American Sign Language (Minor)
Why study American Sign Language?
American Sign Language is one of the most commonly used languages in the United States. With signing, the brain processes linguistic information through the eyes. The shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play important parts in conveying information, according to the National Association of the Deaf. Learning ASL will empower you to bridge the gap between hearing and deaf communities. This skill will give you an advantage in many career fields.
Aurora University is one of only a few universities to offer a minor in American Sign Language. As an ASL minor, you will learn vocabulary and grammar structures, as well as develop the expressive skills necessary for communication. You will explore deaf culture, the history of deaf education programs, and legislation impacting the deaf community.
The American Sign Language minor is designed to complement any major at AU and fits particularly well with the Therapeutic Recreation, Education, and Social Work majors. It will also provide you with the foundational knowledge to continue with advanced ASL studies.
- Communication sciences and disorders
- Deaf culture
- Introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses in ASL
- Child care worker
- Employment counselor
- Sign language interpreter
- Special education teacher
2022 annual median salary for interpreters and translators
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