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ASL and Deaf Studies

CREDENTIAL: Certificate
START DATES

Immerse yourself in American Sign Language (ASL) while learning Deaf culture and community, social justice, and Deaf and ASL literature.

Tuition: 5131*
Credential: Certificate
Hours: Full-time
Delivery: Class-based
Program Flyer: Download
Campus: Broadway Broadway
Start Dates: Sep
 
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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

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

  1. English 12 with C or equivalent, or English Language Proficiency at an English 12 level, or equivalent AND
  2. SIGN 1000 or equivalent 

Program-specific

  1. English 12 with C or equivalent, or English Language Proficiency at an English 12 level, or equivalent AND
  2. SIGN 1000 or equivalent OR
  3. 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.

Fees and other costs *

Tuition Deposit

0 (0 non-refundable)

Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Fee descriptionFee AmountNotes
Application fee36
Tuition Tuition 5131
Student union128
College initiative148
Materials0 not including textbooks
Campus resource206
Laundry0
Tools (deposit)0
Coverall (deposit)0
Uniform (deposit)0
Medical and Dental 275
Temporary Medical Insurance 0
U-PASS 442
Graduation45
Program-specific extra fees0
Total
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.

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ONLINE
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC
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MAIL
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
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Attend an Information Session

Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.

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