Introduction

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Accreditation Timeline

Criterion Committees:
Criterion 1
Criterion 2
Criterion 3
Criterion 4
Criterion 5

Department Mission

The Communication, American Sign Language, Theatre & Film Department is committed to providing a professional, academic atmosphere where members are supported by the department and campus in their quest to provide the best education to their students as possible. Department members are committed to meeting their professional responsibilities in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Department Goals

1. To maintain open lines of communication between members.
2. To acquire and maintain services and materials needed to fulfill professional responsibilities.
3. To continue to seek unique and creative ways in which the three academic areas can overlap in instruction and extra-curricular contexts.

COM Mission

The Communication Department at Phoenix College is committed to excellent teaching that provides a stimulating environment for student learning. The faculty aims to help students develop critical skills in speaking, listening, thinking and writing in order to improve their communication effectiveness in their personal, academic and professional lives. In addition, the program aims to provide opportunities for students, the campus and the community to experience performance of literary and non-literary texts.

COM Goals

1. To provide high quality education to students in all communication classes.
2. To provide Communication General Education Courses for all Phoenix College students.
3. To provide lower division communication courses for all Communication majors.
4. To provide students with theory and skills for use in interpersonal, small group and public
settings.
5. To integrate theory and skills in intercultural communication in all Communication classes.
6. To provide theory and skills that allow students to improve their personal, academic and/or
professional lives.
7. To stimulate students to use communication skills comfortably in real-life situations.
8. To provide opportunities for participation and exposure to varying examples of performance
studies.
9. To provide a curriculum that meets the needs of a culturally and internationally diverse student
population.
10. To implement innovative teaching strategies that meet the needs of a culturally and
internationally diverse student population.

Interpreter Preparation Program Mission

The mission of the American Sign Language/English Interpreter Preparation Program (degree and certificate) at Phoenix College, is to provide high quality instruction and training in practical and theoretical issues, skills, knowledge, and professionalism pertaining to the provision of interpreting services to D/deaf, hard of hearing and hearing consumers in a variety of settings. Phoenix College believes American Sign Language and English to be separate and distinct languages that represent different cultures with unique values, norms, and perspectives. This program reflects the changing needs of the students and community and encourages participation from students with diverse backgrounds. Both an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate in Interpreter Preparation are offered. Students will gain an understanding of the interpreting profession and its code of ethics, cultural mediation, skills in providing communication access between ASL and English speakers, sensitivity to issues between groups and individuals with diverse backgrounds, and the importance of continued professional development and lifelong learning. The Associate of Applied Science degree includes additional general education courses that provide students with a broad scope of knowledge to enable students to become successful interpreters in a variety of settings.

The mission of the Sign Language Communication Pre-Employment certificate is to prepare students with basic sign language skills and an overview of issues related to D/deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The goal is to provide individuals with basic sign communication skills who are currently employed or plan to work in business, industry, or public service settings where contact with D/deaf or hard of hearing individuals occurs.

Interpreter Preparation Program Goals

1. Provide courses to develop competencies in using American Sign Language.
2. Provide students with the history and development of American Sign Language and other communication techniques used among D/deaf people.
3. Provide students with an overview of education for D/deaf and hard of hearing persons, and common technology used by this population.
4. Introduce students to laws pertaining to educational choices and rights of D/deaf and hard of hearing individuals and to the local, state, and national organizations, educational institutions, related businesses, and agencies affecting the D/deaf communities.
5. Provide an introduction and study of theoretical models of interpreting, interpreter roles, functions, responsibilities, communication strategies, and ethical standards applied to consecutive and simultaneous interpreting in a variety of settings.
6. Introduce students to the language, values, literature, norms, socio-political issues, perspectives, and heritage of the Deaf culture.
7. Provide students with the direct application of the principles, vocabulary, and techniques used in interpreting in educational settings.
8. Provide students with community resources along with interaction with Deaf individuals to promote knowledge and skills necessary for the workforce.
9. Provide students with direction for further self-assessment and professional development for life long learning.
10. Provide students with a pathway to transfer the A.A.S. degree to the university level which applies to the first two years of a B.A.S. degree.
11. Encourage/promote continuing education among faculty members.
12. Maintain state of the art teaching techniques and resources.

Theatre & Film Mission

The Theatre & Film area at Phoenix College is committed to the mission of providing high quality instruction in the practical and theoretical training of students in acting, directing, theatrical design, technical theatre and film studies. The faculty is committed to helping students develop their artistic abilities, aesthetic responses and critical evaluation skills in both their personal and professional lives. An additional mission of the Theatre & Film area is the presentation of quality live theatrical performances for the college and the community. The area is committed to presenting the finest student performances and faculty directed productions possible.

Theatre & Film Goals

1. To provide quality instruction to all students in theatre, film and mass communication courses.
2. To provide Theatre/Humanities general education courses to all Phoenix College students.
3. To provide lower division theatre transfer courses to all Theatre majors.
4. To provide access to applied technology in all technical theatre, design, film and mass
communication courses.
5. To provide theatre students with academic-based and extra-curricular production experiences
that parallel real-world production processes; including acting, directing, stage management,
theatrical design, stage technology, make-up and box-office management.
6. To provide theatre students with up-to-date and safe working conditions in all production
areas.
7. Implement new and innovative teaching strategies that meet the needs of a diverse student
population.
8. To provide an intellectual and cultural resource for the community by offering quality
performances to the campus and community.
9. To provide access for the community to our performance arts facility allowing for
collaborative experiences between faculty, students and community arts organizations.
10. To appropriately manage and maintain the John Paul Theatre as a center of intellectual and
cultural resource point for the campus and community.

Page created 12-09-03.