Deaf Studies B.A.

Mission Statement

Through the study of American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, and interpreting, students in the BA in Deaf Studies program learn to improve intercultural communication and bridge cultural divides, ultimately reducing inequality and strengthening our community. The core of this degree provides a strong overview of Deaf studies, while specialized tracks provide students with additional training in interpreting or education.

Learning Outcomes

  • Communicate in ASL at an advanced level
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of Deaf culture and Deaf history
  • Interpret between ASL and spoken English at a beginning level
  • Explain the dynamics of social inequality and the importance of improving intercultural communication.

Curriculum

Recommended Schedule

A recommended course sequence for Deaf Studies B.A. is provided for students as guidance to complete their major in four years.

College Core Curriculum (31-45)

English (3-8 credits)

Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum

Study and Technology Skills (0-3 credits)

Refer to the Study and Technology Skills section of the Core Curriculum

Mathematics (3-5 credits)

Refer to the Mathematics section of the Core Curriculum

Natural Sciences (7-8 credits)

Refer to the Natural Sciences section of the Core Curriculum

Social Sciences (3 credits)

Refer to the Social Sciences section of the Core Curriculum

Fine Arts (3 credits)

Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum

Humanities (6 credits)

AM 145American Sign Language I

3.00

AM 146American Sign Language II

3.00

Note: AM 140 may be taken to fulfill the Humanities.

Constitution (3-6 credits)

Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

Cultural Diversity (3 credits)

Refer to the Cultural Diversity section of the Core Curriculum

Major Requirements (45 Credits)

Foundations (11 Credits)

AM 147American Sign Language III

3.00

AM 148American Sign Language IV

3.00

AM 149American Sign Language V

3.00

AM 160Fingerspelling, Numbers, and Glossing

2.00

Note: AM 141 may be used to satisfy AM 147 and AM 148.

Deaf Culture (12 Credits)

AM 253Deaf Culture

3.00

AM 254Deaf History

3.00

AM 400Topics in Deaf Studies

3.00

AM 410ASL Storytelling, Literature, and Folklore

3.00

ASL Interpreting (10 Credits)

AM 205Introduction to Interpreting

4.00

AM 305Intermediate Interpreting

3.00

AM 320Professional Issues in Interpreting

3.00

Advanced ASL (9 Credits)

AM 300Advanced ASL Conversation

3.00

AM 390ASL Structure

3.00

AM 490Advanced Topics in ASL

3.00

Cultural Context (3 Credits)

Please select one course from the following:
AM 411Inequality, Deafness, and the Law

3.00

COM 412Intercultural Communication

3.00

PSY 468Psychology of Inequality

3.00

SOC 441Social Inequality

3.00

General Electives (30-44 Credits)

Complete general elective credits to bring total overall credits to 120.

Upper-Division Electives (18 Credits)

Complete 18 credits in any 300+ level course not already required in the degree.

Summary of Credit Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies

 College Core Curriculum
 31-45
 Major Requirements
 45
 Electives (at least 18 credits must be Upper Division)
 30-44
 Total Credits
 120