American Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL), SIGN (as it’s called at Bucknell), is taught to students with little or no knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture. SIGN provides students with the skills needed to communicate comfortably in a wide variety of situations. Discussions include basic finger-spelling techniques, ASL grammatical structures, non-manual markers and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on developing proper expressive and receptive skills.
Necessary grammatical structuring is emphasized more heavily in level two, although it’s a key component in level one so students understand how to produce grammatically correct ASL. Cultural information is taught throughout classes so students learn to feel comfortable interacting with the Deaf community in a way that is respectful and aware. Linguistic and social behaviors are vital for expressing oneself accurately in ASL. SIGN also explores current events and/or historical events about deafness or Deaf culture and students are encouraged to research these issues and reflect upon them. ASL is among the leading minority languages in the United States and this course explores the diverse ways students can apply their new knowledge of ASL in any career field.
Courses
SIGN 101. Elementary American Sign Language I. .5 Credits.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:2,Recitation:1
An introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and the Deaf culture. Students with little or no prior knowledge of ASL will acquire essential grammar rules and a variety of vocabulary, enabling them to communicate effectively with the Deaf Community. Topics covered include finger-spelling, grammar, culture awareness, with an emphasis on expressive and receptive abilities.
SIGN 101A. Intensive Elementary American Sign Language. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:4,Recitation:1
This intensive course covers the fundamentals of SIGN101 and SIGN102 in one semester. Students will expand their vocabulary with a wider range of essential signs while enhancing expressive and receptive skills, learning cultural protocols and the rules of ASL grammar and structure.
SIGN 102. Elementary American Sign Language II. .5 Credits.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:2,Recitation:1
Building upon the foundations established in SIGN 101, students will continue to expand their vocabulary while enhancing expressive and receptive skills, by incorporating more complex grammatical structures and engaging in advanced ASL dialogues. Prerequisite: SIGN 101 or equivalent.
SIGN 201. Intermediate American Sign Language. .5 Credits.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:2,Recitation:1
This course explores more complex grammatical structures, advanced classifiers, dialogues and storytelling techniques. It also examines social factors that influence cultural and sign variations and the cultural evolution throughout the Deaf community. Prerequisite: SIGN 101A or SIGN 102.
Faculty
Adjunct Instructor: Nicole Warnock