American Sign Language (B.A.)

The ASL/English Interpreting concentration provides students with a theoretical and practical foundation in the knowledge, values, skills, and ethical judgment necessary for the successful transfer of meaning, cultural mediation, and professional conduct required of working interpreters. The goal of the program is to graduate students who are prepared to take and pass state or national-level credentialing exams within one year of graduation. Students are involved in coursework, research, community engagement, and practicum experiences within the context of a public liberal arts education that seeks to strengthen and deepen the knowledge base and critical thinking skills that all successful interpreters must possess.

Program Learning Objectives
Graduating students should be able to:
• Communicate in their working languages (American Sign Language and English) at level of proficiency equivalent to the Advanced High Level of speaking and listening as established by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language.

• Interpret in settings appropriate to entry-level interpreters.

• Integrate their knowledge of the history, culture, values and diversity of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind communities into their interpreting practice.

• Integrate their knowledge of interpersonal and intercultural communication dynamics into their interpreting practice.

• Participate in undergraduate-level research in interpreting or linguistics.

The Deaf Studies concentration provides students with a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and associated courses that cover the history, culture, and literature of the Deaf Community in the U.S. in a social justice framework. Students graduating with this concentration qualify for entry-level work in Deaf services agencies, residential programs, and educational and human service settings requiring fluency in ASL. Graduates of this program also qualify to pursue graduate studies in Deaf education, rehabilitation counseling, linguistics, or social work, among other fields. The knowledge and skills acquired in this program may also be applied to other professional domains where Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind individuals are served.

Program Learning Objectives
Graduating students should be able to:
• Communicate in American Sign Language at a level of proficiency equivalent to the Advanced Low Level of speaking and listening as established by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages.

• Integrate their knowledge of the history, culture, values and diversity of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind communities into their interactions with D/HH/DB individuals.

• Design an advocacy project that integrates their understanding of the impact of power, privilege and oppression on the Deaf experience.