The American Sign Language program’s mission is to enhance linguistic inclusiveness and cultural awareness. Our program provides students the knowledge and skills to increase equality, understanding and respect of Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deaf-Disabled and Hard of Hearing community.
Why study American Sign Language?
- World Language requirement: Courses in American Sign Language satisfy the University’s World Languages requirement.
- Career objectives: Competency in ASL also acts as a natural complement for students interested in education, human services, as well as a variety of therapeutic and other professional careers, including the arts.
- Cultural enrichment: The deaf community in the United States is a cultural minority with a rich history and a vibrant language arts tradition, including poetry and prose.
- Linguistic curiosity: Sign languages and spoken languages have many similarities and differences. Studying sign language helps you appreciate the diversity of human language.
Program objectives
Our programs give students:
- Advanced language knowledge of American Sign Language
- Competence in the linguistic structure of American Sign Language
- Understanding of the status of American Sign Language as the language of the deaf cultural minority in the United States
Students will also work with faculty members to develop advanced language skills.