Academic Catalogs

SIGN G180: American Sign Language 1

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Top Code 085000 - Sign Language
Units 4 Total Units 
Hours 72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 72)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)
  • GWC Arts, Lit, Phil, Lang (GC)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
  • Cal-GETC 6A Language Other Than English (6A)
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
  • IGETC 6A Lang other than Engl (6A)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)
  • CSU C2 Humanities (C2)

Course Description

This course is an entry-level course in American Sign Language (ASL) introducing students to the basic features of the language with an emphasis on grammar, syntax, semantics, vocabulary development, fingerspelling, receptive skills, expressive skills. Included are basic knowledge of Deaf cultural pragmatics, and general information of American Deaf history. This course is equivalent to two years of high school ASL. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: Corresponds to two years of high school study.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Course Outcomes
  2. Translate signed ASL into written ASL gloss notation.
  3. Produce signed ASL with correct parameters and grammar.
  4. Analyze ASL for discourse form and meaning.
  5. Produce signed ASL from ASL gloss notation.

Course Objectives

  • 1. demonstrate an understanding of the early history of American Sign Language.
  • 2. develop an appreciation for non-oral self-expression.
  • 3. acquire a working vocabulary in American Sign Language.
  • 4. demonstrate the ability to express oneself and to receive messages in American Sign Language.
  • 5. demonstrate an understanding of the rudiments of American Sign Language grammar.
  • 6. acquire a brief introduction to the Deaf Community.

Lecture Content

History Information Origins of American Sign Language (in the U.S.A. and France) Development of Sign (in the United States) and brief explanation of Sign System used in the U.S. Sign Language Symbols Systems Differences and Similarities - Sign Language and Spoken Languages Auditory perception vs. visual perception Linearity vs. spacial orientation Inflection - highly inflected vs. slightly inflected signed and spoken languages Syntax The roles of structured words and lexical words in English The importance of syntax in slightly inflected languages. American Sign Language Vocabulary Verbs of command Non-directional verbs Semi-directional verbs Directional verbs Concrete substantives Concrete modifiers Color Size Number Physical characteristics Time indicators Pronouns Nouns of relationship The American Manual Alphabet Techniques for studying the alphabet Receptive skills Expressive skills Fingerspelled loan signs

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)

Reading Assignments

Signing Naturally Plus recommended additional books:They Grow in SilenceDeafness and Child DevelopmentChildren of a Lesser GodIn This SignDeaf Like Me

Writing Assignments

Writing short paragraphs and compositions;  change it to ASL syntax and present it in Sign. Testing the students for Sign comprehension.

Out-of-class Assignments

.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will be able to compare and contrast grammar, structure and syntax of English language and that of American Sign Language.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Writing short paragraphs and compositions;  change it to ASL syntax and present it in Sign. Testing the students for Sign comprehension.

Eligible Disciplines

Foreign languages: Masters degree in the language being taught OR bachelors degree in the language being taught AND masters degree in another language or linguistics OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Lentz, Mikos, Smith. Signing Naturally, Units 1-6 Student Set, Latest ed. Dawn Sign Press, 2008 2. Required Humphries, T., Padden C., ORourk, T.. American Sign Language, Latest ed. T.J. Publishers, 1994 Rationale: A Part-time instructor would like to add this textbook.