American Sign Language
6 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ASL 120 American Sign Language 1
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An introductory course in American Sign Language (ASL) which presents basic sign vocabulary and grammar, the manual alphabet and topics related to signing and deafness.
ASL 121 American Sign Language 2
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ASL 120
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A continuation of American Sign Language (ASL) 120, emphasizing receptive and expressive skills, aspects of ASL grammar, vocabulary, literature, subcultures within the deaf community, and the various education regimes for deaf children in the United States.
ASL 124 American Sign Language 3
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ASL 121
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continuing development of skills learned in American Sign Language (ASL) 121 emphasizing ASL grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic constructions. Provides an opportunity for further development of conversational techniques while focusing on expressive and receptive skills. Deaf cultural issues, non-manual markers, advanced classifiers, and numbering systems will be explored.
ASL 126 American Sign Language 4
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ASL 124
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This advanced course expands functions and syntax from ASL 124 and focuses on developing students' communicative competency in American Sign Language. Higher level vocabulary and grammatical patterns, including classifiers and the use of spatial location, are explored with a focus on productive skills. Deaf culture, behavior, and norms are also studied as they relate to advanced signing skills.
ASL 138 Deaf History
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- and/or, Eligibility for ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A culturally diverse exploration of the deaf from Aristotle to the present. Focus is on the ideas, events and laws that have shaped the community as viewed through literature, folklore, art, and philosophy. Interrelationship of societies is emphasized. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for History 138.
ASL 189 Independent Projects
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester