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Master Course Outline
ASL 196
American Sign Language
Course Description: This course introduces you to American Sign Language (ASL) grammar,
fingerspelling, numbers, Deaf culture, and history. ASL is the language used predominantly by the Deaf
communities in America and Canada. This is a beginning course which is designed to provide non-native
speakers/signers an opportunity to learn the language. No previous knowledge of ASL is necessary.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Preparation: None
Co-requisites: N/A
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the student will:
1. Have a basic foundation of ASL through nonverbal communication, visual exercises, body
language and facial expressions.
2. Develop conversational vocabulary and grammatical structures of ASL.
3. Develop basic receptive and expressive skills to communicate with a Deaf person.
4. Have a basic understanding of American Deaf Culture and the history.
Course Resources/Textbooks/Website:
Required Text: Learning American Sign Language, Levels I & II, 2nd Edition.
Tom Humphries and Carol Padden. This is a text and video (or DVD) combo.
ISBN: 0-205-27553-2
Required Text: For Hearing People Only, 3rd Edition, Matthew Moore
ISBN: 0-9634-016-3-7
Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of this course
and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic dishonesty are
responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional academic dishonesty will
be dealt with severely.
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Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support Services coordinator as
well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we create an optimal environment
for educational achievement.
W Day, the final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week (Thursday
of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date will receive the
grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or completing the work.
Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult with the instructor, advisor and
financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed after W Day are complete withdrawals
from all courses.
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