Sign Language & Interpreting
31 courses · Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027
SIGN 101 American Sign Language 1
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 72
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A beginning course about the fundamentals of American Sign Language. Topics include, conversational methods, vocabulary related to exchanging personal information, hobbies, activities, family relationships, providing directions, basic grammar, syntax, fingerspelling, numbers 1 -100, and an introduction to Deaf culture and history.
SIGN 101H American Sign Language 1 - Honors
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 72
- Prerequisite
- Acceptance into the Honors Program
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A beginning course about the fundamentals of American Sign Language. Topics include, conversational methods, vocabulary related to exchanging personal information, hobbies, activities, family relationships, providing directions, basic grammar, syntax, fingerspelling, numbers 1–100, and an introduction to Deaf culture and history. An honors course designed to provide an enriched experience. Students may not receive credit for both SIGN 101 and SIGN 101H.
SIGN 102 American Sign Language 2
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 72
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 101 or SIGN 101H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Further study of American Sign Language (ASL) focusing on comprehension skills, grammatical structures and practice in sign production (expressive) aspects of the language as well as further exposure to Deaf culture including cues/behaviors. Students will build upon vocabulary learned in SIGN 101 and be able to create narratives in which they use inflective verbs and depicting verbs and provide spatial information involving themselves and other people/things. Students are also expected to attend two out-of-classroom Deaf community events and write about their experiences.
SIGN 103 American Sign Language 3
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 72
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 102
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
American Sign Language 3 (ASL III) focuses on developing intermediate comprehension skills as well as conversation skills using in everyday discussions and grammatical structures with continued emphasis on expressive skills in narrative. Aspects of Deaf culture will be studied and discussed. Students are required to attend two out-of-class observations.
SIGN 104 American Sign Language 4
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 72
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 103
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Intermediate to advanced expressive and conversational skills in American Sign Language 4 (ASL IV) along with continued focus on grammatical and cultural features. Students are required to attend two out-of-class observations.
SIGN 105 American Sign Language 5
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 72
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 104
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) communication skills with emphasis on signing descriptive narratives and strengthening conversational skills. Target language practice includes holding discussions and making major decisions and health issues with substantial use of classifiers. Further exposure to Deaf cultural components.
SIGN 108 Fingerspelling, Numbers and Classifiers
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture: 36
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 102
This course will cover topics specific to the development of skills in comprehension and production of fingerspelled and lexicalized word signs, numbers and ASL classifiers. Techniques will be taught to assist students in improving their comprehension of fingerspelled words and names, especially the use of double letters, and numbers. The history and evolution of the ASL manual alphabet will also be covered. ASL rules of numerical incorporation will be emphasized especially in concepts related to time, money, age. Ordinal and cardinal number systems will be covered, as well as community standards for giving numbers in precise orders (i.e. addresses, zip codes, phone numbers).
SIGN 201 Introduction to Deaf Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explores the experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals in the United States through cultural, educational, and linguistic perspectives. Topics include early intervention and education, communication strategies, anatomy and causes of hearing loss, and the impact of laws, school policies, and healthcare systems on accessibility and equity for DHH communities.
SIGN 202 Cultures in the Deaf Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces various Deaf cultures within America. Topics include: the description of deafness, Deaf people, the deaf community as defined by audiological and/or cultural means, cultural norms, values, institutions, services for and by Deaf people and culture as reflected in the arts and language of Deaf people. Students will be given an opportunity to study and understand minority group dynamics, attitudes, and behavior characteristics of the oppressed and oppressor people and the liberation movements.
SIGN 206 Social Justice and Intersectionality within the Deaf Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 104 and SIGN 202
A study of social justice and intersectionality in the Deaf community. Explores issues of language, culture, identity, social construction, cultural oppression, power, criminal justice, in Deaf cultures within America. Provides academic and resources for using an intersectional lens for the learners to become more sensitive to the experiences and needs of varying Deaf experiences. Allow the learners to critically analyze different types of privileges and oppressions that create, affect, and are affected by cultures.
SIGN 208 Creative Uses of American Sign Language
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 104
Explores American Sign Language's (ASL) creative uses in the following areas: literature, theater, poetry, song, visual vernacular, storytelling, and colloquial. These crucial elements are commonly found in the use of ASL. These fundamental ASL discourse skills are applicable in Deaf studies and Sign Language Interpreting.
SIGN 212 American Sign Language Features and Linguistics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 104
Linguistic structure of American Sign Language, including phonology, morphology, semantics, and syntax. Sociolinguistic issues will also be discussed.
SIGN 213 Linguistics for Interpreters
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 227
With a foundation of American Sign Language (ASL) linguistics as a whole, this course will solidify the linguistic skills needed to work among languages used while interpreting. Students apply observational techniques to identify and record ASL and English phonology, morphology and syntax, with emphasis on the practical use of such knowledge.
SIGN 214 Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM) and Mexican Deaf Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
Basic knowledge and skills of Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM) and Mexican Deaf culture. Expressive and receptive skills, grammar, cultural context and Mexican Deaf history. Fundamentals needed to initiate and partake in and understand basic LSM conversations with LSM users.
SIGN 223 Introduction to Interpreting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 104 and Eligibility for (ENGL C1000 or ENGL 1A) or (ENGL C1000H or ENGL 1AH) or AMLA 1A.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to the field of sign language interpreting. This will include an introduction of vocabulary, history, settings as potential future careers, professional organizations, legislation, and education/credentials.
SIGN 227 Interpreting 1: Skills, Equity, and Ethics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- (ENGL C1000 or ENGL 1A) or (ENGL C1000H or ENGL 1AH) or AMLA 1A and SIGN 105.
- Corequisite
- SIGN 223 (May have been taken previously)
Introductory interpreting skills, equity, and ethics class in ASL/English interpreting. Students with fluent language ability will be introduced to a foundation of skills and knowledge necessary to interpret languages and cultures among diverse signing and non-signing populations. Begin to cultivate and display professional dispositions: equity mindedness, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, and world knowledge.
SIGN 231 Interpreting 2: Skills, Equity, and Ethics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 227
- Corequisite
- (COMM C1000 or SPCH 1A) or (COMM C1000H or SPCH 1AH) (May have been taken previously)
Second interpreting skills, equity, and ethics building class in ASL/English interpreting. Skills and knowledge will be reinforced to begin to interpret languages and cultures among diverse signing and non-signing populations. Continue to learn and display professional dispositions: equity mindedness, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, and world knowledge.
SIGN 232 Interpreting 3: Skills, Equity, and Ethics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
Third interpreting skills, equity, and ethics building class in ASL/English interpreting. Skills and knowledge will be reinforced to begin to interpret languages and cultures among diverse signing and non-signing populations. Continue to learn and display professional dispositions: equity mindedness, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, and world knowledge.
SIGN 239 Interpreting 4: Skills, Equity, and Ethics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 232
Fourth and final interpreting skills, equity, and ethics building class in ASL/English interpreting. Skills and knowledge will be refined as they actively interpret languages and cultures among diverse signing and non-signing populations. Continue to learn and display professional dispositions: equity mindedness, ethical decision making, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, and world knowledge.
SIGN 241 Video Interpreting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
- Formerly
- SIGN 260.
Video interpreting includes Video Relay Service (VRS), Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), as well as additional settings on various platforms. We will practice equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision making. This class will cover vocabulary, history and impact to the Deaf and interpreting communities.
SIGN 243 Team Interpreting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
Teaming in sign language interpreting will reinforce working within different settings with both hearing and Deaf teams. This includes how to advocate for a team and how to receive and give feedback. We will also reinforce and apply ethical decision making and conflict resolution.
SIGN 245 Business of Interpreting and Assessment Preparation
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 232
Learn, reinforce, and apply concepts of the interpreting profession. This will include topics of education, certification, professional local and national organizations as well as relevant and equitable business practices. We will also reinforce and apply ethical decision making as well as technical skills to prepare for future assessments.
SIGN 247 Interpreting Capstone and Reflective Practice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 232.
- Corequisite
- SIGN 239 (May have been taken previously)
Capstone course for the interpreter training program. Apply knowledge and skills developed throughout the program. Develop a direct connection to the field of interpreting and explore continuing education opportunities. Complete 100 hours of out-of-class interpreting and participation in out-of-class interpreting continuing education.
SIGN 249 Community Interpreting
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
Learning and developing sign language interpreting and technical skills in various community settings. Prepare to work in varied community settings and a wide range of topics. Practice equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision-making skills.
SIGN 251 Interpreting with Diverse Consumers
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
Develop sign language interpreting and technical skills to work with diverse consumers including DeafBlind consumers. Interpreting for the DeafBlind community will include tracking, tactile, and protactile methods while providing auditory and visual context and information. Apply concepts of equitable interpreting while implementing ethical decision making.
SIGN 253 K-12 and Mock Interpreting
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
Develop sign language interpreting and technical skills in K-12 educational settings. Identify various educational settings and how it differs compared to other settings. Practice equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision making within the educational setting. Assessment practice with the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA).
SIGN 255 Post-Secondary and Mock Interpreting
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
This course will provide a foundation of skills needed to work in post-secondary and higher educational interpreting settings. This includes comparing and contrasting other educational settings including K-12 interpreting. Including equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision making within the educational setting. Additionally, discussion and practice taking the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and National Interpreter Certification (NIC).
SIGN 257 Performance Arts Interpreting
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
Performance Arts Interpreting course will provide a basic foundation for interpreted settings such as music concerts, festivals, theatrical plays, and platform work. This basic foundation will work within frozen and ad lib texts.
SIGN 259 Trilingual Interpreting
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
Learn and develop trilingual (Spanish, English, and Sign Language) interpreting skills. Trilingual interpreting is across all settings and working with three languages and three cultures. Practice equitable interpreting while applying ethical decision making. This course will cover vocabulary, various dialects, and cultural impacts to the Deaf and interpreting communities.
SIGN 261 Complex Topics in Interpreting
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- SIGN 231
A basic foundation of theory and knowledge about complex topics in interpreting settings which will guide decision making skills regarding legal, medical, and mental health interpreting. These settings are complex with many layers including systems, equity, ethics, specialized terminology, significant consequences, and more. Interpreters need to make decisions based on consumers' language and background in high stakes moments.
SIGN 299 Special Projects in Sign Language/Interpreting
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture: 36
In order to offer students the opportunity to explore their disciplines to greater depth, the various departments from time to time offer Special Projects courses. The content of each course and the methods of study vary from semester to semester, and depend on the particular project under consideration. Students must have an instructor's authorization before enrolling in this class.