ASL I 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.

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.