American Sign Language Major

The major in ASL consists of 36 credit hours of coursework within one of the following tracks, each of which includes 12 credit hours of ASL Foundation courses (ASL 104, 105, 106 & 204) and 9 credit hours of upper-division course work in deaf culture (ASL/CSD 518), interpreting (MCLL 482) and nonverbal communications (MCLL 520).

The Structure of Language Track
The nature of language, language acquisition and ASL linguistics.  In addition to the required ASL courses for all tracks, this track includes the courses below.  Students in this track are strongly encouraged to pursue additional coursework in structural linguistics.

LING 151 - Nature of Language
LING 315 - Introduction to English Linguistics
ANTH 352 - Linguistic Anthropology
MCLL 351 - Linguistics and World Languages
MCLL 670 - Interpreting Interaction: Translation & Consecutive Interpretation

Language and Culture in Context Track
Historical foundations of the preofession, deaf culture, deaf studies and social justice concerns.  In addition to the required ASL courses for all tracks, this track includes the courses below.  Students in this track are strongly encouraged to pursue additional coursework in sociolinguistics.

LING 151 - Nature of Language
LING 663 - Languages & Language Attitudes in USA
ANTH 352 - Linguistic Anthropology
MCLL 351 - Linguistics & World Languages
MCLL 670 - Interpreting Interaction: Translation & Consecutive Interpretation

Interpreting Methods Track
Theories of interpretation and translation along with ethics and protocols for interpreting in legal, medical and educational settings.  In addition to the reqired ASL coursework for all tracks, this track includes the courses below.  Students in this track are strongly encoraged to pursue additional coursework in translation and interpreting.

LING 151 - Nature of Language
MCLL 351 - Linguistics and World Languages
ASL 370 - American Sign Language Elocution
MCLL 570 - American Sign Language & English Translation
MCLL 670 - Interpreting Interaction: Translation & Consecutive Interpretation

Applied Learning component
Students in the BA in American Sign Language are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program.  The requirement can be met by successful completion of MCLL 670 Interpreting Interaction: Translation and Consecutive Interpretation or MCLL 570 American Sign Language and English Translation, a course that allows students to experience how English and ASL, as discrete sign systems, convey messages in business, medical and educational settings among others.