Deaf and Sign Language Studies, BA

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The deaf and sign language studies major adopts an interdisciplinary and integrative approach to the study of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and individuals in national and global societies. The program elevates awareness of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and heightens linguistic knowledge and cultural appreciation while engaging and collaborating within their communities. Analysis of existing identities, stereotypes and policies promotes learners to evaluate areas of needs in enforcing change for the betterment of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the students will be able to:

Describe historical, educational, and cultural relating to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community within the United States and other countries;
Enhance learners’ knowledge about deaf history, culture, and identity;
Demonstrate the sociolinguistic aspects of sign language structure and usage within different settings; and
Evaluate needs to enforce change for the betterment of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the areas of education, workforce, and organizations.

WLC Department Requirements

Admission Requirements
Students planning to major or minor must meet with an advisor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures for details about admission requirements and to complete an application form.

Program Requirements
Students in the majors and minors must earn a minimum grade of C+ in each course used for their program/s.

Core Course Requirements
Only courses numbered 200 and above will count toward a major or minor. Students may contact the department to request placement testing if they have prior instruction in any of the languages. For students with sufficient preparation, the 200-level sequence may be waived through our placement exam or credit by examination. Please note that Spanish CLEP test scores may be used to complete general education and/or graduation requirements but may not be used to fulfill course requirements for Spanish majors or minors. Students planning to study abroad must see their advisor prior to departure to ensure the applicability of the proposed course of study. All upper-division classes not listed as requirements are approved electives.

Required Course Credits: 47

ASL 251 - Second-year American Sign Language Credits: (5)
ASL 252 - Second-year American Sign Language Credits: (5)
ASL 253 - Second-year American Sign Language Credits: (5)
ASL 301 - American Sign Language Literature Credits: (5)
ASL 305 - American Sign Language Fingerspelling and Etymology Credits: (5)
ASL 315 - Experiences in the Deaf Community Credits: (5)
ASL 405 - Sign Language Structure and Usage Credits: (5)
ASL 410 - Deaf Culture, Sign Languages, and Media Credits: (5)
ASL 415 - Community Relations: Current Issues in the Deaf World Credits: (5)
WLC 487 - Culminating Experience Credits: (2)

Department-Approved Electives Credits: 4-5

Take one of the following:

ANTH 382 - Descriptive Linguistics Credits: (4)
ASP 305 - Accessibility and User Experience Credits: (4)
ASP 435 - Accessible Information Design Credits: (5)
SOC 365 - Minority Groups Credits: (5)
WGSS 326 - Intersections of Gender, Race, Class, and Sexualities Credits: (5)

Total Credits: 51-52

Small Plan Major (fewer than 60 credits)

This major requires the completion of a minor or second major. Please consult with the departments about any specific restrictions regarding overlap between plans.

College and Department Information

World Languages and Cultures Department
College of Arts and Humanities

Program Codes
Major plan code: DSLST