- Online
- $465
Formerly Sign Language Lower Intermediate.
American Sign Language Beginner 3 focuses on family. Learn how to describe family members and how they are related, and how to specify someone’s age.
In Beginner 3, you’re introduced to ASL storytelling, a visual literature that’s vitally important to preserving, sharing and passing on stories popular in Deaf culture from one generation to the next. There are many genres of ASL storytelling, including poetry, personal narrative, folktales, jokes and handshape stories. In this course, you learn the ASL story Timber.
The concept of maintaining a clear sightline is also introduced. Learn how to interact clearly, comfortably and respectfully with Deaf and hard of hearing people by establishing a clear line of sight, whether you’re the signer or the listener.
Course outline
Signing Naturally 1–6, Unit 4: Talking About Family:
- Talking about immediate family
- Negation
- Have, like, want and need
- Talking about siblings
- Telling how old
- Talking about extended family
- Telling how family members are related
- Discussing family variations
- Getting the meaning across
- Commenting on family members
- Culture: Maintaining a clear sightline
- “Timber” story
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 unit 4.
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.