American Sign Language

ASL at UNC Greensboro

The American Sign Language (ASL) minor in this Department includes elementary through intermediate level language and culture courses, as well as academic experiences that highlight expressive and receptive competencies in a visual-gestural language, an overview of the Deaf community, the history of ASL and cross-cultural exploration. Students have opportunities to improve their ASL skills through monthly immersion events offered by the department as well as interacting with Deaf UNCG students and faculty.

Minor in American Sign Language

The American Sign Language minor fosters an understanding of Deaf culture and communication through the study of language. The ASL minor, while building a solid knowledge of ASL, does not lead to an interpreter or Deaf Education degree.

The ASL minor requires that students:

complete these 5 courses:
- ASL 101 Elementary American Sign Language I (Fall, Summer)
- ASL 102 Elementary American Sign Language II (Spring, Summer)
- ASL 203 Intermediate American Sign Language I (Fall only)
- ASL 204 Intermediate American Sign Language II (Spring only)
- ASL 245 Introduction to the Deaf Community (Fall, Spring) – this course can be taken anytime after completion of ASL 101
earn at least C- or above in each ASL course
earn the full 15 credits (if transferred with ASL courses from another college or university, students must take 9 credit hours at UNCG)

On-Campus Immersion

Since American Sign Language is used across diverse regions and communities, students are offered alternate immersion activities. Each semester the LLC American Sign Language program sponsors and makes opportunities available for students to engage in the American Sign Language community on and off campus.

Did you know?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a unique language as different from English as French or Spanish
The ASL used today originated sometime in 19th century France
When learning to communicate in ASL, you will learn about ASL folklore, literature, and culture
We teach American Sign Language the same way we teach spoken languages
ASL is reported to be the third most used language in the USA

Sample Course Offerings

ASL 101: Elementary American Sign Language I

Introduction to American Sign Language and the culture of the American Deaf Community. Emphasis on active comprehension and expression in culturally appropriate signs, and on applied vocabulary.

ASL 204: American Intermediate Sign Language II

Further development of intermediate American Sign Language and the continued study of American Deaf Community culture. Emphasis on active comprehension and expression in culturally appropriate signs, and on applied vocabulary.

ASL 245: Introduction to the Deaf Community

Introduction to the diverse members of the Deaf Community with emphasis on Deaf people as a linguistic and cultural minority. Focus is on historical, educational, political, social, and vocational issues.

For all American Sign Language Courses, see the University Catalog