ASL/DS, B.A.

The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is intended for those desiring to pursue studies in the areas of linguistics or anthropology at the graduate level or communication skills/cultural knowledge for use in counseling, social work, teaching, working in schools for the Deaf, or other service fields. Audio-visual materials are accessible for individual study of a broad cross-section of communication methods. Interactions with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and regular practice using video equipment are principal means for the development of skills.

Successful graduates of the ASL studies major will be able to comfortably communicate in ASL receptively and expressively and to interact comfortably and appropriately in the Deaf community at entry level. The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies requires 42 hours. A double major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies and American Sign Language-English Interpreting is not permitted.

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

  1. Develop a language foundation that promotes the ability to effectively communicate in American Sign Language.
  2. Demonstrate appropriate American Sign Language vocabulary production.
  3. Demonstrate appropriate American Sign Language grammatical structure.
  4. Demonstrate culturally appropriate conversational skills in diverse social settings.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to establish/maintain social relationships with members of the Deaf community in general.
  6. Show awareness of and respect for Deaf culture.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

ASL 107History and Culture of the American Deaf Community

3

ASL 203American Sign Language III

4

ASL 204American Sign Language IV

4

ASL 299Issues in Professional Development

1

ASL 305American Sign Language V

3

ASL 331Introduction to Linguistics of ASL

3

ASL 337Internship

0-15

ASL 351Senior Study I

3

ASL 352Senior Study II

3

ASL 401Seminar on American Sign Language

3

PSY 101Introductory Psychology

3

PSY 211Child Development

3

One of the following courses:

PSY 224Cross-Cultural Psychology

3

PSY 324Child Poverty and Inequality

3

One of the following courses:

SOC 211Cultural Anthropology

3

PSY 221Social Psychology

3