In this course, focus on discussing living situations, locations and basic directions. Learn how to ask “What is the sign for ___?” and new fingerspelling letters.
Read the full course outline (PDF).
To take American Sign Language Beginner 2, you must have successfully completed American Sign Language Beginner 1, or have equivalent experience. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Daily Schedule
Monday to Friday afternoons, focus on practical, true-to-life conversation practice in lively classes that blend instruction, feedback, small group and pair work.
On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, enjoy virtual visits from members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Discover the richness and diversity of Deaf culture as you develop your appreciation for the lived experiences of Deaf people. Increase your awareness of Deaf perspectives, and discover paths to inclusivity in your community.
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.
Technology Requirements
To take this course, you’ll need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet under five years old and using Windows or Mac OS
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection
- a video camera.
Textbooks
This course covers unit 3 of Signing Naturally 1–6, which can be ordered from the UBC Bookstore.
Course Format
This course is 100% online, instructor-supported with real-time classes.
All of our ASL classes are taught by Deaf instructors experienced in teaching hearing and hard of hearing students. Spoken English is not used in class. Our instructors use ASL, gestures, slides and occasional written English (in the Zoom chat or on white boards in class) to support and help you learn to communicate confidently and comfortably in ASL. You’ll also quickly learn signs to show understanding, to ask for clarification, and to ask your instructor to repeat something.
For your online classes, you log in to your class at scheduled times and participate by video with Zoom, a web conferencing app. For a virtual ASL classroom to be successful, we require you to turn on your video, and join from a place where you won’t be disturbed and can remain for the entire class. Moving around can be distracting for your classmates and instructor, and make it difficult for you to participate.
Outside of class time, you can access other materials online at your own pace. Please note you can log in to your course for up to three weeks after the course ends. You’ll no longer be able to access course materials after this time.