This course provides an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), including ASL sign vocabulary and grammatical structures. Deaf culture is also explored, including an introduction to the deaf community, history of deaf education programs, and legislation impacting the deaf community.

Continues building receptive and expressive abilities. Puts emphasis on the use of signing space, facial grammar, body postures, fluent finger spelling, and continued vocabulary development. More complex grammatical structures are introduced. Deaf culture component included.

The Exploring Visual Language class is an opportunity for hearing students to see the world from the Deaf perspective and learn what people who work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals wish hearing people knew. The class provides information about the history of important social and educational movements (Oralism and Language Deprivation in Deaf education, LEAD-K, IDEA and ADA laws), and provides students with different experiences using sign language, and becoming comfortable interacting and working with Deaf people. Topics covered include: finding resources for hearing parents of Deaf children how to work with an interpreter; how to adapt job descriptions with accommodations to open opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees; and, how to educate doctor offices and funeral homes on Deaf people's rights.

This course provides a continuation to the introductory course of American Sign Language (ASL) including ASL sign vocabulary and grammatical structures. Deaf culture is also explored, including topics within the Deaf community.

This course introduces students to American Deaf Culture. The course includes a description of the specific cultural values, norms and traditions, in addition to criteria for membership. It explores the experiences of deaf individuals throughout the life span.