Immerse yourself in American Sign Language (ASL) while learning Deaf culture and community, social justice, and Deaf and ASL literature.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate proficiently in ASL and English in various contexts and employment settings;
- Apply principles of the bilingual-bicultural approach to ethical decision making;
- Act as an Ally to support the aims of the Deaf community for autonomy, opportunity, and accessibility;
- Incorporate critical thinking into systematic inquiry, theoretical reasoning and problem solving;
- Identify the challenges and issues faced by the d/Deaf community;
- Analyze, critique and discuss genres of ASL and Deaf literature, and media;
- Act in an ethical and professional manner in working with the Deaf community;
- Implement a personal and professional development plan for continued growth and life-long learning;
- Prepare and present a variety of public speeches.
What to expect
The program is scheduled over three terms. Each semester consists of practice and theory in ASL, as well as courses on Deaf culture, public speaking, English grammar, becoming sensitized to the Deaf community and its issues, and Deaf/ASL literature.
The primary focus of the program is the acquisition and understanding of ASL. This comprises nearly 70% of the program. Receptive and expressive skills with appropriate cultural applications are developed through a functional/notional approach to second language acquisition. This also involves studies in ASL grammar/syntax, which is markedly different from English grammar/syntax.
Students work both individually and in groups. Courses are presented through lecture, small group discussion, assigned readings, labs, self-study and online activities. An important component of the program is LAB time when students have the opportunity to practice their ASL skills with the input of instructional assistants.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- English 12 with C or equivalent, or English Language Proficiency at an English 12 level, or equivalent AND
- SIGN 1000 or equivalent
Program-specific
- English 12 with C or equivalent, or English Language Proficiency at an English 12 level, or equivalent AND
- SIGN 1000 or equivalent OR
- Admission to the ASL & Deaf Studies program
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
Recommended Characteristics
- Good command of oral and written English.
- Some previous exposure to the Deaf Community and sensitivity to Deaf issues.
- High sense of visual literacy.
- Good manual dexterity.
- Ability to follow signed, oral, and written instructions.
- Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- High interest in and empathy for other people.
- Sensitivity to issues of 'difference' and identity.
- Maturity and a positive self-image, with high standards of personal integrity.
Courses
*Program general hours
Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SIGN 1100 | American Sign Language 1 | 6 |
| SIGN 1200 | American Sign Language Lab 1 | 3 |
| SIGN 1300 | Deaf Culture and Community 1 | 3 |
| SIGN 1400 | Becoming an Ally 1 | 3 |
| SIGN 1500 | Public Speaking and Professionalism | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term Two | ||
| SIGN 2100 | American Sign Language 2 | 5 |
| SIGN 2200 | American Sign Language Lab 2 | 3 |
| SIGN 2300 | Deaf Culture and Community 2 | 3 |
| SIGN 2400 | Becoming An Ally 2 | 3 |
| SIGN 2500 | Deaf Literature | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term Three | ||
| SIGN 3100 | American Sign Language 3 | 5 |
| SIGN 3200 | American Sign Language Lab 3 | 3 |
| SIGN 3300 | Deaf Culture and Community 3 | 3 |
| SIGN 3400 | Becoming an Ally 3 | 3 |
| SIGN 3500 | ASL Literature | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Note: All courses in a term must be successfully completed prior to continuing to the next term.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs
*| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 35 | |
| Tuition | 4835 |
Tuition Breakdown
0 - 1
0 - 2
0 - 3
0 - 4
|
| Student union | 105 | |
| College initiative | 139 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 194 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical & Dental | 280 | |
| U-PASS | 425 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Get started
Visit the Registrar's Office at our Broadway or Downtown campus
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