American Sign Language I

American Sign Language I



ASL 1 is an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). The first semester of this course includes basic grammar, vocabulary, fingerspelling, numbers, and cultural information related to the Deaf Community. The second semester is a continuation of basic study of the language and culture; an opportunity to build receptive and expressive sign vocabulary; use of signing space; further use of non-manual components of ASL grammar including facial expression and body postures, and introduction to conversational regulators. Discussion of regional and ethnic sign variations, as well as social, political and educational institutions of the Deaf community will be explored. Interaction with members of the Deaf community in both directed and non-directed activities will be featured. Higher levels of the class will expand upon these concepts and skills.


* Prerequisites: None