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WNC Catalog 2008-2009: American Sign Language 215B
Course Description and Outline


AM 215B: Conversational ASL


2008-2009
Credits 4
Schedule of Classes Fall 2008
Schedule History
(See when this course was offered over the last 3 years)
Academic Discipline American Sign Language
Academic Division Communications and Fine Arts
Prerequisites AM 147
Transfer Information Courses with a 'B' Designator after the number: This course may apply toward a WNC degree or certificate program depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may not transfer or apply to programs at four-year universities within Nevada (UNR, UNLV). In some cases, this course may transfer and apply to programs at two and four year colleges within Nevada and may transfer to out of state schools. For information about how this course may transfer or apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
I : Catalog Course Description
Focuses on the natural use of American Sign Language. Appropriate use of ASL grammar and vocabulary in conversational situations is stressed. Students master appropriate pragmatics, use of facial expressions, space, fingerspelling and classifiers, simultaneously for conversational fluency.
II : Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, student will incorporate the following skills into their conversational and conventional signing skills:

  • Conversational fluency, accurate ASL grammar and appropriate ASL pragmatics
  • Appropriate use of fingerspelling.
  • Use of Sociolinguistic cues used during conversational ASL.
  • Combining all five domains of ASL language in fluent signed output.
  • Participation and conversation with various Deaf/HH people.
  • Understanding the importance of cultural traditions, diversity and ethics in the modern world.
  • Acquiring effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information.
III : Course Linkage
Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

• Communication - Students will leave the course with fluency in American Sign Language which will enhance their ability to communicate with members of general society that are Deaf and/or users of American Sign Language.
• Analysis - During the course of AM 215, students will enhance their ability to conversationally master American Sign Language from a linguistic, as well as cultural perspective.
• Personal Development - Throughout the course students will be demonstrating applied knowledge, personal skills development in both languages and apply current research to their daily professional and personal interactions.
• Community Commitment - Students in this course will be asked to participate in many cultural and community events, thus demonstrating their enhanced knowledge of the Deaf Community and its corresponding language, American Sign Language.

Sections II and III were prepared on February 8, 2008. Please contact the Communications and Fine Arts division for more information.
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