American Sign Language (ASL)

American Sign Language (ASL)

Until just a few years ago, Yale students could study ASL only through the DILS (Directed Independent Language Study) program; they could not get credit for such study nor use it to fulfill the language requirement. In Spring 2017, after students expressed strong interest in having ASL courses offered as part of the Yale College curriculum and faculty enthusiastically endorsed the idea, the administration granted permission and allocated resources to start a three-semester pilot program (January 2018—June 2019).

Given the high demand for ASL during the pilot program, Yale decided to continue the teaching of ASL in the academic year 2019-20 and beyond. If there is sustained demand and interest, as we expect, ASL will become a permanent part of the Yale College curriculum and the number of courses offered will increase to meet demand.

Media Coverage of ASL at Yale

Yale News, June 28, 2022
https://news.yale.edu/2022/06/28/yales-american-sign-language-program-brings-communities-together

Yale Daily News, April 25, 2022:  Michael Ndubisi
https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2022/04/15/yale-students-reflect-on-25th-anniversary-of-national-deaf-history-month/

Yale News, November 23, 2021: Susan Gonzalez
https://news.yale.edu/2021/11/23/making-world-more-accessible-sign-time

The New Journal, November 17, 2017: Noah Macey
http://www.thenewjournalatyale.com/2017/11/sign-of-the-times-2/

Yale Herald, November 10, 2017: Lauren Quintela
https://yaleherald.com/signs-of-change-3f77d616370b

Yale Daily News, October 10, 2017: Natalie Wright
https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2017/10/10/yale-to-offer-sign-language-courses/

ASL Lectors

Any questions about the undergraduate program can be directed to Julia Silvestri, ASL Program Coordinator.

Frances Conlin's picture
Lector in American Sign Language (ASL)
Andrew Fisher's picture
Lector in American Sign Language (ASL)
Leslie Rubin's picture
Lector in American Sign Language (ASL)
Julia Silvestri's picture
Lector in American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL FAQ

Who will teach the ASL courses this coming year (2022-2023)?

Frances Conlin, Andrew Fisher, Leslie Rubin and Julia Silvestri.

Are enrollments capped?

Enrollment in ASL 110 will be capped at 18 and Enrollment in ASL 130 will be capped at 18

How will students be chosen for ASL 110 and 130?

Students should check off “request instructor permission” on their YCS worksheet.

Do ASL courses count toward fulfillment of the Foreign Language Requirement (FLR)?

Yes, they do. Please consult the academic regulations for information about the foreign language distributional requirement.