ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate
Description:
ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate is designed for students who already possess a baccalaureate degree in any discipline and want to pursue becoming an ASL/English interpreter. Students may be enrolled in the ASL/English Interpreting Post-Bac II certificate and the ASL/English Interpreting Post-Bac I certificate at the same time, as long as students have attained a level of ASL proficiency to be ready for ASL 231 to enroll in the higher-level ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate. Students with a background in ASL can request a screening of their skills to determine placement in ASL coursework.
The ASL/English Interpreting Post-Bac II Proficiency Certificate completes preparation of students to work as professional interpreters with Deaf and non-deaf (hearing) people. 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.
A skilled interpreter must also be versatile, mature and flexible in order to work successfully with people from a variety of backgrounds with diverse communication needs. The field encompasses a multitude of situations and settings, including medical, legal and psychological, that frequently contain sensitive and personal issues. In responding to these situations, it is the interpreter's professional responsibility to understand thoroughly, and adhere to, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Code of Professional Conduct. It is therefore imperative that interpreters also be of high moral character, nonjudgmental, and well-informed in order to meet the challenges that arise in these sensitive, diverse, and ever-changing situations.
The certificate focuses on the application of advanced skills and theory, including interpreting in specialized settings, transliteration, and professional practices and ethics. The ASL/INT 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, as well as the professional interpreting community.
The ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate prepares students for entry-level work as interpreters. It also prepares students for the national certification evaluation given by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID). For the majority of students, however, several years of professional work experience after graduation are needed before certification can be attained.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate, students will be able to:
- Practice ethical standards of interpreting as they apply to the role and function of interpreters described within the RID Code of Professional Conduct.
- Work effectively with other members of their profession in collegial ways to support their Deaf and non-deaf clients.
- Assess and analyze one's own competencies in order to identify areas of need for continuing education and professional development
- Demonstrate interpreting and transliterating competence necessary for effective facilitation of communication in a variety of settings.
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. Students must be at least ASL 231 ready to enroll in this 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 |
|---|---|---|
| INT 106 - American Deaf Culture | INT 105 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits |
| INT 240 - Introduction to the Field of ASL/English Interpreting | ASL 230, ASL 231, INT 105 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits |
| INT 242 - Introduction to Interpreting Processes | ASL 215, ASL 230, ASL 231 all with a grade of "C" or better Pre- or coreq: INT 240 | 3 credits |
| INT 251 - ASL/English Interpreting I | ASL 232, INT 240, INT 242 all with a grade of "C" or better. | 3 credits |
| INT 252 - ASL/English Interpreting II | INT 251 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits |
| INT 255 - Transliterating | INT 251 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits |
| INT 260 - Interpreting in Specialized Settings | INT 240 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits |
| INT 297 - Internship in Interpreting | INT 252 and INT 255 both with a grade of "C" or better | 4 credits |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate:
25For 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.