Introduction to American Sign Language

This course is an introduction to the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and its place in Deaf Culture. It is designed for students who would benefit from enhanced time and attention to developing confidence and facility in the foundations of ASL study in preparation for success in the standard sequence. Students who complete American Sign Language Foundations may continue on to American Sign Language 1.

Completion of this course requires regular access to a laptop or desktop computer with working microphone and webcam, as well as a reliable internet connection.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.