Program Requirements
Program Description
The World Language Department offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in American Sign Language, with concentrations in American Sign Language/English Interpreting and in Deaf Studies.
The American Sign Language program provides students with a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and associated courses that cover the history, culture, and literature of the Deaf Community in the U.S. within a social justice framework. Students choose to concentrate in American Sign Language/English Interpreting or in Deaf Studies. Students with prior knowledge of, or instruction in, ASL must be assessed to determine their level of entry into the ASL course sequence. To request an assessment, contact the ASL program coordinator. Students with no prior ASL instruction or exposure will begin the program at ASGN 101 Elementary American Sign Language I.
Major Core Requirements (U_AS)
Core Language Courses (5):
Program Description
This minor allows students to develop conversational fluency in American Sign Language and to gain a basic understanding of the culture and history of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind communities in the United States.
Five (5) requires courses:
Four (4) American Sign Language (ASGN) language-learning courses from the list below, taken consecutively, beginning at the level determined by the placement interview:
- ASGN 101 Elementary American Sign Language I
- ASGN 102 Elementary American Sign Language II
- ASGN 201 Intermediate American Sign Language I
- ASGN 202 Intermediate American Sign Language II
- ASGN 301 Advanced American Sign Language I
- ASGN 302 Advanced American Sign Language II
- ASGN 401 Advanced American Sign Language III
- ASGN 402 Advanced American Sign Language IV
Recommended additional course:
The ASL/English Interpreting concentration provides students with a theoretical and practical foundation in the knowledge, values, skills, and ethical judgment necessary for the successful transfer of meaning, cultural mediation, and professional conduct required of working interpreters. The goal of the program is to graduate students who are prepared to take and pass state or national-level credentialing exams within one year of graduation. Students are involved in coursework, research, community engagement, and practicum experiences within the context of a public liberal arts education that seeks to strengthen and deepen the knowledge base and critical thinking skills that all successful interpreters must possess.
- ASGN 242 Communication Dynamics in Interpreted Encounters (0.5 course-credit)
- ASGN 321 American Sign Language/English Interpreting I
- ASGN 322 American Sign Language/ English Interpreting II
- ASGN 330 Reading and Analysis of Research in Interpreting (0.5 course-credit)
- ASGN 333 Ethical Decision-Making in the Interpreting Profession (0.5 course-credit)
- ASGN 340 Undergraduate Research in Interpreting (0.5 course-credit)
- ASGN 413 American Sign Language/English Interpreting III
- ASGN 414 American Sign Language/English Interpreting IV
- ASGN 451 Interpreting Practicum and Seminar I
- ASGN 452 Interpreting Practicum and Seminar II
Deaf Studies Courses (4):
- DFST 101 Introduction to Deaf Studies
- DFST 201 Introduction to the Interpreting Profession
- DFST 222 Introduction to American Sign Language Literature
- DFST 236 Social Justice and the Deaf Community
Related Required Courses (2):
Concentration in ASL/English Interpreting - Learning Outcomes
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Communicate in their working languages (American Sign Language and English) at level of proficiency equivalent to the Advanced High Level of speaking and listening as established by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language.
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Interpret in settings appropriate to entry-level interpreters.
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Integrate their knowledge of the history, culture, values and diversity of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind communities into their interpreting practice.
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Integrate their knowledge of interpersonal and intercultural communication dynamics into their interpreting practice.
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Participate in undergraduate-level research in interpreting or linguistics.
Concentration in Deaf Studies - Learning Outcomes
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Communicate in American Sign Language at a level of proficiency equivalent to the Advanced Low Level of speaking and listening as established by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages.
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Integrate their knowledge of the history, culture, values and diversity of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind communities into their interactions with D/HH/DB individuals.
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Design an advocacy project that integrates their understanding of the impact of power, privilege and oppression on the Deaf experience.
Career Opportunities
Sign Language Interpreter
Interprets lectures, discussions, conversations, meetings, and events across different fields.
Classroom Aid
Assist teachers in a Deaf/Hard of Hearing classroom or in resource settings using ASL.
Speech Pathologist
Work with children and adults to help them overcome communication and swallowing problems.
Audiologist
Work directly with patients to diagnose, assess, and treat hearing problems and balance disorders.
Social Worker
Specialized social workers deliver support to individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing
Social and Community Service Managers
Coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
Meet Our Faculty
Bruce Bucci
American Sign Language at Framingham State
Emily Pacheco, '21, Concentration in ASL
After graduating from ASL/English Interpreting concentration in '21, Emily Pacheco began pursuing state-level interpreting credentials, which allowed her to become licensed to work in the state of RI.