American Sign Language Beginner 1

American Sign Language Beginner 1 is designed for those with no previous experience with American Sign Language (ASL).

In this course, you’re introduced to ASL, a complete visual language with distinct grammar and sentence structures. ASL uses the hands, body, facial expressions and movement to communicate. From the first day, you’re in an immersive signing-only environment with no spoken English. Our experienced Deaf instructors use ASL, gestures, slides and occasional written English to help you learn.

Beginner 1 focuses on learning how to introduce yourself, sign numbers, identify locations, talk about leisure activities and much more. You’re also introduced to fingerspelling, a signed alphabet that is used to spell proper names or to form more complex signs. By the end of this course, you should be able to engage in simple sign language conversations.

You’re also introduced to the richness and diversity of Deaf culture. Develop your appreciation for the lived experiences of Deaf people and the Deaf community, increase your awareness of Deaf perspectives, and discover paths to inclusivity in your community.

Course outline

Unit 1 – Introducing Oneself:

• Getting to know you
• Introducing oneself
• Asking who
• Giving commands: objects in the classroom
• Culture: getting attention
• Specifying where
• Following instructions
• Cardinal numbers: 1-15
• Fingerspelling with fist letters

Unit 2 – Exchanging personal Information:

• Giving information about yourself
• Identifying locations
• Narrating experience with languages
• Talking about leisure activities
• Describing types of shapes
• Identifying people
• Culture: negotiating a signing environment
• Asking what is the sign
• Cardinal numbers: 16-29

Expected effort

Outside of class time, allow one to two hours per week to practice signing, complete homework and textbook exercises, watch and record videos, and prepare presentations.

Textbook

This course requires the purchase of Signing Naturally 1–6, which can be ordered from the UBC Bookstore. This course covers units 1 and 2.

Course format

This course is offered online and/or in-person. See Available Sessions for details on the course format.

Our ASL classes are taught by Deaf instructors experienced in teaching hearing and hard of hearing students. Spoken English is not used in class. Instructors use ASL, gesture, slides and some writing to guide the class.

In-person classes are offered at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver.

For live virtual classes, log in at the scheduled time and participate over Zoom. ASL is a visual language and video is required. Join from a place where you won't be distracted and can remain for the entire class.

Outside of class time, access course materials online at your own pace for up to three weeks after the course ends.

Learn more about online learning at Extended Learning.

How am I assessed?

This is a non-credit course without letter or numerical grades. You receive feedback on your sign language skills from your instructor during class, and on homework you complete outside of class. At the end of the course, you prepare and sign a short presentation to demonstrate that you've learned the required skills to move on to the next level.

Record of completion

A record of completion will be emailed to students who participate and satisfy the course requirements within two weeks of the course end date. Course completion means 80% attendance and/or 80% completion of mandatory assignments. This record does not certify proficiency.

Technology requirements

You’ll need a computer or tablet with a video camera, access to the internet, an email account and an up-to-date web browser.

The day before your course starts, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the course.