American Sign Language - Formerly American Sign Language Studies - Major #5506

Associate of Arts Degree Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


This degree is designed to prepare students for transfer as a junior to a baccalaureate degree program in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf Studies or Interpreting.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Utilize ASL consistent with the ability of a 4th semester second language learner with a Deaf individual or groups of Deaf people.
  2. 2. Categorize and describe characteristics that impact a Deaf person's life in the following areas: the world of work, education, family, language and social development.
  3. 3. Identify and compare beliefs, values, norms, traditions and attitudes reflected in Deaf culture, their subgroups and other cultures.
Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester

Term 1

4 units
Need to start ASL 1 in first term to finish in 2 years. Strongly encourage short term for ASL 1 and 2 (9 weeks of ASL 1 and 9 weeks of ASL 2) or ASL 1 as an 18 week course.

ASL 1
Beginning American Sign Language

4 units
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
This is a beginning course which introduces American Sign Language (ASL) as used by Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind people in the United States and parts of Canada. The focus is on the basic vocabulary, grammar, and culture of the Deaf community. Students will become familiar with the literary and artistic contributions of this culture. It is designed for students with no knowledge of American Sign Language. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
Course Details:
    1. A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
    1. C2 - Humanities
    2. CSU Transfer Course
    1. C - Humanities

    Term 2

    4 units

    ASL 2
    High-Beginning American Sign Language

    4 units
    Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
    This is a High-Beginning American Sign Language course which expands on the foundation of skills and knowledge learned in ASL 1 and builds on conversational expressive and receptive practices. It provides in-depth information on the culture of the Deaf community and the literary and artistic contribution of its members. (A, CSU, UC, I)
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: ASL 1
    1. B: Humanities
    2. A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
    1. CSU Transfer Course
    1. C - Humanities

    Term 3

    10 units

    ASL 3
    Intermediate American Sign Language

    4 units
    Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
    This is an intermediate course designed to help students develop an understanding of conversational American Sign Language above the beginning and high-beginning levels. It provides students with suggestions for beginning the translation process, along with improvements in speed and fluency. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: ASL 2
    2. Advisory: ENGL 1A
    1. B: Humanities
    2. A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
    1. C2 - Humanities
    2. CSU Transfer Course
    1. C - Humanities

    ASL 5
    Deaf Culture

    3 units
    Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
    This course introduces students to an in-depth study of Deaf culture and the deaf community that will address the cultural values, language, identity, rules of interaction, and traditions. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
      1. C2 - Humanities
      2. CSU Transfer Course
      1. C - Humanities
      Fall Only

      Major Course

      3 units

      ASL 20
      Introduction to American Sign Language/English Interpreting

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
      This course provides students with an introduction to the ASL/ English interpreting profession. Topics include historical foundations of interpreting, roles and responsibilities of an interpreter, credentials and certifications, interpreting process models, and ethical decision making. The language of instruction is English and thus, fluency in American Sign Language is not required for this knowledge-based introductory course. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:
      1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
        1. CSU Transfer Course
          or

          CHDEV 30
          Child and Family in a Diverse Community

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
          This course emphasizes the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. The course examines the influence of multiple societal contexts including race, equity, and language. Students will explore the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
          or

          LING 10
          Introduction to Language

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2017 Spring Semester
          Examination of the nature of language, its historical development, its structural elements, and the stages of language acquisition. Emphasis on systematic linguistic description of language knowledge and usage.

          Term 4

          14 units

          ASL 4
          High-Intermediate American Sign Language

          4 units
          Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
          This is a fourth semester American Sign Language course in which a formal method of thinking, organizing, receiving, and sending non-verbal messages in American Sign Language is taught. The cultural context of the Deaf community for which American Sign Language serves as the primary language. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
          Course Details:
          1. Prerequisite: ASL 3
          1. B: Humanities
          2. A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
          1. C2 - Humanities
          2. CSU Transfer Course
          1. C - Humanities

          ASL 6
          Linguistics of American Sign Language

          4 units
          Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
          Students will examine the parameters of a sign, ASL sentence types and structure (syntax) as well as other grammatical features of American Sign Language. Topics also include classifiers, verb modulations and aspects, and the role of facial expression, mouth morphemes, body orientation, and eye gaze. (A, CSU, UC)
          Course Details:
          1. Prerequisite: ASL 3
          2. Advisory: ENGL 1A
            1. CSU Transfer Course
            1. C - Humanities

            ASL 7
            Deaf History

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
            This course introduces students to historical events that have impacted the Deaf community. Students will explore the evolution of Deaf education and American Sign Language while also comparing pathological and cultural views of Deaf people. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
            Course Details:
            1. Prerequisite: ASL 2
            1. B: Humanities
            1. C2 - Humanities
            2. CSU Transfer Course
            1. C - Humanities
            Spring Only

            ASL 8
            American Sign Language Literature/Folklore

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
            Students will study American Sign Language literature that has been passed down from one generation to the next by people of Deaf culture. Students will be exposed to Visual Vernacular, ABC stories, satire, and folklore where the values, morals, and life experiences of Deaf people are portrayed. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
            Course Details:
            1. Prerequisite: ASL 3
            2. Advisory: ENGL 1A
            1. B: Humanities
            1. C2 - Humanities
            2. CSU Transfer Course
            1. C - Humanities
            Spring Only
            Total: 32 units