American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the fastest growing languages in U.S. higher education and is now the third most-commonly studied language behind French and Spanish. At Five Colleges, ASL is offered through a partnership between the Five College Center for World Languages, the UMass Amherst Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and the four member colleges. Students who complete the introductory and intermediate course sequence at UMass then apply to continue their studies through the Center's ASL program.

ASL I (UMass SLHS 110)

In fall 2023, two sections of ASL I are being offered by the UMass Amherst Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. 

Prerequisite: N/A

Credits: 3

Meeting times: 

Monday-Wednesday 2:30-3:45PM

• Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith students -- register for section #1 (schedule #76765)
• UMass Communication Disorders majors -- register for section #2 (schedule #76771)
• Other UMass students -- register for section #5 (schedule #76790)

Monday-Wednesday 4:00-5:15PM

• Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith students -- register for section #3 (schedule #76772)
• UMass Communication Disorders majors -- register for section #4 (schedule #76773)
• Other UMass students -- register for section #6 (schedule #76791)

ASL III (UMass SLHS 230)

In fall 2023, one section of ASL III is being offered by the UMass Amherst Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. 

Prerequisite: SLHS 120 (ASL II) or the equivalent

Credits: 3

Meeting times: Tuesday-Thursday 1:00-2:15PM

• Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith students -- register for section #1 (schedule #76774)
• UMass students -- register for section #2 (schedule #76775)

Advanced ASL A (UMass FORLANGC 151AS)

Advanced ASL A, offered through the Five College Center for World Languages, introduces students to ASL literature, including ASL poetry. Students will meet for a weekly 75-minute small group session with the language mentor. Students will be expected to devote an additional one hour a day to homework and individual practice. Students will also be encouraged to study in small groups and find ways to use the language informally through other channels.

Prerequisite: UMass SLHS 290C (ASL IV) or the equivalent.

Credits: 1.5

Meeting times: Thursday 2:30-3:45PM

Registration: Submit a program application at https://www.fivecolleges.edu/academics/languages/apply. A program staff member will follow up with you after receipt of your application.