American Sign Language
Assistant Professor April Haggard, Coordinator
Two majors offered at Maryville College draw on American Sign Language, the Major in Sign Language Interpreting and the Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. Courses and major requirements for the Major in Sign Language and Interpreting are listed under Sign Language Interpreting in this catalog. Success in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies require being able to perceive signers’ faces, hand movements and body movements and being able to convey and receive ASL through these channels quickly at the natural pace of language. Also essential is the ability to perceive and process visual information and eye-hand coordination that allow effective communication. A good foundation in basic ASL is critical to advancing successfully in the Major in ASL and Deaf Studies.
The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is intended for those desiring to pursue studies in the areas of linguistics or anthropology at the graduate level or communication skills/cultural knowledge for use in counseling, social work, teaching, working in schools for the Deaf, or other service fields. Audio-visual materials are accessible for individual study of a broad cross-section of communication methods. Interactions with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and regular practice using videotaping equipment are principal means for the development of skills. Successful graduates of the ASL studies major will be able to comfortably communicate in ASL receptively and expressively and to interact comfortably and appropriately in the Deaf community at entry level. The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies requires 45 hours with 30 hours beyond ASL 110 and 120 and 15 hours for related courses. Required courses are: ASL 203, 204, SLI 215, ASL 305, 307, 331, 335, 343, and 351-352. Required related courses are Psychology 101, 211 and 306, Social Science 301, and one course from Sociology 202, 211, or Psychology/Sociology 221.
The Minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies consists of ASL 203 and 307 and nine additional hours above the 100-level. The minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is not open to interpreting majors.
