ASL 101RAmerican Sign Language 1
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Arts
- Subject
- American Sign Language
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 6 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 4 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
In this introductory course in American Sign Language (ASL), students will learn to manage everyday communication in ASL, including exchanging information, identifying others, and giving simple directions. Students will also develop awareness and understanding of Deaf Culture and Deaf Community content. Grammar is introduced in context with an emphasis on developing question and answer skills.
Prerequisites
None listed.
Antirequisites
- Not open to students with advanced ability.
Notes
- Conducted in ASL.
- No prior knowledge of ASL is expected.
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 6894 | 42 / 42 | Th 18:30–21:20 |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 6542 | 0 / 40 | Th 14:30–17:20 |
| LEC 002 | 8488 | 0 / 40 | Th 18:30–21:20 |
| LEC 003 | 8489 | 0 / 40 | F 14:30–17:20 |
| LEC 701 | 7995 | 285 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
90% liked it82% easy89% useful
From 42 ratings and 16 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Loved learning ASL! But Georgia signs veryyy fast in the tests/quiz but she's really funny and nice. Textbook is so expensive for no reason lol
May 2026 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
The prof is deaf which makes for a very interesting learning experience. You are forced to actually immerse yourself in the language because you can't ask questions in english. I am understanding of the communication barrier however she is very disorganized on learn. The syllabus is usually not up to date and assignments sometimes have confusing or little to no instructions. That being said, if you just do your best you'll be fine
Nov 2024 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
really fun and something that can be applied to daily life. georgia is very nice, though i'm not sure what her marking scheme is because we never really got any assignments back other than the quizzes, which were kinda hard imo. she always ended class 30mins-1hr early which was great. do the homework modules (they're easy and very fun) to make sure you remember what was learned in class that week.
Apr 2024 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
I would highly, highly recommend that you learn at least the alphabet (and how to sign your name) in ASL before you start the class. If you are willing to learn a few basic signs before you start, that may also be helpful. I tried to learn ASL by myself but couldn't get very far but having those basic skills and knowledge about what certain signs mean was so incredibly helpful and allowed me to do better in the class than I think I would have otherwise. The content of the course is mostly just introductory information; learning signs and basic phrases so that you can have a very basic conversation with someone and tell a narrative story. Be prepared to be constantly practicing in class.…
Dec 2022 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
The perfect beginner ASL course. The class environment is nice since it's quiet the whole time (except during our break in the middle). Took this course with Georgia Whalen (who is deaf, so she's an ASL native). The course content is presented at a good pace and she provides a lot of time to practice during class. Had a few quizzes where Georgia would sign something and we would have to write down what it meant. Kind of like a spelling test. Had a research paper where we wrote about ASL, some homework assignments (usually summarizing something from the reading or an activity from the textbook), self-assessments (you just fill out a scale), a final video where you tell a story in ASL, and a…
Jun 2021 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
14 posts and comments in 12 threads mention ASL 101R, December 2018 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2024
Questions about ASL101R with Georgia Whalen 1 point, 3 comments
u/An-Everything-Bagel: “Hey i was able to join ASL101R late so i know i have a lot of catching up to do, but i was reading the syllabus and it says that we shouldn’t use our voice in class because it’s disrespectful to her since she cannot be included in the interaction. …”
Spring 2024
do ARABIC 101R or ASL 101R count toward humanities credit: 1 point, 0 comments
do ARABIC 101R or ASL 101R count toward humanities credit? 1 point, 0 comments
Winter 2024
Is Asl 101R Worth it? 2 points, 1 comment
u/cky99lu: “It's my final semester and I can't decide between taking an easy online bird course or taking Asl 101R. Do I take the easy route and have time to work a lot. Or choose something interesting but have to put more work into?”
ASL101R- How do I enter my access code on learn?! 2 points, 0 comments
If anyone is dropping ASL101R LMK 2 points, 0 comments
u/AsianBatmanyoutube: “I really want to get into sign language class for my last term in Waterloo, if anyone is planning on dropping please let me know so I can grab the spot! &x200B;”
Fall 2021
Anyone taken ASL 101R? 7 points, 4 comments
u/stardust1283: “I'm interested in taking this course but can't seem to find any reviews on the course or on the prof. Just wondering if anyone out there has taken it and what the experience was like?”
u/browneyedpeas: “I took the course this past term, it was one of my favourites! It consisted of one 3hr lecture a week plus weekly homework and a few assignments throughout out term. …”
u/wldk_: “Hi, this is a bit late but is my understanding that ASL 101R is a non-credit course correct? I would love to take the course as an elective but I don't think I'd be able to juggle 6 courses in a semester.”
Spring 2019
Should I take LAT 101 or JAPAN 101R? 3 points, 2 comments
u/bitchybean: “… CHINA 101R and ASL 101R are also on my waiting list, but I’m unsure if I’ll get those. I want to learn all the languages but I also want to minor in Biology, so I may have to be picky. …”
Winter 2019
Spring term classes 4 points, 3 comments
“Are there any first year or second year electives that are offered online in spring term that don't have an exam, or an exam that is written early?”
u/finewoman: “ASL 101R”
u/zhangium: “kinda late to this post.. have you personally taken ASL 101R? I can't seem to find any information on it when I look it up but I'm otherwise interested in taking it as an elective.”
ASL 101R - Sign Language 10 points, 2 comments
u/watertru: “Hey yall &x200B; Wondering if any of you have taken this course? Just want to know if you thought it was taught well, how its graded, and whether you found it interesting. &x200B;”
What is the birdiest fun course in Spring 2019? 6 points, 12 comments
“CS student, interested in creative writing, and a bit into everything else (except business). I have one open slot left, can you guys give some recommendations for anyone like me who has decision …”
u/finewoman: “American sign language is offered! not sure how bird-like it is but seems cool. ASL 101R”
Fall 2018
ASL101R 6 points, 1 comment
u/TheUmbilicalCord: “Does anyone have any experiences in this course? I can't seem to find a lot of information regarding this course other than it's rather new. Thanks in advanced :)”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them