The Associate of Arts Degree in Foundations of Interpreting will prepare students interested in laying a foundation for further study and for a baccalaureate degree in American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting from a four-year college or university. With a degree in interpreting, students will be prepared for employment anywhere Deaf people are present. This includes a range of possibilities from potentially interpreting for the President of the United States of America to guiding a kindergarten student on coloring inside the lines. In addition to acquiring entry level skills in the process of interpreting, students will learn important business and ethical practices. By completion of specific General Education courses, this program fulfills many of the requirements and foundation courses for transfer to baccalaureate in Sign Language Interpreting majors.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
ASL 101 - American Sign Language I (RHC GE 7b)M | 4.5 | |
ASL 101 - American Sign Language I (4.5 units) (formerly ASL 149) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course will provide an introduction to American Sign Language, emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in American Sign Language via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing. | ||
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (RHC GE 1)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units) (Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101) Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process. In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. | ||
Select one: STAT C1000 / STAT C1000H / PSY 190 / MATH 150 (RHC GE 2)GE | 3.0† | |
Notes: While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, STAT C1000/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190. STAT C1000 - Introduction to Statistics (formerly MATH 130) (4.0 units) (Formerly MATH 012, MATH 130) Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. ENGL C1000, READ 101 This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. STAT C1000H - Introduction to Statistics - Honors (formerly MATH 130H) (4.0 units) Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. READ 101, ENGL C1000 This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This is an honors course. This course is recommended for students intending on participating in the Honors Transfer Program. PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course. This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics. MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course. In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer. | ||
RHC GE 8 - Oral Communication and Critical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: MATH 140, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 190H, 191, 250, 251, 260, 270; | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0† | |
2nd Semester | ||
ASL 102 - American Sign Language IIM | 4.5 | |
ASL 102 - American Sign Language II (4.5 units) (formerly ASL 150) Prerequisite:ASL 101,(formerly ASL 149) or two years of high school ASL with a "C" or better or successfully pass an interview and comprehensive exam developed by the department demonstrating competency of the skills required in an ASL I course. This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language I (ASL 101), emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing. | ||
ASL 124 - Deaf CultureM | 3.0 | |
ASL 124 - Deaf Culture (3.0 units) Prerequisite/Corequisite: ASL 102 This course will cover basic information and research on deaf culture, deaf children and their upbringing, deaf education, the importance of American Sign Language to the deaf community, deaf societies around the world, and advances in and usage of technology for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course will focus on research and progress within deaf culture. This course will be taught using a combination of American Sign Language and spoken English and, depending on the instructor, may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures. | ||
Select one: ENGL 127 / ENGL 127H M | 3.0 | |
ENGL 127 - Language Structure and Language Use: Introduction to Linguistics (3.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition. This course explores the nature and structure of world languages. Students will study whole language development through discourse and semantics. The structure of words, which includes phonology, morphology, and how words are used together in sentences, syntax, will also be explored. The tool to decode worldwide sounds, the International Phonetic Alphabet, will be a key element in the course. Students will also discuss the difference between learning a language and acquiring a language. This course is beneficial for future teachers and for those majoring in any foreign language, English, communications, and anthropology. ENGL 127H - Language Structure & Language Use: Introduction to Linguistics Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL C1000 This course explores the nature and structure of world languages and students will study language development through discourse and semantics as well as language use. The structure of words, which includes phonology, morphology, and how words are used together in sentences, syntax, will also be explored. A tool to decode worldwide sounds, the International Phonetic Alphabet, will be a key element in the course. Students will also discuss the difference between learning a language and acquiring language. This course is beneficial for future teachers and for those majoring in any foreign language, English, communications, and anthropology. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
RHC GE 5 - Natural Sciences with LabGE | 4.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one Natural Science with Lab: | ||
RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 17.5 | |
Summer 1 | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
RHC GE 9 - Ethnic StudiesGE | 3.0 | |
Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
3rd Semester | ||
ASL 201 - American Sign Language IIIM | 4.5 | |
ASL 201 - American Sign Language III (4.5 units) Prerequisite: ASL 102 This course will focus on refining students’ knowledge of the grammatical structure and lexicon of American Sign Language as these things relate to its historical, artistic, and cultural influence in mainstream society, with an emphasis on receptive/expressive conversational and cultural skills for communication. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. | ||
ASL 212 - Beginning Interpreting + Ethics 2M | 3.0 | |
ASL 212 - Beginning Interpreting + Ethics 2 (3.0 units) Prerequisite:ASL 201, 211 In this course, students will continue to learn theories, principles, and practices of interpreting/transliterating including more complex ethical considerations, a current overview of the interpreting profession, and discuss the professional role of the interpreter in today's workforce. This course is designed to allow students to pursue a degree in ASL interpreting. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.> | ||
ASL 211 - Beginning Interpreting + Ethics 1M | 3.0 | |
ASL 211 - Beginning Interpreting + Ethics 1 (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ASL 102 In this course, students survey basic theories, principles, and practices of interpreting/transliterating, including basic ethical considerations, a historical overview of the interpreting profession, and discuss the professional role of the interpreter. Students begin the development of interpreting/transliterating processing skills. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English, and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor. | ||
RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: "All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170." “These courses may be used to partially satisfy Humanities and/or Social Sciences requirements for CSU GE or IGETC.” Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.5 | |
4th Semester | ||
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IVM | 4.5 | |
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IV (4.5 units) Prerequisite: ASL 201 This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language III (ASL 201). The course will focus on the use of American Sign Language in practical applications through discussing relevant topics like math, current events, arts, and various other topics, with an emphasis on applying the language in real world interactions. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. | ||
ASL 220 - Pathways to Interpreting CareersM | 2.0 | |
ASL 220 - Pathways to Interpreting Careers (2.0 units) Prerequisite: ASL 201, 211 In this course students will learn business practices in the profession of interpreting. They will explore various career paths available to ASL interpreters from staff positions to independent contractors. Students will learn legal considerations within the state of California and beyond as they apply to interpreting. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor. | ||
RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 12.5 | |
Total Units for American Sign Language/Foundations of Interpreting AA program | 62.5† | |
|
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
ASL 101 - American Sign Language IM | 4.5 | |
ASL 101 - American Sign Language I (4.5 units) (formerly ASL 149) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course will provide an introduction to American Sign Language, emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in American Sign Language via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing. | ||
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (Cal-GETC 1A)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units) (Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101) Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process. In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. | ||
Select one: STAT C1000 / STAT C1000H / PSY 190 / MATH 150 (Cal-GETC 2)GE | 3.0† | |
Notes: While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: STAT C1000/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190. STAT C1000 - Introduction to Statistics (formerly MATH 130) (4.0 units) (Formerly MATH 012, MATH 130) Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. ENGL C1000, READ 101 This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. STAT C1000H - Introduction to Statistics - Honors (formerly MATH 130H) (4.0 units) Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. READ 101, ENGL C1000 This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This is an honors course. This course is recommended for students intending on participating in the Honors Transfer Program. PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course. This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics. MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course. In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer. | ||
Cal-GETC 1c - Oral CommunicationGE | 3.0 | |
Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0† | |
2nd Semester | ||
ASL 102 - American Sign Language IIM | 4.5 | |
ASL 102 - American Sign Language II (4.5 units) (formerly ASL 150) Prerequisite:ASL 101,(formerly ASL 149) or two years of high school ASL with a "C" or better or successfully pass an interview and comprehensive exam developed by the department demonstrating competency of the skills required in an ASL I course. This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language I (ASL 101), emphasizing receptive and expressive skills. The use of facial expressions during signing will also be addressed. Students will be exposed to deaf culture experiences in the classroom and other environments. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. This course is designed for students who want to learn how to communicate with people who are deaf and hard of hearing. | ||
ASL 124 - Deaf Culture (Cal-GETC 3B)M | 3.0 | |
ASL 124 - Deaf Culture (3.0 units) Prerequisite/Corequisite: ASL 102 This course will cover basic information and research on deaf culture, deaf children and their upbringing, deaf education, the importance of American Sign Language to the deaf community, deaf societies around the world, and advances in and usage of technology for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course will focus on research and progress within deaf culture. This course will be taught using a combination of American Sign Language and spoken English and, depending on the instructor, may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures. | ||
Select one: ENGL 127 / ENGL 127H GE | 3.0 | |
ENGL 127 - Language Structure and Language Use: Introduction to Linguistics (3.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition. This course explores the nature and structure of world languages. Students will study whole language development through discourse and semantics. The structure of words, which includes phonology, morphology, and how words are used together in sentences, syntax, will also be explored. The tool to decode worldwide sounds, the International Phonetic Alphabet, will be a key element in the course. Students will also discuss the difference between learning a language and acquiring a language. This course is beneficial for future teachers and for those majoring in any foreign language, English, communications, and anthropology. ENGL 127H - Language Structure & Language Use: Introduction to Linguistics Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL C1000 This course explores the nature and structure of world languages and students will study language development through discourse and semantics as well as language use. The structure of words, which includes phonology, morphology, and how words are used together in sentences, syntax, will also be explored. A tool to decode worldwide sounds, the International Phonetic Alphabet, will be a key element in the course. Students will also discuss the difference between learning a language and acquiring language. This course is beneficial for future teachers and for those majoring in any foreign language, English, communications, and anthropology. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Cal-GETC 5b - Biological ScienceGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 16.5† | |
Summer 1 | ||
US HISTORY (Cal-GETC 4)GE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170. | ||
Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE | 3.0 | |
Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 6.0 | |
3rd Semester | ||
ASL 201 - American Sign Language IIIM | 4.5 | |
ASL 201 - American Sign Language III (4.5 units) Prerequisite: ASL 102 This course will focus on refining students’ knowledge of the grammatical structure and lexicon of American Sign Language as these things relate to its historical, artistic, and cultural influence in mainstream society, with an emphasis on receptive/expressive conversational and cultural skills for communication. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. | ||
ASL 212 - Beginning Interpreting + Ethics 2M | 3.0 | |
ASL 212 - Beginning Interpreting + Ethics 2 (3.0 units) Prerequisite:ASL 201, 211 In this course, students will continue to learn theories, principles, and practices of interpreting/transliterating including more complex ethical considerations, a current overview of the interpreting profession, and discuss the professional role of the interpreter in today's workforce. This course is designed to allow students to pursue a degree in ASL interpreting. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor.> | ||
ASL 211 - Beginning Interpreting + Ethics 1M | 3.0 | |
ASL 211 - Beginning Interpreting + Ethics 1 (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ASL 102 In this course, students survey basic theories, principles, and practices of interpreting/transliterating, including basic ethical considerations, a historical overview of the interpreting profession, and discuss the professional role of the interpreter. Students begin the development of interpreting/transliterating processing skills. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English, and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor. | ||
Select one: POLS C1000 / POLS C1000H (Cal-GETC 4)GE | 3.0 | |
POLS C1000 - American Government and Politics (formerly POLS 110) (3.0 units) (Formerly POLS 110, 002) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. POLS C1000H - American Government and Politics - Honors (formerly POLS 110H) (3.0 units) (Formerly POLYS 110H, POLS 110H) Advisory: ENGL C1000 This is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.5 | |
4th Semester | ||
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IVM | 4.5 | |
ASL 202 - American Sign Language IV (4.5 units) Prerequisite: ASL 201 This course will provide a continuation to American Sign Language III (ASL 201). The course will focus on the use of American Sign Language in practical applications through discussing relevant topics like math, current events, arts, and various other topics, with an emphasis on applying the language in real world interactions. In addition to classroom discussion, students will receive intensive individualized practice in the language laboratory via interactive websites, video programs, and CD-ROMs. | ||
ASL 220 - Pathways to Interpreting CareersM | 2.0 | |
ASL 220 - Pathways to Interpreting Careers (2.0 units) Prerequisite: ASL 201, 211 In this course students will learn business practices in the profession of interpreting. They will explore various career paths available to ASL interpreters from staff positions to independent contractors. Students will learn legal considerations within the state of California and beyond as they apply to interpreting. This course will be taught using a combination of ASL and spoken English and may or may not have interpreters facilitating the lectures depending on the instructor. | ||
Cal-GETC 5a - Physical ScienceGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Cal-GETC 5c - LaboratoryGE | 1.0 | |
Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 10.5† | |
Summer 2 | ||
Cal-GETC 3a - ArtsGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 3.0† | |
Total Units for American Sign Language/Foundations of Interpreting AA program (Transfer to Cal-GETC) | 63.5† | |
|
|
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
Students will possess a strong foundation in the skills needed to provide ASL/English interpreting.
Students will meet the entrance expectations for a bachelor degree in ASL/English interpreting at a 4-year university.
Students will possess the necessary, industry-specific business skills to work as a professional interpreter after mastering the interpreting skill set.
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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