a professional environment with supervision approved department faculty. Internships require a time commitment equivalent to full-time employment, with credit allotted on the basis of one credit hour for each week of full-time involvement.
343. Practicum
3 credit hours
Practical experience in a professional environment with supervision by an agency staff person approved by department faculty. One credit hour is associated with each three hours of work every week for a 14-week semester.
349. Seminar
3 credit hours
Selected topics in deaf studies/interpreting. Offered as demand warrants.
351-352. Senior Study
6 credit hours
Prerequisites: FRS 140, English Proficiency Exam, junior standing and Social Science 301
The Senior Study requirement is fulfilled with this two-course sequence. Independent study with the guidance of a faculty supervisor, with an emphasis on skills-based projects.