2009 CCBC College Catalog

Interpreter Preparation

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Statewide Program

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree program is ideal for students who want to become ASL Interpreters and do not already have a degree. This program includes general education course requirements (see details below).

General Education Requirements:
Credits
____SPCM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
3
____ENGL 101 College Composition I
3

____INTR 121*

Deaf Issues Past and Present

3

 
General Education Electives:
(Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education courses.)
____Social and Behavioral Sciences
3
____Biological and Physical Sciences
3-4
____Mathematics
3-4
____Wellness and Health or
____Information Technology
3
Total General Education:
21-23
 
 

Program Requirements

 

____ENGL 106*

Grammar and Usage

3

____INTR 106

Fingerspelling and Number Use in ASL

2

____INTR 111

Nonverbal Communication

2

____INTR 116*

Introduction to Interpreting for the Deaf

3

____INTR 204

American Sign Language IV

3

____INTR 206

ASL V

3

____INTR 211

Linguistics of ASL

3

____INTR 216

Pre-Interpreting Skills

3

____INTR 221

English-to-Sign Transliterating

3

____INTR 222

English-to-Sign Interpreting

3

____INTR 226

Sign-to-English Transliterating

3

____INTR 227

Sign-to-English Interpreting

3

____INTR 231

Survey of Specialized Interpreting Settings

3

____INTR 241

Practicum

4

*These courses include ENGL prerequisites. Placement testing or transcript evaluation may be required for new CCBC students. Please contact Academic Advising for more information.

Total Credits Required for Degree:

62-64

   

Program Description:

The Interpreter Preparation program is designed to provide students with entry-level skills in sign language interpreting. Students will develop skills in expressive and receptive use of American Sign Language and specific technical skills required to interpret and transliterate. In addition, students will study topics relevant to Deaf people and the field of interpreting. Students will experience a wide variety of learning activities to enhance practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge. These include on-site observations and interviews, attendance at Deaf-related community activities, guest lectures, video and audio lab assignments, and classroom lectures.

CCBC offers two INTR program options -- the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and the Certificate. The A.A.S. program is ideal for students who want to become ASL Interpreters and do not already have a degree; this program includes general education course requirements. The Certificate program is ideal for students who want to become ASL Interpreters but already have a degree. While the Certificate program does not include general education course requirements, some INTR courses do have general education prerequisites. Transcript evaluation may be necessary to determine if prerequisites have been fulfilled.

CCBC does not accept transfer credits for any sign language courses taken elsewhere. However, we do offer placement screenings to new students who have some fluency in American Sign Language and who wish to test out of ASL I. All students who wish to be screened are to contact the Interpreter Preparation office at 410-455-4274 at least one month before the beginning of the semester to make an appointment.

It is important to note that because both Interpreter Preparation programs are primarily evening and part-time, they usually take between three to fours years to complete. Remember - before you can learn to interpret, you must first become fluent in the language. This takes time and practice. It is also highly recommended that students spend at least one year socializing and interacting in the Deaf Community to gain the level of fluency needed to become a professional interpreter.

Students may begin either INTR Program in any semester: Fall, Spring, or Summer.

The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a program requirement. The ASLPI is a nationally recognized tool to measure language aptitude. Students are required to take the ASLPI and score at least 2.0 as a prerequisite to INTR 211, Linguistics of ASL, and score a minimum level of 2.5 before INTR 241, Practicum.

Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Assess whether their skills match those needed on a particular interpreting assignment;
  2. Interpret consecutively and simultaneously in a low-key, one-on-one setting;
  3. Use internal and external cues to maintain accuracy and determine whether interpreting assignment goals are being met;
  4. Incorporate feedback from a mentor, team interpreter, and/or deaf consumer;
  5. Adjust language style to match that of consumer’s;
  6. Function appropriately in an interpreting situation following the interpreter’s Code of Professional Conduct.

Career Highlights

  • Interpreters may consider self-employment or private practice positions in the corporate and non-profit sectors, or work placement through an interpreter referral agency.
  • Employment opportunities span across the educational, medical, mental health, religious, performing arts, legal and platform settings.
  • Currently, qualified interpreters are in demand in all fields.

Program Highlights

  • Named Maryland’s Outstanding Career Program of the Year at the Post-Secondary level in 1997 by the Maryland State Department of Education.
  • Recipient of the 1998 Maryland Association for Higher Education Distinguished Program Award in the Instructional category.
  • Advocates for the recognition of American Sign Language as a legitimate language.
  • Affiliated with nearby Gallaudet University through federally funded grant support for interpreter training

 

Program Coordinator:

CCBC Catonsville Sandra Brown
410-455-4474 or sbrown@ccbcmd.edu