In this course, students will develop ASL receptive and expressive skills needed to converse about familiar topics using series of discrete sentences. At the end of the semester, students will achieve effective communication by using vocabulary, grammar, and cultural protocols at a Novice-High level as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Activities include delivering monologues and lab exercises that provide extensive hands-on practice using a variety of media. Students are expected to engage with members of the Deaf community in order to learn about Deaf co-culture in the United States.

ASL Includes linguistic features, cultural protocols and core vocabulary for students to function in basic ASL conversations that include ASL grammar for asking and answering questions while introducing oneself, exchanging personal information, talking about family, friends and surroundings, and discussing activities. This course is designed for students who have no knowledge of American Sign Language. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Sign Language and they have some prior study of Sign Language.

This course expands the basic principles presented in ASL I. ASL II teaches students to use linguistics features, cultural protocols and core vocabulary to function in basic ASL conversations that include ASL grammar for giving directions, describing, making request, talking about family, occupations and routines, and attributing qualities to others.

The New Signers Program is an intensive, fast-paced, summer pre-college experience designed for newly admitted deaf and hard-of-hearing students who have little or no prior skill in American Sign Language. Through a variety of learning experiences such as lectures, small group activities, and evening activities where students interact with other deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, students will learn how to use ASL to communicate in real-world conversations and situations that are likely to occur on the college campus. Students will reach at a Novice-Low to Novice-Mid ASL level as recognized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Interactive evening activities provide opportunities for students to be immersed in deaf culture. Students will also prepare self-reflection journals in which they document their development as signers and members of the Deaf community.

This course is designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students who have little or no prior skill in American Sign Language. Students will begin to develop receptive and expressive skills needed to converse about familiar topics using a variety of phrases, simple sentences, and questions. Students will learn vocabulary, grammar, and cultural protocols for communicating at a Novice-Low to Novice-Mid ASL level as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.