Title

American Sign Language Pre-Interpreting Program

Associate of Science (AS) - 60 credits

About this program

The American Sign Language Pre-Interpreting Program prepares students to enter a bachelor’s degree program in the field of sign language interpretation. Students are introduced to the language and culture of the American Deaf community. While students gain sign language skills and an understanding of Deaf culture, they also acquire knowledge of the interpreter's role and multiple approaches to ethical decision-making within the field of sign language interpreting.

Program outcomes

  1. Outline issues that are currently relevant to the field of interpreting and to the Deaf community.
  2. Describe ways interpreters function in specific settings and with specific populations.
  3. Communicate the appropriate role of an interpreter.
  4. Describe the current assessments and certification processes for interpreters.
  5. Demonstrate basic conversational skills and use of appropriate American Sign Language vocabulary, finger spelling and numbers.
  6. Effectively communicate in a variety of settings with people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.
  7. Complete ASL prerequisites for sign language interpreter education programs.
  8. Comprehend that the Deaf community shares a set of values, rules and traditions different from typical American values.

Accreditation

Minnesota State Community and Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411 http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org Phone: 312.263.0456 / 800.621.7440

Tracks

Curriculum overview

Credits Requirement type
27 Required courses
24 Restricted electives in MnTC Goal Areas
9 Restricted electives in course types
60 Total

Interpreter Training

Required Courses:

Course Credits
ASL1100 - Introduction to Deaf Studies 3
ASL1101 - American Sign Language and Deaf Culture I 3
ASL1102 - American Sign Language and Deaf Culture II 3
ASL1103 - American Sign Language and Deaf Culture III 3
ASL1104 - American Sign Language and Deaf Culture IV 3
ASL1105 - Advanced Fingerspelling and Numbers 3
IPP1111 - Introduction to Interpreting 3
IPP2213 - Topics in Interpreting 3
IPP2214 - Intro to Ethics and Decision-Making for Interpreters 3

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
1. Communication

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
2. Critical Thinking

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
3. Natural Sciences

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
4. Mathematics/Logical Reasoning

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
5. History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
6. The Humanities and Fine Arts

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
9. Ethical and Civic Responsibility

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
10. People and the Environment

9 credits from these course types:

Course Type
General Education w/MnTC Goals

Plans

PDF downloads:

1st Fall Term - 15 credits

Course Credits
ASL1100 - Introduction to Deaf Studies 3
ASL1101 - American Sign Language and Deaf Culture I 3
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
1. Communication
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
2. Critical Thinking
3 credits from these course types:
Course Type
General Education w/MnTC Goals

1st Spring Term - 15 credits

Course Credits
ASL1102 - American Sign Language and Deaf Culture II 3
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
3. Natural Sciences
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
4. Mathematics/Logical Reasoning
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
5. History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
3 credits from these course types:
Course Type
General Education w/MnTC Goals

2nd Fall Term - 15 credits

Course Credits
ASL1103 - American Sign Language and Deaf Culture III 3
ASL1105 - Advanced Fingerspelling and Numbers 3
IPP1111 - Introduction to Interpreting 3
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
6. The Humanities and Fine Arts
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
9. Ethical and Civic Responsibility

2nd Spring Term - 15 credits

Course Credits
ASL1104 - American Sign Language and Deaf Culture IV 3
IPP2213 - Topics in Interpreting 3
IPP2214 - Intro to Ethics and Decision-Making for Interpreters 3
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
10. People and the Environment
3 credits from these course types:
Course Type
General Education w/MnTC Goals