This course is an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) as used in the deaf communityand includes a general discussion of ASL structure with an introduction to a variety of manual communication systems and philosophies. Emphasis will be on building a basic vocabulary of approximately five hundred signs and the manual alphabet. Students will have directed practice with media generated materials, emphasizing the development of beginning level receptive and expressive conversational practice. Lecture - 47 contact hours. Lab - 30 contact hours.