Austin Community College
Syllabus for SLNG 1321
Introduction to the Interpreting Profession

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Overview of the field of sign language interpretation.  Provides a historical framework for the principles, ethics, roles, responsibilities, and standard practices of the interpreting profession.

 

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS:

1.)  Decision? Decision!  by Jan Humphrey

2.)  Encounter with Reality by Brenda Cartwright

COURSE  OBJECTIVES:

A)    Professionalism

1.   The student will be exposed to the idea of “professionalism” from both a hearing and Deaf cultural frame.

2.   Students will learn how to balance their role in deaf-hearing interactions.

B)     Ethical Principles

1.   The student will demonstrate critical thinking and the application of ethical principles in making decisions.

2.   Students will learn to clearly express their decisions and the basis for their point of view in a variety of formats and settings.

C)     Wellness Principles

1.   The students will understand the importance of physical, mental, and emotional stamina.

2.   Students will learn about wellness principles, including techniques to avoid repetitive motion injury.

D)    Certification

1.   Students will learn the details of how to become certified as an interpreter and the importance of certification in the field.

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                                    40%

                        2. Research Paper                                                          10%

3. “What if” cards and homework                                    20%

4. Midterm                                                                      15%

5. Final                                                                            15%

                                                                                                -----------

TOTAL =             100%

                                

1. Class Attendance and Participation: (40%)

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.  

 

So as to maintain a signing environment, using your voice in the classroom is NOT allowed.  Write notes to each other if you must or SIGN! This NO VOICE rule will be enforced from the beginning until the end of the class. 

 

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

 

2. Research Paper (10%)

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. “What if” cards and homework (20%)- “What if” cards will be situations written by the student describing a possibly difficult interpreting situation or a question a student may have related to an interpreting situation.  The goal is for the student to think of possible tough situations they could be in as an interpreter and think of how they could resolve that issue.  The card is to contain the question or situation only.  Example:  “What if my car broke down on the way to an interpreting assignment.  What do I do?”  Write situations individually on an index card with your name and date on the top.  You will be required to turn in 2 per week to the instructor.  You are responsible for remembering to hand them in!  Your first 2 cards should be handed in the 2nd week of the semester and will continue weekly until the instructor tells you otherwise.

 

Homework will be assigned as needed and more details will be provided to you by the instructor.

 

4. Midterm (15%)-The midterm will cover all material presented to that point of the class.  It will include information from Decision? Decision!, Encounter with Reality, and 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 (15%) –The final will be a written test. Cumulative in nature; it will include comprehension and production, information from the textbooks, 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------cut--------------------------------------------------------------------

 I have read and understood the class syllabus.              Date:   __________________

Student name _______________________     Student signature ___________________

 

BACK TO HOME