Sign Language Interpreting, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contact Information: Forest Sponseller 615-353-3033, Office: W-50D, E-mail: forest.sponseller@nscc.edu

General Information
Course Requirements & Recommended Schedule
Program Website
Course Descriptions

General Information

American Sign Language interpreting is a complex process in which the primary goal is to provide equal access of information for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Non-deaf individuals. Sign language interpreters must be fluent in American Sign Language, English, and English-based signed systems. In addition, interpreters must possess a complete understanding of Deaf Culture, social and psychological dynamics, ethical considerations and effective cross-cultural interpretations in a variety of settings.

Graduates of the program should be able to:
• Demonstrate competencies in American Sign Language and English interpretations
and transliterations.
• Understand the Registry of Interpreter for the Deaf Code of Ethics, theories, principles
and business practices related to the field of interpreting.
• Display proficiency in the written and practical testing process for certification.
• Seek employment in entry-level positions within the field.

Career Opportunities
Sign Language Interpreting is a rapidly expanding field in which qualified interpreters can work in a variety of settings: education, business, community, medical, social services, mental, health, legal, performing arts, and video relay interpreting.

Transfer/Advising
The A.A.S. degree is designed to prepare a student for employment upon graduation. Some universities, at their discretion, accept some technical courses for transfer. A student who plans to transfer to a university should consult his/her advisor and the receiving university about transfer and articulation policies. Failure to do so could result in loss of transfer credits.

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COURSE REQUIREMENTS

RUBRIC	COURSE	CLASS	LAB	CREDITS
English
ENGL 1010	English Composition I	3	0	3
SPCH 1010	Speech	3	0	3
Humanities
	Humanities Elective	3	0	3
Social Sciences Elective
PSYC 1111	Intro to Psychology	3	0	3
Mathematics or Natural Sciences Elective
	Mathematics or Natural Sciences Elective	3	0	3
Technical Core
ASL 1002	Fingerspelling	2	0	2
ASL 1003	Introduction to Interpreting	3	0	3
ASL 1010	Foundations in Deafness	3	0	3
ASL 1110	American Sign Language I	3	0	3
ASL 1120	American Sign Language II	3	0	3
ASL 1130	American Sign Language III	3	0	3
ASL 2110	Interactive Interpreting I	1	2	3
ASL 2120	Interactive Interpreting II	1	2	3
ASL 2210	Contact Signing I	3	0	3
ASL 2220	Contact Signing II	3	0	3
ASL 2300	American Sign Language IV	3	0	3
ASL 2310	Sign-To-Voice I	3	0	3
ASL 2320	Sign-To-Voice II	3	0	3
ASL 2500	Interpreting Practicum	3	0	3
ASL 2600	Interpreting Internship	4	0	4
TOTAL REQUIRED - ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE				60

Recommended Full-Time Schedule

First Year

Fall Semester	Course	Credits
ASL 1110	American Sign Language I	3
ASL 1002	Fingerspelling	2
PSYC 1111	Intro to Psychology	3
	Humanities Elective	3
ENGL 1010	English Composition 1	3
Spring Semester	Course	Credits
ASL 1120	American Sign Language II	3
ASL 1003	Intro to Interpreting	2
	Math or Natural Sciences Elective	3
SPCH 1010	Speech	3
ASL 1010	Foundations in Deafness	3

Second Year

Fall Semester	Course	Credits
ASL 2110	Interactive Interpreting I	3
ASL 1130	American Sign Language III	3
ASL 2210	Contact Signing I	3
ASL 2310	Sign/Voice I	3
ASL 2500	Interpreting Practicum	3
Spring Semester	Course	Credits
ASL 2120	Interactive Interpreting II	3
ASL 2300	American Sign Language IV	3
ASL 2220	Contact Signing II	3
ASL 2320	Sign/Voice II	3
ASL 2600	Interpreting Internship	4

 

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