American Sign Language AA: 608

(R): 608

The associate of arts degree program in American Sign Language is a transfer-degree program designed for students who plan to enter fields in which they would work with Deaf people on a daily basis. The program fosters the acquisition of the language and culture of the Deaf in the United States and Canada. Following the national standards established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the program focuses on communication through the study of semantics, syntax, pragmatics, and culture. Following program completion, students would transfer to a four-year degree program majoring in American Sign Language, Deaf studies, Deaf education, interpreter education, or social work.

General Education Course Selections

Click here to view the Foundation/Distribution Courses for selection to fulfill the General Education Course Requirements.

Suggested Course Sequence

All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.

First Semester

ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *
ASLP 100 - ASL I 3 semester hours (HUMD)
ASLP 105 - Visual Gestural Communication 3 semester hours
ASLP 106 - Fingerspelling and Number Use in ASL 3 semester hours
PSYC 102 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)

Second Semester

English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
ASLP 110 - ASL II 3 semester hours (HUMD, GEIR)
ASLP 121 - Introduction to the Deaf Community and Culture 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Natural Science Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)

Third Semester

ASLP 200 - ASL III 3 semester hours
ASLP 205 - Structural ASL I 3 semester hours
ASLP 207 - ASL Translation and Interpretation 3 semester hours
ASLP 269 - Independent Study in ASL 1-4 semester hours (2 semester hours)
Arts Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)

Fourth Semester

ASLP 206 - Structural ASL II 3 semester hours
ASLP 210 - ASL IV 3 semester hours
ASLP 222 - Deaf History and Culture 3 semester hours
HLTH 105 - Personal and Community Health 3 semester hours (GEIR)
Natural Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (NSD)

Total Credit Hours: 60

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 , or elective.

Program Outline / Degree Requirements

General Education Requirements

Foundation Courses

English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)

Distribution Courses

ASLP 100 - ASL I 3 semester hours (HUMD)
ASLP 121 - Introduction to the Deaf Community and Culture 3 semester hours (BSSD)
PSYC 102 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Arts Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
Natural Sciences Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
Natural Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (NSD)

General Education Institutional Requirements

ASLP 110 - ASL II 3 semester hours (GEIR)
HLTH 105 - Personal and Community Health 3 semester hours (GEIR)

Program Requirements

ASLP 105 - Visual Gestural Communication 3 semester hours
ASLP 106 - Fingerspelling and Number Use in ASL 3 semester hours
ASLP 200 - ASL III 3 semester hours
ASLP 205 - Structural ASL I 3 semester hours
ASLP 206 - Structural ASL II 3 semester hours
ASLP 207 - ASL Translation and Interpretation 3 semester hours
ASLP 210 - ASL IV 3 semester hours
ASLP 222 - Deaf History and Culture 3 semester hours
ASLP 269 - Independent Study in ASL 1-4 semester hours (2 semester hours)
ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *

Total Credit Hours: 60

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 , or elective.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

Demonstrate an appreciation of the culture and cultural practices of the Deaf community and support ASL as the visual language of the Deaf community.
Effectively utilize signed communicative and interpreting skills learned in the classroom in general situations in and out of the Deaf community.
Achieve an overall proficiency rating in all skill areas, both linguistic and pragmatic, of 2.5 on the MC American Sign Language Proficiency Assessment (MC-ASLPA).