American Sign Language/Interpreting
9 courses · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AMSL 120 American Sign Language Level I
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 80 - 90 hours lecture
This is an entry-level course designed to introduce students to American Sign Language (ASL) and Fingerspelled Signs as they are used within Deaf Culture. Students are taught to use ASL by signing, fingerspelled signing, and using facial grammar at the novice level. Emphasis is placed on the development of ASL expressive and receptive skills via applying their ASL skills through individualized program, small groups and large group environment. Students utilize interactive media to express their comprehension of basic ASL sentences and stories as well as their signing skills. Students have the opportunity to practice vocabulary and syntax. The course is designed for students who want to explore the basic language structure of ASL and Deaf Culture.
AMSL 121 American Sign Language Level II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 80 - 90 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AMSL 120 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a continuation of the study of American Sign Language (ASL) at the beginning intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on increasing development of students' receptive and expressive skills through ASL vocabulary, fingerspelled signs and knowledge of Deaf Culture. Instruction includes a natural approach to teaching a second language by exposing students to authentic conversations in the classroom. Active learning provides students with the opportunity to apply their ASL skills through an individualized program, small groups and large group environment. Students utilize interactive media to express their comprehension of basic to intermediate ASL sentences and stories as well as to hone their signing skills. Activities are designed to provide students the opportunity to practice vocabulary and syntax at the intermediate level. This course is designed for students and/or professionals interested in working and interacting with Deaf people.
AMSL 150 Introduction to Deaf Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to the unique aspects of Deaf Culture and Deaf community. Emphasis is place on in-depth discussion of the beliefs and customs of this sociolinguistic/cultural minority in relation to language use and history of Deaf people in the United States of America. This course is intended for students who are interested in learning about Deaf Culture and the Deaf community.
AMSL 155 Navigating Deaf Perspectives
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a study of the audiological, educational, social, and communicative aspects of people who are deaf and hearing impaired. Emphasis is placed on historical perspectives and current trends, philosophies, and ideologies related to deafness. This course is intended for students who are interested in learning about the pathological aspects of deaf and hearing impaired people.
AMSL 214 American Sign Language Fingerspelled Signs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AMSL 121 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an intermediate-advanced study of American Sign Language Fingerspelled Signs and Numbering systems. Emphasis is placed on Native Fingerspelled Signs. Students participate in extensive drills expressively and receptively. This course is intended for American Sign Language (ASL) Studies and ASL-English Interpretation majors pursuing employment or a career in ASL and/or Deaf related fields.
AMSL 220 American Sign Language Level III
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 80 - 90 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AMSL 121 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- AMSL 214 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This third course in American Sign Language (ASL) is designed to enhance students' receptive and expressive skills at an advanced intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on the ASL syntax, facial grammar, vocabulary, and fingerspelling skills that enable students to participate in increasingly more complex conversations with Deaf community members. Instruction utilizes a natural approach to teaching a second language by engaging students in authentic conversations within the classroom environment. Conversational content seeks to develop student knowledge and understanding of the Deaf community and its art and history. Active learning provides students with the opportunity to apply their ASL skills through an individualized program. Students utilize interactive media to express their comprehension of intermediate to advanced ASL sentences and narratives as well as to hone their signing skills. Activities are designed to provide students the opportunity to practice vocabulary and syntax at the intermediate to advanced level. This course is designed for students and/or professionals interested in working and interacting with Deaf people.
AMSL 221 American Sign Language Level IV
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 80 - 90 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AMSL 220 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- AMSL 214 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This fourth course in the study of American Sign Language (ASL) continues to build upon students' receptive and expressive skills at the advanced level while expanding their knowledge of Deaf Culture and the influences of other sign language systems. Emphasis is placed on advanced ASL Fingerspelled Signs, ASL structure and vocabulary. Instruction utilizes a natural approach to teaching a second language by engaging students in authentic conversations within the classroom environment. Active learning provides students with the opportunity to apply their American Sign Language (ASL) skills through an individualized program. Students utilize interactive media to express their comprehension of advanced ASL sentences and narratives as well as to hone their signing skills. Activities are designed to provide students the opportunity to practice vocabulary and syntax at the advanced level. This course is designed for students and/or professionals interested in working and/or interacting with Deaf people.
AMSL 225 Introduction to Linguistics of American Sign Language
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AMSL 221 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is designed to provide students with an analysis of the symbolic and linguistic structure of American Sign Language (ASL) and English including other spoken languages, other sign languages, and other related sign systems. Topics include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, grammar and discourse. This course examines the bilingual and bicultural practices, language acquisition, sociolinguistics and related research. This course is intended for students who plan to transfer and/or are interested in learning about the linguistic aspects of American Sign Language.
AMSL 290 Independent Study in American Sign Language
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of American Sign Language. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analysis, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.