ASLI 101: American Sign Language I

07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 06/03/2026

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). Through the development of functional grammar, basic vocabulary, and practical conversational skills, this course will be the basis for further study in the development of fluency in understanding and expressing the language. Both production and comprehension will be addressed as well as an introduction to the Deaf community.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog. 

Rationale

American Sign Language (ASL) is said to be the fourth most used language in the United States. With the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, ASL has received increased visibility. A student who can converse in ASL will be able to dialogue and interact with Deaf individuals in job sites, social events, and mission fields. This course supports Liberty University’s mission by enabling the student to engage in a career-focused discipline built on a foundation in the liberal arts.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (8)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete eight Discussions in this course. The Discussions for this course cover specific topics each week and enable the student to interact with study materials. The student will engage his/her peers by responding to their posts in the Discussion Thread. Because this is an American Sign Language Course, some of the discussion responses will be written and one will be a video of the student signing responses to the provided prompts. The written threads should consist of at least 200 words, while the video will follow a script to answer three questions. The student will then post two replies of at least 100 words each.

Signing Video Assignments (8)

The student will record and upload a video demonstrating the American Sign Language Skills they have acquired throughout that specific week; topics will include the alphabet, numbers, days of the week, and fluency checks. For the Signing Video: Days of the Week Assignment, the student will also submit a completed version of the provided chart alongside the video submission.

Song Review Assignment

The student will select a worship song to preview and, in a detailed paragraph, analyze the performance of the individual signing the song. The student must cite the song and any other sources they use in MLA format.

Deaf Report Assignment

The student will write a 2-page report on a topic of their choice directly relating to a Deaf or hard of hearing individual, Deaf culture, Deaf advocacy/law, or other interest. The paper must include at least three sources, not including Scripture.

Quiz: Final Exam