PURPOSE: This curriculum prepares individuals to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL), primarily with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Students also study the U.S. Deaf community from a cultural perspective.
OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: The American Sign Language Career Studies Certificate (CDC) leads to employment opportunities primarily as a classroom aide or teacher assistant in “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” or “Hearing Impaired” K-12 programs. The content learned and skills attained may also form a foundation for further study in numerous careers, including the following: sign language interpretation, teacher of “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” children, American Sign Language instructor, linguistics, and Deaf studies.
Preparation to become a sign language interpreter, as opposed to engaging in direct communication using ASL, is facilitated through completion of the American Sign Language - English Interpretation AAS degree. Completion of the ASL CSC by May along with placement in ENG 111 satisfies the prerequisites to begin the ASL - English Interpretation AAS in spring/summer annually.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General college curricular admission
PROGRAM NOTES: Students must take SDV 101 - Orientation to American Sign Language and Interpreter Education during the first semester of study. Students must also begin language study with ASL 101 (ASL I), unless placed into a more appropriate level by the ASL and IE coordinator via the ASL placement test. Students must attain a grade of “C” or better as a final grade in a prerequisite ASL course before enrolling in a more advanced ASL course. The ASL CSC is a five-semester program of part-time study designed to develop intermediate fluency in conversational ASL and a working understanding of Deaf people as a cultural group. Designed to begin in fall with SDV 101 and ASL 101 , the first four semesters are each comprised of two courses (6-7 credits) leading to completion in 21 months during the spring semester when successful students may begin Interpreter Education coursework, while completing the final ASL/INT elective (2 credits).
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