American Sign Language Level 1 Course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course provides a structured and supportive introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), designed for learners with no prior experience. You'll build foundational skills in fingerspelling, everyday communication, and ASL grammar through clear demonstrations and practical exercises. The course includes approximately 4 hours of video content, divided into five core modules and a final practice project. With lifetime access, you can learn at your own pace, revisit lessons, and refine both receptive and expressive signing skills. Ideal for anyone interested in connecting with the Deaf community or pursuing further certification.

Module 1: ASL Fundamentals & Fingerspelling

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Learning the 26-letter ASL alphabet
• Practicing fingerspelling for accuracy
• Spelling common words and names
• Strategies for clear and fluent fingerspelling

Module 2: Greetings, Introductions & Politeness

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Signing common greetings like “hello” and “goodbye”
• Using polite expressions such as “please” and “thank you”
• Introducing yourself in ASL
• Asking and responding to “What’s your name?”

Module 3: Basic Grammar & Non-Manual Markers

Estimated time: 0.7 hours

• Understanding ASL word order: subject–verb–object
• Using topic-comment sentence structure
• Applying facial expressions to convey questions and emotions
• Using head nods, eye shifts, and body movements for grammatical meaning

Module 4: Everyday Vocabulary: Family, Numbers & Colors

Estimated time: 0.8 hours

• Signing names for family members (mother, father, sister, etc.)
• Counting from 1 to 20 in ASL
• Identifying and signing primary colors
• Combining vocabulary to describe family size and favorite colors

Module 5: Simple Conversations & Practice

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Watching and interpreting short signed dialogues
• Role-playing common scenarios: ordering food, asking for directions
• Practicing classroom-related phrases
• Building confidence in expressive and receptive skills

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Create a short self-introduction in ASL
• Demonstrate fingerspelling of your name and common words
• Use vocabulary and grammar from the course in a recorded signing sample

Prerequisites

• No prior knowledge of ASL required
• Basic English reading and comprehension skills
• Access to a device with video playback capabilities

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Fluently recognize and produce the ASL alphabet
• Engage in basic signed conversations using greetings and introductions
• Apply fundamental ASL grammar and non-manual signals correctly
• Use essential vocabulary for family, numbers, and colors
• Understand and participate in simple signed interactions