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Frequently Asked Questions

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1.  I want to take American Sign Language classes.  What do I do?

To take an ASL class, students must have adequate English reading and writing skills.  The ASL classes are open to anyone who is eligible to take ENGL 101 or higher.  This eligibility is determined by taking the Columbus State Community College Compass Test.  (For more information visit http://www.cscc.edu/testingcenter/)
 
Or, if you have successfully completed a Beginning Composition course at another college, have your transcript sent to CSCC to see if it meets the requirement. 

2.  Do I have to be an “Interpreting Major” to take ASL classes?

No, students do not have to be an “Interpreting Major” to take ASL classes.  Anyone who meets the requirement in #1 above can register for ASL classes.

3. What quarters are ASL classes offered?

The ASL classes are offered every other quarter.  This means that ITT 141 (Beginning ASL I), ITT 143 (Intermediate ASL I), and ITT 145 (Advanced ASL I) are offered autumn and spring quarters.  ITT 142 (Beginning ASL II) and ITT 144 (Intermediate ASL II) are offered winter and summer quarters.

4.  I already know some sign language.  Is there a placement test for me to take?

Yes, we offer an ASL Placement Exam.  The ASL Placement Exam is designed for people who have moderate to advanced skills using ASL.  This skill may be from interacting with a family member or friend who uses ASL (NOT Sign English/ NOT signing and talking at the same time), or someone who has taken a course in ASL in high school or college.  Most community ASL classes, offered at a church, library or worksite, will probably not be advanced enough for you to take the ASL Placement Exam. If you are not sure if the ASL Placement Exam is appropriate for you, contact Alan Atwood at aatwood@cscc.edu or 614.287.5164.

5. I successfully completed ASL at a college or high school.  Do I need to take an ASL Placement Exam?

ASL STUDENTS FROM THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY:  Students with a grade of “C” or higher in ASL classes at OSU automatically place into our ASL classes ONE LEVEL BELOW WHAT WAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AT OSU. 

For example, if you completed ASL 104 at OSU, you place into our ITT 143, or if you completed ASL 102 at OSU, you place into our ITT 141.  You do NOT need to take the ASL Placement Exam.  However, your transcript must be sent to CSCC before you can register for ASL classes.

 
ASL STUDENTS FROM WESTERVILLE CITY SCHOOLS:  Students with ASL credit from the high schools in Westerville City School District place as follows:

  • Successful completion of two years of ASL at the HS places you into    ITT 142
  • Successful completion of three years of ASL at the HS places you into  ITT 143
  • Successful completion of four years of ASL at the HS places you into    ITT 144

ASL STUDENTS FROM ALL OTHER COLLEGES AND HIGH SCHOOLS:  You will need to take the ASL Placement Exam. We do not have enough data to determine your placement without an ASL Placement Exam.    

6. What do I need to know about the ASL Placement Exam?

If you feel that the ASL Placement Exam is appropriate for you to take, contact Alan Atwood at aatwood@cscc.edu to set up an appointment to take the exam.
 
To take the exam, you must be admitted to the CSCC and have a Cougar ID number. If you have ever taken a class at CSCC, you most likely are still considered a student at the college.  If you have not been admitted to the College, please see the admissions process on the CSCC website at www.cscc.edu. You must have your Cougar ID number with you on the day of the test.  If you have already been admitted to CSCC but don’t know your Cougar ID number, please contact the Registrar’s Office. You can find their contact number on the CSCC website.
 
Once you have your Cougar ID number, contact Alan Atwood and establish a day and time to take the test.  Finally, before the test, go to the Cashier’s Office in Rhodes Hall and pay $50.00 for a “proficiency test”.  You must bring the receipt with you when you take the ASL Placement Exam.
 
During the ASL Placement Exam you will be asked to review some English sentences and then sign them using grammatically correct ASL.  You may also be asked to have a conversation in ASL.  The test takes approximately 30 minutes.
 
There is really no way to study for the exam.  We want to see your general skill of ASL at this time.
 
Remember, you must have your Cougar ID number and the proficiency test receipt on the test date.
 
The test is given by Alan Atwood in his office – Union Hall 212.  Please remember to bring your Cougar ID number and your “proficiency test” receipt. 
 
If you have any questions about the ASL Placement Exam, contact Alan Atwood at aatwood@cscc.edu.

7. What is the Deaf Studies Certificate? 

The Deaf Studies Certificate was created for people who want to learn how to communicate with Deaf people who use ASL.  The certificate also introduces you to the culture of the Deaf community.  People who are interested in the Deaf Studies Certificate may want to learn ASL because they work with Deaf people, or have Deaf friends or family members.  Some people who work as nurses, teachers, police officers, etc. want to learn ASL to communicate with Deaf people they may meet in their jobs.

8. What courses are required to receive the Deaf Studies Certificate?
 
Here is a schedule of the eight courses one must successfully complete to receive The Deaf Studies Certificate:
 
Autumn or Spring Quarter:
ITT 141        Beginning ASL I
ITT 111        Introduction to the Deaf Community
 
Winter or Summer Quarter:
ITT 142        Beginning ASL II
ITT 130        Fingerspelling
 
Spring or Autumn Quarter:
ITT 143        Intermediate ASL I
ITT 150        Linguistics of ASL & English
 
Summer or Winter Quarter:
ITT 144        Intermediate ASL II
 
Autumn or Spring Quarter:
ITT 145        Advanced ASL I

9. I finished all of the course work for the Deaf Studies Certificate.  How do I get my certificate?

Outside the offices of Union Hall 219 A you will see the blank forms to receive the Deaf Studies Certificate.  Complete the form and return it to the mailbox on Chris Evenson’s door – Union Hall 214.  We will confirm the completion of your coursework and process your request.  You should receive your certificate in the mail in 4-6 weeks.

10.  Am I qualified to work as an interpreter with the Deaf Studies Certificate?

Absolutely NOT!  The coursework of the Deaf Studies Certificate does not prepare you to work as an interpreter.