ASL/English Interpreting I Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate
Description:
The ASL/English Interpreting I Post-Bac Proficiency Certificate is designed for students who already possess a baccalaureate degree in any discipline and want to learn American Sign Language and the culture of the American Deaf community in order to pursue becoming an ASL/English interpreter.
The ASL/English Interpreting I Post-Bac Proficiency Certificate is the first of a two-part certificate and does not prepare one to work as an interpreter alone. Instead, the ASL/English Interpreting I certificate provides foundational language and cultural skills and prerequisite courses for the next-level ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Bac proficiency certificate. The completion of both proficiency certificates prepares students to work as professional interpreters with Deaf individuals by providing the necessary language and cultural skills needed to be interpreters. The goal of the ASL/English interpreter is to make communication as complete and equal as possible for both Deaf and non-deaf participants by accurately conveying 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 non-deaf people.
For this reason, the ASL/English Interpreting I Post-Bac Proficiency Certificate lays a foundation for developing these communication skills by covering a variety of subject areas, including ASL courses, Deaf culture, structure of ASL, and comparative English and ASL, with an introduction to professional practices and ethics, the theory of interpreting processes, and guided skill development in ASL with diagnostic feedback. The ASL 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 internships. Cooperative relationships with professional and community agencies and organizations are maintained to provide opportunities for networking and interaction with the Deaf community.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the ASL/English Interpreting I Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced ASL proficiency and Deaf culture awareness as it applies to a wide variety of deaf-hearing interaction settings and participants
- Assess and analyze one's own ASL competencies in order to identify areas of need for continuing education and professional development
Program Entry Requirements:
This certificate is open to students who hold bachelor’s degrees from a college or university accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education who wish to prepare to become certified interpreters.
Applicants to the ASL/English Interpreting I Post-Bac Proficiency Certificate 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 certificate.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
Successful completion of the program requires a “C” grade or better in each of the courses listed.
Course Sequence:
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASL 101 - Elementary American Sign Language I | 3 credits | |
| ASL 102 - Elementary American Sign Language II | ASL 101 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits |
| ASL 201 - Intermediate American Sign Language I | ASL 102 with a grade "C" or better (or program placement) | 3 credits |
| ASL 202 - Intermediate American Sign Language II | ASL 201 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits |
| ASL 215 - American Sign Language Fingerspelling | ASL 202 with a grade of "B" or better | 3 credits |
| ASL 230 - Structure of American Sign Language | ASL 202 with a grade of "B" or better, ENGL 101, which may be taken concurrently* | 3 credits |
| ASL 231 - Advanced American Sign Language I | ASL 202 with a grade of "B" or better | 3 credits |
| ASL 232 - Advanced American Sign Language II | ASL 231 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits |
| INT 105 - Introduction to the American Deaf Community | 3 credits |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate:
27For More Information, Contact:
The Division of Liberal Studies, Room BR-21, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Telephone (215) 751-8450; or the College Information Center (215) 751-8010.