Print and PDF Options

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

School of Linguistics and Language Studies
(Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)

American Sign Language (ASLA) Courses

Placement for Language Students

Note:  A placement test is required for students who have previous training and/or experience, but who have not taken a course in this language at Carleton.  For details, please consult carleton.ca/slals/modern-languages and follow the placement test instructions before registering.

Students who are found to be registered in an inappropriate level of the course will be deregistered following assessment by their instructor (and/or the Director of the School). It is crucial for students to complete the placement test in a manner that truly demonstrates their language proficiency.

Students should note that they cannot go backward in a sequence of levels in language courses.

ASLA 1010 [0.5 credit]
First-Year American Sign Language I

For students with little or no knowledge of the language or culture of deaf people. Basic communicative competence in American Sign Language. Anthropological, sociolinguistic, and sociocultural aspects of deaf culture. Compulsory attendance.
Precludes additional credit for ASLA 1110.
Four hours a week.

ASLA 1020 [0.5 credit]
First-Year American Sign Language II

Continuation of first-year American Sign Language. Basic communicative competence plus anthropological, sociolinguistic, and sociocultural aspects of deaf culture. Compulsory attendance.
Precludes additional credit for ASLA 1110.
Prerequisite(s): grade of C or higher in ASLA 1010, or permission of the School.
Four hours a week.

ASLA 1110 [1.0 credit]
Intensive First-Year American Sign Language

For students with little or no knowledge of the language or culture of deaf people. Basic communicative competence in American Sign Language. Anthropological, sociolinguistic, and sociocultural aspects of deaf culture. Compulsory attendance.
Precludes additional credit for ASLA 1010 or ASLA 1020.
Eight hours a week (one term).

ASLA 2010 [0.5 credit]
Second-Year American Sign Language I

Study of American Sign Language beyond the elementary level. Study of targeted lexical and grammatical features, as well as specific conversational skills. Further exploration of the culture of deaf people. Compulsory attendance.
Precludes additional credit for ASLA 2110.
Prerequisite(s): grade of C or higher in ASLA 1020, ASLA 1110, or permission of the School.
Four hours a week.

ASLA 2020 [0.5 credit]
Second-Year American Sign Language II

Continuation of second-year American Sign Language. Study of targeted lexical and grammatical features, as well as specific conversational skills. Further exploration of the culture of deaf people. Compulsory attendance.
Precludes additional credit for ASLA 2110.
Prerequisite(s): grade of C or higher in ASLA 2010, or permission of the School.
Four hours a week.

ASLA 2110 [1.0 credit]
Intensive Second-Year American Sign Language

Further study of American Sign Language to reach a more advanced level of proficiency in a range of situations. Equal emphasis on oral and written language. Compulsory attendance.
Precludes additional credit for ASLA 2010 and ASLA 2020.
Prerequisite(s): grade of C or higher in ASLA 1020 or ASLA 1110, or permission of the School.
Eight hours a week (one term).

ASLA 3010 [0.5 credit]
Third-Year American Sign Language I

Receptive and expressive mastery of grammar and lexicon of American Sign Language. Advanced conversation skills across different registers. Advanced insight into the culture of the deaf community. Compulsory attendance.
Prerequisite(s): grade of C or higher in ASLA 2020, ASLA 2110, or permission of the School.
Three hours a week.

ASLA 3020 [0.5 credit]
Third-Year Advanced American Sign Language II

Continuation of third-year American Sign Language. Receptive and expressive mastery of grammar and lexicon of American Sign Language. Advanced conversation skills across different registers. Advanced insight into the culture of the deaf community. Compulsory attendance.
Prerequisite(s): grade of C or higher in ASLA 3010, or permission of the School.
Three hours a week.

ASLA 4010 [0.5 credit]
Fourth-Year American Sign Language I

Focus on the development of receptive and productive skills above what is expected in everyday conversation. Skills in specific contexts such as social services, health, business and government. Compulsory attendance.
Prerequisite(s): grade of C or higher in ASLA 3020, or permission of the School.
Three hours a week.

ASLA 4020 [0.5 credit]
Fourth-Year American Sign Language II

Continuation of fourth-year American Sign Language. Focus on the development of receptive and productive skills above what is expected in everyday conversation. Skills in specific contexts such as social services, health, business and government. Compulsory attendance.
Prerequisite(s): grade of C or higher in ASLA 4010, or permission of the School.
Three hours a week.

ASLA 4900 [1.0 credit]
Independent Study

Research in a topic in American Sign Language or deaf culture under the supervision of a member of the School.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): third- or fourth-year standing in the Minor in American Sign Language, grade of C or higher in ASLA 4020 or equivalent, or permission of the School.


ASLA 4901 [0.5 credit]
Independent Study

Research in a topic in American Sign Language or deaf culture under the supervision of a member of the School.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): third- or fourth-year standing in the Minor in American Sign Language, grade of C or higher in ASLA 4020 or equivalent, or permission of the School.


Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca

Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca