The ASL degree is designed for students to acquire advanced expressive and receptive signing skills. It also gives students greater awareness of the Deaf culture and Deaf community. This degree is meant for the student who wants to work with Deaf people. Communicating in sign language and understanding Deafness is critical in any career where one works with Deaf and hard of hearing people. The emphasis is on paraprofessional vocations such as teacher’s aide, child care worker, etc. Students completing the ASL degree may wish to transfer to a four year institution or continue their studies in interpreting.
Any student who chooses to complete only the courses required for the above major qualifies for a certificate of Achievement in American Sign Language. An official request from the student must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline stated in the yearly calendar which is listed in the class schedule and catalog. Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher.
Note: All courses in the major must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher.
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† This course meets all Title 5 standards for Associate Degree Credit.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 120 †
American Sign Language I
4 units, 4 hours lecture
Introduction to American Sign Language as it is used within the Deaf culture. Instruction in the basic structure of the language and development of its use. Skill development practice. Introduction to the history of Deaf culture and the language. Introduction to the Deaf perspective on the establishment of Deaf communities and ASL.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont
College C2; CSU C2; IGETC 6A
Transfers to: CSU, UC
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 121 †
American Sign Language II
4 units, 4 hours lecture
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in ASL 120 or equivalent.
A continuation of American Sign Language 120. Students will increase their knowledge of the Deaf community, culture, and Deaf education in a hearing world. The Deaf perspective on traditional employment of Deaf people in a hearing society will be explored. In language development, complex grammar functions, expanded vocabulary, and skill development are incorporated into the use of sign production. The course will provide an opportunity for students to improve and enhance their ability to communicate in American Sign Language.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont
College C2; CSU C2; IGETC 3B, 6A
Transfers to: CSU, UC
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 130 †
Sign Language: Fingerspelling
3 units, 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: A “C” or “Pass” grade or higher in ASL 120 or equivalent ability to sign.
This course is taught using American Sign Language. Introduction to the American manual alphabet of fingerspelling and its use within American Sign Language. Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate increased ability to accurately produce and comprehend ASL number systems and fingerspelling uses. Extensive drills and practice in both receptive and expressive use will be implemented.
Transfers to: CSU, U
American Sign Language: Fingerspelling II
3 units, 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in American Sign Language 130 or equivalent or one year of high school American Sign Language fingerspelling or equivalent.
This course is a continuation of American Sign Language 130 using fingerspelling skills at an intermediate to advanced level. Students will increase their ability to produce and comprehend fingerspelling and number systems at an intermediate level and beyond. Expressive skills will focus on “Rapid,” “Careful,” and “Lexicalized” types of fingerspelling, as well as, shortcuts at near-native fluency rates. Receptive skills will focus on comprehension of fingerspelling at near native fluency rates.
Transfers to: CSU
Inside Deaf Culture
3 units, 3 hours lecture
This course will introduce students to the culture of Deaf people and distinguish the Deaf culture from the Deaf community. Students will be introduced to the dynamics of families when there are both hearing and Deaf family members and how culture is influenced. Deaf heritage, values, behaviors, historical perspectives, and the grammar structure of sign language will be examined. Culture and the influence of other sign systems will be explored. ASL literature, Deaf artists, social and political influences, and emerging technology for Deaf people will be studied.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont
College C1; CSU C2; IGETC 3B
Transfers to: CSU, UC
American Sign Language III
4 units, 4 hours lecture
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in ASL 121 or equivalent.
This course continues the study of American Sign Language. Students will continue their development of sign language vocabulary, grammar structures, and conversational skills. This course will provide an opportunity for students to greatly improve their ability to communicate in American Sign Language by studying the nuances and intricacies of the language. Students will continue to enhance their studies and awareness by focusing on the Deaf community as a culture and issues that arise between the hearing and Deaf cultures.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont
College C2; CSU C2, IGETC 3B, 6A
Transfers to: CSU, UC
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 221 †
American Sign Language IV
4 units, 4 hours lecture
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in ASL 220 or equivalent.
This course is taught using American Sign Language. This is an advanced course designed to increase vocabulary, examine the use of semantic and body classifiers, expand and develop conversational signing ability through the use of appropriate grammar structures and storytelling. Popular Deaf culture stories are learned through the development of storytelling techniques. The rich heritage of Deaf people is studied through biographies of those who are famous for their contribution.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont
College C2, CSU C2, IGETC 3B, 6A
Transfers to: CSU, UC
Introductory Psychology
3 units, 3 hours lecture
An introduction of the facts and theories that enhance understanding of human behavior as studied by psychologists. A general overview of the research methods and major research findings of psychology is examined. Topics covered include physiology, learning, perception and cognitive process, development, motivation and emotion, personality, abnormal behavior, therapy, and social psychology.
Satisfies General Education for: Grossmont
College D2; CSU D9; IGETC 4I
Transfers to: CSU, UC