Course Descriptions

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ASL-101

Elementary American Sign Language I

Credit(s): 5

This course is an introduction to American Sign Language. It creates a visual-gestural environment that introduces ASL grammar and vocabulary without presenting English equivalents. This course includes interactive activities, cultural awareness education, and individual feedback. Emphasis is on appropriate language use in common communication settings. ASL-101 will prepare students for ASL-102.

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ASL-102

Elementary American Sign Language II

Credit(s): 5

This course is designed for students continuing from ASL-101. It creates a visual-gestural environment that introduces ASL grammar and vocabulary without presenting English equivalents. This course includes interactive activities, cultural awareness education, and individual feedback. Emphasis is on appropriate language use in common communication settings. ASL-102 will prepare students for intermediate ASL classes at other colleges/universities to satisfy cultural diversity and/or foreign language requirements (depending on the institution).
Prerequisites: ASL-101

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ASL-126

Introduction to the Signing Professions

Credit(s): 3

This course is an introduction to, and overview of, career possibilities for students who pursue the ASL Studies program at North Idaho College. This course emphasizes various career options and paths within the signing professions and the cultural and professional requirements for such careers. It includes an explanation of the ASL Studies program at NIC as well as requirements and transfer options. This course also introduces concepts about the various signed systems in the United States and the d/Deaf and hard of hearing communities who use them.

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ASL-184

Open Door ASL I

Credit(s): 2

This course is an 8-week, 2-credit class intended to be taken before ASL-185. This course focuses on the needs of those who are, or will be, working in the community in occupations where a basic knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture is needed. This course is ideal for non-degree seeking students and non-ASL Studies majors. The course is not designed as an alternative to the traditional ASL-101, 102, 201, 202 sequence, but will focus on the special vocabulary, basic grammatical structures, and cultural insights needed to effectively serve the ASL using community. Special emphasis is placed on sign proficiency as it related to various real-world applications. This one-semester course does not satisfy the prerequisite for ASL-102. It will be taught primarily in English.

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ASL-185

Open Door ASL II

Credit(s): 2

This course is a continuation of ASL-184. ASL-185 will continue to focus on the special vocabulary, basic grammatical structures, and cultural insights needed to effectively serve the ASL using community. Special emphasis is placed on sign proficiency as it related to various real-world applications.
Prerequisites: ASL-184

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ASL-201

Intermediate American Sign Language I

Credit(s): 4

This course is designed for students continuing from ASL-102. It continues the learning process in visual-gestural environment and enforces linguistic/grammatical principles in the use of the target language. The English Glossing and Transcription systems will be introduced to help accelerate vocabulary acquisition. This course includes interactive activities, cultural awareness education, and individual feedback. Emphasis is on appropriate language use in common and uncommon communication settings.
Prerequisites: ASL-102

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ASL-202

Intermediate American Sign Language II

Credit(s): 4

This course is a continuation of ASL-201.
Prerequisites: ASL-201

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ASL-205

Intermediate ASL Conversation

Credit(s): 3

This course is for students who wish to further their conversational skills in American Sign Language (ASL) at the intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of expressive and receptive discourse skills as well as the acquisition of cultural and linguistic knowledge related to specific ASL-using communities. This course is conducted entirely in ASL.
Prerequisites: ASL-102

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ASL-207

Deaf Culture and Community

Credit(s): 3

This course examines the works of prominent people and events that support the history and evolution of Deaf culture. Comparisons are drawn from broader, parallel, fundamental studies on language and culture. Materials emphasize current issues relating to language study and minority group dynamics. This course will also address dynamics within family groups and/or educational institutions, cross-cultural issues, culturally appropriate behavior in the Deaf community, and the structure and development of the Deaf community.
Prerequisites: ASL-101 or ASL-184
Recommended: ENGL-101

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ASL-210

Linguistics of ASL

Credit(s): 3

This course is designed to examine the linguistic properties of ASL, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and how signed languages differ and are similar to spoken languages. Students will be introduced to the linguistic and culturally based communication issues that impact the process between Deaf and hearing persons.
Prerequisites: ASL-102
Recommended: ENGL-101

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ASL-225

Introduction to the Interpreting Profession

Credit(s): 3

This course introduces students to the interpreting profession and discusses theories and models of interpreting, history, and terminology within the profession. It emphasizes employment options and common work settings, sign systems, and ethical considerations as related to stakeholders within the interpreting field.
Prerequisites: ASL-101

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ASL-260

Creative Sign Language

Credit(s): 3

This course is performance based and introduces sign language students to enhanced forms of signing beyond conversation. Features of ASL are integrated with common forms of literature performed in the community. Subjects include pantomime, storytelling, poetry, and songs of Deaf and hearing artists.
Prerequisites: ASL-201
Recommended: ASL-207, ENGL-101