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Open the door to a new language and a new way of connecting with others through the ASL Foundations Digital Badge. This exciting Micro-Credential from the Department of World Languages helps students and community members build foundational skills in American Sign Language while gaining valuable insight into Deaf culture and communication with Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Whether you are exploring ASL for personal enrichment, professional development, or as the first step on a longer journey, this badge offers a strong and meaningful start. Built around nationally recognized language proficiency standards, it recognizes growth in interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive communication while highlighting the importance of ASL within the diverse linguistic landscape of the United States.
Highlights
• Build Inclusive Communication Skills – To gain access to those who need or use ASL, especially with Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
• Stand Out in the Job Market – ASL proficiency is a valuable asset in education, healthcare, social work, and customer service, government agencies—even at a novice-high level. Almost anywhere a person requires assistance in ASL.
• Earn a Recognized Credential Quickly – The ASL Foundation Micro-Credential validates your firm foundation in ASL Language, linguistics, and Deaf Culture. It will formally recognized your knowledge in ASL to the prospective employers. Upon completion, include your Micro-Credential on your résumé, your professional profile, etc.
• Explore Language and Culture – Gain insight in Deaf culture and the rich linguistic structure of ASL—an eye-opening experience for visual language lovers and future ASL signers.
• Lay the Foundation for Further Study – Whether you’re curious or planning a career in interpreting, this program sets you up for success in more advanced ASL coursework.
For more information, contact: Kimberly Harris at [email protected]
Courses
This course provides students with a basic understanding of American Sign Language including conversational skills and linguistic structures. Students are also introduced to Deaf culture. 3 credits
This course is a continuation of ASL 1010 emphasizing expressive language as well as increasing competence with receptive language skills. The course continues to build vocabulary and familiarity with the complex grammar (morphology and syntax) of this visual language. The deaf experience and culture is integrated throughout. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ASL 1010.
In this course, students continue to build their foundation of signing skills and knowledge acquired in American Sign Language (ASL) I and II. Students learn more vocabulary signs and more complex grammatical features using classifiers through narratives and dialogues. In addition to improving their signing skills, students learn more about Deaf culture in class and from reading assignments. Learning about Deaf culture helps students understand the particular cultural norms, behaviors, and formative shared experiences distinct to those who approach the world from a visual perspective and use ASL. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ASL 1010 & 1020.
Through this course  students will acquire comprehensive understanding of the vibrant culture of the Deaf community. Through exploring the history, social dynamics, values, and traditions of Deaf culture, students gain insights into the unique experiences and perspectives of Deaf individuals. The course also covers the significance of American Sign Language (ASL) and its role within the community, as well as the impact of societal attitudes and technological advancements on Deaf people’s lives. Students engage in discussions, readings, and activities that promote cultural competence and respect for Deaf culture. No prior knowledge of ASL is required for this course. 3 credits. Prerequisites: None
Academic Catalog
Department of World Languages Catalog
Have Questions ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï the ASL Foundations Micro-Credentials?
Meet with your College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Professional Academic Advisor for answers to all your questions.
CLAS Academic Advising