American Sign Language & Culture (ASLC)

ASLC 1999TC (0.1-99) Lower Division American Sign Language and Culture

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 99 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.

ASLC 2305 (4) American Sign Language 1

Introduces basic sign vocabulary, grammatical structures of ASL, and the culture of deaf people. Classes are taught using ASL without the use of spoken English. Formerly SLHS 2305.

Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: American Sign Language

ASLC 2315 (4) American Sign Language 2

Develops more complex vocabulary and grammatical structures, and an understanding of deaf culture. Classes are taught using ASL without the use of spoken English. Formerly SLHS 2315.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ASLC 2305 (minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: American Sign Language

ASLC 2325 (4) American Sign Language 3

Continuation of SLHS 2315. Covers ASL literature, advanced grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions, and deaf culture. Formerly SLHS 2325.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ASLC 2315 (minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Foreign Language
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Foreign Language
Departmental Category: American Sign Language

ASLC 2335 (3) American Sign Language 4

Builds intermediate-level production and comprehension skills in American Sign Language (ASL). Students will expand ASL vocabulary and will learn complex grammatical structures through conversation, narration, and ASL literature. Instruction will include the history and culture of Deaf communities as well as culturally appropriate behaviors. Formerly SLHS 2335.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ASLC 2325 (minimum grade C-).

ASLC 2345 (3) American Sign Language 5

This advanced-level course continues to build expressive and receptive fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), focusing on storytelling, narrative structure, and cultural expression. Students will develop skills in using classifiers, role-shifting, perspective-taking, and cohesive devices to construct and interpret complex ASL stories. Emphasis will be placed on culturally appropriate use of space, non-manual signals, and discourse strategies. Students will also engage with ASL literature and explore themes related to Deaf identity, community, and social issues through performance and discussion.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ASLC 2335 (minimum grade C-).

ASLC 3000 (3) Deaf Studies

This course explores perspectives on human rights and social justice of Deaf people as a cultural and linguistic minority. It examines the humanity, cultural identity and historical factors that have impacted Deaf people’s lives, both positively and negatively. Topics include the history of American Sign Language, multi-identities, technology, educational institutions, medical perspectives, art, media, and literature created by and/or related to Deaf individuals. Formerly SLHS 3000.

ASLC 3300 (3) ASL Literature and Deaf Arts

This course explores American Sign Language (ASL) literature and Deaf arts through storytelling genres such as folklore, poetry, visual vernacular, ABC stories, and non-fiction narratives. Students will analyze narrative structure, cultural themes, and visual art forms including De’VIA, with an emphasis on the expression of cultural identity, resistance, and celebration. Upon completion, students will be able to identify Deaf culture and its language, history, and the social factors within the works.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ASLC 2335 (minimum grade C-).

ASLC 3400 (3) Exploring Deaf Culture Through Media & Film

Explores the relationship between media and Deaf communities through a Deaf-centered lens. It examines how cultural identity, historical context, and societal attitudes influence representations of Deaf people across film, television, digital media, and social platforms. Topics include Deaf-led media production, audism, stereotypes, accessibility, cultural appropriation, and the evolving visibility of Deaf creators. The course highlights how media both shapes and reflects cultural understanding of Deafness and Deaf experiences.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ASLC 2305 (minimum grade C-).