Austin Community College
Syllabus for SLNG 2315
Interpreting in Educational Settings

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Increases awareness of current techniques, issues, and ethics in mainstreaming and bilingual/bicultural education practices. Includes a survey of technical signs and signed English systems currently in use. Prerequisites: SLNG 2401 or permission of instructor.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS:

1) Sign language interpreting by Stewart, Schein, and Cartwright.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Students will be expected to know the following educational interpreting issues:

A) All educational interpreting related laws.

B) Ethical consideration in the school/educational setting.

C) Difference between educational interpreting and community interpreting.

D) Working conditions in a school setting.

E) Other sign supported speech systems.

F) A variety of language models.

G) The history of deaf education.

Student Responsibilities:

A student in this course agrees to:

· Attend class regularly.

· Be on time.

· Participate fully in class activities.

· Complete all class assignments on or before the due date.

· Refrain from using your voice or interpreting for other student(s) who may not understand the instructor.

· Take mid-term and final examinations on announced dates.

COURSE GRADING SYSTEM:

1. Class Attendance/Participation 20%

2. Research Paper 20%

3. Lab work and homework 20%

3. Midterm 20%

4. Final 20%

TOTAL = 100%

1. Class Attendance and Participation: (20%)

It’s crucial to maintain your attendance. Students cannot expect to pass this course with knowledge of the information in the book only.

a. You may have three non-consecutive absences– any absences beyond three will result in twenty (20) points being deducted from your attendance/participation grade per class missed.

b. You may have three tardies or early departures of not more than 15 minutes – any tardies or early departures beyond 15 minutes or beyond three will result in ten (10) points being deducted from your attendance/participation grade per incident.

c. The instructor will withdraw any student who is absent three consecutive classes. This equates to 8 hours of instruction and would put you too far behind if you miss more than this.

d. Please inform me if you have an exceptional circumstance that causes you to miss class.

All students will be encouraged to participate in class discussions and activities on a regular basis. “Participation” does not mean giving “right” answers. It means thinking about the material, sharing your thoughts, paying attention, and giving your best effort.

If you own a pager, or cell phone, please turn it off during class.

2. Research Paper (20%)- Paper topic is to be selected by student with approval from instructor. Topics must be different from the rest of the class. Check with instructor for books or articles regarding your topic that might be in the office. I will pass around a sign-up sheet on which you can write your topic. Once you select a topic, you cannot change it. I suggest that you make sure you obtain the necessary information to write your paper prior to selecting a topic.

A complete bibliography is required for all papers. You must use at least FOUR different references (books, articles, electronic media). Your references should be cited appropriately. All papers must be 900-1200 words (not including the bibliography and title page).

Suggested research topics and more detailed information regarding research paper will be discussed in class.

3. Lab work and homework (20%)- Lab work will consist of watching videotapes and transliterating segments of video. Homework will include watching educational interpreting related videotapes in the lab as assigned. More information on lab work and homework will be handed out as needed.

4. Midterm (100 points) – The midterm will cover all material presented to that point of the class. It will include information from Sign Language Interpreting, information discussed in class, and videotapes or handouts given in class. There will be no make-up of the midterm except under circumstances I deem to be extreme or unique.

5. Final (400 points total) – The final will be written. Cumulative in nature; it will include comprehension and production, information from the textbook, videotapes shown in and out of class, and class assignments and discussions. There will be no make-up of the final except under circumstances I deem to be extreme or unique.

COURSE POLICIES:

You are responsible for knowing the policies and procedures below. You can pick up a copy of the Student Handbook at a counseling office at any campus or access it online from our web page www.austincc.edu.

Withdrawal Policy

You will be withdrawn if you miss 3 consecutive classes. Refer to the student handbook page 24 for the withdraw policy under other circumstances. If you have a very unique or extreme situation, please discuss it with me.

Incompletes

Incompletes will be given only under very unique or extreme circumstances.

Academic Dishonesty

Refer to the student handbook pages 33.

Prohibited Acts

Refer to the student handbook pages 31-33

ACC Policy on Unattended Children and Children in the Classroom

Refer to the student handbook page 27

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations:

Refer to the student handbook page14. Please let me know in writing how I can accommodate my class to your needs.

COURSE CALENDAR:

A course calendar will be provided in class with details of when assignments are due and when tests are held.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please feel free to call, email or write me notes about any questions or concerns you may have. You may also request to meet with me with an interpreter during my office hours or by appointment.

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