Bachelor's Degrees in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English (BS or BA)

Compares, contrasts and analyzes deaf culture and American culture from a variety of perspectives. Examines cultural interactions between deaf and hearing people and provides opportunity for exploring potential cultural conflicts between deaf and hearing people.

This course is focused on current topics impacting the Deaf community as part of a linguistic and cultural minority. Topics that could be covered include, but not limited to: perspectives on Deafhood and Deaf/deaf communities, attitudes toward Deaf people and signed languages, technology and communication, history of the Deaf community, multiple factors of a d/Deaf identity, contributions of Deaf people to society, communication issues and the politics of language use, choices, and power. Seminar style course taught in ASL, Interpreter not provided. May be repeated for credit Prerequisite: ASL245

Upper level ASL course with a focus on diglossia, variation in sign language use, and viewing the Deaf community as part of a linguistic and cultural minority. Topics that will be covered include perspectives on Deafhood and Deaf/deaf communities, attitudes toward Deaf people and signed languages, technology and communication, history of the Deaf community, contributions of Deaf people to society, communication issues and the politics of language use, choices, and power. Students will expand on vocabulary through working on areas of advanced subject matters, application of non-manual markers, use of classifiers, and proper pronominalization. Prerequisites: ASL 305

Students take an analytical approach to language and the field of linguistics as it applies to American Sign Language. ASL phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, bilingualism, and language use and usage will be examined and discussed. Language samples will be viewed and analyzed for evidence of different language structures and forms. Students will also read and critique research articles pertaining to ASL and other signed languages. Prerequisite: ASL245

This course analyzes and compares the various genres of American Sign Language literature. ASL poetry, narrative, humor, as well as written work by deaf individuals and other language devices will be examined and discussed. Students will create and evaluate original work illustrating the similarities and uniqueness of ASL. Students will become familiar with well-known contributors: Clayton Valli, Patrick Graybill, Ella Mae Lentz, etc. Research articles pertaining to ASL or Deaf Literature will be critiqued and discussed as well. Prerequisite - ASL245

A study of modern English grammar, usage, and sentence structure. Students will identify grammar and syntax structures and apply those principles to their own and others' writing. Prerequisite - ENG102

This course covers the fundamentals of ASL English interpretation and introduces the sociolinguistic factors that influence communication, strategies for analyzing discourse, and the theory and process of mediating between two languages and cultures. The textbook and lectures will cover theories of communication and models of the interpretation processes, the role, boundaries, and responsibilities of the interpreter and other pertinent issues critical to the field. The primary focus of this course is to develop specific skills necessary for the art of interpreting along with ways to analyze the interpreted work. Prerequisite: ASL145

Students will compare and contrast the structure and semantics of ASL and English. Focus will be on preparing accurate translations from ASL to English and from English to ASL while considering semantic use of words/signs, culturally laden terminology, in-group meaning, and differences between high and low context cultures. Students are introduced to the linguistic and processing principles of translation and interpretation. Prerequisite: ASL 205 American Sign Language III

This course focuses on the foundation skills required for effective interpretation. The focus of this course is to develop the cognitive skills for successful interpreting. Students will be introduced to and practice intra-lingual translation and interpretation text analysis techniques through summarization, paraphrasing and restructuring a message while retaining its meaning. Discussions will address theoretical aspects of translating and interpreting techniques as well as specific issues related to interpreting skills. Prerequisite: ITP 211

This course introduces students to the process and practice of interpreting between ASL and English. Class discussion and activities focus on creating a culturally and linguistically dynamic interpretation while broadening students’ understanding of interpreting demands. Source material will often be interactive, applying consecutive interpreting skills. Prerequisite: ITP211 and ITP217

An upper level course covering various advanced settings of interpreting. This course covers interpreting in medical, mental health, and educational settings. ASL and English vocabulary in specialized areas not covered in previous courses is developed. Students will be interpreting linguistically dense texts and learning how to manage the various settings and personnel involved in these types of interpreting. Teaming with a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) will also be covered. Prerequisites: ITP 351 or ITP 302 with a grade of “C” or higher

This course provides students additional exposure to interpreting between ASL and English texts. Class discussion and activities will focus on creating a culturally and linguistically dynamic interpretation while broadening students’ understanding of interpreting demands. Source material will be interactive, narrative and expository for analysis and practice. Additional emphasis on unrehearsed interpretations and student’s cognitive processing skills in the interpreting process is discussed. Credit hours: 3 Prerequisites: ITP 301 with a grade of “C” or higher

This course enhances students’ skills in creating culturally and linguistically dynamic interpretations. Students participate in diagnostic analysis and feedback of both self and peer produced interpretations. Class discussions include identifying demands and controls for various interpreting settings. Prerequisites: ITP 351 with a grade of “C” or higher

This course synthesizes knowledge and skill learned previously in interpreting courses. Students continue to develop skills for linguistic mediation. Simulated interpreting events are provided for practice throughout the semester. There is an emphasis in the practice of preparing for interpreting assignments. Students participate in diagnostic analysis and feedback of both self and peer produced interpretations. Class discussions include current issues in the field of interpreting. Prerequisites: ITP 375 with a grade of “C” or higher

An upper level course covering various advanced settings of interpreting. This course covers interpreting legal information, VRS/VRI work, religious settings, and interpreting for deafblind individuals. ASL and English vocabulary in specialized areas, including explicit language, not covered in previous courses is developed. Students will be interpreting linguistically dense texts and learning how to manage the various settings and personnel involved in these types of situations. Prerequisites: ITP 351 or ITP 302 with a grade of “C” or higher

This course is the capstone to the major and prepares students to enter the ASL English interpreting profession as a general practitioner. Students will investigate current issues facing the field, prepare for written certification exam(s), career development, and ethical decision making. This course is conducted in seminar format where students will apply demand-control schema, time-management, business practices, code of professional conduct and ethical decision-making, certification and quality assurance, accountability, and life-long learning and professional development. Emphasis given to creating a portfolio and resume for internship and future employment. Prerequisites: ITP 302 or 351 with a grade of “C” or better

This course requires a minimum of 150 clock hours in an approved work situation. Students will submit a log of work activities with dates and times illustrating internship activities and outcomes with brief explanatory texts. Students will complete an essay evaluating the role of the on-site supervisor, the quality of the work environment, and the importance of internship experiences. Requires permission of division chair. Prerequisite: ITP450 with grade of 'C' or higher

This course requires a minimum of 150 clock hours in an approved work situation. Students will submit a log of work activities with dates and times illustrating internship activities and outcomes with brief explanatory texts. Students will complete an essay evaluating the role of the on-site supervisor, the quality of the work environment, and the importance of internship experiences. Requires permission of division chair. Prerequisite: ITP450 with grade of 'C' or higher