Bachelor of Science in Education Degree with a Major in American Sign Language/English Interpreting
Students admitted to the Interpreting program must have a 2.75 GPA on all coursework. All courses in Area F and major courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. If a student’s GPA falls below 2.75, the student will have one semester (fall or spring) to restore it to or above 2.75. If the GPA remains below 2.75 for two consecutive semesters (not including summer), the student will be required to select another major.
Acceptance of Transfer Credit
American Sign Language courses taken at other institutions may be accepted for credit pending successful documentation of intermediate sign language proficiency on an approved external evaluation.
Selected Educational Outcomes
- Students in interpreter education programs demonstrate knowledge of the content relevant to the interpreting field and can explain important principles and concepts delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
- Students in interpreter education programs integrate academic, linguistic, and world knowledge during interpretations using appropriate cultural adjustments while managing internal and external factors and processes in a manner that results in accurate and reliable interpretations.
- Students in interpreter education programs demonstrate planning skills in preparing for assignments and flexibility in adapting to changes that arise during assignments.
- Students in interpreter education programs negotiate meaning between English and ASL while interpreting in a manner that conforms to recognized linguistic, cultural, and professional norms of the speaker(s).
- Students in interpreter education programs analyze interpreting research findings and incorporate new information into their practice.
The departmental faculty members assess the desired learner outcomes for this program by using a variety of techniques. Examples of summative assessments in addition to course evaluations include the following:
Examples of Outcome Assessments
- Students in interpreter education programs will demonstrate content knowledge through effective research presentations and passing external knowledge examinations.
- Students in interpreter education programs will demonstrate skills in determining appropriate language mode, preparation for interpreting, professional and ethical decision-making, self-assessment, and monitoring and modifying the message as necessary during observed interpreting episodes evaluated by a university supervisor and mentor interpreter.
- Students in interpreter education programs will demonstrate their ability to effectively interpret in educational settings through a Mock Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment.
Requirements for the B.S.Ed. with a Major in American Sign Language/English Interpreting
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | 60 | |
| Core Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum) | 42 | |
| Area F Requirements | ||
| EDUC 2110 | Investigating Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education | 3 |
| or EDUC 2000 | Written and Verbal Communication for Education | |
| EDUC 2120 | Exploring Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Diversity | 3 |
| EDUC 2130 | Exploring Learning and Teaching | 3 |
| ASLS 2110 | American Sign Language I | 3 |
| ASLS 2120 | American Sign Language II | 3 |
| ASLS 2130 | American Sign Language III | 3 |
| All courses in Area F must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. | ||
| Professional Education | 60 | |
| Professional Semester 1 | ||
| DEAF 3130 | Orientation to Deaf Education: Communication, Culture, and Language | 3 |
| INTP 3010 | Introduction to ASL - English Interpretation | 3 |
| SPEC 2000 | Serving Students with Diverse Needs | 3 |
| ASLS 3190 | Fingerspelling, Numbers, & Classifiers | 3 |
| Professional Semester 2 | ||
| ASLS 3180 | American Sign Language IV | 3 |
| DEAF 3150 | Deaf Community, Culture, & History | 3 |
| ASLS 3210 | American Sign Language V | 3 |
| ASLS 3140 | Linguistics of American Sign Language | 3 |
| INTP 3150 | English - ASL Translation | 3 |
| Summer Semester (3 hours) | ||
| ASLS 3220 | American Sign Language VI | 3 |
| Professional Semester 3 | ||
| INTP 4010 | Consecutive English/American Sign Language Interpreting | 4 |
| INTP 4020 | Consecutive American Sign Language/English Interpreting | 4 |
| INTP 4030 | Consecutive Transliterating English to English Sign Systems | 3 |
| INTP 4040 | Practicum for Educational Interpreters | 4 |
| Professional Semester 4 | ||
| INTP 4050 | Simultaneous English/American Sign Language Interpreting I | 3 |
| INTP 4060 | Simultaneous American Sign Language Interpreting/English | 3 |
| INTP 4070 | Simultaneous Transliterating English to English Sign Systems | 3 |
| INTP 4080 | Educational Interpreting Internship | 6 |
| Total hours required for the degree | 120 | |
