Overview
Have you watched someone use sign language and wished you could understand? American Sign Language, or ASL as it is commonly known, is a complete language using signs, hand shapes and facial expressions.
The ASL program is designed for people interested in learning sign language, professionals in contact with the deaf community in their jobs, and friends and family members of a deaf person.
Learn a comprehensive understanding of ASL from the alphabet to basic words and concepts, recognizing facial expressions all the way to describing objects and full conversations.
The Vista Program
The Vista Signing Naturally approach offers a standardized curriculum to learning ASL. Created and developed at Vista Community College in Berkley, California, it not only teaches signs, but also grammar and deaf culture. The Vista approach stresses natural communication.
The Vista program was conceived and developed by three native signers of ASL, two of whom are deaf and one hearing. They used the following three premises when creating Vista. Languages are learned best when presented in context. Language is retained best when activities are meaningful and/or related to experiences. Comprehensive skills are developed more quickly than expressive skills.
Older methods of teaching sign language used Manually Coded English (MCE). This system substitutes words for signs in English word orders. MCE was used in schools with deaf children to reinforce their English skills, but this is changing in Manitoba and elsewhere. The Vista method has been field-tested over the last few years by ten colleges and elsewhere. Compared to other sign programs, Vista was found to be easier, more enjoyable and more practical. Vista allows students to learn ASL more gradually and comfortably, and has improved the overall quality of instruction.
The Signing Naturally approach to acquiring ASL allows people, with no knowledge of sign language, to communicate comfortably in a variety of situations with the Deaf. As well as classroom instruction, Vista offers input via video, text and workbook. Because of the interactive nature of instruction, enrollment is limited. Classroom instruction is supplemented by the accompanying videotape and workbook, which allow students to review, practice and retain what is learned.
Admissions
An application is not required for this program.
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.
If you don’t meet these admission requirements please visit our adult learning page for more information on assessment of special circumstances.
Next Step
Continuing Studies courses are offered on various dates and during varying time slots. To see upcoming courses, please visit our Continuing Studies’ course catalogue. Then, register by visiting How to Register & Apply
Careers & Connections
Individuals who are employed or seeking employment with public and private schools, rehabilitation centres, centres for people with development disabilities, hospitals, etc. would find this program beneficial.
Tools & Supplies
Course Name |
Course Number | Textbook | Author |
---|---|---|---|
American Sign Language 101, 102, 103 |
COMM-0047COMM-0048COMM-0049 |
Signing Naturally Student Workbook Level 1 |
Lentz and Mikos Smith |
American Sign Language 201, 202, 203 |
COMM-0050COMM-0051COMM-0052 |
Signing Naturally Student Workbook Level 2 |
Lentz and Mikos Smith |
Visit the Bookstore website to learn more.
At-Home Computing
For this program, you are expected to have access to a computer at home. It should have a webcam, microphone and internet access to enable remote learning for the theory portions of your programs.
Courses & Costs
To receive an American Sign Language document of achievement, students must successfully complete 120 academic hours. To graduate with an American Sign Language Certificate of Achievement, students must successfully complete 240 academic hours.
Tuition, fees and Student Association fees total approximately $1,300 for the document of achievement and approximately $2,600 for the certificate of achievement. All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice.
Course Title | Course Number | Hours |
---|---|---|
American Sign Language 101 |
COMM-0047 |
40 |
American Sign Language 102 |
COMM-0048 |
40 |
American Sign Language 103 |
COMM-0049 |
40 |
American Sign Language 201 |
COMM-0050 |
40 |
American Sign Language 202 |
COMM-0051 |
40 |
American Sign Language 203 |
COMM-0052 |
40 |
Continuing Studies courses are offered on various dates and during varying time slots. To see upcoming courses, please visit our Continuing Studies’ course catalogue. You must search by the course title/name, not by program name (e.g. American Sign Language ASL101, not American Sign Language).
If you cannot find the course you are interested in, please contact Continuing Studies at Assiniboine at continuingstudies@assiniboine.net or 204.725.8725.