AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) is the predominant sign language of Deaf communities in the United States and English-speaking parts of Canada. Besides North America, dialects of ASL and ASL-based creoles are used in many countries around the world, including much of West Africa and parts of Southeast Asia. ASL is also widely learned as a second language, serving as a lingua franca.
RESOURCES
Washington School for the Deaf
Continuing Education Program at Bellevue College
Class Descriptions
ASL& 121: American Sign Language I 5 cr.
Introduces the basic vocabulary and grammar of ASL for the beginning student and reviews the cultural aspects of deafness. Fulfills humanities course requirement at BC.
ASL& 122: American Sign Language II 5 cr.
Develops skills for the student with a basic knowledge of ASL. Focus is on the rules of grammar, idioms, vocabulary building, signing, and reading of signs. Fulfills humanities course requirement at BC. Recommended: ASL& 121.
ASL& 123: American Sign Language III 5 cr.
Continues ASL& 122 (prev ASL 102). Topics include rules and syntax, and use of illustrated techniques to describe signs. Recommended: ASL& 122 (prev ASL 102).
ASL& 221: American Sign Language IV 5 cr.
Reviews and expands basic first-year ASL skills. Students increase their understanding of ASL grammar, expand vocabulary, and improve productive and receptive language skills within a cultural context. Recommended: ASL& 123 (prev ASL 103) with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
ASL& 222: American Sign Language V 5 cr.
Continues ASL& 221 (prev ASL 201). Students increase their understanding of ASL grammar, expand vocabulary, and improve productive and receptive language skills within a cultural context. Recommended: ASL& 221 (prev ASL 201) with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
ASL& 223: American Sign Language VI 5 cr.
Continues ASL& 222 (prev ASL 202). Students increase their understanding of ASL grammar, expand vocabulary, and engage in refinement of their signing style within a cultural context. Recommended: ASL& 221 (previously ASL 201) with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
Last Updated July 11, 2023