American Sign Language (ASL) Studies

Overview

To learn a new language is to learn about another culture. In this case, the language is American Sign Language (ASL) and the culture is that of Deaf people. American Sign Language (ASL) is a visio-spatial language with its own unique grammatical and linguistic structure. This program gives you an introduction to ASL and you develop levels of proficiency throughout the year.

In this program, you: 

• Progress toward ASL proficiency.
• Study Deaf culture, allyship and relevant courses to promote cross-cultural awareness.
• Learn Sign Language linguistics and gain a better understanding of visual grammatical structures.

Most faculty in this program are Deaf, giving you an authentic one-on-one experience with Deaf culture and keeping you current on events in the local and regional Deaf communities.

September 2026

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, technology etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• American Sign Language (ASL) Studies

Career options

• You're qualified to work with members of the Deaf community in various employment, educational, recreational and social service environments where direct communication with Deaf people is required in context-specific settings.

Future study options

• This program is a prerequisite for the two-year American Sign Language/English Interpretation program. Many graduates continue their studies in the American Sign Language/English Interpretation program and pursue a career as an interpreter.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

COMM 1010 - Language and Communication I
This course provides students with an opportunity to evaluate and refine language and communication skills related to their program of study.

COMM 1020 - Language and Communication II
This course provides students with an opportunity to evaluate and refine language and communication skills related to their program of study.

CUTR 1010 - Deaf History, Language and Community
This course introduces students to the unique aspects of Deaf culture and communities. Topics covered will include Deaf history and examine the distinct communication differences between hearing and Deaf people.

CUTR 1015 - Allyship in Practice
This course explores the knowledge, skills, and actions required to engage meaningfully in allyship within diverse social and professional contexts. Students will examine concepts such as identity, bias, privilege, and power, while reflecting on their own roles in fostering equity and inclusion. Through interactive discussions, self-assessment, and community-based learning, students will move from developing awareness to taking intentional action as allies. Emphasis is placed on communication strategies, ethical decision-making, and the practice of allyship that supports marginalized and underrepresented communities.

CUTR 1020 - Deaf Community and Engagement
This course will explore ways in which hearing people can engage with Deaf communities and how relationships can be respectfully built and maintained.

CUTR 1030 - Deaf Arts and Performance
The course is designed to provide students with a deeper understand the Deaf experience through viewing ASL literature and Deaf art. The course will examine the perspectives on, and attitudes towards Deafness revealed in these works and presentations. In addition, through exposure to literature and art created by Deaf authors and artists, students will build understanding of the stories and experiences of Deaf people in North America.

LANG 1010 - American Sign Language I - Foundation
This foundation course in ASL introduces the essential skills needed for acquisition of a second language. Students learn to use a variety of simple, memorized phrases and sentences in one-to-one and small group settings. Students will also participate in Deaf cultural events and explore Deaf issues to enhance the learning experience and provide an authentic and culturally responsive learning environment.

LANG 1014 - American Sign Language Skills Lab I
This course provides students with the extra time and support required to practice and build ASL skills by creating personal learning plans and setting goals. Through practice, the use of tools and critique, students will develop habits for life-long learning and continuous improvement.

LANG 1015 - Visual Gesture Communication
This course introduces students to the core principles of non-linguistic, visual-gestural expression to enhance clarity, meaning, and connection in signed and interpreted interactions. Through creative movement, storytelling, and collaborative activities, students learn to use the body, face, space, and movement intentionally while developing visual awareness, gestural precision, and expressive confidence. Key areas include spatial mapping, role shift, visual sequencing, classifier use, and imagery. Students apply these skills in interpreting practice, visual storytelling, Deaf-friendly communication, and cross-cultural contexts where no shared signed language exists, strengthening both linguistic and non-linguistic aspects of their signing.

LANG 1020 - American Sign Language II - Communication
This second course in the ASL series begins to refine communication by integrating the skills and knowledge acquired in ASL I, Foundations. Language nuances and key topics in Deaf culture are also addressed. The ASL classroom is designed to accommodate a physical modality and as such does not use oral or aural channels for communication.

LANG 1022 - American Sign Language Structure
Students continue to build knowledge of ASL with increasing focus on more complex grammatical features and sentence structures.

LANG 1024 - American Sign Language Skills Lab II
In this course students will get the extra time and support required to develop ASL skills and build on an existing plan to support personal learning and skill development. Through practice, the use of tools and critique, students will strengthen habits for life-long learning and continuous improvement.

LANG 1025 - Digital Media Production
This course introduces students to the tools, techniques, and creative processes used to produce accessible, visually effective digital content for Deaf audiences and sign language-based communication. Students learn to operate cameras, lighting, and recording equipment; apply principles of visual composition; and use editing software to create polished sign language videos, visual stories, and digital presentations. Emphasis is placed on clarity, framing, sign visibility, accessibility standards, and strategies for producing content that supports learning, advocacy, community engagement, and professional portfolios. Through hands-on projects, students build technical skills, visual design awareness, and confidence in creating high-quality digital media that reflects best practices in sign language communication.

LANG 2010 - American Sign Language III - Conversation
This course integrates and refines expressive and receptive skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and is taught without using voice. This level of ASL will improve skills necessary for ASL Storytelling and advance skills in analyzing ASL stories. ASL expressive skills will be reinforced through practice and direct application within the Deaf community. Technology will also be used as a tool.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.