This is the first course of a two-part sequence which introduces the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL), a form of communication used by thousands of deaf Americans and Canadians. Students master the techniques essential to ASL conversations, including finger-spelling and facial expressions. Through demonstrations and class activities, including interactive exercises and role-playing, students gain familiarity with ASL at a beginner's level, along with a general understanding of the history of deaf society in the United States. This course is led by a deaf native signer.