Austin Community College
Syllabus for SLNG 2401
Interpreting I

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

An overview of the interpreting process and current models. Introduces the skills necessary to achieve message equivalency in interpreting. Prerequisite: SLNG 1445 or permission from the instructor.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS:

1.) So You Want To Be An Interpreter by Humphrey & Alcorn.

2.) 1 VHS tape

3.) 1 audiocassette tape

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The student will be expected to know the following interpreting issues:

Interpreter models.
The process of interpreting.
The history and professionalism involved in interpreting.
Understanding the different interpreting settings.
Defining interpreting and transliterating.
Doing text analysis.

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 quizzes, 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%

4. Midterm 20%

5. Final 20%

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TOTAL = 100%

1. Class Attendance and Participation: (total 100 points)

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 videotaping yourself and doing self-evaluations. The instructor will give you more information in class. Other lab work will consist of watching informative videotapes in the lab as assigned.

Homework will include doing text analysis and paraphrasing of English texts. More information will be provided by the instructor at the appropriate time.

4. Midterm (20%) – The midterm will cover all material presented to that point of the class. It will include information from So You Want To Be An Interpreter, and information from class discussions and handouts. There will be no make-up of the midterm except under circumstances I deem to be extreme or unique.

5. Final (20%) – The final will be written. Cumulative in nature; it will include comprehension and production, information from the book, 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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I have read and understood the class syllabus.            Date:   __________________

Student name _______________________     Student signature ___________________
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