American Sign Language

American Sign Language

Office: 2 Dawson's Row
Phone: (434) 924-6739
e-mail:

American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language of many Deaf people in the United States and Canada. Linguists recognize ASL as a fully-developed human language with its own lexicon, syntax, and morphological processes. ASL lies at the heart of a unique culture. Deaf people who sign form a tightly-knit community with distinct social norms, values, and traditions. They have developed a growing body of literature, including ASL poetry, stories, and plays. Much of this work is now available in video format. Currently the American Sign Language Program offers a four-semester sequence in ASL, from the beginning through the intermediate level, with occasional more advanced classes in ASL and Deaf Studies. Due to limited space, we can only accept a limited number of students per semester. At this time, no major or minor in ASL is available.

Language Requirement: Students who successfully pass ASL 202 may use ASL for the College's foreign language requirement.

Placement: Students with no prior ASL experience should enroll in ASL 101. Students with prior ASL experience should contact Eric Reed in the ASL Program by e-mail () before classes begin. A diagnostic interview to ensure placement in the correct ASL course will be arranged. Classes must be taken in sequence; once they are placed, students cannot jump from one level to the next.