Immerse yourself in American Sign Language (ASL) while learning Deaf culture and community, social justice, and Deaf and ASL literature.
ASL and Deaf Studies
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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
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Full-time ASL & Deaf Studies Certificate Program is 10 months in length. Students have 3 years to complete the program.
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 who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- 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 other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
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 *
Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| 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.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 5131 | |
| Student union | 128 | |
| College initiative | 148 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 206 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 275 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 442 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* 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
Do you want to apply to this program?
Go to EducationPlanner BC to submit your application.
- For full-time studies, select the "ASL and Deaf Studies (Certificate)" program
- For part-time studies, select the "ASL and Deaf Studies (Individual Courses)" program
Get started
Attend an Information Session
Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.