Introduction to Interpreting (ASL3310)
Please note: All information currently available on this site represents work and due dates relevant to a previous semester/course. Please check back during later semesters for updated information on this course. Thank you.
About this Course
This course is an introduction to signed language (SL) interpreting theory and bidirectional (ASL-to-English and English-to-ASL) interpreting between Deaf and nondeaf people. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- describe the language interpretation and signed language interpreting professions including their histories and evolution
- describe and understand external and internal physical, psychological, and ethical (including the ramifications and evolution of the RID’s Code of Professional Conduct) influences on SL interpreters
- understand cognitive and other current models of interpreting (Schein, Stewart & Cartwright; Cokely; Colonomos; McIntire & Sanderson, etc.) used by SL interpreters
- understand business practices and future trends of the SL interpreting field
- describe the varieties of settings where SL interpreters work
- demonstrate ability in gathering and composing research germane to the SL interpreting field
- understand basic concepts and skills required to accurately interpret simple texts from English to ASL and from ASL to English
In addition, this course will help prepare candidates to take the Utah State and/or RID NIC written examination.
A significant portion of this course requires self-directed efforts (a/sychronously working with other colleagues) and fairly good command of web-based technologies and learning environments (video creation, salient discussion and reporting skills; we’ll discuss this more in class).
Note: All downloadable files—class notes, syllabi, and other handouts—are saved in PDF formats and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If the computer you are using does not have Acrobat or the Acrobat browser plugin, you can download it free.
What others have said about this course:
“…I learn more just from watching [the] lecture. He knows his stuff.”
“…Uses good interactive examples in class to demonstrate concepts that were originally harder to understand. Awesome signer. Very clear. Lots of experience in interpreting…”
“…He actually knows what he’s talking about…”
“…Always willing to stop and deepen a discussion as needed…leaves space for student involvement.”
“…I love this class and learning so much!…very visual in his teaching, which helps me, and is knowledgeable about the subject.”