American Sign Language (A.S.)

Growth in the interpreting field continues at an undaunted pace with endless career possibilities. If you picture yourself working in a career that uses American Sign Language, then this degree program will be of interest to you. The A.S. degree in American Sign Language is designed to provide students with a broad educational experience, which includes the balance and diversity of general education and the knowledge and skills of American Sign Language and the Deaf community.

While this program is designed for those students seeking successful transfer to a 4-year ASL-English Interpreting institution, it also lends itself to students seeking to supplement another degree at Onondaga so they may integrate with their foundation of American Sign Language and the Deaf community to their primary academic area of study. If you are already employed in the interpreting field, this degree will sharpen your skills and advance your career.

Graduation Requirements

1. All requirements outlined for the A.S. degree in this catalog.
2. A grade of C+ or better in all ASL courses.
3. Consistent demonstration of
   1. Language proficiency at each level (assessment).
   2. Academic and professional integrity.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate intermediate-high level receptive and expressive proficiency in American Sign Language, including knowledge of advanced linguistic structures and vocabulary.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the norms, values and beliefs of Deaf culture as it relates to the historical, cultural, linguistic, political, and social issues past and present in the Deaf community and culture.
3. Demonstrate knowledge about the profession of interpreting including the history of the field, terminology used, professional associations, interpreting settings, interpreter role and function, pertinent legislation, and injuries related to the interpreting process.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of various interpreting theoretical models and the interpreting process.
5. Develop sub-skills of consecutive and simultaneous interpretations.
6. Explore selected works of American Sign Language literature and film, analyzing and critiquing them in terms of the historical, social, cultural, and artistic journeys of the American Deaf community.