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Associate of Arts Degree
American Sign Language/Deaf Studies

The Associate of Arts Degree in Deaf Studies is a foundational degree for those wishing to obtain mastery of American Sign Language (ASL). By completion of specific General Education courses, this program fulfills many of the requirements and foundation courses for transfer to baccalaureate Deaf Studies majors.  American Sign Language skills can be applied immediately to career choices in the fields of education, nursing, counseling, film, or any other area Deaf people live and work. Students can further their careers by pursuing degrees in Deaf education to be a credentialed teacher to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. Students may also pursue a career in ASL pedagogy, to teach ASL in a secondary or post-secondary educational setting.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ASL 101 - American Sign Language I (RHC GE 7b)M4.5
ASL 101 - American Sign Language I (4.5 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will provide an introduction to American Sign Language, emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in American Sign Language via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

ASL 120 - Introduction to Deaf StudiesM3.0
ASL 120 - Introduction to Deaf Studies (3.0 units)

PrerequisiteASL 101
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course introduces students to the basic information of the American Deaf experience in the United States: Deaf community/culture and American Sign Language. This course exposes students to the history, contributions and contemporary lives of Deaf people in America. This course is interdisciplinary in that it introduces a range of issues that are developed in the purview of Deaf Studies — linguistics, education, sociology, psychology and other fields. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE3.5
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

Select one: MATH 130 / MATH 130H / PSY 190 / MATH 150 (RHC GE 2)GE3.0†
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory: ENGL 101; READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*crdit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests.

MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course and ENGL 101
Advisory: READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL 101 and the ability to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*The UC will grant credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H or PSY 190)

This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

RHC GE 8b - Communication/Analytical ThinkingGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
CIT 101, 125, 135;
ENGL 125, 201, 201H;
FIN 101;
GIS 120;
MATH 130, 130H, 140, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 190, 190H, 191, 250, 251, 260, 270;
PHIL 110, 110H, 112, 112H, 115;
PSY 190;
SPCH 100, 100H, 101, 101H, 120, 140;
READ 101;
VOCB 101

Total Semester Units:17.0† 
2nd Semester
ASL 102 - American Sign Language IIM4.5
ASL 102 - American Sign Language II (4.5 units)

Prerequisite:ASL 101,(formerly ASL 149) or two years of high school ASL with a "C" or better or successfully pass an interview and comprehensive exam developed by the department demonstrating competency of the skills required in an ASL I course.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language I (ASL 101), emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

ASL 124 - Deaf CultureM3.0
ASL 124 - Deaf Culture (3.0 units)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: ASL 102
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will cover basic information and research on deaf culture, deaf children and their upbringing, deaf education, the importance of American Sign Language to the deaf community, deaf societies around the world, and advances in and usage of technology for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course will focus on research and progress within deaf culture. This course will be taught using a combination of American Sign Language and spoken English and, depending on the instructor, may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures.

RHC GE 5 - Natural Science with LabGE4.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one Natural Science with Lab:
ANTH 101, 101H & 101L;
ASTR 110, 110H & 112, 137;
BIOL 101, 105 & 105L, 111 & 111L, 112, 120 & 120L;
BIOT 100;
CHEM 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 101 & 101L;
GEOL 150 & 151, 152 & 152L;
PHY 120, 150, 160, 211, 212, 213

RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ART 101, 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117, 120, 130, 135, 140;
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H;
GDSN 110:
MUS 101, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136;
MUST 151, 152;
PHTO 110, 130;
THTR 101, 105, 105H, 110, 150

Total Semester Units:14.5 
Summer 1
RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
POLS 110, 110H;
HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
3rd Semester
ASL 201 - American Sign Language IIIM4.5
ASL 201 - American Sign Language III (4.5 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 102
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will focus on refining students’ knowledge of the grammatical structure and lexicon of American Sign Language as these things relate to its historical, artistic, and cultural influence in mainstream society, with an emphasis on receptive/expressive conversational and cultural skills for communication. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs.

ASL 250 - ASL LinguisticsM3.0
ASL 250 - ASL Linguistics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 102
Advisory: ENGL 101
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will serve as an introductory course in linguistics, with a special emphasis on American Sign Language (ASL). Students will learn basic linguistic concepts such as phonology, morphology, and syntax as they apply to all languages. Students will further their knowledge of linguistics as it relates specifically to ASL. No prior knowledge of linguistics is needed to take this course. Upon completion of this course students will be able to pursue careers related to Deaf education or ASL pedagogy. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral ScienceGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
AJ 101
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 104, 110, 115, 125;
CD 106, 208;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135;
EGSS 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 102, 103;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130;
KIN 170, 190, 195
MSCM 103, 128;
PHIL 128, 128H, 135;
POLS 110, 110H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130, 135,140,150;
PSY 101, 101H, 112, 114, 180, 200;
SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130;
SPCH 150

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:11.5 
4th Semester
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IVM4.5
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IV (4.5 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 201
Transfers to:CSU

This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language III (ASL 201). The course will focus on the use of American Sign Language in practical applications through discussing relevant topics like math, current events, arts, and various other topics, with an emphasis on applying the language in real world interactions. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs.

ASL 270 - ASL LiteratureM3.0
ASL 270 - ASL Literature (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 201
Advisory:ASL 250
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will take students on a journey through the history and current status of the literary body of American Sign Language (ASL). This is a rare opportunity to explore a body of literature in its infancy stages. Students will analyze videos and books created or written by ASL poetic performers or authors. Word choices, deeper meanings, and metaphors used will be discussed. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

ASL 280 - ASL StorytellingM2.0
ASL 280 - ASL Storytelling (2.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 124, ASL 201br>Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is designed to further refine the student's knowledge and mastery of American Sign Language (ASL) through the practical application of storytelling. Students will study master storytellers and analyze their techniques. Upon completion of this course, students will have created multiple original stories in ASL. These are necessary skills to achieve fluency in ASL.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:15.5 
Total Units for American Sign Language/Deaf Studies AA program 62.5† 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ASL 101 - American Sign Language I (CSU GE C2)M4.5
ASL 101 - American Sign Language I (4.5 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will provide an introduction to American Sign Language, emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in American Sign Language via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

ASL 120 - Introduction to Deaf StudiesM3.0
ASL 120 - Introduction to Deaf Studies (3.0 units)

PrerequisiteASL 101
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course introduces students to the basic information of the American Deaf experience in the United States: Deaf community/culture and American Sign Language. This course exposes students to the history, contributions and contemporary lives of Deaf people in America. This course is interdisciplinary in that it introduces a range of issues that are developed in the purview of Deaf Studies — linguistics, education, sociology, psychology and other fields. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (CSU GE A2)GE3.5
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

Select one: MATH 130 / MATH 130H / PSY 190 / MATH 150 (CSU GE B4)GE3.0†
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  FIN 101, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190

MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory: ENGL 101; READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*crdit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests.

MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course and ENGL 101
Advisory: READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL 101 and the ability to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*The UC will grant credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H or PSY 190)

This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

CSU GE A1 - Oral CommunicationGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one: SPCH 100, 101, 101H, 120, 140

Total Semester Units:17.0† 
2nd Semester
ASL 102 - American Sign Language IIM4.5
ASL 102 - American Sign Language II (4.5 units)

Prerequisite:ASL 101,(formerly ASL 149) or two years of high school ASL with a "C" or better or successfully pass an interview and comprehensive exam developed by the department demonstrating competency of the skills required in an ASL I course.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language I (ASL 101), emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

ASL 124 - Deaf CultureM3.0
ASL 124 - Deaf Culture (3.0 units)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: ASL 102
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will cover basic information and research on deaf culture, deaf children and their upbringing, deaf education, the importance of American Sign Language to the deaf community, deaf societies around the world, and advances in and usage of technology for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course will focus on research and progress within deaf culture. This course will be taught using a combination of American Sign Language and spoken English and, depending on the instructor, may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures.

CSU GE B2 - Biological SciencesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units. 
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'.

Select one:
ANTH 101, 101H, 101L*
BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 112*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*
BIOT 100*; PSY 210, 210H
BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 112*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*
BIOT 100; PSY 210, 210H

CSU GE A3 - Critical ThinkingGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units. 

Select one:
ENGL 201, 201H; PHIL 110, 110H, 112, 112H, 115; READ 101; SPCH 140

Total Semester Units:13.5† 
Summer 1
US HISTORY (CSU GE D)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

CSU GE E - Lifelong Learning/Self DevelopmentGE3.0

Select one:
ANTH 110
HUSR 123
CD 106
EGSS 130
KIN 159 (F'21), 170 (F'21), 190 (F'21), 191, 192, 196
COUN 101 (F’11), 104, 151 (F’98)
NUTR 110
DD 214 (see counselor for details)
PHIL 122
PSY 112, 121
EDEV 101 (F’15), 151
SOC 105, 110

Total Semester Units:6.0 
3rd Semester
ASL 201 - American Sign Language IIIM4.5
ASL 201 - American Sign Language III (4.5 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 102
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will focus on refining students’ knowledge of the grammatical structure and lexicon of American Sign Language as these things relate to its historical, artistic, and cultural influence in mainstream society, with an emphasis on receptive/expressive conversational and cultural skills for communication. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs.

ASL 250 - ASL LinguisticsM3.0
ASL 250 - ASL Linguistics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 102
Advisory: ENGL 101
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will serve as an introductory course in linguistics, with a special emphasis on American Sign Language (ASL). Students will learn basic linguistic concepts such as phonology, morphology, and syntax as they apply to all languages. Students will further their knowledge of linguistics as it relates specifically to ASL. No prior knowledge of linguistics is needed to take this course. Upon completion of this course students will be able to pursue careers related to Deaf education or ASL pedagogy. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

CSU GE F - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Notes:
Students who started at Rio Hondo College beginning in Fall 2021 or later and returning students who have not maintained continuous enrollment will be required to complete a course in Area F. Students who started at Rio Hondo College prior to Fall 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment will not be required to complete a course in Area F (instead, they will complete 9 units from at least two disciplines in Area D). Please see a counselor for details.

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:10.5 
4th Semester
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IVM4.5
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IV (4.5 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 201
Transfers to:CSU

This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language III (ASL 201). The course will focus on the use of American Sign Language in practical applications through discussing relevant topics like math, current events, arts, and various other topics, with an emphasis on applying the language in real world interactions. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs.

ASL 270 - ASL LiteratureM3.0
ASL 270 - ASL Literature (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 201
Advisory:ASL 250
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will take students on a journey through the history and current status of the literary body of American Sign Language (ASL). This is a rare opportunity to explore a body of literature in its infancy stages. Students will analyze videos and books created or written by ASL poetic performers or authors. Word choices, deeper meanings, and metaphors used will be discussed. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

ASL 280 - ASL StorytellingM2.0
ASL 280 - ASL Storytelling (2.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 124, ASL 201br>Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is designed to further refine the student's knowledge and mastery of American Sign Language (ASL) through the practical application of storytelling. Students will study master storytellers and analyze their techniques. Upon completion of this course, students will have created multiple original stories in ASL. These are necessary skills to achieve fluency in ASL.

CSU GE B1 - Physical SciencesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units. 
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'.

Select one:
ASTR 110, 110H, 112*, 137*
CHEM 110*, 120*,130*, 140*, 230*, 231*
GEOG 101, 101L*
GEOL 150, 151*, 152, 152L*
PHY 120*, 150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*
CHEM 110*, 120*,130*, 140*, 230*, 231*
GEOG 101, 101L*
GEOL 150,151*
PHY 120*, 150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

CSU GE B3 - Lab ScienceGE1.0

Select one if lab has not been completed in CSU B1 or B2.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'

Total Semester Units:13.5† 
Summer 2
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (CSU GE D)GE3.0
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS 110 or POLS 110H)

This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments.

POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS 110 or POLS 110H)

This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.

CSU GE C1 - ArtsGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ART 101, 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117, 120, 121, 130, 135, 140
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 101, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
PHTO 110, 130
THTR 101, 105, 105H, 110, 150

Total Semester Units:6.0† 
Total Units for American Sign Language/Deaf Studies AA program (Transfer to CSU)66.5† 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ASL 101 - American Sign Language IM4.5
ASL 101 - American Sign Language I (4.5 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will provide an introduction to American Sign Language, emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in American Sign Language via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

ASL 120 - Introduction to Deaf StudiesM3.0
ASL 120 - Introduction to Deaf Studies (3.0 units)

PrerequisiteASL 101
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course introduces students to the basic information of the American Deaf experience in the United States: Deaf community/culture and American Sign Language. This course exposes students to the history, contributions and contemporary lives of Deaf people in America. This course is interdisciplinary in that it introduces a range of issues that are developed in the purview of Deaf Studies — linguistics, education, sociology, psychology and other fields. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (IGETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

Select one: MATH 130 / MATH 130H / PSY 190 / MATH 150 (IGETC 2)GE3.0†
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190

MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory: ENGL 101; READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*crdit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests.

MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course and ENGL 101
Advisory: READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL 101 and the ability to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*The UC will grant credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H or PSY 190)

This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

IGETC 1C - Oral Communication (CSU Only)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
SPCH 100, 101, 101H, 120, 140

Total Semester Units:17.0† 
2nd Semester
ASL 102 - American Sign Language II (IGETC 3B)M4.5
ASL 102 - American Sign Language II (4.5 units)

Prerequisite:ASL 101,(formerly ASL 149) or two years of high school ASL with a "C" or better or successfully pass an interview and comprehensive exam developed by the department demonstrating competency of the skills required in an ASL I course.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language I (ASL 101), emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

ASL 124 - Deaf CultureM3.0
ASL 124 - Deaf Culture (3.0 units)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: ASL 102
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will cover basic information and research on deaf culture, deaf children and their upbringing, deaf education, the importance of American Sign Language to the deaf community, deaf societies around the world, and advances in and usage of technology for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course will focus on research and progress within deaf culture. This course will be taught using a combination of American Sign Language and spoken English and, depending on the instructor, may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures.

IGETC 5B - Biological SciencesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':

Select one:
ANTH 101, 101H, 101L*; BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*;
PSY 210, 210H.

IGETC 1B - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL 201, 201H
PHIL 110, 110H

Total Semester Units:13.5† 
Summer 1
US HISTORY (IGETC 4)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

IGETC 3A - ArtsGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ARTS: ART 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

Total Semester Units:6.0† 
3rd Semester
ASL 201 - American Sign Language IIIM4.5
ASL 201 - American Sign Language III (4.5 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 102
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course will focus on refining students’ knowledge of the grammatical structure and lexicon of American Sign Language as these things relate to its historical, artistic, and cultural influence in mainstream society, with an emphasis on receptive/expressive conversational and cultural skills for communication. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs.

ASL 250 - ASL LinguisticsM3.0
ASL 250 - ASL Linguistics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 102
Advisory: ENGL 101
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will serve as an introductory course in linguistics, with a special emphasis on American Sign Language (ASL). Students will learn basic linguistic concepts such as phonology, morphology, and syntax as they apply to all languages. Students will further their knowledge of linguistics as it relates specifically to ASL. No prior knowledge of linguistics is needed to take this course. Upon completion of this course students will be able to pursue careers related to Deaf education or ASL pedagogy. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

IGETC 7 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Notes:
Students who started at Rio Hondo College beginning in Fall 2023 or later will be required to complete a course in Area 7. Students who started at Rio Hondo College prior to Fall 2023 and have maintained continuous enrollment will not be required to complete a course in Area 7 (instead, they will complete 9 units from at least two disciplines in Area 4). Please see a counselor for details.

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:10.5 
4th Semester
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IVM4.5
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IV (4.5 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 201
Transfers to:CSU

This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language III (ASL 201). The course will focus on the use of American Sign Language in practical applications through discussing relevant topics like math, current events, arts, and various other topics, with an emphasis on applying the language in real world interactions. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs.

ASL 270 - ASL LiteratureM3.0
ASL 270 - ASL Literature (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 201
Advisory:ASL 250
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course will take students on a journey through the history and current status of the literary body of American Sign Language (ASL). This is a rare opportunity to explore a body of literature in its infancy stages. Students will analyze videos and books created or written by ASL poetic performers or authors. Word choices, deeper meanings, and metaphors used will be discussed. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.

ASL 280 - ASL StorytellingM2.0
ASL 280 - ASL Storytelling (2.0 units)

Prerequisite: ASL 124, ASL 201br>Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is designed to further refine the student's knowledge and mastery of American Sign Language (ASL) through the practical application of storytelling. Students will study master storytellers and analyze their techniques. Upon completion of this course, students will have created multiple original stories in ASL. These are necessary skills to achieve fluency in ASL.

IGETC 5A - Physical SciencesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'.

Select one:
ASTR 110, 110H, 112*, 137*
GEOG 101, 101L*
GEOL 150, 151*, 152, 152L*
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*
PHY 120*, 150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

IGETC 5C - Lab ScienceGE1.0

Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':
ANTH 101L*;
ASTR 112*;
BIOL 101*, 105L*, 111L*, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 222*, 226*;
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*;
GEOG 101L*;
GEOL 151*;
PHY 120*,150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

Total Semester Units:13.5† 
Summer 2
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (IGETC 4)GE3.0
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS 110 or POLS 110H)

This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments.

POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS 110 or POLS 110H)

This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.

IGETC 6 - Foreign Language (UC ONLY)GE4.5

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
Courses in this area that also appear in IGETC 3B Humanities may be counted toward both areas.

Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school study in the same language or select one:
ASL 101, 102, 201;
CHIN 101, 102;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
JAPN 101, 102;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202
There are additional ways to satisfy the Language Other than English Requirement. Please see a counselor for advisement.

Total Semester Units:7.5 
Total Units for American Sign Language/Deaf Studies AA program (Transfer to UC/CSU)68.0† 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will demonstrate a high level confidence in communicating using ASL in all environments.


2

Students will have an in-depth knowledge of the Deaf culture and community, and will be able to apply this knowledge in social, professional, and academic settings.


3

Students will meet the entrance expectations for a bachelor degree in Deaf studies in fields such as Deaf education.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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