American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
Professor Kathie Shiba, Chair, Division of Behavioral Sciences
Assistant Professor William White, Coordinator
Two majors offered at Maryville College draw on American Sign Language, the Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies and the major in American Sign Language-English Interpreting. Courses and major requirements for the major in American Sign Language-English Interpreting are listed under American Sign Language-English Interpreting in this catalog.
Success in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies requires being able to perceive signers’ faces, hand movements and body movements and being able to convey and receive ASL through these channels quickly at the natural pace of language. Also essential is the ability to perceive and process visual information and eye-hand coordination that allow effective communication. A good foundation in basic ASL is critical to advancing successfully in the major in ASL and Deaf Studies.