American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is frequently the first language learned by deaf individuals and is one of several communication methods used by many deaf North Americans. It is considered the fourth most widely used language in the United States. Because of this interest, at least 35 states have recognized ASL as a modern language and over 750 colleges/universities in the United States offer ASL courses.

Bemidji State University offers two beginning level American Sign Language (ASL) courses as part of its curriculum. These courses are unique in the sense that they are being offered through both the Department of Modern Languages and the Department of Professional Education.

American Sign Language 1 is an introductory course in American Sign Language (ASL). Students will learn basic sign vocabulary, grammatical structure, and finger spelling. Students will be introduced to the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority in the United States. Differences in hearing and Deaf cultures throughout the world will be explored. American Sign Language 1 is offered as either ED 1111 or ML 1111 and both courses are three credits. Typically, either the Department of Modern Languages or the Department of Professional Education will offer it every semester as an evening course.

In American Sign Language 2, students will continue to learn basic sign vocabulary, grammatical structure, and finger spelling. They will examine in greater depth the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority in the United States and will continue to explore the differences in hearing and Deaf cultures throughout the world. American Sign Language 2 will be offered as either ED 1112 or ML 1112 and both courses are three credits. Typically, the Department of Modern Languages or the Department of Professional Education will offer it every other semester as an evening course.

The Departments of Modern Languages and Professional Education have obtained liberal education status for both courses. Effective summer 2004, American Sign Language 1 and American Sign Language 2 can be applied to Category 7 (Human Diversity in the United States) of the liberal education requirements.