An individual embarking on a study of American Sign Language will not only discover a language having its own grammar, syntax and structure, but also a Deaf Community possessing a rich history and culture. Although American Sign Language classes are a pre-requisite for those wishing to enter an interpreter training program, individuals achieving fluency in the language can pursue non-interpreting careers such as educators, paraprofessionals, counselors, etc.
The advent of video relay companies, coupled with the ongoing national shortage of Sign Language interpreters has created a demand for this profession. Interpreters have the additional benefit of choosing to work independently or as a staff interpreter in a variety of unique settings that can vary by day or hour if so desired- resulting in a fulfilling and stimulating career. Below are just a few examples of these settings.
Although interpreters may complete a certificate program, this does not make them a “Certified Interpreter." National certification can be achieved by successful evaluation through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
Career Opportunities
This listing includes career positions for Sign Language interpreters. Such settings include: video relay, medical, mental/behavioral health, education, performing arts, theme parks, cruise lines, news/media, legal/court, forensic, religious, and social/community.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate language proficiency by signing American Sign Language at an intermediate level.
- Translate visual/signed ASL at an intermediate level.
- Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the Deaf Community and Culture regarding social interactions, beliefs, values, arts, literature, language, entertainment, history and diversity.
American Sign Language Courses
An introductory course that teaches the student the appropriate application of fingerspelling and its production. The course will include strategies for improvement. Also included will be the articulation of loan signs and one to three-digit numbers. Emphasis on both receptive and expressive fluency.
Lecture Hours: 18.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
An introduction to American Sign Language as it is used with deaf community. Students will study the basic structure and development of the language as well as Deaf Culture. Emphasis is placed on both receptive and expressive skills. Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school American Sign Language.
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
A continuation in the study of American Sign Language as it is used within the Deaf Culture. Instruction is provided in the basic structure of the language. Emphasis is placed on both expressive and receptive skills.
Prerequisite(s): ASL 122, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Continuation of development of skill in American Sign Language with emphasis on an intermediate level of comprehension and expression. Students will progress in their study of the structure and grammar of American Sign Language as well as Deaf Culture. Emphasis is placed on both receptive and expressive skills.
Prerequisite(s): ASL 123, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
A continuation in the study of American Sign Language and the Deaf Community including its history and culture. Emphasis will be on receptive and expressive skills as they relate to narrating life events. Students will learn techniques such as role shifting, use of space and classifiers in addition to appropriate non-manual behaviors. This course will prepare the student for entrance into an interpreter training program.
Prerequisite(s): ASL 124 Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
This course introduces the field of American Sign Language interpreting and includes models of interpreting, ethical principles, and its history and development in modern times. Attention will be given to the development of necessary processing skills for consecutive interpretation. Grade Option.
Co-requisite(s): ASL 125, concurrently or prior
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course introduces students to the topics central to the American Deaf experience in the United States; Deaf community/culture and American Sign Language. This course will expose students to the history, contributions and contemporary lives of Deaf people in America. Students will also be introduced about the anatomy and the causes of deafness, early intervention and education for deaf children, communication strategies and the cultural group of deaf/hearing relationships.
Prerequisite(s): ASL 122, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Cooperative Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Cooperative Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Cooperative Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Cooperative Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281. The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Cooperative Education section in this catalog for more information.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only