Sign Language Interpreting, B.A.

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Return to: 4160 Department of Learning Sciences

Sign Language Interpreting is an interdisciplinary field that combines highly developed competency in both American Sign Language and English, with knowledge of linguistics, interpretation, translation, and principles of professional practice.

The Sign Language Interpreting major prepares students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to enter field of American Sign Language/English interpretation. Students develop confidence in their working languages, proficiency in linguistic and cultural analysis, and the interpersonal skills needed to develop a relevant and sound professional practice.

Program Admission

Admission to the major in sign language interpreting will be based on the following:
Completion of Areas A-E;
Completion of American Sign Language Interpreting Baccalaureate Degree Program application;
Completion of a program orientation;
Completion of ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102 each with a grade of “C” or better;
Completion of ASL 1001 with a grade of “C” or better and ASL 1002 , ASL 2001 , and ASL 2002 each with a grade of “B” or better;
Demonstrated proficiency in sign recall and visual-motor integration;
Successful completion of an entrance interview demonstrating at least intermediate conversational proficiency in American Sign Language.

Degree Requirements

Areas A-E: Core Curriculum (42-43 Hours)

(see Core Curriculum Requirements in the undergraduate catalog )

Area F. Preparation for the Major (18 Hours)

Required (12 Hours)

Students who have applied ASL 1002 to Area C in the core, may choose an 3 additional hours from the list below to count toward Area F.

ASL 1001 - Elementary American Sign Language I 3 Credit Hours
ASL 1002 - Elementary American Sign Language II 3 Credit Hours
ASL 2001 - Intermediate American Sign Language I 3 Credit Hours
ASL 2002 - Intermediate American Sign Language II 3 Credit Hours

Choose two courses (6 Hours)

AL 2021 - Introduction to English Linguistics 3 Credit Hours
AL 2101 - Exploring Language 3 Credit Hours
AL 2102 - Languages of the World 3 Credit Hours
AL 2231 - Understanding Miscommunication 3 Credit Hours
ANTH 2040 - Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 2030 - Introduction to Ethics 3 Credit Hours
SCOM 1500 - Public Speaking 3 Credit Hours
SCOM 2400 - Interpersonal Communication 3 Credit Hours
SCOM 2710 - Argumentation 3 Credit Hours
SCOM 2900 - Intercultural Communication 3 Credit Hours
THEA 1610 - Improving Voice and Articulation for the Actor 3 Credit Hours
THEA 2210 - Beginning Acting 3 Credit Hours
Other courses may be selected with the approval of the program coordinator.

Area G. Major Area (48 Hours)

Students must complete all courses in Areas G with a grade of “C” or higher unless otherwise noted.

Required (48 Hours)

SLIP 3010 - Introduction to Interpreting-CTW 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 3100 - ASL Narrative and Discourse 6 Credit Hours
SLIP 3100L - Interpreting Lab I 1 Credit Hours
SLIP 3115 - Deaf History and Culture 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 3200 - Service Learning I 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 3210 - Service Learning II 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 3220 - Service Learning III 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 4000 - Educational Interpreting 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 4010 - English to ASL I 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 4020 - ASL to English I 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 4020L - Interpreting Lab II 1 Credit Hours
SLIP 4025 - Survey of Specialized Interpreting Settings 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 4025L - Interpreting Lab III 1 Credit Hours
SLIP 4050 - ASL to English II 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 4060 - English to ASL II 3 Credit Hours
SLIP 4080 - Practicum 6 Credit Hours

Area H: Electives (12 Hours)

Students must complete all courses in Areas H with a grade of “C-” or higher unless otherwise noted.

Choose four courses (12 Hours)

AL 3021 - Introduction to Linguistics 3 Credit Hours
AL 3031 - Language in Society 3 Credit Hours
AL 3041 - Introduction to Second Language Acquisition 3 Credit Hours
AL 4111 - Semantics and Pragmatics in Linguistic Theory 3 Credit Hours
AL 4151 - Communication Across Cultures-CTW 3 Credit Hours
ANTH 4114 - Language and Social Justice 4 Credit Hours
BCOM 3950 - Business Communication and Professional Development 3 Credit Hours
CPS 3200 - Diversity and Human Relations 3 Credit Hours
CPS 3300 - Interpersonal Communication Skills 3 Credit Hours
ENI 3101 - Entrepreneurial Thinking for Startups 3 Credit Hours
EXC 4350 - Orientation to Deafness 3 Credit Hours
Other courses may be selected with the approval of the program coordinator.