MWCC College Catalog — American Sign Language and Deaf Studies

ASL101 BASIC AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I

3 credits
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to basic American Sign Language vocabulary and sentence structures. Simple conversations and use of body language and role-playing will prepare students for the more complex facial grammar used in American Sign Language. Through outside readings, students will be introduced to topics of importance to the Deaf community. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement. Fall and spring.

ASL102 BASIC AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE II

3 credits
This course continues to build upon the vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in ASL101 Basic American Sign Language I. There will be more emphasis on facial/non-manual grammar. Sentence length will increase and topic range for conversational usage will broaden. Through outside readings, students will continue to be exposed to related topics. Prerequisite: ASL101. Fall and spring.

ASL103 INTERMEDIATE AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I

3 credits
This course continues to build upon ASL101 Basic American Sign Language I and ASL102 Basic American Sign Language II. Conversational usage and more complicated inflectional processes will be taught. Simple storytelling and cultural behaviors among signers will be emphasized. In addition, expressive and receptive finger spelling will be targeted in skills development sessions. Prerequisite: ASL102.

DSI109 HISTORY OF DEAF PEOPLE IN AMERICA

3 credits
This course is an introduction to the history of Deaf people and the evolution of the Deaf community. Topics include the history of oppression and accomplishments of Deaf people, the influence of European philosophy on the American Deaf community, and the rise of schools for the Deaf and the modern Deaf empowerment movement. This course will be taught in American Sign Language and interpreted into English. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement.

DSI113 ORIENTATION TO THE DEAF COMMUNITY

3 credits
This course presents students with a broad range of topics relevant to knowledge of the Deaf community. These topics include, but are not limited to, developmental issues in childhood deafness, educational philosophies for Deaf children, language use in the Deaf community, Deaf people with disabilities, the speech and hearing process, and causes of hearing loss. Through readings, lecture, and class discussion, we will look at many topics and work at dispelling myths. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement.

DSI114 INTRODUCTION TO DEAF-BLINDNESS

3 credits
This course is an introduction to Deaf-blindness and its impact on learning and development. This is an overview of sensory systems and the issues that arise when a child has a dual sensory loss of vision and hearing. Course topics include etiologies of deaf-blindness, basic anatomy and function of the eye and ear, concept development, sensory integration, and communication and intervention strategies. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement.

DSI115 DEAF-BLINDNESS: COMMUNICATIONS & INTERACTION

3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the communication needs and relationship development of individuals with Deaf-blindness. The unique impact of Deaf-blindness on communication, language, speech, and social relationships will be explored. Intended as course two in a three series training, this course can stand alone as a valuable learning opportunity to individuals working with children with various special needs or anyone interested in this topic. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement.

DSI116 ISSUES IN DEAF-BLINDNESS, INCLUDING MULTIPLE DISABILITIES

3 credits
This course provides an overview of modifications and adaptations in accommodating individuals with Deaf-blindness and additional disabilities. Introduction of various instructional materials and strategies will be presented and evaluated. Intended as course three in a three series training, this course can stand alone as a valuable learning opportunity to individuals working with children with various special needs or anyone interested in this topic. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement.