American Sign Language/English Interpreting

Director Associate Professor Cynthia B. Roy, English

Academic Advising: Cavanaugh Hall 503U, (317)274-8930

Increasing numbers of Deaf people seek the communicative access that interpreters provide, and this access is mandated by legislators, yet there is a shortage of qualified interpreters nationally and locally. IUPUI’s American Sign Language (ASL)/English Interpreting Program is one of very few baccalaureate degree programs available in the country. It prepares students to become capable and flexible participants in the rewarding profession of interpreting.

The ASL/English Interpreting Program introduces students to the theory and practice of interpreting. It provides a strong foundation in language, culture, interpreting, and linguistics. Students develop their abilities in ASL and English, analyze features of ASL and English, discuss ethical issues, and perform guided practice with both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. The combination of this background with a broad liberal arts education prepares students to enter the profession of interpreting, which serves diverse populations and encompasses a wide range of subjects and settings.

Major in ASL/English Interpreting

The major consists of 24 credit hours at IUPUI (see below) and 9 credits from Vincennes University (HDI 206 American Sign Language Grammar, HDI 207 American Deaf Culture, HDI 220 Linguistic Structure of American Sign Language). Required courses at IUPUI are ASL I301, I303, I361, I363, I365, I405, L340, and L342. Enrollment in interpreting classes is limited to students who have been admitted to the program or have received permission from the director.

Certificate Program In American Sign Language/English Interpreting

ASL I301 Introduction to Interpreting Theory and History (3 cr.)

ASL L340 Contrastive Analysis in ASL and English (3 cr.)

ASL I361 ASL/English Interpreting I (3 cr.)

ASL I363 ASL/English Interpreting II (3 cr.)

ASL I365 ASL/English Interpreting III (3 cr.)

ASL I303 Interpreter Ethics and Responsibilities (3 cr.)

ASL L342 Discourse Analysis and Sociolinguistics for Interpreters (3 cr.)

ASL I405 Practicum (3cr.)

Undergraduate Courses

I303 Interpreter Ethics and Responsibilities (3 cr.) Focuses on ethical decision-making practices in the interpreting profession. Codes of ethical conduct from other professions will be analyzed and compared to codes within the interpreting profession. Role playing will be used to allow students to learn about their own ethics and morals with regard to interpreting.

I361 ASL/English Interpreting I (3 cr.) Covers both the principles and skill development of ASL-to-English interpreting. Special emphasis is placed on interpreting ASL texts into equivalent English texts. The course will focus on the development of proficiency in consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting.

I363 ASL/English Interpreting II (3 cr.) Focuses on English-to-ASL interpreting. Emphasis is placed on interpreting English texts into equivalent ASL texts. This course will continue the development of proficiency in consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting.

I365 ASL/English Interpreting III (3 cr.) Focuses on English-to-ASL interpreting and ASL-to- English interpreting. It will continue the development of proficiency in simultaneous interpreting.

I405 Practicum (3 cr.) An extensive practicum experience. Students will be placed at two or more sites to experience several interpreting settings during the 15-week course. Students will be required to maintain a journal of their experiences and to meet with onsite practicum supervisors and program faculty regularly throughout the semester.

L340 Contrastive Analysis in ASL and English (3 cr.) Involves the contrastive study of the major linguistic features of ASL and English. This study includes an exploration of the similarities and differences in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. It will also contrast some major features of American deaf culture with other world cultures by exploring values, beliefs, and norms.

L342 Discourse Analysis and Sociolinguistics for Interpreters (3 cr.) In this course, students will become acquainted with the analysis of signed and spoken language discourse and sociolinguistic theory with an emphasis on applications to signed languages and interpretation. Topics covered include conversation structure, pragmatics, discourse models, diglossia, language contact, language attitudes, language policy, bilingualism, and pidgins and creoles.