4.1 How are courses organized at Carleton?
Courses are categorized by subject first, and then assigned a course number. For example, a course number starts with a 4-letter subject code (e.g., ENGL), followed by a 4-digit number (e.g., 1000) and section letter (e.g., A). For example, the introductory English literature class “Literature, Genre, Context” becomes ENGL 1000 A.
TIP: Carleton courses are organized by year level of study. For example, 1000-level courses are first-year courses, 2000-level are second year, and so on. If you are in your first year, most courses at the 2000-level and above will be closed to you.
4.2 Can I take advanced level courses without taking the introductory level ones first?
Most of the time, you will not be able to take advanced level courses without taking the introductory ones first because introductory courses are a prerequisite for successive upper-level courses.
Plainly said, prerequisites are certain conditions that you have to meet before you are able to register in a course. It may be one course, or a group of courses, that must be successfully completed (in some cases with a specific minimum grade). Prerequisites can also include your year-standing/year status (first, second, third or fourth) or depend on enrolment in a certain program (degree, major etc).
When choosing courses, prerequisites are always identified in the course description of the course in the undergraduate calendar, and in most cases within the course description listed in Carleton Central or the Public Class Schedule.
Make sure you meet the published prerequisites for a course, and be aware that you may be deregistered if you do not meet the prerequisites.
TIP: Carleton Central may allow you to register in a course without meeting the prerequisites, but you are taking an academic risk by doing so. You should make sure you meet the prerequisites before registration.
4.3 One of the courses I want to take says it ‘precludes additional credit’ for another course I’m interested in. What does that mean?
Two courses that have very similar or overlapping material cannot both count as credit toward your degree. Preclusions are listed in the course description in the undergraduate calendar. If you are in doubt about whether a course will count toward your degree, please consult with your undergraduate advisor.
Precluded courses are not necessarily equivalent. Never assume that one course can substitute for another simply because it precludes. Always check with your academic advisor.
TIP: Make every credit count! If you register in both precluded courses – or if you register in one having completed the other – one of them will be set aside in your audit and designated as forfeited and won’t count towards your degree.
4.4 What does it mean when a course description says it is ‘cross-listed’ with another course?
Two courses are cross-listed if they are the same course listed under two different subject codes, usually by two different academic units. You should always check your audit to ensure that it’s being used to fulfill a requirement that you expect it to fulfill.
TIP: When taking a course which is cross-listed (e.g., ECON 1401/MATH 1401), always consult with your academic advisor.
4.5 English is not my first language. Can I still apply to a degree program?
Yes, but make sure that you are aware of the calendar’s official requirements. For example, if you were admitted to Carleton with an English Language Proficiency requirement, then you must take the necessary ESLA course in your first term of study, and continue to take ESLA until your English Proficiency Requirement is completed. If you don’t, or if you withdraw from the necessary ESLA course, you will run the risk of being de-registered from all of your courses unless you immediately correct your registration.
Check the General Admission Requirements and Procedures in the undergraduate calendar, specifically the English Proficiency Requirement section (General Admission Requirements and Procedures 4.0) in the undergraduate calendar for more information.
TIP: If you are staying in residence, you must be registered in courses. This means that if you are deregistered as a result of incorrect ESLA compliance, you could lose your space in housing.