ASL 121 — Elementary Intensive ASL I &II
American Sign Language 121 is an intensive course combining ASL 105 and ASL 106 into one semester. The main objective is to improve signed communication skills, expand comprehension skills, increase sign literacy and expressive skills, and develop a further awareness of culture of deaf and hard of hearing users of ASL. Materials on basic conversational aspects in ASL will be introduced, such as describing people, things and places; making requests; asking for and giving advice; giving opinions; discussing plans and goals; and storytelling. This course is designed to advance students in the areas of structural accuracy and vocabulary to enable the student to sign effectively in most informal conversations. In addition, students will explore in greater depth the cultural distinctiveness of the Deaf community. To achieve this goal, the instructor will employ the communication-based methodology of instruction. This methodology requires the student's active participation in the observing and signing of the target language from the very beginning.