Interpreter Training Program (ITP)
The Interpreter Training Program at Cincinnati State is a stepping stone toward competency in the field of sign language interpreting, including extensive coursework in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies. The combination of classroom instruction, experiential and self-directed growth, and community involvement creates a rich learning environment. Program graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Interpreting between ASL and English is a challenging and complex task. Students learning the profession must develop fluency in a language that is different from spoken languages. Once fluency is achieved, students must develop the skills to facilitate communication quickly and accurately between the two languages.
The skills required for success in Interpreter Training cannot be mastered through classroom attendance alone. Students must devote a great deal of time to study, practice, skill development, observation, and community involvement.
To complete the degree program successfully, students must be able to comprehend, write, and speak in English fluently.
For more information, please contact the Humanities and Sciences Division at (513) 569-1700.
To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.
Deaf Studies Certificate (DSC)
The Deaf Studies Certificate contains the courses from the first year of the Interpreter Training Program degree, without the general education classes. This certificate enables students to learn about sign language and deaf culture in order to be involved as an ally or signer, but not as a paid professional interpreter.
For more information, please contact the Humanities and Sciences Division at (513) 569-1700.
To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.
Interpreter Training Program (ITP)
Program Prerequisite: ASL 101 Beginning American Sign Language 1 and ASL 102 Beginning American Sign Language 2 and ITP 140 Fingerspelling and Numbers or ITP Program Chair consent.
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B) | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| ITP 125 | Deaf Culture and History ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ITP 120 | Psychosocial Aspects of Deafness ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ASL 201 | Intermediate American Sign Language 1 ( B) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ITP 135 | Introduction to the Interpreting Profession ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ASL 202 | Intermediate American Sign Language 2 ( B) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP 130 | Legal Issues of Deafness ( B) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| ENG 1XX English Composition Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| ITP 220 | Educational Interpreting ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ITP 230 | Intermediate Assessment ( B) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| MAT 1XX Mathematics Elective (G) | 3 | 2 | 3 | |
| XXX XXX Arts/Humanities Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| ITP XXX Interpreting Elective (B) | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| Semester 4 | ||||
| ITP 261 | Advanced Interpreting 1: Sign to Voice ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ASL 251 | Advanced American Sign Language 1 ( T) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP 250 | Interactive Interpreting ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ITP 270 | Transliterating ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester 5 | ||||
| ITP 265 | Interpreting in Specialized Settings ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ASL 252 | Advanced American Sign Language 2 ( T) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP XXX Interpreting Practicum 1 Option (T) | 2 | 10 | 3 | |
| Semester 6 | ||||
| ITP 262 | Advanced Interpreting 2: Sign to Voice ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ITP 280 | Interpreter Professionalism ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ITP XXX Interpreting Practicum 2 Option (T) | 2 | 10 | 3 | |
| ITP 275 | Interpreting in Medical Settings ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Total Credits: | 63 | 26 | 65 | |
Electives
| English Composition Elective | ||
| ENG 102 | English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| ENG 103 | English Composition 2: Writing about Literature | 3 |
| ENG 104 | English Composition 2: Technical Communication | 3 |
| ENG 105 | English Composition 2: Business Communication | 3 |
| Interpreting Elective | ||
| ITP 205 | Performance Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 210 | Deaf-Blind Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 215 | Religious Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 225 | Vocabulary Building | 2 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective | ||
| Any Transfer Module course from ART, LIT, MUS, PHI, REL, THE, or COMM 130 | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective | ||
| MAT 105 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| MAT 131 | Statistics 1 | 3 |
| MAT 151 | College Algebra | 4 |
| Interpreting Practicum Options (6 credits of practicum required) | ||
| ITP 191 | ITP Limited Practicum 1 | 1 |
| ITP 192 | ITP Limited Practicum 2 | 1 |
| ITP 193 | ITP Limited Practicum 3 | 1 |
| ITP 194 | ITP Limited Practicum 4 | 1 |
| ITP 195 | ITP Limited Practicum 5 | 1 |
| ITP 196 | ITP Limited Practicum 6 | 1 |
| ITP 291 | ITP Parallel Practicum 1 | 2 |
| ITP 292 | ITP Parallel Practicum 2 | 2 |
| ITP 293 | ITP Parallel Practicum 3 | 2 |
| ITP 294 | Educational Interpreting Practicum | 2 |
| ITP 295 | ITP General Practicum 1 | 3 |
| ITP 296 | ITP General Practicum 2 | 3 |
Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.
- This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
- The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.
The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum.
G = General Education course in this curriculum
B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum
T = Technical course in this curriculum
Deaf Studies Certificate (DSC)
Program Prerequisite: Prior to enrolling in ASL 102 Beginning American Sign Language 2, students must complete ASL 101 Beginning American Sign Language 1 (or program chair consent)
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITP 120 | Psychosocial Aspects of Deafness | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ASL 102 | Beginning American Sign Language 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP 125 | Deaf Culture and History | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ITP 140 | Fingerspelling and Numbers | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| ITP 130 | Legal Issues of Deafness | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| ITP 135 | Introduction to the Interpreting Profession | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ASL 201 | Intermediate American Sign Language 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| ITP 220 | Educational Intepreting | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ASL 202 | Intermediate American Sign Language 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP XXX Interpreting Elective 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| ITP XXX Interpreting Elective 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| Total Credits: | 24 | 3 | 24 | |
Electives
| Interpreting Electives (select 2 courses) | ||
| ITP 205 | Performance Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 210 | Deaf-Blind Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 215 | Religious Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 225 | Vocabulary Building | 2 |
Interpreter Training Program (ITP)
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of the profession's Code of Professional Conduct and professional standards.
- Exhibit continuous improvement in interpreting skills expressively throughout the program, ending in entry level interpreting readiness.
- Exhibit continuous improvement in transliterating skills expressively throughout the program, ending in entry level transliterating readiness.
- Show effective interpreting skills receptively through voicing.
- Show effective transliterating skills receptively through voicing.
- Demonstrate the ability to professionally work within a team environment.
- Cultivate openness about Deaf awareness and the ability to recognize audism and to avoid oppressive behavior.
Courses
ITP 120 Psychosocial Aspects of Deafness
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
An introductory course on psychosocial aspects of Deafness. Topics include: language, norms of behavior, values, and traditions within Deafness; and the evolution of the view of Deaf people from a pathological to a cultural perspective.
Prerequisites: None
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ITP 125 Deaf Culture and History
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
An introductory course on the unique characteristics influencing Deaf people throughout the past hundred years, and the achievements and accomplishments of Deaf individuals in various professional fields.
Prerequisites: None
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ITP 130 Legal Issues of Deafness
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the legal rights of the Deaf and people with other disabilities, and the social service organizations and other agencies that serve the Deaf population.
Prerequisites: None
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ITP 135 Introduction to the Interpreting Profession
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course offering a framework for understanding the field of interpreting. Topics include: role of the interpreter in various settings, the interpreting process, physical factors, language variations, and the Code of Professional Conduct.
Prerequisites: None
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ITP 140 Fingerspelling and Numbers
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course that provides intensive practice in comprehension and production of fingerspelled words and numbers, with emphasis on clarity and accuracy.
Prerequisites: ASL 101 (minimum grade C) or ITP Program Chair consent
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ITP 191 ITP Limited Practicum 1
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
Students spend three hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 250 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 192 ITP Limited Practicum 2
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ITP 191. Students spend three hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 191 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 193 ITP Limited Practicum 3
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ITP 192. Students spend three hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 192 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 194 ITP Limited Practicum 4
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ITP 193. Students spend three hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 193 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 195 ITP Limited Practicum 5
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ITP 194. Students spend three hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 194 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 196 ITP Limited Practicum 6
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ITP 195. Students spend three hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 195 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 205 Performance Interpreting
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on interpreting for theatre and other performance art venues. Topics include: vocabulary and skill building, and script translation.
Prerequisites: ITP 201 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 210 Deaf-Blind Interpreting
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course that provides introductory knowledge of skills, protocol, and techniques needed to interpret for people who are Deaf-Blind, and encourages students to seek more in-depth study of this field.
Prerequisites: ASL 201 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 215 Religious Interpreting
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on interpreting in religious settings. Topics include: religious signs and their relationships to various religious settings.
Prerequisites: ASL 201 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 220 Educational Interpreting
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on interpreting in educational settings. Topics include: the educational setting, the code of professional conduct, in-servicing, the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) process, and the Ohio Department of Education's Guidelines for Educational Interpreters.
Prerequisites: ASL 201 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 225 Vocabulary Building
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course that reviews sign vocabulary already learned and introduces new vocabulary to scaffold the student's sign vocabulary base. Topics include: ASL structure, appropriate sign parameters, and conceptual accuracy.
Prerequisites: ASL 201 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 230 Intermediate Assessment
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on reviewing and teaching ASL vocabulary and structure, culminating in the Intermediate Assessment. Students receive a course grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: ASL 201 (minimum grade C)
Corequisites:
ASL 202
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ITP 235 Deaf Plus / DeafDisabled Interpreting
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
An introductory course on interpreting for children or adults with a hearing loss in addition to other conditions that affect them medically, physically, emotionally, educationally, or socially. Topics include: intellectual/cognitive disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, visual impairment, autism, and other physical disabilities.
Prerequisites: ASL 201 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 250 Interactive Interpreting
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on theoretical strategies and practice in interpreting simultaneously between spoken English and American Sign Language. Topics include: applying components of the Demand-Control schema, and applying advanced interpreting techniques. Students must pass this class as a prerequisite to practicum experience.
Prerequisites: ASL 202 and ITP 230 (minimum grade C for both)
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ITP 261 Advanced Interpreting 1: Sign to Voice
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on principles and strategies of interpreting from American Sign Language into spoken and written English equivalents. Topics include: the technical and mental processes involved in ASL-to-English interpretation simultaneously and consecutively, using the Colonomos and Gish Models.
Prerequisites: ASL 202 and ITP 230 (minimum grade C for both)
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ITP 262 Advanced Interpreting 2: Sign to Voice
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A continuation of ITP 261. Topics include: signing with live models and unknown material.
Prerequisites: ITP 261 (minimum 80% on Voicing Evaluation)
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ITP 265 Interpreting in Specialized Settings
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on specialized vocabulary used in advanced interpreting, including mental health, social work, and legal interpreting settings.
Prerequisites: ASL 202 and ITP 230 (minimum grade C for both)
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ITP 270 Transliterating
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on transmitting spoken English into English-based sign language. Topics include: initialized signs and other English-related communication systems.
Prerequisites: ASL 202 and ITP 230 (minimum grade C for both)
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ITP 275 Interpreting in Medical Settings
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on applying interpreting/transliterating skills in medical settings. Topics include: development of discourse analysis, expressive and receptive skills production, feedback on interpreting skills in this specialized setting, development of specialized vocabulary, and application of the Demand-Control schema.
Prerequisites: ASL 202 and ITP 230 (minimum grade C for both)
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ITP 280 Interpreter Professionalism
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the professional components of becoming a sign language interpreter. Topics include: building a resume, and appropriate conduct in the workplace, in interviews, and online.
Prerequisites: ASL 251 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 291 ITP Parallel Practicum 1
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 5 Lab Hours.
Students spend five hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 250 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 292 ITP Parallel Practicum 2
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 5 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ITP 291. Students spend five hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 291 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 293 ITP Parallel Practicum 3
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 5 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ITP 292. Students spend five hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 292 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 294 Educational Interpreting Practicum
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 5 Lab Hours.
Students spend 100 hours during the semester in a K-12 setting completing supervised observations of a working interpreter and practice in the role of an educational interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 192 or ITP 291 or ITP 295 (minimum grade C for all)
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ITP 295 ITP General Practicum 1
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 10 Lab Hours.
Students spend ten hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 250 (minimum grade C)
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ITP 296 ITP General Practicum 2
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 10 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ITP 295. Students spend ten hours per week in educational institutions and community agencies, completing supervised observation and practice in the role of the interpreter. Students also participate in weekly seminars.
Prerequisites: ITP 295 (minimum grade C)
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