Introduction to American Sign Language I

Covers basic conversationally relevant signs and grammar principles and other features of ASL (American Sign Language), including a brief history of sign language. The focus is on the development of basic ASL grammar and classifiers, including cultural and linguistic information of deaf people. The content covers fingerspelling, ASL terminology, expressive and receptive vocabulary, basic sentence structures, spatial locations, parameters, conversational signs, and the examination of issues in Deaf culture. This course incorporates the D.E.M. (Direct Experience Method). The ultimate goal is to help students to become comfortable in maintaining the conversation with Deaf people using ASL.