Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Minor in American Sign Language Studies
Students on Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 requirements ASLSMIN
Requirements
The minor requires at least 15 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- ASL Language Sequence.
- ASL Level 3. One (1) course:
- SLHS-A 200 American Sign Language Level Three
SLHS-A 200 American Sign Language Level Three
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- SLHS-A 150 or SPHS-A 150; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Emphasizes the development of conversational ability. Examines complex grammatical structures, emphasizing the ability to use these structures in conversation. Covers characteristics of the Deaf population and their cultural values.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 200 or SPHS-A 200.
- ASL Level 4. One (1) course:
- SLHS-A 250 American Sign Language Level Four
SLHS-A 250 American Sign Language Level Four
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- SLHS-A 200 or SPHS-A 200; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Provides further study of ASL grammar, syntax, and cultural features. Develops competency and fluency in conversational skills. Utilizes vocabulary, grammatical principles, and various discourse features in narratives and presentations in ASL.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 250 or SPHS-A 250.
- ASL Level 5. One (1) course:
- SLHS-A 300 American Sign Language Level Five
SLHS-A 300 American Sign Language Level Five
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- SLHS-A 250 or SPHS-A 250; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Focuses on continued use of receptive and expressive skills and the acquisition of comprehension skills appropriate to ASL Level Five. Provides an in-depth exploration of major grammatical features, examination of the function of ASL within specific contexts and registers, and opportunities to transition from classroom learning to non-classroom conversational experiences.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 300 or SPHS-A 300.
- ASL Level 3. One (1) course:
- Structure of ASL. One (1) course:
- SLHS-A 350 Structure of American Sign Language
SLHS-A 350 Structure of American Sign Language
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- SLHS-A 150 or SPHS-A 150
- Description
- Examines the linguistic structure of American Sign Language and how sign languages are similar to and different from spoken languages. Basic knowledge of ASL is necessary.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 350 or SPHS-A 350.
- Deaf Culture. One (1) course:
- SLHS-A 400 Deaf Culture
SLHS-A 400 Deaf Culture
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Provides an overview of American Deaf culture, including cultural identity, core values, group norms, traditions, communication, language, and significant contributions made by Deaf persons. Views and perspectives of and from the Deaf community will be explored along with implications of cultural differences when the Deaf and hearing worlds overlap.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 400 or SPHS-A 400.
- Summer 2025CASE DUScourseSpring 2025CASE DUScourseFall 2024CASE DUScourse
- Minor GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Minor GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the minor—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Minor Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the minor.
- Minor Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Minor Residency. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
Notes
Minor Area Courses
-
Courses that may apply toward the Credit Hours and GPA requirements in this academic program include all courses listed on the requirement course lists at the time the course was taken as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent.
Exclusions
The following courses cannot be applied toward minor requirements:
- SLHS-A 100 American Sign Language Level One
- SLHS-A 150 American Sign Language Level Two
SLHS-A 100 American Sign Language Level One
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introductory sign language course for students with no previous experience with sign language. Builds a good basic vocabulary of signs, teaches fingerspelling, introduces basic aspects of the grammar and the proper use of facial expression in sign language conversation. Includes exposure to deaf culture.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 100 or SPHS-A 100.
SLHS-A 150 American Sign Language Level Two
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- SLHS-A 100 or SPHS-A 100; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Continues building receptive and expressive abilities developed in SLHS-A 100. Emphasizes the use of signing space, facial grammar, body postures, fluent fingerspelling, and continued vocabulary development. Introduces more complex grammatical structures. Includes further exposure to deaf culture.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 150 or SPHS-A 150.
Exceptions to and substitutions for minor requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Due to the limited number of seats available, students must apply for admission to this minor program. To be considered, students must:
- Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C+ or higher*:
- SLHS-A 100 American Sign Language Level One
- SLHS-A 150 American Sign Language Level Two
SLHS-A 100 American Sign Language Level One
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introductory sign language course for students with no previous experience with sign language. Builds a good basic vocabulary of signs, teaches fingerspelling, introduces basic aspects of the grammar and the proper use of facial expression in sign language conversation. Includes exposure to deaf culture.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 100 or SPHS-A 100.
SLHS-A 150 American Sign Language Level Two
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- SLHS-A 100 or SPHS-A 100; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Continues building receptive and expressive abilities developed in SLHS-A 100. Emphasizes the use of signing space, facial grammar, body postures, fluent fingerspelling, and continued vocabulary development. Introduces more complex grammatical structures. Includes further exposure to deaf culture.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of SLHS-A 150 or SPHS-A 150.
- Submit a personal statement video (in ASL) that includes the following:
- A brief introduction including name and major.
- Why are you interested in the ASL minor?
- How do you plan to utilize the ASL minor?
- What are your future professional/career goals?
- Submit a written essay covering the following topics:
- Why are you interested in the ASL minor?
- How do you plan to utilize the ASL minor?
- What are your future professional/career goals?
- Describe (and provide examples of) your understanding of Deaf Culture
- What is your ASL education background?
- Submit a letter of reference from previous ASL instructor(s). Students who are unable to provide a letter of reference from previous ASL instructors must complete an interview with IU ASL faculty to evaluate the student's ASL knowledge and skills.