Deaf Studies: American Sign Language
Certificate Deaf Studies · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Deaf Studies offers associate degree and certificate programs in both American Sign Language and Interpreter Training. American Sign Language is suited for those interested in learning to communicate with people in the Deaf community, as well as enhancing cultural awareness. Interpreter Training focuses on developing and utilizing American Sign Language skills to provide communication access for persons who are Deaf or Hard-Of-Hearing. The successful student has many career opportunities to choose from upon completion.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Deaf Studies: American Sign Language Cert: Complete all of the following | 38 | |
| Required Courses: Complete all of the following | 31 | |
| DFST 101 | American Sign Language I | 4 |
| DFST 102 | American Sign Language II | 4 |
| DFST 105 | Introduction to American Deaf Culture | 3 |
| DFST 110 | Power, Privilege, and Oppression | 3 |
| DFST 201 | American Sign Language III | 4 |
| DFST 202 | American Sign Language IV | 4 |
| DFST 204 | Structure of American Sign Language | 3 |
| INT 101 | Principles of Sign Language Interpreting | 3 |
| INT 201 | Translation | 3 |
| Program Electives | 7 | |
| DFST 101L | American Sign Language I Skill Building Lab | 1 |
| DFST 102L | American Sign Language II Skill Building Lab | 1 |
| DFST 106 | Introduction to Deaf Education | 3 |
| DFST 108 | Visual, Gestural & Non-Manual Aspects of American Sign Language | 3 |
| DFST 201L | American Sign Language III/IV Skill Building Lab | 1 |
| DFST 205 | Numbers Fingerspelling and Classifiers | 3 |
| DFST 206 | Creative Signing | 2 |
| DFST 199 | Work Experience Education | 1-8 |
| INT 210 | Ethics, Decision-Making, & Professionalism for Interpreters | 3 |
Recommended Pathway
Deaf Studies: American Sign Language Cert
Term 1 (8 units)
- DFST101 - American Sign Language I (4)
- DFST101L - American Sign Language I Skill Building Lab (1)
- DFST110 - Power, Privilege, and Oppression (3)
Term 2 (8 units)
- DFST102 - American Sign Language II (4)
- DFST102L - American Sign Language II Skill Building Lab (1)
- DFST105 - Introduction to American Deaf Culture (3)
Term 3 (12 units)
- DFST201 - American Sign Language III (4)
- INT201 - Translation (3)
- INT101 - Principles of Sign Language Interpreting (3)
- DFST206 - Creative Signing (2)
Term 4 (10 units)
- DFST202 - American Sign Language IV (4)
- DFST204 - Structure of American Sign Language (3)
- INT210 - Ethics, Decision-Making, & Professionalism for Interpreters (3)