American Sign Language Studies
The American Sign Language (ASL) certificate allows you to gain a deeper understanding of language and culture within the Deaf community.
Study a Widely Used Language
Throughout the program, you’ll develop a depth of knowledge and skill in the use of ASL, apply semantic and linguistic elements of ASL in your use of the language, appreciate the distinct culture of the Deaf community, and behave according to the social norms of Deaf culture. Courses cover grammar, dialogue, and narrative, including receptive and expressive skills, as well as Deaf culture and historical influences and impacts on the Deaf community through political activism, laws, information access, educational philosophies, and communication systems.
Opening doors to more opportunities and connections, the certificate is available to all 澳门葡京网赌送彩金 students and is an excellent complement to any major.
Program Details
Did you know ASL is the third most widely used language in our country? The skills you gain through learning ASL are invaluable in almost any career and can help enhance your life, both professionally and personally.
While pursuing the ASL studies certificate, you'll have the opportunity to join the UW-Eau Claire American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS). This is an excellent way to join other students and community members as you work on your expressive/receptive ASL skills while meeting the needs of your local community.
Blugold Stories
While completing the American Sign Language studies certificate, your courses will expose you to the key grammatical features, narratives, target vocabulary and cultural norms of ASL. Your studies will focus on nearly every aspect of the language — from the specific grammar and mechanics to the cultural perspectives of the Deaf community. Through this work, you will gain sensitivity and understanding of Deaf culture and Deaf history perspectives within a global society, which will benefit you in your future career while communicating with others.
Here are a few courses in American Sign Language Studies at UW-Eau Claire.
CSD 101
American Sign Language I
In this course, students are introduced to American Sign Language (ASL), a visual-gestural language, and to Deaf culture. Students will learn frequently used phrasal signs, the basic rules of ASL grammar, introductory fingerspelling, and non-manual signals. Upon completion, students will demonstrate beginning conversational skills in ASL and introductory knowledge of Deaf cultural behaviors and history.
CSD 210
Cultural Perspectives of the Deaf
This course is an introduction to American Deaf Culture and introduces the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority group. The course demonstrates the various roles of Deaf people within a larger society, including topics such as political activism, laws, access to information, educational philosophies, intersectionality, and communication systems. In addition, it focuses on historical influences in the lives of American Deaf people and in the lives of others. Course not conducted in ASL. No prior ASL experience required.
CSD 301
American Sign Language Semantics
This course analyzes ASL through the lens of Semantics with a primary focus on informal, colloquial sign. Course content will explore how meaning is created in ASL communication, the process of ASL interpretation, and how to improve expressive abilities in ASL. All content and communication are conducted using ASL.
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