Perimeter College American Sign Language classes help students gain an understanding of American Sign Language and the rich cultural diversity represented by and within the Deaf community. We offer a strong foundation in communication that allows students to participate in the signing community. Classes are located on the Clarkston campus.
We provide instruction in American Sign Language through an immersive method from the very first day. We engage students in a rich learning environment that combines classroom instruction, experiential and self-directed learning. Students will complete most of their assignments by recording their language use in the American Sign Language Lab.
ASL Lab Hours - Fall 2024 Semester
The ASL Lab will be open weekly while classes are in session during the following hours:
| DATE | TIME |
|---|---|
| MONDAY | 9 a.m. to noon / 12:45 to 4:45 p.m. |
| TUESDAY | 2 to 4 p.m. |
| WEDNESDAY | 9 a.m. to noon / 12:45 to 4:45 p.m. |
| THURSDAY | 2 to 4 p.m. |
| FRIDAY | Closed |
CONTACTS:
If you need to access the lab outside of open lab hours, please email Michael Cain at least two days in advance to set up an appointment.
Campus Contacts
Jane Hercules, Associate Department Chair
[email protected]
678-891-2717
Michael Cain, ASL Curriculum Chair & ASL Instructor
[email protected]
Office VP: 678-735-7578
Faculty
CD 1110 – Office / Phone: 678-891-2717
CD 1180 – Computer Lab / VP: 404-381-8147 / 678-891-2433
Overview
American Sign Language is the third most studied world language in the United States, and can be a valuable asset as a secondary skill for employment in a variety of settings. Learning a new language can expand your thinking, your perspective, and your opportunities.
Perimeter College’s American Sign Language pathway prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs in interpreting, education or social service. We offer beginning through intermediate level classes in American Sign Language and an American Sign Language (ASL) pathway that leads to an Associate of Arts degree.
We focus on introducing language in context and reinforcing what is learned by engaging you in interactive activities. Our classes are conducted in American Sign Language from the very first day, and our conversational curriculum requires you to be an active learner. The instructor uses signs and drawing, as well as acting out situations to build understanding and expand American Sign Language comprehension during the class.
The American Sign Language pathway at Perimeter College recognizes the dignity and value of the Deaf community and the language and communication modes used by its members.
Each of the American Sign Language courses contains a literature component introducing features of Deaf history and culture. The goal is to help students gain an understanding not only of American Sign Language, but also of cultural perspectives and diversity within the Deaf community. We also seek to develop a strong foundation of skills to allow students to forge community connections and to succeed in fields such as interpreting, education and social service.
Special Initiatives
The American Sign Language program hosts regular ASL-only workshops and social events to allow students the opportunity to practice American Sign Language outside of the classroom.
Welcome
American Sign Language classes are open to all students, and an Associate of Arts pathway in American Sign Language is available for those with a keen interest in the language.
Students also may take ASL 1002: Elementary American Sign Language II to satisfy the world language requirement in the core curriculum.
Perimeter College graduates have gone on to use American Sign Language across the community and across the country as interpreters, teachers, hearing and reading specialists, administrative professionals in schools for the Deaf, social service professionals, and a host of other volunteer and professional opportunities.
The heart of our ASL program is our faculty. Our instructors go out of their way to make classes warm, welcoming and inviting, even while requiring that students adapt to an immersion-style curriculum that has students signing and seeing conversational American Sign Language modeled from the first day of class.
Contact our department for more information!
Jane Hercules
Michael Cain
Kayleen Pugh
Campus Contacts
Jane Hercules
Associate Department Chair
[email protected]
678-891-2717
Michael Cain
ASL Curriculum Chair & ASL Instructor
[email protected]
VP 678-735-7578
Testimonials
“Having the support and motivation of my instructors and cohorts is what got me through the Interpreter Training Program. Perimeter College’s Sign Language Interpreting Program sculpted me into who I am today by instilling what it means to become a skilled and ethical interpreter. I am grateful for such a rewarding experience.”
Ashtin Stone
Georgia State University Perimeter College 2013 graduate
Freelance Interpreter
“The Interpreter Training Program at Georgia State University Perimeter College was a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. Having both Deaf and hearing professors and mentors provided me with the skills and invaluable insight into the interpreting profession, as well as the rich history and culture of the Deaf community. “
Liz Jarnagin
Georgia State University Perimeter College 2016 graduate
Georgia State University 2017 graduate
Freelance Interpreter
“My time in the Sign Language Interpreting Program at Perimeter College was invaluable. It prepared me for my new career and gave me the foundational tools to be successful as a sign language interpreter. The faculty and staff of the program deeply care about the success of their students, and they freely and willingly share their knowledge and experience. I would not trade my time there for anything, and I am grateful for each moment I had with everyone involved with the interpreting program.”
Jeffrey Bigger
Georgia State University Perimeter College 2013 graduate
The University of Phoenix 2015 graduate
Owner, Bigger Interpreting, LLC
Freelance Video Interpreter, Sorenson Video Relay (SVRS)
Testimonials
“Having the support and motivation of my instructors and cohorts is what got me through the Interpreter Training Program. Perimeter College’s Sign Language Interpreting Program sculpted me into who I am today by instilling what it means to become a skilled and ethical interpreter. I am grateful for such a rewarding experience.”
Ashtin Stone
Perimeter College 2013 graduate
Freelance Interpreter
“The Interpreter Training Program at Georgia State University Perimeter College was a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. Having both Deaf and hearing professors and mentors provided me with the skills and invaluable insight into the interpreting profession, as well as the rich history and culture of the Deaf community. ”
Liz Jarnagin
Georgia State University 2017 graduate
Georgia State University Perimeter College 2016 graduate
Freelance Interpreter
“My time in the Sign Language Interpreting Program at Perimeter College was invaluable. It prepared me for my new career and gave me the foundational tools to be successful as a sign language interpreter. The faculty and staff of the program deeply care about the success of their students and they freely and willingly share their knowledge and experience. I would not trade my time there for anything, and I am grateful for each moment I had with everyone involved with the interpreting program.”
Jeffrey Bigger
Perimeter College 2013 graduate
The University of Phoenix 2015 graduate
Owner, Bigger Interpreting, LLC
Freelance Video Interpreter, Sorenson Video Relay (SVRS)