The child development department is expanding its American Sign Language (ASL) class offerings to provide underclassmen with the opportunity to become proficient in the language. The efforts come in response to a nationwide increase in demand for sign language courses.
A section of ASL I specifically for freshmen and sophomores was added this semester, and a third level of ASL classes will be offered next spring. Historically, ASL I closes out before underclassmen have the chance to register, and the juniors and seniors who enroll in the introductory class often graduate before they can take advanced ASL classes.
"A third level of any language gives you more proficiency in it," said George Scarlett, chair of the child development department. "ASL III will make students more attractive in the job market and open up opportunities for internships. It will bring students up to a level where they can really start to do something in sign language."
The 21 underclassmen enrolled in the course this semester will provide a core of students to fill seats in the ASL III class once it is offered.
ASL professor Terrell Clark said that increasing opportunities to learn ASL is important because it puts Tufts on the same level as schools across the country that are also creating a similar program. "Public awareness has increased about ASL, and it has become a vehicle for communication even with non-deaf people," he said.
Students seem eager to enroll in the upper-level course. "Sign language is something everyone should have the opportunity to learn, and since there are going to be three levels, I think a lot more people will want to take it," said freshman Liz Chesler, who took ASL I last fall.
"I think it is so important that they are finally offering more courses. It's a lot better than having a high demand course that only 20 kids in the school get to take," said sophomore Deb Sherwood, who is studying sign language this semester.
The classes are co-taught by professor Clark and professor Jim Lipsky, who is deaf. Students enrolled in their classes laud the professors' enthusiasm. The class structure, they say, provides students with a great perspective on the language and associated culture.
"I think it's really rare to have a deaf professor. [Lipsky] teaches us the actual signing and we are silent the whole class. I thought it would be scary but he's so approachable and very understanding," Sherwood said. "[Clark] is so smart and passionate about her field. She's always very willing to help us and really takes an interest in deaf culture."
ASL I teaches basic signing structures, vocabulary, and finger spelling. The course also explores topics in deaf culture such as family dynamics, social identity, and language acquisition. ASL II is more of a conversational course, in which students are required to do 12 hours of field experience working in the deaf community with native signers. Class participation becomes more important in ASL II.
Lipsky said he enjoys the challenge of teaching hearing students how to speak visually. "I hope that the skills they gain will help them if they encounter a deaf person in their individual professions and out in the real world," he said.
Scarlett attributes the popularity of the ASL classes to the nature and utility of sign language. "Many students want to take ASL because it is fun and has something to do with the body," he said. "Even if students are not going to become proficient in the language, it is a wonderful window into the deaf community and culture."
Senior Bennett Kolasinski, a current ASL II student, said the unique qualities of sign language are what attracted him to the course. "I've taken other languages like Japanese and Spanish, but [ASL] is a totally new way of expressing yourself without sound," he said.
