ASL 222: American Sign Language (ASL) II
Prerequisites: ASL 221 with a minimum grade of 鈥淐鈥� or departmental permission
Credit Hours: (3)
Provides students with intensive study and practice of ASL vocabulary, syntax, and
pragmatic language skills building upon skills developed in ASL 221 /COSD 221.
Note(s): Required for students in the deaf and hard of hearing program.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
ASL 222 represents the second semester of a four-semester sequence. Students study and practice intermediate ASL vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatic language skills. The course emphasizes the learning of basic person-to-person (i.e. 鈥渢hrough the air鈥�) conversational signing skills in ASL, including an expanded study of both visual literature (ASL) and written literature (English) authored by members of the Deaf culture. An emphasis is placed upon Deaf cultural factors that may influence classroom management and laws regarding public education and issues addressed by professionals serving deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) individuals.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course is taught in ASL (鈥渧oice off鈥�), using written, rather than spoken English, as needed. ASL syntax, grammar, and vocabulary are studied via lecture supplemented with videorecordings of fluent ASL signers. Students work in small groups to complete structured practice exercises guided by the instructor. Skill generalization is facilitated through natural conversation requiring spontaneous and contingent responses, and moreover, the use of expressive and receptive ASL clarification strategies. Multicultural issues, linguistic code-switching, and language dominance in Deaf education are studied via assigned readings, lecture, and discussion, drawing upon the scholarly literature and on visual literature (ASL) and written literature (English) authored by members of the Deaf culture. Students participate in language labs that promote maximum interaction with the Deaf community and facilitate understanding of the dynamic language, culture and multicultural issues alive in the Deaf Community today. Students begin to develop a multimedia portfolio that demonstrates their signing skills.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Goals, objectives, and assignments in this class address NCATE Standard 1b/ Pedagogical Content Knowledge and 1c / Skills Professional and Pedagogical Knowledge and Skills, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Knowledge and Skill Standards, the Council on Education of the Deaf, and the Virginia Department of Education teacher licensure competencies. Code for CEC/CED Standards: CC = Common Core and DH = Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Code for VADOE Standards: VHI = Virginia鈥檚 Hearing Impairments PreK-12 and VPS = Virginia鈥檚 Professional Studies.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Develop increasing proficiency in the language used to teach individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and master sufficient ASL conversational skills and vocabulary to effectively communicate with members of the Deaf community in the United States (DH1S2, VHI8).
2. Develop and enrich cultural competency relative to the deaf community and demonstrate awareness of dynamic language, culture, and multicultural issues alive in the Deaf community today (DH1S2).
3. Participate in an academic exploration of multicultural literacy, linguistic code switching, and language as it relates to the Deaf culture uniquely (DH1S2, CC3K4).
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may include class participation, announced and unannounced quizzes, in-class exams, student presentations completed in ASL, conversational assignments completed in and outside the class, and a research paper or academic essay on the language, culture, and/or literature of the Deaf community. Exams may include interpretation of ASL presented live or on videotape, expressive signing exercises, and objective, written questions. A final comprehensive exam, which may include an ASL component and a written English component, is administered.
Other Course Information
Videotaped material will be made available to students for viewing on their own time for additional practice in comprehending sign language.
Review and Approval
Revised 2013
Revised April, 2009