American Sign Language - Community College of Philadelphia

American Sign Language from Community College of Philadelphia is a Campus Associate Sign Language degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. The ASL/English Interpreting (INT) curriculum prepares students to work as professional interpreters with deaf and nondeaf (hearing) people. The goal of the ASL/English interpreter is to make communication as complete and equal as possible for both deaf and nondeaf participants by conveying as accurately as possible the thoughts, feelings, words, attitudes and meanings of the message, whether it is expressed in spoken English, American Sign Language (ASL) or other forms of signed communication. Thus, interpreters must be bilingual, skilled in both English and ASL, and bicultural, knowledgeable about the cultures of both deaf and nondeaf people. In addition, an interpreter must be versatile, mature and flexible in order to successfully work with people from a variety of backgrounds with diverse communication needs. The field encompasses a multitude of situations and settings, including medical, legal, and psychological, that frequently contain sensitive and personal issues. In responding to these situations it is the interpreter's professional responsibility to thoroughly understand, and adhere to, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Code of Professional Conduct. Thus, it is imperative that interpreters also be of high moral character, nonjudgmental, and well-informed, in order to be able to meet the challenges which arise in these sensitive, diverse and ever-changing situations. The INT curriculum covers a variety of subject areas, including deaf culture, structure of ASL, comparative English and ASL, professional practices and ethics, interpreting processes in theory and application, and guided skill development in ASL and interpreting with diagnostic feedback. The INT lab offers practice opportunities in both video and digital formats in a small group, supportive environment. In addition to traditional classroom lectures and laboratory activities, the curriculum utilizes hands-on experience through fieldwork, guest lectures, observations, and internship. Cooperative relationships with professional and community agencies and organizations are maintained to provide opportunities for networking and interaction with the deaf community, as well as the professional interpreting community. The INT program prepares students for entry-level work as interpreters. It also prepares students for the national certification evaluation given by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. For the majority of students, however, several years of professional work experience after graduation are needed before certification can be attained. Students completing the curriculum receive an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree . Program Entry and Placement Requirements: To be accepted into the ASL/English Interpreting Program students must earn a minimum grade of ?B? in both ASL 101 and ASL 102 (both Program prerequisites). Applicants to the ASL/English Interpreting Program who have not taken ASL 101 and/or ASL 102, and who have prior experience with the language of ASL, may request a proficiency screening for acceptance and placement in the program. To be accepted into the ASL/English Interpreting Program students must be English 101 ready. Developmental coursework must be completed before admittance into the program. To remain in the ASL/English Interpreting curriculum, a student must receive a minimum grade of ?C? in all ASL, INT and English courses. A student who demonstrates attitudes and behavior viewed as inconsistent with professional ASL/English interpreting standards may be dropped from the curriculum. In the event a student is dropped from the curriculum, the procedures of the College regarding dismissal of a student will be followed. Program of Study and Graduation Requirements: To qualify for an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in ASL/English Interpreting, a student must complete 68-69 credits as prescribed, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all Program Core coursework and an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, with no grade below ?C.? View more details on Community College of Philadelphia . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Sign Language courses.