Sign Language Studies
Degree: A.S. - Sign Language Studies
Certificates:
- Sign Language Studies - Human Services
- Sign Language Studies - Interpreting
- Sign Language Studies - Business
American River College is one of only 12 colleges in California
and 75 in the nation that offer programs in American Sign Language, the
primary language of deaf people.
While learning a second language you will also study the deaf community
and culture of Deaf people.
The purpose of the ARC program is to train you to interact effectively
with deaf people using their language.
Career Opportunities
Because of complex and diverse needs of deaf and hard of hearing people,
opportunities for employment are varied.
Most of our interpreting students begin their careers in the educational setting. Then, as they acquire more experience and training, they move on to more complex assignments such as interpreting for community agencies and other organizations.
Other sign language studies majors transfer to universities where they concentrate on professional careers such as teaching, counseling, social work, etc. Other majors may opt for employment as teacher aide, independent living attendant or dormitory houseparent/counselor.
There is a need for skilled sign language interpreters/facilitators in social service agencies and some of our students have been able to develop career-track positions that provide services to the deaf community.
The ARC Program
(Information for 1999-2000 Academic Year)
Sign language studies begins with a two-year study of a second language, American Sign Language, to prepare you to communicate and to work with deaf people at a paraprofessional level. The degree or certificate provides sequential course work to students who wish to be trained for positons such as a teacher’s aide, counseling aide, or management aide.
Courses offered include four semesters of American Sign Language, as well as studies in interactons with deaf people, professional aspects of interpreting, consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting, transliteration and work experience.
Upon completion of the sign language courses, you may enroll in the Interpreting Degree or Certificate Program. After an additional four semesters of specified study, a successful student is awarded the Interpreting Degree or Certificate.
Requirements for Degree Major: 36 units
Core requirements: 21 units (degree and certificate)
Sign Language Studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 48A (3 units)
Concentration Requirements: 15 units
Business or Human Services Option only (see below)
Recommended Electives
Biology 16; English 1A, 1B; Health Education 1, 10; Humanities 1 or
2; Mathematics 1; Philosophy 5; Sign Language Studies 46A-Q.
General Education Graduation Requirement
Students must also complete the general education graduation requirements
for an A.A. degree. See general education requirements.
Sign Language Studies/Business
Certificate
Requirements for Certificate: 36 units
Core Requirements (see above) 21 units
Human Services 14
3
Psychology 1 or 20
3
Management 1 or 50
3
Management 51
3
Management 60 or 80
3
Sign Language Studies/Human Services
Certificate
Requirements for Certficiate: 36 units
Core Requirements (see above) 21 units
Human Services 14
3
Psychology 1 or 20
3
Psychology 18
3
and 6 units from the following:
English 10, Psychology 15, Human Services/Psy. 19, ECE/Psy. 34
Interpreter Training Program
Requirements for Degree Major: 67 units
Core requirements: 21 units
Sign Language Studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 48A (3 units)
Concentration Requirements: 37 units
Sign Language Studies 7, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
46A-Q (3 units), 48B (3 units)
Additional Required Course
Anthropology 2, English 1A and Philosophy 5.
Interpreting Certificate
Requirements for Certificate: 61 units
Core requirements for Sign Language Studies (21 units - see above)
and
Sign Language Studies 7, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
46A-Q (3 units), 48B (3 units), Philosophy 5.
Note: The Interpreting Certificate cannot be completed in one year.
General Education Graduation Requirement
Students must also complete the general education graduation requirements
for an A.A. degree. See general education requirements.