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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs ASL-English Interpreting

ASL-English Interpreting

Overview

This program provides an integrated series of coursework in American Sign Language (ASL) and ASL-English interpretation to prepare students for entry-level positions.
The series provides academic coursework based on a Deafcentered framework that encourages students to embrace an empowered collaboration with Deaf people. A foundation in ASL discourse and interpretation is established through theoretical models. Emphasis is on the practical application 
of these models and knowledge in the areas of human relations, language skills, interpreting skills,  cultural competence, service learning, and professionalism.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A. in ASL-English Interpreter Preparation Program
  • ASL-English Interpreter Preparation Program Certificate

Associate Degree

A.A. in ASL-English Interpreter Preparation Program

This program provides an integrated series of coursework in American Sign Language (ASL) and ASL-English interpretation to prepare students for entry-level positions. The series provides academic coursework based on a Deaf-centered framework that encourages students to embrace an empowered collaboration with Deaf people. A foundation in ASL discourse and interpretation is established through theoretical models. Emphasis is on the practical application of these models and knowledge in the areas of human relations, language skills, interpreting skills, cultural competence, service learning, and professionalism.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
DEAF 318 American Sign Language V 4
DEAF 352 Introduction to American Deaf Education 3
DEAF 355 Audism and Inequality of the Deaf 3
DEAF 370 Linguistics of American Sign Language 3
INTRP 300 Ethics and Professional Standards of Interpreting 3
INTRP 301 Discourse Analysis & Translation 4
INTRP 303 Orientation to the Interpreting Profession 3
INTRP 305 Consecutive Interpreting from ASL 3
INTRP 307 Consecutive Interpreting from English 3
INTRP 310 Introduction to DeafBlind Interpreting 0.5
INTRP 314 Introduction to Multicultural Communication 0.5
INTRP 320 Simultaneous Interpreting 4
INTRP 325 Transliteration 1
INTRP 350 Service Learning for Interpreters 2
INTRP 352 Mock Interpreting I 1
INTRP 354 Mock Interpreting II 1
INTRP 356 Fieldwork in Interpretation 5
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
INTRP 312 Introduction to Oral Transmission (0.5)
INTRP 330 Introduction to Educational Interpreting, K-12 (1)
INTRP 332 Introduction to Educational Interpreting, Post Secondary (1)
INTRP 334 Introduction to Medical Interpreting (1)
INTRP 336 Introduction to Performing Arts Interpreting (0.5)
INTRP 338 Introduction to Social Services and Employment Interpreting (1)
INTRP 340 Introduction to Relay Interpreting (0.5)
INTRP 342 Introduction to Religious Interpreting (0.5)
INTRP 344 Introduction to Working in Deaf/Hearing Interpreter Teams (1)
INTRP 349 Introduction to Behavioral Health Interpreting (0.5)
Total Units: 48

The ASL-English Interpreter Preparation Program Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of DEAF 316: American Sign Language IV or the equivalent, with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Completion of DEAF 351: Introduction to American Deaf Culture or the equivalent, with a grade of “C” or better.
  • A completed pre-enrollment application.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Pre-enrollment applications and deadlines for the ASL-English Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) are available from the ARC IPP website: https://arc.losrios.edu/academics/programs-and-majors/asl-english-interpreting. The IPP currently accepts students once per year for the Fall semester which begins in August. Applications for the Fall semester are available by February 15th and priority consideration is given to applications received by the first Friday in April.
  • Only qualified applicants who meet the educational requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
  • Upon completion and acceptance of the pre-enrollment application, students will participate in an interview/screening process conducted by the Interpreter Preparation Program. Should the number of qualified applicants exceed available space in the program, selection will be based on the rankings from the interview/screening process.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • discuss and apply knowledge of linguistic, cross-cultural, and interpretation theories.
  • demonstrate communicative competency in English and in ASL through effective communication in a variety of settings with Deaf and hearing participants of varying age, gender, and ethnicity.
  • appraise, identify, and apply personal, professional, and ethical decisions in a manner consistent with theoretical models and standard professional practices that align in service with the goal of the setting and Deaf and hearing participants.
  • demonstrate interpersonal competencies that foster effective communication and productive collaboration with colleagues, Deaf and hearing consumers, employers, and team members in an interpreting context.
  • formulate effective interpretations both consecutively and simultaneously following a practice profession framework.
  • develop an on-going professional action plan integrating interactions with Deaf related organizations, connections with interpreter employers, and the implications of certification on the provision of interpreting.

Career Information

American Sign Language-English interpreters are in demand locally, regionally, and nationally. A qualified American Sign Language-English interpreter enjoys a rewarding, highly flexible career. This field is expanding; growth in the job market is projected.

Certificate of Achievement

ASL-English Interpreter Preparation Program Certificate

This program provides an integrated series of coursework in American Sign Language (ASL) and ASL-English interpretation to prepare students for entry-level positions. The series provides academic coursework based on a Deaf-centered framework that encourages students to embrace an empowered collaboration with Deaf people. A foundation in ASL discourse and interpretation is established through theoretical models. Emphasis is on the practical application of these models and knowledge in the areas of human relations, language skills, interpreting skills, cultural competence, service learning, and professionalism.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
DEAF 318 American Sign Language V 4
DEAF 352 Introduction to American Deaf Education 3
DEAF 355 Audism and Inequality of the Deaf 3
DEAF 370 Linguistics of American Sign Language 3
INTRP 300 Ethics and Professional Standards of Interpreting 3
INTRP 301 Discourse Analysis & Translation 4
INTRP 303 Orientation to the Interpreting Profession 3
INTRP 305 Consecutive Interpreting from ASL 3
INTRP 307 Consecutive Interpreting from English 3
INTRP 310 Introduction to DeafBlind Interpreting 0.5
INTRP 314 Introduction to Multicultural Communication 0.5
INTRP 320 Simultaneous Interpreting 4
INTRP 325 Transliteration 1
INTRP 350 Service Learning for Interpreters 2
INTRP 352 Mock Interpreting I 1
INTRP 354 Mock Interpreting II 1
INTRP 356 Fieldwork in Interpretation 5
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
INTRP 312 Introduction to Oral Transmission (0.5)
INTRP 330 Introduction to Educational Interpreting, K-12 (1)
INTRP 332 Introduction to Educational Interpreting, Post Secondary (1)
INTRP 334 Introduction to Medical Interpreting (1)
INTRP 336 Introduction to Performing Arts Interpreting (0.5)
INTRP 338 Introduction to Social Services and Employment Interpreting (1)
INTRP 340 Introduction to Relay Interpreting (0.5)
INTRP 342 Introduction to Religious Interpreting (0.5)
INTRP 344 Introduction to Working in Deaf/Hearing Interpreter Teams (1)
INTRP 349 Introduction to Behavioral Health Interpreting (0.5)
Total Units: 48

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of DEAF 316: American Sign Language IV or the equivalent, with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Completion of DEAF 351: Introduction to American Deaf Culture or the equivalent, with a grade of “C” or better.
  • A completed pre-enrollment application.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Pre-enrollment applications and deadlines for the ASL-English Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) are available from the ARC IPP website: https://arc.losrios.edu/academics/programs-and-majors/asl-english-interpreting. The IPP currently accepts students once per year for the Fall semester which begins in August. Applications for the Fall semester are available by February 15th and priority consideration is given to applications received by the first Friday in April.
  • Only qualified applicants who meet the educational requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
  • Upon completion and acceptance of the pre-enrollment application, students will participate in an interview/screening process conducted by the Interpreter Preparation Program. Should the number of qualified applicants exceed available space in the program, selection will be based on the rankings from the interview/screening process.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • discuss and apply knowledge of linguistic, cross-cultural, and interpretation theories.
  • demonstrate communicative competency in English and in ASL through effective communication in a variety of settings with Deaf and hearing participants of varying age, gender, and ethnicity.
  • appraise, identify, and apply personal, professional, and ethical decisions in a manner consistent with theoretical models and standard professional practices that align in service with the goal of the setting and Deaf and hearing participants.
  • demonstrate interpersonal competencies that foster effective communication and productive collaboration with colleagues, Deaf and hearing participants, employers, and team members in an interpreting context.
  • formulate effective interpretations both consecutively and simultaneously following a practice profession framework.
  • develop an on-going professional action plan integrating interactions with Deaf related organizations, connections with interpreter employers, and the implications of certification on the provision of interpreting.

Career Information

American Sign Language-English interpreters are in demand locally, regionally, and nationally. A qualified American Sign Language/English interpreter enjoys a rewarding, highly flexible career. This field is expanding; growth in the job market is projected.

ASL-English Interpreting (INTRP) Courses

INTRP 100 Language Support Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 1
  • Hours:27 - 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:DEAF 310, 312, 314, 316, or 318, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students enrolling in this course must show proof of current or previous enrollment in DEAF 310, 312, 314, 316, 318 or equivalent.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This laboratory course enables aspiring American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting students and students who want to improve their ASL fluency to develop, expand, and reinforce multiple ASL discourse skills while working independently and/or in small groups. This is not a language acquisition course but one that supports and extends skills that have previously been taught. Coursework includes study topics related to fluency in vocabulary, grammatical structure, and applying cultural conversation norms with the support of a Deaf mentor. Students may register until the sixth week of the semester. If taken as a .5-unit course, this course may be taken up to 2 times, for a total of 1.0 unit, using different topics, or once for 1.0 unit. Pass/No Pass only.

INTRP 101 ASL-English Interpreting Support Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 1
  • Hours:27 - 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:INTRP 301, 305, 307, and 320
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students enrolled in this course must show proof of current or previous enrollment in INTRP 301, 305, 307, 320 or equivalent.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This laboratory course enables aspiring American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting students to improve their information processing and to develop, expand, and reinforce multiple interpreting skills while working independently and/or in small groups. This course does not teach theoretical and practical frameworks related to ASL-English interpreting but supports and extends skills and concepts that have previously been taught. Coursework includes study topics related to discourse analysis, conversational signals, prosodic features, register variation, message analysis, and meaning transfer. Students may register until the sixth week of the semester. If taken as a .5-unit course, this course may be taken up to 2 times, for a total of 1.0 unit, using different topics, or once for 1.0 unit. Pass/No Pass only.

INTRP 300 Ethics and Professional Standards of Interpreting

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 303 and 305 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an exploration of personal ethics and values, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct, and interpersonal relations as they relate to professional and ethical decision-making. Emphasis is on professional integrity, managing personal and professional behaviors, and conflict resolution for interpreters.

INTRP 301 Discourse Analysis & Translation

  • Units:4
  • Hours:68 hours LEC; 12 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Interpreter Preparation Program through a pre-enrollment application and interview/screening process.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides a foundation in discourse analysis and an introduction to translation with a focus on understanding the context, intentions, and cultural norms used during various communication events. Topics include conversational signals, prosodic features, register variation, message analysis, and message transfer and translation.

INTRP 303 Orientation to the Interpreting Profession

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Interpreter Preparation Program through a pre-enrollment application and interview/screening process.
  • Advisory:INTRP 309
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides a working knowledge of the interpreting profession. Topics include the history of the interpreting field, personal and professional demands, laws and regulations, certification and evaluation standards, extra linguistic knowledge, and the employment environment. Career-long learning, self-awareness, and intrapersonal and interpersonal skills are explored during this course.

INTRP 305 Consecutive Interpreting from ASL

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 301 and 303 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:INTRP 307
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides basic skills in translation and consecutive interpreting from American Sign Language (ASL). Topics include a theoretical analysis of the interpreting process, application of academic and world knowledge, and an introduction to fundamental interpreting skills and techniques for professional interactions.

INTRP 307 Consecutive Interpreting from English

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 301 and 303 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:INTRP 305
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides basic skills in translation and consecutive interpreting from English. Topics include a theoretical analysis of the interpreting process, application of academic and world knowledge, and an introduction to fundamental interpreting skills and techniques for professional interactions.

INTRP 309 Introduction to the Interpreting Profession

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 310 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces general information about the field of American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpretation. Topics include regulations, certification and educational requirements, fundamental and requisite skills, the Code of Professional Conduct, and pay scale and job opportunities in the field of ASL/English interpretation. An overview of the Interpreter Preparation Program at American River College and introductory interpreting practice is incorporated. Pass/No Pass only. This course is formerly known as SILA 362 and DEAF 390.

INTRP 310 Introduction to DeafBlind Interpreting

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 300 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an orientation to the DeafBlind community. Topics include modes of DeafBlind interpreting, modifications to the interpreting models, and additional responsibilities when interacting with DeafBlind individuals.

INTRP 312 Introduction to Oral Transmission

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 303 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides exposure to, background in, and techniques for oral transmission and interaction with oral Deaf people. Topics include speech reading skills, articulation, and support techniques.

INTRP 314 Introduction to Multicultural Communication

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 301 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:INTRP 305 and 307
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on the field of multicultural communication. It emphasizes cultural and linguistic diversity, and personal life experiences within the Deaf community. This course also covers enhancing racial and ethnic diversity in the interpreting profession.

INTRP 320 Simultaneous Interpreting

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides intermediate knowledge and skill development in the area of simultaneous interpreting. Both American Sign Language (ASL) to English and English to ASL interpreting skills are incorporated. Topics include an application of the interpreting process, a focus on analytical and composition skills, incorporation of cultural considerations, and team interpreting.

INTRP 325 Transliteration

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 301 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides basic skills in transliteration. It incorporates literal to idiomatic transliteration skills. Topics include assessment of consumer preferences, contact signing forms, semantic appropriateness, syntactic considerations, use of ASL features, and mouth movements to convey English.

INTRP 330 Introduction to Educational Interpreting, K-12

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces interpreting in the educational setting with a focus on the elementary and secondary levels of education. Emphasis is on vocabulary development and enrichment specific to educational interpreting, resource development, team building, ethical roles and responsibilities, communicating with children and marginalized populations, and power dynamics within the interpreting process.

INTRP 332 Introduction to Educational Interpreting, Post Secondary

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to interpreting in post-secondary educational settings. Language development and enrichment, resource development, and team building, all specific to interpreting in a wide variety of post-secondary educational settings are examined while emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of the interpreter as an equitable practitioner. The application of an ethical framework to identify the constellation of demands and controls specific to the post-secondary educational setting will be explored.

INTRP 334 Introduction to Medical Interpreting

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to interpreting in the medical setting. Logistics, role and ethics, and the impact of culture and language use are considered.

INTRP 336 Introduction to Performing Arts Interpreting

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to interpreting in the performing arts setting. Character development, the function of space in American Sign Language (ASL), environmental considerations, team collaboration, and interpretation are considered.

INTRP 338 Introduction to Social Services and Employment Interpreting

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to interpreting in social services and employment settings. Environmental considerations, interpretation, resource building, teamwork, and ethics are considered.

INTRP 340 Introduction to Relay Interpreting

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to relay interpreting. Students will develop skills with an understanding of environmental considerations, vocabulary development, resource building, video relay and telephone processes, etiquette, ethics, and regulations.

INTRP 342 Introduction to Religious Interpreting

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to interpreting in the religious setting. Environmental considerations, vocabulary development, resource building, introductory knowledge, cultural considerations, and ethics are covered.

INTRP 344 Introduction to Working in Deaf/Hearing Interpreter Teams

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to working in Deaf/hearing interpreter teams. Topics include: language and communication variation; specialized skills of the CDI; explanation of the role, function, and process of Deaf/hearing teams; and an introduction to the conjoint work involved in the collaborative interpreting process.

INTRP 349 Introduction to Behavioral Health Interpreting

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 303 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an introduction to interpreting in behavioral health settings. It covers signs used by Deaf people related to sex, alcohol, and drug abuse and resources available to Deaf people including Deaf Hope, Deaf Safe, and sobriety meetings. The course also addresses methods for assessing one's capacity for interpreting equitably and ethically in these situations.

INTRP 350 Service Learning for Interpreters

  • Units:2
  • Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:INTRP 301
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the ASL-English Interpreting program through a pre-enrollment application and interview/screening process.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an opportunity to collaborate to build relationships with the Deaf community. Topics include aligning goals and values of the Deaf community through a reciprocal, respectful, and mutually rewarding partnership, resulting in progress toward the Deaf community’s goals and enhanced learning of the responsibilities between future practitioners and the communities in which they work. A portion of this course may be offered in a TBA component of 27 hours which will include service learning placement. Placement sites are pre-selected by the instructor.

INTRP 352 Mock Interpreting I

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 305 and 307 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an opportunity to interpret for live or taped presenters. Focus is on application of text analysis, assignment preparation, team interpreting, and information processing.

INTRP 354 Mock Interpreting II

  • Units:1
  • Hours:4.5 hours LEC; 40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 300 and 352 with grades of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:INTRP 356
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an opportunity to interpret for a variety of mock interpreting scenarios. The focus is on the application of text analysis, assignment preparation, information processing, the role of the educational interpreter, and giving and receiving feedback.
A portion of this course may be offered in a TBA component of 40.5 hours which may include preparation for and interpreting in mock interpreting settings.

INTRP 356 Fieldwork in Interpretation

  • Units:5
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:INTRP 300 and 320 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an opportunity to apply academic learning to real-world practice in interpreting. It also provides an opportunity to take one of the national evaluation system examinations. A portion of this course may be offered in a TBA component of 108 hours that may include observation of interpreters and individual and team interpreting practice.

INTRP 495 Independent Studies in Sign Language Studies - Interpreting

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

INTRP 499 Experimental Offering in Sign Language Studies - Interpreting

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog