pcc.edu/programs/sign-language/
Career and Program Description
Professional sign language interpreters work in a variety of settings such as education, social service, religion, government, business, performing arts, mental health, medical, legal, video relay and law enforcement. Interpreters may specialize in one area or may work in private practice in a variety of settings. Currently, the demand for services exceeds the supply of qualified interpreters nationwide.
The ASL/English Interpreting Program is a two-year, intensive program that prepares graduates for entry-level ASL-English interpreting work, with a strong foundation in Deaf culture, interpreting skills, and ethical practices. Many of the graduates of this program are hired into entry level positions in educational and video relay settings. The program believes in teaching language through immersion and interpreting competencies through application. The primary language of instruction is American Sign Language.
A transfer agreement between PCC and Portland State University allows students to apply credits earned in ASL/English Interpretation AAS degree or Deaf Cultural Studies Certificate toward a bachelor degree in any major at Portland State University. For more information, contact Portland State University.
Degree and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
ASL/English Interpreting
One-Year Certificate
Deaf Cultural Studies
Academic Prerequisites
- This is a limited entry program. Students must submit an application.
- Complete WR 121Z with a letter grade of "C" or better prior to entering the program.
- Complete ASL 240 with a letter grade of "C" or better prior to entering the program. Students taking any prerequisites classes during the summer prior to enrollment may be tentatively accepted based on their progress in the course at midterm, with final acceptance pending successful completion of the course.
- ASL 240 is a lecture course listed under American Sign Language in the college schedule and serves as a prerequisite course.
- Complete ASL 101, ASL 102, ASL 103, and ASL 201, ASL 202, ASL 203 or ASL 150, ASL 151, ASL 250, ASL 251 with a letter grade of "C" or better prior to entering the program.
- Demonstrate American Sign Language and other basic skill and knowledge competencies through the department-administered assessment given in the spring.
Applications are due the last Friday in March. Applicants will be given a language assessment in the spring. Student must pass the language assessment and complete all prerequisites prior to entering the program. Minimum entrance requirements are intermediate level for ASL and superior level for English. Candidates with higher language competencies will be awarded seats before those with lower language competencies.
Academic Requirements
- The AAS is a full-time six term program for students interested in sign language interpretation as a career. A maximum of 25 students will be accepted annually starting in the fall term. There are six practicum courses which place students in contact with Deaf people, employers and professional interpreters. Students must pass a benchmark assessment before being placed in an internship. Graduation is dependent upon entrance into and successful completion of an internship under the direction of a professional interpreter who acts as a mentor.
- Students must receive passing grades as determined by program policy to maintain student status in the program. Students are required to take either ITP 283 or ITP 284 for graduation for the Associate of Applied Science Degree.
- Note: All ITP courses are open to professionals working in fields serving Deaf people. This is subject to course availability, class size, and program permission based on prerequisite skill and knowledge. Please contact the department chair to discuss the suitability and appropriate placement.
- Because interpreters work in a variety of settings, students are encouraged to broaden their general knowledge in a variety of areas. For those planning to work in K-12 or post-secondary education, background in English, writing and literature, history, science, social studies, math, and basic computer use is essential. ASL/English Interpreting students may find the following electives helpful: COMM 111Z and TA 144.
- Students in the ASL/English Interpreting Program, who find that interpreting is not an appropriate goal for them, may transfer to the Deaf Studies program. Coursework for the Deaf Cultural Studies certificate closely parallels that of the ASL/English Interpreting, with the omission of some of the hands on interpreting courses. The Deaf Cultural Studies certificate does not qualify students to work as interpreters, but may be helpful to those who work with Deaf people in fields such as education, advocacy, or working in an agency that serves Deaf people. Deaf Cultural Studies is a certificate program and does not lead to an associate degree.
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- None
Non-Academic Requirements
- Criminal history background checks will be mandatory. Satisfactory background checks are needed to qualify for field placements within the ASL/English Interpreting Program. The cost for the criminal history background check is the responsibility of the student.
ASL/English Interpreting Program
Minimum 94 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of sixteen credits of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. Math/computation competency is met through the courses in the program of study indicated with a § symbol. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Course of Study
The coursework listed below is required. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ITP 111 | Advanced ASL | 4 |
| ITP 122 | Discourse Analysis | 2 |
| ITP 179 | Field Experience I: Applied ASL | 2 |
| ITP 264 | Introduction to the Profession | 2 |
| ITP 270 | Foundations of Interpreting I | 4 |
| Second Term | ||
| ITP 123 | Intercultural Communication for Interpreters | 4 |
| ITP 181 | Field Experience II: Applied ASL | 1 |
| ITP 228 | Decision-Making Models | 2 |
| ITP 230 | ASL Linguistics I | 3 |
| ITP 271 | Foundations of Interpreting II | 4 |
| Third Term | ||
| ITP 112 | ASL Development for Interpreters I | 3 |
| ITP 231 | ASL Linguistics II | 3 |
| ITP 265 | Introduction to Ethical Practices in Interpreting | 3 |
| ITP 272 | Foundations of Interpreting III | 4 |
| ITP 279 | Practicum I § | 2 |
| Fourth Term | ||
| ITP 113 | ASL Development for Interpreters II | 3 |
| ITP 220 | Consumer-Driven Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 266 | Ethical Practices in Specialized Settings | 2 |
| ITP 273 | Interpreting in Specialized Settings I § | 4 |
| ITP 281 | Practicum II | 2 |
| General Education: 1 Course | ||
| Fifth Term | ||
| ITP 211 | ASL Development for Interpreters III | 2 |
| ITP 221 | English Development for Interpreters I § | 2 |
| ITP 267 | Ethical Practices in K-12 Settings | 2 |
| ITP 274 | Interpreting in K-12 Settings | 4 |
| ITP 283 | Internship I § | 3 |
| General Education: 1 Course | ||
| Sixth Term | ||
| ITP 213 | ASL Literature for Interpreters | 2 |
| ITP 251 | Interpreting in Specialized Settings II § | 4 |
| ITP 268 | Ethical Business Practices for Interpreters § | 2 |
| ITP 278 | English Development for Interpreters II § | 2 |
| ASL/English Interpreting Electives | 3 | |
| General Education: 2 Courses | ||
| Total Credits | 94 | |
- §
Course cannot be substituted for another course.
ASL/English Interpreting Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ITP 284 | Internship II | 3 |
| ITP 286 | Practicum III | 3 |
Deaf Cultural Studies One-Year Certificate
Minimum 46 credits. Students must meet certificate requirements.
Course of Study
The coursework listed below is required. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ASL 160 | Visual/Gestural Communication | 2 |
| ITP 111 | Advanced ASL § | 4 |
| ITP 122 | Discourse Analysis § | 2 |
| ITP 179 | Field Experience I: Applied ASL | 2 |
| Deaf Studies Electives | 6 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ASL 230 | Black Deaf Culture | 4 |
| ITP 123 | Intercultural Communication for Interpreters § | 4 |
| ITP 181 | Field Experience II: Applied ASL § | 1 |
| ITP 230 | ASL Linguistics I § | 3 |
| Deaf Studies Electives | 2 | |
| Third Term | ||
| ASL 220 | Black American Sign Language | 3 |
| ITP 231 | ASL Linguistics II § | 3 |
| ITP 265 | Introduction to Ethical Practices in Interpreting § | 3 |
| Deaf Studies Electives | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
- §
Course contains Related Instruction and cannot be substituted with another course.
Deaf Studies Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 104 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| ASL 210 | American Sign Language Literature | 4 |
| ASL 240 | Introduction to the Deaf Community | 4 |
| ASL 260 | Introduction to ASL/English Interpreting | 3 |
| ATH 103 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 4 |
| ATH 104 | Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology | 4 |
| ATH 160 | Comparative Cultures | 4 |
| ATH 209 | Culture, Change, and the Individual | 4 |
| ATH 230 | Indigenous Cultures and Communities of Oregon | 4 |
| ATH 231 | Indigenous Cultures and Communities of the Pacific Northwest | 4 |
| ATH 232 | Indigenous Cultures and Communities of U.S. and Canada | 4 |
| BA 208 | Introduction to Nonprofits & Philanthropy | 4 |
| BA 277 | Professional Ethics in Business | 4 |
| CG 191 | Exploring Identity and Diversity for College Success | 4 |
| CHLA 202 | Intro to Chicanx/Latinx Studies: Contemporary Issues | 4 |
| CHLA 203 | Intro to Chicanx/Latinx Studies: Making Culture | 4 |
| CHN 260 | Chinese Culture | 3 |
| CJA 101 | Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice Professions | 3 |
| COMM 140 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication (COMM214=COMM218=COMM218Z) Z | 4 |
| COMM 227 | Nonverbal Communication | 4 |
| COMM 237 | Gender and Communication | 4 |
| EC 216 | Labor Markets: Economics of Gender, Race, and Work | 4 |
| ECE 120 | Introduction to Early Education and Family Studies | 3 |
| ECE 124 | Multicultural Practices: Exploring Our Views | 3 |
| ECE 224 | Multicultural Practice: Curriculum & Implementation | 3 |
| ECE 234 | Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 236 | Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ED 291 | Bilingual and ESL Strategies | 3 |
| ES 101 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 4 |
| ES 214 | Race and Racism | 4 |
| ES 250 | Introduction to Black (Africana) Studies | 4 |
| ES 260 | Decolonizing Education | 4 |
| ES 261 | Applied Ethnic Studies I | 4 |
| ES 262 | Applied Ethnic Studies II | 4 |
| HEC 226 | Child Development | 4 |
| HUM 221 | Leadership Development | 4 |
| HUS 101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS 104 | Introduction to Trauma Informed Care | 1 |
| HUS 121 | Family and Human Systems | 3 |
| ITP 213 | ASL Literature for Interpreters | 2 |
| MTH 105 | Math in Society (MTH105=MTH105Z) Z | 4 |
| NAS 201 | Introduction to Native American Studies | 4 |
| PHL 202 | Ethics | 4 |
| PHL 207 | Ethics and Aging | 4 |
| PHL 209 | Business Ethics | 4 |
| PL 250 | Cultural Responsiveness in the Legal Field | 2 |
| PS 211 | Peace and Conflict | 4 |
| PSY 101 | Psychology and Human Relations | 4 |
| PSY 215 | Human Development | 4 |
| PSY 216 | Social Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 236 | Psychology of Adult Development and Aging | 4 |
| PSY 240 | Personal Awareness and Growth | 4 |
| SJ 210 | Social Justice: Theory & Practice | 4 |
| SOC 205 | Social Change | 4 |
| SOC 206 | Social Problems | 4 |
| SOC 211 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 4 |
| SOC 213 | Diversity in the United States | 4 |
| SOC 214A | Illumination Project I: Interactive Social Justice Theater | 4 |
| SOC 214B | Illumination Project II: Interactive Social Justice Theater | 4 |
| SOC 215 | Social Movements | 4 |
| SOC 218 | Sociology of Gender | 4 |
| SPA 260A | Hispanic Culture | 3 |
| WS 101 | Women's Studies | 4 |
| WS 201 | Intercultural Women's Studies | 4 |
| WS 202 | Women, Activism and Social Change | 4 |
| WS 210 | Introduction to Queer Studies | 4 |
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
COMM 214, COMM 218, and COMM 218Z
MTH 105 and MTH 105Z
ITP 111. Advanced ASL. 4 Credits.
Teaches advanced ASL and culturally appropriate communication in Deaf communities. Covers advanced grammatical features, non-manual markers, language skill development, register, and discourse features in ASL. Prerequisite: Admission to the ASL/English Interpretation Program or Deaf Studies Program and department permission.
ITP 112. ASL Development for Interpreters I. 3 Credits.
Focuses on advanced ASL syntax, simultaneous interpreting, and analysis of message equivalency in ASL. Explores specialized vocabulary in ASL related to sciences and mathematics. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 113. ASL Development for Interpreters II. 3 Credits.
Focuses on advanced ASL syntax, vocabulary, and message equivalency in simultaneous interpretations from English to ASL. Explore a range of specialized topics in ASL interpreting related to science, technology, engineering, and arts. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 122. Discourse Analysis. 2 Credits.
Analyzes and compares ASL and English discourse. Reviews relevant research and introduces the research process. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 123. Intercultural Communication for Interpreters. 4 Credits.
Covers intercultural communication and interactions. Discusses ethics, conflicts, power, privilege, oppression, advocacy, social justice, and intercultural dynamics within and outside of Deaf communities. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 179. Field Experience I: Applied ASL. 2 Credits.
Provides practical experience working in the ASL community. Examines current community needs and explores how students can contribute to the community. Includes volunteering at Deaf organizations, observing professional interpreters, and engaging in professional development. Criminal background check required. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 181. Field Experience II: Applied ASL. 1 Credit.
Provides practical experience working in the ASL community by developing and implementing a program or event. Includes volunteering at Deaf organizations, observing professional interpreters, and engaging in professional development. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 211. ASL Development for Interpreters III. 2 Credits.
Focuses on advanced ASL depiction, simultaneous interpreting, and analysis of message equivalency in the context of healthcare interpreting. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 213. ASL Literature for Interpreters. 2 Credits.
Discusses ASL literature including ASL stories, poetry, and narratives. Includes a discussion of history, use of ASL literature for expression, current research studies, and translating English literature into ASL. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 220. Consumer-Driven Interpreting. 2 Credits.
Develops the skills necessary for transliterating between spoken English and English-based signing systems. Discusses consumer language preferences found within the Deaf communities. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 221. English Development for Interpreters I. 2 Credits.
Develops simultaneous interpretation skills from ASL to English. Introduces beginning-level public speaking techniques in spoken English and practices applying these skills to interpreting. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 228. Decision-Making Models. 2 Credits.
Introduces models of interpreting and decision making. Discusses the underlying process of interpreting and making ethical decisions in relation to interpreting. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 230. ASL Linguistics I. 3 Credits.
Introduces ASL phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, language use, and the sociolinguistic structure of the language. Explores current research relating to the field. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 231. ASL Linguistics II. 3 Credits.
Explores ASL syntax, semantics, variation, and historical change within the language. Discusses current research relating to the field. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 251. Interpreting in Specialized Settings II. 4 Credits.
Introduces interpreting in legal, medical, and mental health settings. Explores the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret in these specialized settings. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 264. Introduction to the Profession. 2 Credits.
Introduces the foundations of the ASL/English interpreting profession. Includes communication processes, cultural considerations, the role and function of the interpreter, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, ethical principles, the history of the profession, and the philosophies and practices of interpretation. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 265. Introduction to Ethical Practices in Interpreting. 3 Credits.
Discusses personal and professional ethics within the lens of the field of interpreting. Introduces self-awareness and cultural intelligence as a foundation for ethical decision making. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 266. Ethical Practices in Specialized Settings. 2 Credits.
Covers best practices for specialized interpreting settings such as CDI/CHI teams, DeafBlind, VRS, VRI, religious, performing arts, medical, mental health and legal. Outlines qualifications necessary for working in each specific setting. Includes discussion of current research in the field. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 267. Ethical Practices in K-12 Settings. 2 Credits.
Covers best practices for interpreters in K-12 settings, including roles and responsibilities of interpreters and other members of the educational team, qualifications, characteristics of Deaf learners, theories of language acquisition, legislation, and technology. Includes discussion of current research in the field. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 268. Ethical Business Practices for Interpreters. 2 Credits.
Covers ethical business practices, marketing, networking and professional resources at national, state, and local levels. Provides practical experience developing tools necessary for working as an independent contractor in the interpreting field. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 270. Foundations of Interpreting I. 4 Credits.
Introduces the beginning-level skills necessary to achieve dynamic message equivalence in translation and consecutive interpreting between American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Includes an overview of theoretical models representing the interpreting process, logistics involved in interpreting work, and interpreting as a profession. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 271. Foundations of Interpreting II. 4 Credits.
Reviews translation and consecutive interpreting between ASL and English. Introduces beginning-level simultaneous interpreting and covers self-assessment and peer-review techniques within interpreting. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 272. Foundations of Interpreting III. 4 Credits.
Explores intermediate-level simultaneous interpretation from ASL to English and from English to ASL. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 273. Interpreting in Specialized Settings I. 4 Credits.
Introduces interpreting in specialized settings, such as post-secondary and religious settings, and Video Relay Service. Includes specialized terminology, policies, and procedures of each setting. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 274. Interpreting in K-12 Settings. 4 Credits.
Introduces interpreting in K-12 settings. Covers simultaneous interpreting and transliteration within the K-12 educational system. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 278. English Development for Interpreters II. 2 Credits.
Develops advanced simultaneous interpretation skills from ASL to English. Incorporates high register public speaking techniques into interpreting. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 279. Practicum I. 2 Credits.
Focuses on simultaneous interpreting in teams for live presenters in class. Applies knowledge of the interpreting process, message analysis, and ethical considerations while interpreting. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 281. Practicum II. 2 Credits.
Focuses on practicing simultaneous interpreting in teams in live settings where no consumer is present. Introduces practices such as invoicing, team agreements, and supervision. Applies knowledge of the interpreting process, message analysis, and ethical considerations while interpreting. Prerequisite: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 283. Internship I. 3 Credits.
Applies interpreting skills in college classrooms and community settings to gain practical experience as an interpreter under the supervision and guidance of professional interpreters. Qualifying score on the Benchmark Assessment required. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 284. Internship II. 3 Credits.
Applies interpreting skills in K-12 settings, Video Relay Services, and community settings to gain practical experience as an interpreter under the supervision and guidance of professional interpreters. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.
ITP 286. Practicum III. 3 Credits.
Focuses on practicing advanced simultaneous interpreting in teams in live settings where no consumer is present. Emphasizes the development of skills necessary to qualify for an internship placement. Prerequisites: Program admission and department permission.