World Languages
8 courses · Lake Tahoe Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
ASL 101 American Sign Language - Level I
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture weekly, 60 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides a beginning foundation for acquiring a visual gestural language, fingerspelling, American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary, and grammatical structure. Communication skills are taught with an emphasis on comprehension. Beginning cultural aspects of Deafness and historical and linguistic elements of ASL will be introduced. This course is taught primarily in American Sign Language in a supportive voice-off environment.
ASL 102 American Sign Language - Level II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture weekly, 60 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ASL 101 (formerly SNL 101) or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continuation of ASL 101, building on communication competency for acquiring the visual gestural language of American Sign Language (ASL). Mid beginning skills will target the following language functions: ASL vocabulary, syntax and grammatical structure, and fingerspelling. Mid beginning study of Deaf culture and historical and linguistics elements of ASL will be continued. This course is taught primarily in ASL in a supportive voice-off environment.
ASL 103 American Sign Language - Level III
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture weekly, 60 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ASL 102 (formerly SNL 102) or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continuation of ASL 102, building on communication competency for acquiring the visual gestural language of American Sign Language (ASL). High beginning skills will target the following language functions: ASL vocabulary, syntax and grammatical structure, and fingerspelling. High beginning study of Deaf culture and historical and linguistics elements of ASL will be continued. This course is taught primarily in ASL in a supportive voice-off environment.
ASL 104 American Sign Language - Conversational I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 36 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ASL 101 (formerly SNL 101) or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to provide basic conversational skills in American Sign Language (ASL), the language used by most Deaf people in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on basic ASL structure and self-expression. This course is strongly recommended for all levels of ASL students as well as prospective teachers, interpreters, and other professionals working with Deaf people. Students should have basic skills in ASL.
ASL 106 American Sign Language - Fingerspelling I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture weekly, 18 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ASL 101 (formerly SNL 101) with a "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to the American Sign Language Manual Alphabet (Fingerspelling) and provides introductory knowledge, techniques, and skills development in receptive and expressive fingerspelling. It focuses on providing hands-on experiences in class to improve student’s basic skills. This course is strongly recommended for those students interested in expanding their ASL knowledge and those interested in continued ASL studies or the field of interpreting.
ASL 108 American Deaf Culture I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ENGLC1000 or ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the culture, values, and daily life of Deaf people in North America as reflected in language, literature, art, history, political and social events. The goal of this course is to reduce the gap between layman's perception of Deaf people and Deaf people's perception of themselves. Discussion and topics aim to seek appreciation for the unique issues of being Deaf in a hearing world and the trends of Deaf culture. Students studying in the following fields would benefit from this comprehensive, investigative class: interpreting for the Deaf, Deaf Studies, education, anthropology, audiology, speech-language pathology, medicine, mental health services, and any service-oriented field. This course is conducted online. Knowledge of ASL is not necessary for this course.
ASL 201 American Sign Language - Level IV
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture weekly, 60 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ASL 103 (formerly SNL 103) or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides continued instructional learning for students who wish to obtain intermediate competency and is a continuation of ASL 103, building on communication competency for acquiring the visual gestural language of American Sign Language (ASL). Intermediate skills will target the following language functions: ASL vocabulary, syntax and grammatical structure, and fingerspelling. Intermediate study of Deaf culture and historical and linguistics elements of ASL will be continued. This course is taught primarily in ASL in a supportive voice-off environment.
ASL 205 American Sign Language - Interpreting Introduction
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ASL 102 (formerly SNL 102) or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to basic theories, principles, and practices of interpreting. Topics include the responsibilities and role of the interpreter, environments in which interpreters will be involved, and qualification assessments and standards within the profession. This course emphasizes professionalism and the responsibility in interpreting through the observance of ethical standards. Introduction to beginning sign-to-voice techniques and voice-to-sign practices will be introduced through use of prepared videotapes and role-play scenarios. This course is intended for students who plan to become American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. Intermediate ASL skills are necessary in order for students to succeed in this course.