In this course, students will develop ASL receptive and expressive skills needed to communicate series of connected 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-High 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 builds upon information taught in Beginning ASL I – Intermediate ASL II. Students continue learning and using ASL vocabulary, grammatical principles and various advanced-level discourse features in narratives and presentations in ASL. Students continue to analyze multiple meaning English words and English idioms to express concepts in ASL. Issues related to Deaf culture continue to be introduced based on unit topics.

The International Studies Seminar provides students with the opportunity to learn about the unique historical, geographical, economic, social, and political circumstances of a country other than the United States, and consider those factors that shaped the relationship between the country being studied and its Deaf community. The course will foster a connection between students and the country by introducing students to the spoken and signed languages of the selected country as well as to members of the Deaf community in the country via videoconferencing or other assistive technologies. The country to be studied and the specific course topics for that country will vary by instructor. This course will also serve as preparation for participation in an NTID faculty-led experience and/or project in the country that is the focus of the Seminar. Specific knowledge and skills required for this experience and/or project abroad will also be taught. Registration in this course is required for students who travel in the NTID faculty-led experience and/or project abroad. Students who do not participate in the study abroad experience may be allowed to enroll with the permission of the instructor.