Over the past decade, interest in American Sign Language (ASL) has experienced tremendous growth. This has led to academic acceptance of ASL as a natural language, recognition of ASL coursework in meeting foreign language requirements in Illinois public high schools and increased demand for sign language courses. Increasingly, individuals are using their sign language skills in numerous employment settings such as medical, business, education and social services positions.
In an attempt to meet this growing demand, Harper College offers a series of credit courses in American Sign Language.
Harper's department of Sign Language Studies is committed to providing students with quality instruction, and all coursework is designed to provide students with meaningful interactive language-learning experiences. In addition to language development, students are also encouraged to develop insights into their own culture as well as the culture of the American Deaf community.
Students may use some of the American Sign Language courses to meet the College's humanities requirement. Day, evening and weekend courses are offered to meet the needs of most students.
- American Sign Language Course Placement Service
- An ASL course placement service is available for individuals transferring to Harper College from other institutions or for those who already have previous sign language skills. Appointments are scheduled regularly throughout the year and prior to the beginning of each semester. Dates include: April 19, 2000 and May 22, 2000.
- Individual meetings last approximately thirty minutes and are conducted in sign language. During the appointment, the prospective student is asked to answer questions related to Deaf culture and deaf awareness, to watch a videotape segment and respond to questions about the segment and to engage in a signed conversation with a faculty member. At the end of the appointment the faculty member conducting the interview recommends placement in a course which most closely fits the applicant's skill level. Individuals coming for a placement appointment must have already applied to the College. In addition, a nominal fee is charged for the ASL placement service.
- American Sign Language Club
- The ASL Club is open to any interested sign language student, Deaf student or interpreting student. Members meet regularly and sponsor activities to increase student interaction with members of the Deaf community and to provide opportunities for using newly acquired sign language skills. Go to the ASL Club web site.
- Tutoring
- Students enrolled in sign language courses are
strongly encouraged to take advantage of individual and
group tutoring services offered through the Harper
College Tutoring Center. These services are offered free
of charge. All tutors are current or former instructors
of American Sign Language at Harper College.
Comments received from students regarding tutoring include the following:
"Excellent. I was overwhelmed by the assistance and help I received."
"Very helpful."
"Great."