​Department Chair: Heather Arazi
Arazi_Heather@sac.edu
714-988-2205

DEPARTMENT ​​MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of the American Sign Language program is to enhance the linguistic diversity of the community through the development of an additional language (American Sign Language) and provide access to opportunities for students for transfer, careers and lifelong intellectual pursuits in a global community that includes persons who are Deaf and users of American Sign Language. 

Student Learning Outcomes for ASL Certificate Program at SAC  

As a result of completing the ASL Program students will be able to maintain an ongoing dialogue in ASL at an intermediate conversational level.

As a result of completing the ASL Program students will have an understanding of American Deaf culture that will allow them to interact in culturally appropriate ways with members of the American Deaf community.

Course Level Descriptions and SLOs:

ASL110 - American Sign Language I

This entry level course is designed to introduce students to American Sign Language (ASL) and fingerspelling as it is used within American Deaf culture. Instruction includes preparation for visual/gestural communication followed by intensive work on comprehension through receptive language skills, development of basic conversational skills, modeling of grammatical structures, and general information about American Deaf culture. Sign Language 110 is equivalent to two years of high school ASL. Students are required to attend at least one off campus event. CSU/UC

Student Learning Outcomes:

• To use American Sign Language vocabulary, grammar, syntax and morphology to express and receive information about yourself, your family, surroundings and activities.
• To develop beginning awareness of the unique cultural aspects of the American Deaf Community.
• To prepare and present an individual presentation incorporating the linguistic structures learned during the course.
  

ASL 111 – American Sign Language II

The second course in the study of American Sign Language (ASL) focuses on increased vocabulary development, intermediate comprehension and conversational skills, application of grammatical structures and practice in the receptive and expressive aspects of ASL, as well as appreciation of American Deaf culture, and history. Students are required to attend at least one off campus event. CSU/UC

Student Learning Outcomes:

• To use American Sign Language vocabulary, grammar, syntax and morphology to express and receive information when giving directions, describing others, making requests, talking about family and occupations, attributing qualities to others and talking about routines.
• To further develop awareness of the unique cultural aspects of the American Deaf Community.
• To prepare and present an individual presentation incorporating the linguistic structures learned during the course.        

ASL 113 – Introduction to Interpreting for the Deaf

The study of the history of sign language interpreting and the theoretical foundations and technical skills needed to interpret in professional settings for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults. The roles, responsibilities, and ethics of interpreters providing interpreting services in various professional settings will be examined. Students are required to attend two off campus events. CSU

Student Learning Outcomes:

• The student will increase their understanding of the role and responsibilities of a sign language interpreter for the deaf, the skills and further training necessary to be a member of the profession.
• The student will utilize appropriate intermediate ASL vocabulary and the five parameters of ASL while in the act of voice-to-sign or sign-to-voice interpreting to accurately convey the speakers'/signers' tone and intent. 

ASL 114- Classifiers, Fingerspelling and Numbering:

 This course is designed to provide specialized instruction in the continued development of skills and application of expanded conceptualization of American Sign Language (ASL) classifiers, fingerspelling, and numbering concepts and further exploration and understanding of American Deaf culture. Expressive and receptive techniques will be emphasized. Students are required to
attend one off campus event. CSU

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize and demonstrate advanced ASL fingerspelling, numbering, and classifier concepts.
• Interpret spoken or written English into ASL, and interpret ASL into spoken or written English using classifiers, fingerspelling, and numbering.
• Display an understanding of Deaf Culture, opinions, and values

ASL 116 – Introduction to Deaf Studies

This is an introductory course exploring the cultural, educational, linguistic, and audiological experiences of people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, and late-deafened in America. Students will be exposed to historical and current perspectives in trends, philosophies, ideologies, and the deaf community as a subculture of American society. CSU/UC

Student Learning Outcomes

• Have an understanding of American Deaf experience from a variety of perspectives, including medical, educational, cultural, linguistic, legal, social and psychological.
• Be able to discuss the ways in which persons who are deaf and hard of hearing have faced and continue to face discrimination in society, and
• Be able to discuss the American Deaf experience, past and present.  

ASL 210 - American Sign Language III

The third course in the study of American Sign Language (ASL) emphasizes advanced ASL syntax, non-manual markers, vocabulary, and fingerspelling enabling students to participate in more complex conversations with Deaf community members. Students will have emphasis on expressive skills in narrative form. Students are required to attend at least one off campus event. CSU/UC

ASL 211 - American Sign Language IV

This course continues the study and development of American Sign Language receptive and expressive linguistic competence. Emphasis on production/conversational skills in American Sign Language, along with continued focus on grammatical and cultural features. Students are required to attend at least one off campus event. CSU