Department of American Sign Language and Interpreting

Faculty:

Edwin Carrington, M.A.

Laura Polhemus, Ph.D., BEI Advanced, NIC Advanced

Majors:

Deaf Studies

Sign Language Interpreting

Department Mission:

The mission of the Department of American Sign Language and Interpreting is to graduate students who excel in effective communication, seek to participate in a vibrant community of interpreters, and are prepared to provide culturally and linguistically competent translation and interpreting services for their consumers.

The department challenges students to develop competency in American Sign Language and English and to possess decision-making, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. We seek to encourage students’ exploration of professional and personal ethics, social justice, and their role and responsibilities as interpreters.

Department Distinctives:

ASLID majors participate in a variety of unique learning experiences during their time at Bethel.  These experiences include the following:

• Interpreting in Chapel
• Interpreting Tours and Role-Plays
• Study Abroad Opportunities
• Interaction with the Deaf Community
• Interpreting for Theatre Productions
• Deaf Professors in all ASL Classes
• Interpreting Mentors
• A 15-week off-campus internship

Due to the content and instructional format of the major, students taking any level of the American Sign Language courses at Bethel University must maintain "significant progress" in their study of any individual course.  "Significant progress" means a student must receive a C or better at one level of coursework within a reasonable time.  The reasonable time is limited to two semesters.  Failing to do so will result in the prohibition of registering and retaking the same course level of ASL.