In this course, students will develop ASL receptive and expressive skills needed to communicate discrete paragraphs using complex connected sentences. At the end of the semester, students will achieve effective communication by using vocabulary, grammar, and cultural protocols for conveying details about less familiar topics at an Intermediate-Mid level as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Activities include delivering presentations and lab exercises that provide extensive hands-on practice using a variety of media. Students are expected to engage with members of the Deaf community in order to learn about Deaf co-culture in the United States.

ASL Includes linguistic features, cultural protocols and core vocabulary for students to function in basic ASL conversations that include ASL grammar for asking and answering questions while introducing oneself, exchanging personal information, talking about family, friends and surroundings, and discussing activities. This course is designed for students who have no knowledge of American Sign Language. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Sign Language and they have some prior study of Sign Language.

This course will introduce students to the study of American Sign Language (ASL) in terms of its linguistic structure and use. Students will learn to analyze the basic features of ASL phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse. In addition, students will review research related to variations of ASL (e.g., Black ASL), historical linguistics, and ASL acquisition. Please note that fluency in ASL is required for this course, as instruction is in ASL (an interpreter will not be provided).