ASL and Deaf Studies

CREDENTIAL: Certificate

START DATES

Apply Now

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

Tuition: 5131*

Credential: Certificate

Length: 10 0 months

Hours: Full-time

Delivery: Class-based

Campus: Broadway Broadway

Start Dates: Sep

Learn possible careers

ASL and Deaf Studies

Attend an Information Session

Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.

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

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.

Plan of Study Grid
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 *

Tuition Deposit	0 (0 non-refundable) Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit

0 (0 non-refundable)

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

Fee description	Fee Amount	Notes
Application fee	36
Tuition Tuition	5131	Breakdown Tuition Breakdown 0 - 1 0 - 2 0 - 3 0 - 4 0 - 5
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

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.

* 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

ONLINE

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC
Get started

MAIL

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Attend an Information Session

Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.

ASL and Deaf Studies

ASL and Deaf Studies

Attend an Information Session

What you will learn

What to expect

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

Admission requirements

Program-specific

Program-specific

General

Recommended Characteristics

Courses *

Prior learning assessment and recognition

Fees and other costs *

Apply now

Attend an Information Session

Ask a question