Interpreter Training Program

The Code of Ethics of the RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) is the central focus of this course. We study each of its tenets and use actual incidences to gain better insight into how the Code applies. In addition we will discuss the influences of our own personal values, mores and to become aware of our own prejudices and biases in the context of an interpreting situation.

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:

Encounters with Reality: 1,001 Interpreter Scenarios, 1999, Brenda E. Cartwright. RID Publication, Silver Spring, MD

3 ring binder for handouts and journal

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Apply each tenets of the RID Code of Ethics into a variety of situations
Articulate clearly your responsibilities as an interpreter, and the boundaries of those responsibilities
Recognize your own values and biases and how these may affect your role as an interpreter
Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to interpreting assignments and situations

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

There will be lectures, discussions and small group activities

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Weekly journal: Write/type in your thoughts, feelings, experiences and/or ideas how you would resolve a situation/scenario discussed in class. You are also expected to share from your observations of interpreters in the field how they conducted themselves on the job. (From your required observation and SSP hours in ITP 162 & 163) Due: Friday, March 16

2. Research Paper: You are to do research on one area of interpreting i.e., educational; working with children & teens; freelance; medical; legal; stage & screen; religious or team interpreting and compile at least three or four situations related to ethics, briefly summarize each situation and conclusion. Add your own thoughts how you would handle each situation. Your paper must be typed 3-4 pages, one and half spaces, be sure to headline your paper with your name, course number; title and topic and include a reference page. Due: Friday, March 9

Most of our learning happens in the classroom so participation in classroom discussions and activities counts toward your grade. There is minimal outside work required for this class, therefore you are expected to be in class, and on time for every session.

Typewritten work is submitted at the beginning of class on the date due. (No email or fax submissions.) Keep a copy of all typewritten work submitted. No make-up exams or quizzes will be given except in extreme emergencies. Late work will be accepted with a penalty of 10% for each class day late.

COURSE EVALUATION

Participation in Class 30 pts

Journal Log 20 pts

2 Quizzes (25 pts each) 50 pts

Midterm 50 pts

Research Paper 50 pts

Final Exam 100 pts

Total Points for Class: 300 points

Your final grade will be reported as a decimal grade e.g. 3.7. Below is a conversion table, which shows how the points and percentage grades relate to letter and decimal grades.

Points: Percentage: Letter Grade: Decimal Points:

270- 300 = 90% - 100% = A = 3.5 - 4.0

240– 269 = 80%- 89% = B = 2.5 – 3.4

210-239 = 70% - 79% = C = 1.5- 2.4

180-209 = 60%- 69% = D = 0.5 - 1.4

150-179 = 50%- 59% = F = 0 - 0.4

Absence Policy:

As ASL is a visual language taught with a visual method, class attendance is essential to learning. Any absences can impede a student’s progress. However, some absences are unavoidable. It is highly encouraged that students miss less than 15% of the class. Students missing over 15% (11.5 hours) will have 50 points deducted from their final grade. Students missing over 25% (18.75 hours) will have 100 points deducted from their final grade. Students who frequently miss parts of the class may have those hours totaled to count as absences from class.

Students shall be responsible for gathering all notes, materials and information missed during an absence. Any missed assignments or evaluations may not be able to be made up.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Students who are enrolled in Seattle Central Community College may withdraw without penalty until the midpoint of the semester. After that time, they may withdraw and receive a WF (withdrawn failing). An "F" will be averaged into their GPA.

Academic Honesty Policy:

Students who want to become professional interpreters need to develop competencies and gain knowledge. There are no shortcuts. Students found to be cheating or plagiarizing may receive a lowered grade on the material or in the course. For information on appeals consult the Seattle Central Community College Interpreting Training Program Handbook.

Cheating includes, but is not limited to 1) use of any unauthorized assistance, resource or materials in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; or 2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized on writing papers, preparing reports or videotapes, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or 3) the acquisition, without permission, of a test or other academic material belonging to Seattle Central Community College, to any department, or to any staff.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to 1) use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment, or 2) unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person; or 3) use of any agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

These guidelines apply to works of written or spoken English and sign language.

Note: If you need reasonable accommodations based on a documented disability, have emergency information to share or require special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation, please make a confidential appointment with me within the first two weeks of class.

Americans with Disabilities Act: If you are a student who is disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require assistance or support services, please seek assistance through the Disability Support Services at 587-4183, room BE1147. A counselor will coordinate those services.

Equal Opportunity Statement: No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age or disability, be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by Seattle Central Community College.

Affirmative Action Statement: Seattle Central Community College adheres to affirmative action policies designed to promote diversity and equal opportunity for all faculty and students.