A woman signing in front of her laptop camera at home.

American Sign Language

Overview

American Sign Language is a three-course program designed to build foundational ASL communication skills. Students progress through interactive instruction, developing proficiency in fingerspelling, basic vocabulary, and essential non-manual signals. As they advance, they refine conversational strategies, learn to describe people and objects, and engage in structured dialogues using classifiers and spatial techniques. Cultural awareness and Deaf community etiquette are integrated throughout, ensuring a well rounded learning experience. Upon completion, students will have the skills to confidently communicate in ASL at an introductory level.

Level 1

American Sign Language Level 1 is a three-course program designed to build foundational ASL communication skills. Students progress through interactive instruction, developing proficiency in fingerspelling, basic vocabulary, and essential non-manual signals. As they advance, they refine conversational strategies, learn to describe people and objects, and engage in structured dialogues using classifiers and spatial techniques. Cultural awareness and Deaf community etiquette are integrated throughout, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of American Sign Language Level 1, students will have a comprehensive understanding of ASL linguistic nuances and can confidently communicate at an introductory level.

Level 2

American Sign Language Level 2 is a three-course program designed to build on the foundational knowledge acquired in Level 1. Students will enhance their communication proficiency to an intermediate level and develop cultural competence in Deaf Communication.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of American Sign Language Level 2, students will have the skills to communicate confidently in ASL at an intermediate level.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements for this program.

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements.
 

Next Steps

Start your online application today and join Assiniboine College!

Apply Now

 

Tools & Supplies

Program Checklists, Textbooks, and Supplies

Textbooks:

  • Level 1: COMM-0047, COMM-0048, COMM-0049
    Signing Naturally, Units 1-6. Smith, C.; Lentz, E; Mikos, K; California: Dawn Sign Press 1988
  • Level 2: COMM-0050, COMM-0051, COMM-0052
    Signing Naturally, Level 2 Smith, C.; Lentz, E; Mikos, K; California: Dawn Sign Press 1988

 

Assiniboine Bookstore

Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists, tool lists and supply lists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.

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Technology Requirements

All of our programs require the use of a computer with internet access. Some resources may be available on campus. For more details, see At-Home Computing.

Courses & Costs

The American Sign Language Level 1 program offers a flexible, blended learning experience. The majority of the program is delivered synchronously online with three in-person days for hands-on skill development with the instructor.

Costs

Tuition, fees and Students’ Association fees total approximately $1,285. The application fee is $95.

Courses

To receive a American Sign Language Level 1 or Level 2 document of achievement, students must successfully complete 9 credits.

Level 1 Courses

American Sign Language ASL101 (COMM-0047) | 3 Credits

ASL101, is a 40-hour college course, offering an immersive introduction to American Sign Language for beginners. Through dynamic instruction and interactive sessions, students learn the ASL alphabet, understand fingerspelling etiquette, and develop proficiency in facial expressions, head movements, and torso gestures. The course also focuses on the practical application of classifiers for movement, location, and appearance, providing a foundational vocabulary covering familial relationships, relatives, surroundings, buildings, and occupations. With continuous assessment methods, including practical demonstrations and a final exam, participants will not only gain essential ASL skills but also develop an appreciation for the cultural nuances of the Deaf community.

American Sign Language ASL102 (COMM-0048) | 3 Credits

ASL102 is a 40-hour course designed to deepen students' proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL). Through a multifaceted approach, participants will develop their cultural competency and conversational strategies, refining their ability to engage in meaningful interactions. The curriculum focuses on practical skills, enabling students to proficiently ask for and provide directions, describe individuals and clothing with precision, and articulate reasons, complaints, and requests effectively.

Emphasizing hands-on learning, the course incorporates spatial perspectives, and classifiers to enhance communicative competence. Interactive activities, including communicative games and group discussions, foster spontaneous ASL usage and fluency. Throughout the program, students will hone their narrative abilities, role-shifting techniques, and conversation management strategies, equipping them with the linguistic tools to navigate real-world scenarios in ASL with confidence.

American Sign Language ASL103 (COMM-0049) | 3 Credits

In this 40-hour college course on American Sign Language, students advance their proficiency by building upon the foundational skills acquired in the preceding two courses. At this level, participants enhance their fluency and engage in critical self-evaluation of their conversational abilities, honing additional techniques for confirming and clarifying discussions. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on practice with descriptive and locative classifiers, emphasizing the correct application of specialization and eye gaze. Utilizing the same textbook as the introductory American Sign Language ASL102 course, students delve deeper into the intricacies of ASL communication, fostering a comprehensive understanding of linguistic nuances and practical application.

Level 2 Courses

American Sign Language 201 (COMM-0050) | 3 Credits

Building on the foundational knowledge acquired in Level 1, this 40-hour American Sign Language (ASL) course delves deeper into the rich linguistic landscape of ASL, focusing on advanced structures and communicative nuances. Students will enhance their proficiency by mastering the intricacies of topic-comment structure, ordinal numbers, reference point marking for non-present objects, and the application of locative and semantic classifiers. The course also explores the temporal aspect of time signs, inflecting verbs, role shifting, and the construction of conditional sentences. Beyond linguistic elements, cultural behaviors and conversation strategies are woven into the curriculum, offering students a holistic understanding of ASL within its cultural context. Through interactive sessions and immersive activities, participants will further develop their signing skills and cultural competency, fostering a deeper connection to the Deaf community.

American Sign Language 202 (COMM-0051) | 3 Credits

In this 40-hour second-level American Sign Language (ASL) course, students will focus on honing their skills with non-manual markers as essential references. The curriculum emphasizes the description of unusual objects through the use of descriptive and instrument classifiers, fostering a deeper understanding of nuanced communication. Additionally, participants will actively engage in cooperative group discussions to enhance their language fluency in real-life contexts. The course employs the same textbook as ASL201, ensuring a seamless continuation of learning and a comprehensive understanding of ASL.

American Sign Language 203 (COMM-0052) | 3 Credits

In this intermediate 40-hour American Sign Language (ASL) course, students delve into advanced sequencing activities, honing their skills in employing proper clauses. The curriculum emphasizes the mastery of element classifiers and delves deeper into the exploration of deaf cultural behaviors, values, and norms. Participants engage in interactive exercises focused on sharing information, fostering connections between individuals, and enhancing their role- playing abilities. The course utilizes the same textbook as ASL201 to ensure continuity in learning and proficiency development.

FAQs

Do I need to apply to the American Sign Language program?

Yes. Although there are no admission requirements, an application is required. Apply now!

How do I register for courses in the American Sign Language program?

Once you have been accepted to the program, you will receive email instructions on how to register and pay for your courses online through Assiniboine Connect.

I’ve successfully completed all the required courses. How do I receive my credential?

Students that have successfully completed all the program requirements can complete an Application to Graduate form and email to [email protected] to receive their credential.

Fast Facts

Length
9 months
Program Start
Fall 2026
Credential
Document of Achievement
Credits
9
Course Load
Part-time
Program Details
Blended Delivery
Continuing Studies
204.725.8725
800.862.6307 ext 6002 (toll free)