FLA – Foreign Language ASL

American Sign Language (ASL) I is an introductory course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of ASL, a visual-gestural language used by Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in the United States and parts of Canada. This course is suitable for individuals with no prior knowledge of ASL and aims to develop basic communication skills in the language. Throughout the course, students will learn the manual alphabet, basic vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural aspects of the Deaf community. Emphasis will be placed on receptive and expressive skills, including understanding ASL in various contexts and producing ASL signs accurately and fluently.

This course builds upon the foundational skills acquired in ASL I, focusing on further development of ASL vocabulary, grammar, and conversational fluency. Students will deepen their understanding of ASL linguistics, including non-manual markers, facial expressions, and spatial referencing. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing receptive and expressive skills through interactive activities, dialogues, storytelling, and discussions on deaf culture and history. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in more complex conversations, express opinions, narrate personal experiences, and comprehend a variety of signed texts.

ASL III expands upon the proficiency gained in ASL II, emphasizing advanced linguistic features, discourse strategies, and cultural nuances within the deaf community. Students will refine their receptive and expressive skills through authentic materials such as narratives, news broadcasts, and lectures delivered in ASL. Topics may include Deaf literature, ASL poetry, Deaf art, and contemporary issues impacting the Deaf community. Through group activities, role-playing, and presentations, students will develop fluency in expressing abstract concepts, engaging in debates, and analyzing ASL discourse. Additionally, students will continue to deepen their understanding of Deaf culture, history, and identity

ASL IV is designed for students who have achieved a high level of proficiency in American Sign Language and are ready to refine their skills to near-native fluency. This course focuses on advanced grammatical structures, nuanced vocabulary usage, and discourse strategies necessary for complex communication in ASL. Students will engage in intensive practice through discussions, debates, presentations, and interactions with native ASL users. Topics may include Deaf folklore, ASL storytelling traditions, linguistic variation in ASL, and current events in the Deaf world. Emphasis will also be placed on developing cultural competency, critical thinking skills, and the ability to adapt language use in various social contexts within the Deaf community and beyond.