This course is the first of a two part introductory course in American Sign Language (ASL) as it is used within Deaf culture. Topics include basic linguistic structures, facial grammar and fingerspelling as it is used at the novice level. Emphasis is placed on the development of ASL and receptive skills. Students who have completed at least one year of high school ASL with a letter grade of "A" or "B" within one year of the present date, may upon approval of instructor, register for ASL II.