Broaden your communication skills by learning American Sign Language (ASL)! Whether you are a beginner looking for an introduction to the language and history of ASL or you want to expand your current skill level, our conversational ASL courses provide you with an opportunity to learn.
The courses are offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters. Students can register through My Gateway. Please contact Student Services at 1-800-247-7122 or sscontactcenter@gtc.edu if you need assistance with registration.
ASL Courses:
American Sign Language (ASL) 1
533-126
This course is the first in a series of four courses. It is designed for students with no or minimal sign language experience. The course will help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). The student will be introduced to the visual language used by the Deaf Community in North America. The student will be exposed to an introduction to receptive and expressive ASL vocabulary, grammatical structures, finger spelling, numbers, conversational behavior and non-manual signals.
American Sign Language (ASL) 2
533-127
This course is the second in a series of four. The student will develop the skills and knowledge needed to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). This course is for students who have successfully completed ASL 1. The students will focus on the cultural behaviors and practices distinct to those that approach the world from a visual perspective. Students will further explore receptive and expressive ASL vocabulary, grammatical structures, finger spelling, numbers, conversational behaviors and non-manual signals.
Prerequisite: ASL 1
American Sign Language (ASL) 3
533-128
This course is the third in a series of four courses designed to enhance the skills and knowledge needed to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). This course is for students who have successfully completed ASL 2. The course focuses on the cultural behaviors and practices distinct to those that approach the world from a visual perspective. The course begins to implement the skills acquired in ASL 1 and 2. It will cover more complex grammatical topics, including temporal aspects, sequencing, conditionals, an introduction to conversational regulators, complex dialogue, storytelling and multiple meaning English terms with ASL equivalents.
Prerequisite: ASL 2
American Sign Language (ASL) 4
533-129
This course is the last in a series of four courses designed to advance the skills and knowledge needed to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). This course is for students who have successfully completed ASL 3. The course focuses on the cultural behaviors and practices distinct to those that approach the world from a visual perspective. This course will integrate the skills acquired in ASL 1, 2 and 3. It will expand the use of conversational regulators and include an introduction to English idioms with ASL equivalents. These additional skills will enable students to convey information and ideas about linguistic, cultural and social issues in dialogues and narratives.
Prerequisite: ASL 3
Intro to Deaf History
533-130
This course will examine the common past, present debate and promises for the future of this minority culture. This course is an overview of the cultural, educational, physical and social implications of deaf people within the context of today’s diverse society. Discussions will include identities, language, legislation, organizations, technology and values within the deaf community.