American Sign Language Mission Statements and Learning Objectives

Program Mission Statement: ASL/English Interpreting Concentration

The Bachelor of Arts degree in ASL/English Interpreting program provides students with a theoretical and practical foundation in the knowledge, skills, values and ethical judgment necessary for the successful transfer of meaning, cultural mediation and professional conduct required of working interpreters. Students are involved in coursework, research, service learning (community engagement) and practicum experiences within the context of a public liberal arts education that seeks to strengthen and deepen the knowledge base and critical thinking skills that all successful interpreters must possess. Upon completion of the program, students are well-positioned to pass state-level interpreter screenings within one year of graduation.

Program Learning Objectives

Graduating students should be able to:

  1. Communicate in their working languages (American Sign Language and English) at level of proficiency equivalent to the Advanced High Level of speaking and listening as established by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language.
  2. Interpret in settings appropriate to entry-level interpreters.
  3. Integrate their knowledge of the history, culture, values and diversity of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind communities into their interpreting practice.
  4. Integrate their knowledge of interpersonal and intercultural communication dynamics into their interpreting practice.
  5. Participate in undergraduate-level research in interpreting or linguistics.

 

Program Mission Statement:  Deaf Studies Concentration

The goal of the Deaf Studies concentration is to provide students with a foundation in American Sign Language and associated courses that cover the history, culture, and literature of the Deaf Community in the U.S., based on a social justice framework. Students graduating from this program qualify for entry-level work in Deaf services agencies, residential programs, and educational and human service settings requiring fluency in ASL. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue graduate studies in Deaf education, rehabilitation counseling, linguistics, social work, or other disciplines. The knowledge and skills acquired in this program may also be applied to other professional domains where Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind individuals are served.

Program Learning Objectives

Graduating students should be able to:

  1. Communicate in American Sign Language at a level of proficiency equivalent to the Advanced Low Level of speaking and listening as established by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages.
  2. Integrate their knowledge of the history, culture, values and diversity of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind communities into their interactions with D/HH/DB individuals.
  3. Design an advocacy project that integrates their understanding of the impact of power, privilege and oppression on the Deaf experience.