Course Descriptions

Listed below are the course descriptions for the selected subject.
By clicking on the Search Current Course Schedule icon (opens in new window), you can search the current course schedule to see if a course you are interested in is being offered this semester.



AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE



ASL 1101 -- American Sign Language and Culture I,   4 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(MnTC Goal 8)

This is an overview of American Sign Language (ASL), its basic vocabulary, structure, syntax and grammar. Students will focus on mastering the basics of fingerspelling, numbers, colors, facial grammar and sentence structure; students will also learn conversational/cultural behaviors necessary to hold a beginning-level conversation in ASL, with deaf/hard-of-hearing native users of the language. Introductory information about deaf culture will also be presented, along with deaf humor, to provide students with a broad picture of language and culture.


ASL 1102 -- American Sign Language and Culture II,   4 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(Meets MnTC Goal 8)

Prerequisites: ASL 1101 with a grade of C or better or two years ASL in high school

A continuation of basic aspects of American Sign Language (ASL) taught in ASL 1101--its basic vocabulary, structure, syntax, and grammar. Students will continue to focus on fingerspelling, numbers, facial grammar and sentence structure. Students will also further develop the conversational/cultural behaviors necessary to hold a beginning-level conversation. More challenging examples of Deaf humor will be presented as well as additional cultural information to aid student development of awareness of and appreciation for the unique linguistic relationship between language and culture among those deaf /hard-of-hearing individuals who use ASL to communicate.


ASL 1103 -- Deaf Culture,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
Introduction to concepts and issues in Deaf culture and the Deaf community. Emphasizes the Deaf community as a linguistic and American cultural minority, and the importance of language, values, traditions, and diversity in this group.


ASL 1120 -- Fingerspelling and Numbers,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
Prerequisites: ASL 1101

Overview of American Sign Language, fingerspelling, its structure and rules. Students will focus on mastering hand positioning and movement. Students will increase receptive recognition of fingerspelled words and numbers. Introductory information about lexical signs and contextual clues to improve receptive skills will also be presented.


ASL 1189 -- Topics:,   Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
This course has been developed as a potential permanent course. The course must follow all the same policies and procedures related to curriculum outlined by the college. It does not duplicate existing course offerings. Refer to course notes for specific course description.


ASL 2201 -- American Sign Language and Culture III,   4 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(Meets MnTC Goal 8)

Prerequisite: ASL 1102 with a grade of C or better or permission of instructor

Continuation of the overview of American Sign Language, its basic vocabulary, structure, history and the deaf community. Students continue to learn the basics for communication with deaf individuals; they also learn how to express abstract concepts in ASL. Course includes receptive and expressive readiness activities, sign vocabulary, ASL grammatical structure, receptive and expressive finger spelling, conversational behaviors and various aspects of deaf culture.


ASL 2202 -- American Sign Language and Culture IV,   4 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(Meets MnTC Goal 8)

Prerequisite: ASL 2201 or permission of instructor

Continuation of the overview of American Sign Language, its basic vocabulary, structure, history and the deaf community. Students continue to learn the basics for communication with deaf individuals; they also continue to learn how to express abstract concepts in ASL. Course is designed to build student vocabularies, develop greater fluency in expressive signing, and develop confidence in receptive skills.


ASL 2299 -- Independent Study,   Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
Independent Study allows a student to earn credit while participating in a supervised learning experience in a community-based or work setting. Students must have successfully completed two courses in the discipline in which they want to undertake independent study. Forms are available in the Educational Services Office. All arrangements must be made prior to registration for the semester in which the project is scheduled and must be approved by the appropriate Dean of Educational Services. In addition, a project outline must be approved by the instructor who will supervise the student's work.