Sign Language Interpretation
The Department of Sign Language Interpretation prepares people to facilitate communication between hearing and deaf people in a wide variety of community-based settings. Sign Language interpreting requires rapid mental processing and above-average intellect; maturity, emotional stability and the ability to deal with stress; appropriate cross-cultural, social and linguistic skills; and the ability to interpret comfortably in front of large audiences as well as in highly-sensitive, personal settings. Entrance into the program, therefore, requires a person to be mentally, physically, emotionally, linguistically and culturally able to carry out the tasks required as a Sign Language interpreter.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings, frequently asked questions and other resources, please visit the departmental website.
Career/Further Educational Opportunities
Sign Language interpreting is a rapidly expanding field, due to the need of deaf individuals to access education, career development, medical/mental health services and community programs. Graduates may be employed in elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education or by provincial, federal or community agencies. Graduates may opt to work as self-employed, independent contractors, providing services in an even more diverse array of settings.
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
The Program of Sign Language Interpretation begins in September of each year. Enrolment is limited and students are advised to apply for admission one year in advance. The deadline for application is March 1. Applicants who are successful in the English and ASL threshold exams will be invited to a mandatory selection weekend which takes place the last weekend in April. Admission may be available to international students who meet admission requirements. Please contact the program coordinator for further information.
EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all
applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible.
Other Information
- The final semester is graded on a mastery/non-mastery basis. Grades are determined following evaluation of a graduation portfolio.
- Students may be required to participate in a three-day off-campus working retreat early in the second semester and an eight-day Deaf community experience prior to the third semester.
- Students are required to conform to personal appearance standards on field-work and practicum placements.
Please refer to the section on the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies regarding an English Competency exit requirement.
Admission Requirements
Prior to acceptance into the Program of Sign Language Interpretation, students are required to have advanced American Sign Language skills, an understanding of Deaf community, Deaf culture, hearing cultures and the field of Sign Language interpreting equivalent to those taught in the Vancouver Community College ASL and Deaf Studies Program. These competencies can be acquired in a variety of settings and equivalence must be demonstrated on department threshold exams.
Admission to the Program of Sign Language Interpretation is contingent upon availability of seats, meeting all admission criteria and applicant ranking as determined by a process of selective admission evaluation. The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the admission criteria established for the program. Following this review applicants are ranked according to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria and their demonstration of communication skills, motivation to enter the program and knowledge of the demands of the profession. NOTE: Applicants are advised to meet all admission criteria as early as possible to demonstrate preparedness and motivation for obtaining a seat in the program.
In addition to Douglas College General Admission Requirements and the CFCS requirements, applicants must:
1) demonstrate proficiency in American Sign Language communication as determined by an ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). For details, contact the program coordinator at 604-527-5131.
2) demonstrate an understanding of the Deaf community, Deaf culture, hearing culture and the field of Sign Language interpreting, as demonstrated by successful completion of the ASL and Deaf Studies Program at Vancouver Community College or equivalent. Applicants who have not attended a recognized Deaf Studies program may be required to take a department threshold exam.
Program Duration
The full-time program commences in September and continues for a total of four semesters. Students are expected to take one summer course between first and second year. A limited number of part-time seats may be available. Fall and Winter Semesters are 15 weeks long and most classes are offered between 8am and 5pm. In addition to class work and time spent on homework assignments, four to eight hours per week of outside community participation is required of all students. Some required course modules are taught in immersion format off-campus at additional student expense.
Credential
Upon completion of program requirements, the students will receive a Diploma in Sign Language Interpretation.
Program Content
Semester I
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CFCS 1110 | Introduction to Community | 3 |
| CFCS 1130 | Change and Development: Lifespan | 3 |
| INTR 1142 | Foundations of Practice | 1.5 |
| INTR 1145 | Discourse Analysis and Translation | 3 |
| INTR 1175 | Pre-Interpreting ASL I | 3.5 |
| INTR 1120 | Self and Professional Practice (biennial) | 1.5 |
| 15.5 |
Semester II
| INTR 1225 | Professional and Cultural Mediation | 3 |
| INTR 1241 | Sign Language Interpretation - Practicum I | 4.5 |
| INTR 1242 | Introduction to Practice | 1.5 |
| INTR 1275 | Pre-Interpreting ASL II | 3.5 |
| INTR 1285 | Deafhood:Global Diversity in Deaf Culture | 3 |
| 15.5 |
Summer before Semester III
| INTR 1290 | Community-based Language and Culture in Action | 1.5 |
| 1.5 |
Semester III
| INTR 2300 | Language and Culture in Action: Interpretation I | 6 |
| INTR 2310 | Professional and Business Practices | 3 |
| INTR 2375 | Pre-Interpreting ASL III | 4.5 |
| INTR 2320 | Interpreting in Educational Settings | 2 |
| 15.5 |
Semester IV
| INTR 2400 | Language and Culture in Action: Interpretation II | 1.5 |
| INTR 2420 | Sign Language Interpretation - Practicum II | 4.5 |
| INTR 2440 | Sign Language Interpretation - Practicum III | 4.5 |
| INTR 2475 | Pre-Interpreting ASL IV | 1.5 |
| 12 | ||
| 60 |
Grading of fourth semester is based on an exiting portfolio in which students demonstrate mastery of critical skills and knowledge.
60-Credit Diploma
*See Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies section for the English Language Entrance and Exit Policy.