Dec 03, 2024  
Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American Sign Language and Deaf Culture

Location(s): Catonsville, Online


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Important Information


Short Description


This degree prepares students with the cultural competency and conversational-level fluency needed to engage with members of the American deaf and hard of hearing community.  Students can apply the skills they learn in American Sign Language to a variety of job settings.

Type of Credential


Associate of Arts (A.A.)

Program Code


140

Contacts and Additional Information


Program Coordinator

Dr. Rebecca Minor, Associate Professor
Catonsville Campus
Office:  ARTS 204
443-840-4975 or rminor3@ccbcmd.edu

Additional Information

  • The A.A. program in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture is offered both face to face and fully online.
  • Opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) - Contact the program coordinator for information on prior learning assessment opportunities. See Portfolio, Departmental Exam, CLEP, DSST, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate. Several General Education classes have PLA opportunities.
  • Articulation and Transfer Agreements - This degree is designed to articulate with other four-year programs in Deaf Studies, Interpreting, and Deaf Education.  While there are no program-specific agreements, see other types of agreements such as guaranteed admission, block transfer, and discounts.
  • The ASLS program does not consider ASL classes from other community colleges to be equivalent to ASL classes here at CCBC.  Students may have their ASL skills screened and receive credit by exam for a fee.  See Departmental Exam.

Semester Sequence


This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses .

Short Session 1*


Semester 1


Semester 2


Semester 3


Courses Needed for this Program*


General Education Requirements and Electives - 34-35 Credits


General Education Electives:


Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education Courses .

  • Biological & Physical Sciences 7-8 Credit(s).
  • Information Technology 3 Credit(s).
  • Mathematics (MATH 125  recommended) 3 Credit(s).
  • Wellness and Health (HLTH 120  or HLTH 126  recommended) 3 Credit(s).   

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 60


Notes


*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

**Students who have already completed PSYC 101  or SOCL 101  should meet with the program coordinator.  These courses may be used in place of PSYC 105  and SOCL 141 .

***This course has an English readiness requirement. Placement testing or transcript evaluation may be required for new CCBC students. Please contact Academic Advising for more information.

Program Description


The mission of CCBC’s Associate of Arts degree in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture is to prepare students with the cultural competency and conversational-level fluency needed to engage with members of the American deaf and hard of hearing community.  Students can apply the skills they learn in American Sign Language to a variety of job settings.  The curriculum includes expanded analysis of American Sign Language discourse and American Deaf Culture.  Students will gain hands-on experience in ASL both expressively and receptively. The foundation from which we educate is based on admiration and respect for the American deaf community as a rich, diverse cultural and linguistic minority who value American Sign Language as their primary mode of communication.  This program is designed for both first-time college students and returning students who seek to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

For new students with prior skills in American Sign Language (ASL), the department offers an assessment, for a fee, that may allow students to test out of some or all of the ASL courses and demonstrate fluency in ASL.  Experienced students should contact the ASL and Interpreter Preparation office at (443) 840-4274 no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester to set up a screening appointment.

Program Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. function as independent users of American Sign Language both expressively and receptively;
  2. utilize a variety of structure types in American Sign Language;
  3. comprehend main points and standard language in ASL for familiar topics;
  4. utilize conversational ASL in a variety of settings;
  5. recognize Deaf Culture and its sub-cultures; and
  6. be knowledgeable about Deaf history and literature.

Program Highlights


  • 2015 recipient of over $1 million in endowment funding from the A. Eugene and Bernice Hoeper Foundation.
  • Recognized in 2014 by the Maryland Governor’s office with a proclamation honoring 30 years of service and commitment to the education of students in ASL and Interpreting.
  • 2008 recipient of the commendable ASL Program Award from the American Sign Language Teachers Association of Maryland for commitment to the advancement of ASL programs.
  • Students will participate in service learning opportunities with local deaf organizations.

 

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