Sign Language Studies

SLIS 1000 Introduction to Language

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course covers basic universal linguistic features and their existence in various languages. The course focuses special attention on English/American Sign Language comparatives.

Skill Level


SLIS 1005 Introduction to American Sign Language

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course provides basic skills training in American Sign Language. It emphasizes basic vocabulary building and fundamental grammar. The course allows students to apply learned concepts in class. NOTE: The co-requisite SLIS 1000 can be taken concurrently or have previously been completed.

Skill Level


SLIS 1010 American Sign Language I

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  5 - 3 - 6

This course acquaints students with American Sign Language, develops visual acuity, and builds comfort with the use of body and facial expressions to convey information. It uses a practical approach to teaching vocabulary, grammar, and the cultural aspects through real-life conversational experiences. Students further acclimate to the new modality of this language via classroom experiences conducted without voice. The course introduces additional information about interacting with the Deaf community via outside community events, additional readings, and lab activities.

Prerequisites
(1) Assessment testing; or ENGL 0960 and RDLS 0100; or college-level reading assessment test score

Skill Level


SLIS 1020 American Sign Language II

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  5 - 3 - 6

This course emphasizes expansion and refinement of the fundamental comprehension and production skills. It addresses additional functional grammatical structures and targeted lexical items and stresses spontaneous, interactive use of American Sign Language through discussion of Deaf-related events and activities. Students continue the study of information related to everyday life experiences of deaf Americans and deaf people elsewhere in the world. The course fosters receptive skills through interactive ASL lessons.

Prerequisites
(1) SLIS 1010 or departmental approval

Skill Level


SLIS 1030 American Sign Language III

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  5 - 3 - 6

This course provides additional opportunities to expand students' ability to produce and comprehend advanced sign language as used in everyday conversational settings. Students develop competency in ASL vocabulary and cultural features of the language. They use advanced conversational skills and learn to identify grammatical non-manual signals and markers.

Prerequisites
(2) SLIS 1020 and successful completion of Benchmark I; or department approval

Skill Level


SLIS 1040 American Sign Language IV

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  5 - 3 - 6

This course provides additional opportunities to expand students' ability to produce and comprehend advanced sign language as used in everyday conversational settings. Students develop competency in ASL vocabulary and cultural features of the language. The course bases activities on the cultural values of the Deaf community.

Prerequisites
(2) SLIS 1030 and SLIS 1150; or departmental approval

Skill Level


SLIS 1140 Orientation to Deafness

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course examines the historical aspects of deafness. Topics include the history of deaf education, notable deaf persons, various deaf organizations and their significance, the mechanics of hearing, and causes of hearing loss.

Skill Level


SLIS 1150 Introduction to the Deaf World

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course introduces students to the American Deaf community. It examines the interrelationship between language and culture as well as a study of socialization, norms, and traditions inherent in the Deaf community. The course also addresses the preservation of American Sign Language and its role in establishing a sense of cultural identity.

Skill Level


SLIS 1170 Visual Gestural Communication

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

Students study gestures as a form of communication and a basis for visual language, and they develop capabilities in non-verbal communication, mime, and visual gestural communication. The course emphasizes learning to visualize what is to be signed and building expressive and receptive communication skills.

Prerequisites
(1) SLIS 1010

Skill Level