Catalog Year

2023-2024

Degree

Certificate

Credits

15

Locations

Mankato

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American Sign Language (CERT)

The certificate signifies students have taken a series of courses in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies and reached a minimum level of proficiency. 

The certificate may not be eligible for federal financial aid. Speak with the Campus Hub for details. 

Program Requirements

Major Common Core

The certificate is intended to increase knowledge of and skill in communication with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. In order to earn the certificate, a GPA of 3.0 or greater is required across the courses.

Beginning ASL - Level I aims to develop a basic understanding and use of American Sign Language through learning parameters of sign, fingerspelling, basic grammar and a basic understanding of Deaf culture.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Intermediate American Sign Language - Level II builds off knowledge and skills obtained in Level I. Expands on understanding and use of more complex grammar, classifiers, and social conversation.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced I American Sign Language - Level III involves more extensive use of classifers, labeling, social conversation and increased ability to be fluent, smooth and have confidence and flow in signing.

Prerequisites: none

This course will explore the language, culture, history, and contemporary issues of American Deaf people. Utilizing readings, lecture, and group discussion; students will learn about the linguistic and cultural aspect, oppression, timeline of deaf history, communication strategies and their effectiveness in terms of learning a language, as well as issues that are still existing in the deaf community.

Prerequisites: none

This course is a continuation of Advanced knowledge in American Sign Language. Fluent, social and academic use and understanding of sign language will be explored as well as continued expansion of knowledge of Deaf Culture and Deaf Community.

Prerequisites: CDIS 306, CDS 307

4-Year Plan

First Year

Fall - 3 Credits

Beginning ASL - Level I aims to develop a basic understanding and use of American Sign Language through learning parameters of sign, fingerspelling, basic grammar and a basic understanding of Deaf culture.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Spring - 3 Credits

Intermediate American Sign Language - Level II builds off knowledge and skills obtained in Level I. Expands on understanding and use of more complex grammar, classifiers, and social conversation.

Prerequisites: none

Second Year

Fall - 6 Credits

Advanced I American Sign Language - Level III involves more extensive use of classifers, labeling, social conversation and increased ability to be fluent, smooth and have confidence and flow in signing.

Prerequisites: none

This course will explore the language, culture, history, and contemporary issues of American Deaf people. Utilizing readings, lecture, and group discussion; students will learn about the linguistic and cultural aspect, oppression, timeline of deaf history, communication strategies and their effectiveness in terms of learning a language, as well as issues that are still existing in the deaf community.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 4 Credits

This course is a repeatable, 1 credit course for students who would like to continue to use and maintain their conversational language skills in American Sign Language (ASL). It is highly recommended that students have at least a basic understanding and use of ASL (Level II).

Prerequisites: none

This course is a continuation of Advanced knowledge in American Sign Language. Fluent, social and academic use and understanding of sign language will be explored as well as continued expansion of knowledge of Deaf Culture and Deaf Community.

Prerequisites: CDIS 306, CDS 307

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