Course Descriptions
Select a course in the dropdown below to view its related description.
American Sign Language (ASL) Courses offered at UNH Manchester
ASL 435. American Sign Language I
Introduction of American Sign Language with emphasis on visual receptive
and expressive use of the language, as well as providing opportunities for
other forms for visual communication such as facial expression, mime, and
gesture. Participants develop their skills through videotapes, classroom
participation, and readings that cover issues important to the Deaf community.
Limited to 15 students. No credit if credit has been received for COMM 533.
4 cr.
ASL 436. American Sign Language II
Continuation of ASL 435 and expansion on concepts and principles. Focus
on more advanced vocabulary and patterns of grammar; use of space and modulation
of signs to denote aspects of time and location; and additional information
on Deaf culture. Prereq: ASL 435 or program evaluation. Limited to 15 students.
No credit if credit has been received for COMM 733. 4 cr.
ASL 531. American Sign Language III
Continuation of ASL 436. Expands on the groundwork and grammatical principles
established in ASL I and II. Introduces the sociolinguistic aspects of ASL
as it functions within the Deaf cultural context. Limited to 15 students.
Prereq: ASL 436 or program evaluation. 4 cr.
ASL 532. American Sign Language IV
Continuation of ASL 531. Expands on the groundwork and grammatical principles
established in ASL I, II and III. Introduces the sociolinguistic aspects
of ASL as it functions within the Deaf cultural context. Areas of investigation
include use of formal versus informal sign register; sign variation by region,
age, and gender; social factors that give rise to code switching; and political
and cultural evolution of the U.S. Deaf community. Taught in the target language
using the direct experience method. Prereq: ASL 531 or program evaluation.
Limited to 15 students. 4 cr.
ASL 599. Special Topics in American Sign Language/Deaf Studies
Selected topics related to American Sign Language and deaf studies that
vary by semester. Description available in departmental office during preregistration.
May be repeated for credit if topics differ. 1-4 cr.
Summer 2008 Special Topic: ASL 599. Special Topics: Deaf Studies/Finger Spelling and Numbers
The course is for ASL students who have mastered the ASL vocabulary and grammatical features introduced in ASL I – IV and provides an overview of fingerspelling, numbers and fingerspelled signs with strategies for development of expressive and receptive skills. Will include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, exercises, and laboratory skills. Pre-requisite: ASL 532 or permission. 4 cr.Spring 2008 Special Topic: ASL 599. Special Topics in American Sign Language: Advanced ASL Discourse II
Selected topics related to American Sign Language and deaf studies that vary by semester. May be repeated for credit if topics differ. 1-4 cr. Spring 2008 topic: Advanced ASL Discourse II. In this special topics, non-interpreting course, students will advance their ASL proficiency by focusing on vocabulary, syntax, and discourse related to the following topics: 1) biological/medical, 2) financial, 3) technical/mechanical and 4) research on cross-cultural comparisons. The cross-cultural topic, in particular, will be a focus throughout the semester. Students will work in small assigned groups on a rotating basis in which they research and develop speeches on the four topics mentioned above. The class requires both in-class feedback and out-of-class work. Prerequisites: ASL 621 and INTR 438. 4 cr.
ASL 621. Advanced ASL Discourse for Interpreters
Focuses on the use of ASL discourse in formal as well as informal settings.
Students will explore the genres of public speaking, artistic expression,
formal discussion, interview, and narrative. Development of ASL vocabulary
in specialized areas not covered in previous courses. Prereq: ASL 532. 4
cr.
