Sign Language & Interpreting (SIGN)

SIGN 101  American Sign Language 1

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
Lecture: 72   

A beginning course about the fundamentals of American Sign Language. Topics include, conversational methods, vocabulary related to exchanging personal information, hobbies, activities, family relationships, providing directions, basic grammar, syntax, fingerspelling, numbers 1 -100, and an introduction to Deaf culture and history.

Course Schedule

SIGN 101H  American Sign Language 1 - Honors

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
Lecture: 72   
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Honors Program

A beginning course about the fundamentals of American Sign Language. Topics include, conversational methods, vocabulary related to exchanging personal information, hobbies, activities, family relationships, providing directions, basic grammar, syntax, fingerspelling, numbers 1–100, and an introduction to Deaf culture and history. An honors course designed to provide an enriched experience. Students may not receive credit for both SIGN 101 and SIGN 101H.

Course Schedule

SIGN 102  American Sign Language 2

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
Lecture: 72   
Prerequisite: SIGN 101 or SIGN 101H

Further study of American Sign Language (ASL) focusing on comprehension skills, grammatical structures and practice in sign production (expressive) aspects of the language as well as further exposure to Deaf culture including cues/behaviors. Students will build upon vocabulary learned in SIGN 101 and be able to create narratives in which they use inflective verbs and depicting verbs and provide spatial information involving themselves and other people/things. Students are also expected to attend two out-of-classroom Deaf community events and write about their experiences.

Course Schedule

SIGN 103  American Sign Language 3

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
Lecture: 72   
Prerequisite: SIGN 102

American Sign Language 3 (ASL III) focuses on developing intermediate comprehension skills as well as conversation skills using in everyday discussions and grammatical structures with continued emphasis on expressive skills in narrative. Aspects of Deaf culture will be studied and discussed. Students are required to attend two out-of-class observations.

Course Schedule

SIGN 104  American Sign Language 4

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
Lecture: 72   
Prerequisite: SIGN 103

Intermediate to advanced expressive and conversational skills in American Sign Language 4 (ASL IV) along with continued focus on grammatical and cultural features. Students are required to attend two out-of-class observations.

Course Schedule

SIGN 105  American Sign Language 5

4 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU)
Lecture: 72   
Prerequisite: SIGN 104

Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) communication skills with emphasis on signing descriptive narratives and strengthening conversational skills. Target language practice includes holding discussions and making major decisions and health issues with substantial use of classifiers. Further exposure to Deaf cultural components.

Course Schedule

SIGN 108  Fingerspelling, Numbers and Classifiers

2 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 36   
Prerequisite: SIGN 102

This course will cover topics specific to the development of skills in comprehension and production of fingerspelled and lexicalized word signs, numbers and ASL classifiers. Techniques will be taught to assist students in improving their comprehension of fingerspelled words and names, especially the use of double letters, and numbers. The history and evolution of the ASL manual alphabet will also be covered. ASL rules of numerical incorporation will be emphasized especially in concepts related to time, money, age. Ordinal and cardinal number systems will be covered, as well as community standards for giving numbers in precise orders (i.e. addresses, zip codes, phone numbers).

Course Schedule

SIGN 201  Introduction to Deaf Studies

3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU)
Lecture: 54   

Topics central to the Deaf community including deaf education, Deaf and hearing relationships, and Deaf history. Topics include early intervention and education of deaf children, communication strategies and their effectiveness, anatomy and causes of deafness, and Deaf people as a cultural group. Gives a holistic perspective of Deaf people applicable to further studies in Deaf culture and community.

Course Schedule

SIGN 202  Cultures in the Deaf Community

3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
Lecture: 54   

This course introduces various Deaf cultures within America. Topics include: the description of deafness, Deaf people, the deaf community as defined by audiological and/or cultural means, cultural norms, values, institutions, services for and by Deaf people and culture as reflected in the arts and language of Deaf people. Students will be given an opportunity to study and understand minority group dynamics, attitudes, and behavior characteristics of the oppressed and oppressor people and the liberation movements.

Course Schedule

SIGN 206  Social Justice and Intersectionality within the Deaf Community

3 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   
Prerequisite: SIGN 104 and SIGN 202

A study of social justice and intersectionality in the Deaf community. Explores issues of language, culture, identity, social construction, cultural oppression, power, criminal justice, in Deaf cultures within America. Provides academic and resources for using an intersectional lens for the learners to become more sensitive to the experiences and needs of varying Deaf experiences. Allow the learners to critically analyze different types of privileges and opressions that create, affect, and are affected by cultures.

Course Schedule

SIGN 208  Creative Uses of American Sign Language

3 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   
Prerequisite: SIGN 104

Explores American Sign Language's (ASL) creative uses in the following areas: literature, theater, poetry, song, visual vernacular, storytelling, and colloquial. These crucial elements are commonly found in the use of ASL. These fundamental ASL discourse skills are applicable in Deaf studies and Sign Language Interpreting.

Course Schedule

SIGN 212  American Sign Language Features and Linguistics

3 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   
Prerequisite: SIGN 104

Linguistic structure of American Sign Language, including phonology, morphology, semantics, and syntax. Sociolinguistic issues will also be discussed.

Course Schedule

SIGN 213  Linguistics for Interpreters

3 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   
Prerequisite: SIGN 227

With a foundation of American Sign Language (ASL) linguistics as a whole, this course will solidify the linguistic skills needed to work among languages used while interpreting. Students apply observational techniques to identify and record ASL and English phonology, morphology and syntax, with emphasis on the practical use of such knowledge.

Course Schedule

SIGN 214  Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM) and Mexican Deaf Culture

3 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   

Basic knowledge and skills of Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM) and Mexican Deaf culture. Expressive and receptive skills, grammar, cultural context and Mexican Deaf history. Fundamentals needed to initiate and partake in and understand basic LSM conversations with LSM users.

Course Schedule

SIGN 223  Introduction to Interpreting

3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU)
Lecture: 54   
Prerequisite: SIGN 104 and Eligibility for ENGL 1A or ENGL 1AH or ENGL 1AM or AMLA 1A

An introduction to the field of sign language interpreting. This will include an introduction of vocabulary, history, settings as potential future careers, professional organizations, legislation, and education/credentials.

Course Schedule

SIGN 227  Interpreting 1: Skills, Equity, and Ethics

4 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: ENGL 1A or ENGL 1AH or ENGL 1AM or AMLA 1A and SIGN 105
Corequisite: SIGN 223 (May have been taken previously)

Introductory interpreting skills, equity, and ethics class in ASL/English interpreting. Students with fluent language ability will be introduced to a foundation of skills and knowledge necessary to interpret languages and cultures among diverse signing and non-signing populations. Begin to cultivate and display professional dispositions: equity mindedness, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, and world knowledge.

Course Schedule

SIGN 231  Interpreting 2: Skills, Equity, and Ethics

4 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: SIGN 227
Corequisite: SPCH 1A or SPCH 1AH (May have been taken previously)

Second interpreting skills, equity, and ethics building class in ASL/English interpreting. Skills and knowledge will be reinforced to begin to interpret languages and cultures among diverse signing and non-signing populations. Continue to learn and display professional dispositions: equity mindedness, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, and world knowledge.

Course Schedule

SIGN 232  Interpreting 3: Skills, Equity, and Ethics

4 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

Third interpreting skills, equity, and ethics building class in ASL/English interpreting. Skills and knowledge will be reinforced to begin to interpret languages and cultures among diverse signing and non-signing populations. Continue to learn and display professional dispositions: equity mindedness, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, and world knowledge.

Course Schedule

SIGN 239  Interpreting 4: Skills, Equity, and Ethics

4 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   Lab: 54
Prerequisite: SIGN 232

Fourth and final interpreting skills, equity, and ethics building class in ASL/English interpreting. Skills and knowledge will be refined as they actively interpret languages and cultures among diverse signing and non-signing populations. Continue to learn and display professional dispositions: equity mindedness, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, and world knowledge.

Course Schedule

SIGN 240  Vocabulary Building for Interpreters

2 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU)
(May be taken for Pass/No Pass only)
Lecture: 36   
Prerequisite: SIGN 104

Vocabulary expansion in both ASL and English with the goal of improving interpretations between these two languages. The course will focus on context, semantics, and parts of speech in determining culturally appropriate vocabulary choices. Interpreting students will learn to apply their growing vocabularies to ASL-English interpretations.

Course Schedule

SIGN 241  Video Interpreting

3 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

Formerly SIGN 260
Video interpreting includes Video Relay Service (VRS), Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), as well as additional settings on various platforms. We will practice equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision making. This class will cover vocabulary, history and impact to the Deaf and interpreting communities.

Course Schedule

SIGN 243  Team Interpreting

3 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

Teaming in sign language interpreting will reinforce working within different settings with both hearing and Deaf teams. This includes how to advocate for a team and how to receive and give feedback. We will also reinforce and apply ethical decision making and conflict resolution.

Course Schedule

SIGN 245  Business of Interpreting and Assessment Preparation

1.5 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 27   
Prerequisite: SIGN 232

Learn, reinforce, and apply concepts of the interpreting profession. This will include topics of education, certification, professional local and national organizations as well as relevant and equitable business practices. We will also reinforce and apply ethical decision making as well as technical skills to prepare for future assessments.

Course Schedule

SIGN 247  Interpreting Capstone and Reflective Practice

3 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 54   
Prerequisite: SIGN 232
Corequisite: SIGN 239 (May have been taken previously)

Capstone course for the interpreter training program. Apply knowledge and skills developed throughout the program. Develop a direct connection to the field of interpreting and explore continuing education opportunities. Complete 100 hours of out-of-class interpreting and participation in out-of-class interpreting continuing education.

Course Schedule

SIGN 249  Community Interpreting

1.5 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 27   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

Learning and developing sign language interpreting and technical skills in various community settings. Prepare to work in varied community settings and a wide range of topics. Practice equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision-making skills.

Course Schedule

SIGN 251  Interpreting with Diverse Consumers

1.5 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 27   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

Develop sign language interpreting and technical skills to work with diverse consumers including DeafBlind consumers. Interpreting for the DeafBlind community will include tracking, tactile, and protactile methods while providing auditory and visual context and information. Apply concepts of equitable interpreting while implementing ethical decision making.

Course Schedule

SIGN 253  K-12 and Mock Interpreting

1.5 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 27   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

Develop sign language interpreting and technical skills in K-12 educational settings. Identify various educational settings and how it differs compared to other settings. Practice equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision making within the educational setting. Assessment practice with the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA).

Course Schedule

SIGN 255  Post-Secondary and Mock Interpreting

1.5 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 27   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

This course will provide a foundation of skills needed to work in post-secondary and higher educational interpreting settings. This includes comparing and contrasting other educational settings including K-12 interpreting. Including equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision making within the educational setting. Additionally, discussion and practice taking the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and National Interpreter Certification (NIC).

Course Schedule

SIGN 257  Performance Arts Interpreting

1.5 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 27   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

Performance Arts Interpreting course will provide a basic foundation for interpreted settings such as music concerts, festivals, theatrical plays, and platform work. This basic foundation will work within frozen and ad lib texts.

Course Schedule

SIGN 259  Trilingual Interpreting

1.5 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 27   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

Learn and develop trilingual (Spanish, English, and Sign Language) interpreting skills. Trilingual interpreting is across all settings and working with three languages and three cultures. Practice equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision making. This course will cover vocabulary, various dialects, and cultural impacts to the Deaf and interpreting communities.

Course Schedule

SIGN 261  Complex Topics in Interpreting

1.5 Units (Degree Applicable)
Lecture: 27   
Prerequisite: SIGN 231

A basic foundation of theory and knowledge about complex topics in interpreting settings which will guide decision making skills regarding legal, medical, and mental health interpreting. These settings are complex with many layers including systems, equity, ethics, specialized terminology, significant consequences, and more. Interpreters need to make decisions based on consumers' language and background in high stakes moments.

Course Schedule

SIGN 299  Special Projects in Sign Language/Interpreting

2 Units (Degree Applicable)
(May be taken for option of letter grade or Pass/No Pass)
Lecture: 36   

In order to offer students the opportunity to explore their disciplines to greater depth, the various departments from time to time offer Special Projects courses. The content of each course and the methods of study vary from semester to semester, and depend on the particular project under consideration. Students must have an instructor's authorization before enrolling in this class.

Course Schedule