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.
Curriculum
Recommended Schedule
A recommended course sequence to complete the major in four years.
Degree Sheet
A degree sheet for the Deaf Studies B.A. is provided with the curriculum below for students’ convenience.
This sample degree checklist is intended to be used as a planning tool for students enrolled in the program for this academic year. It is recommended that students review the Academic Requirements report in their Student Center and meet regularly with an Academic Advisor to verify degree progression.
College Core Curriculum
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)
Refer to the Humanities section of the Core Curriculum. Classes in the major may be used to fulfill this Core requirement. Consult an Academic Advisor.
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. Classes in the major may be used to fulfill this Core requirement. Consult an Academic Advisor.
Major Requirements (51 Credits)
Foundations (17 Credits)
| AM 145 | American Sign Language I | 3.00 |
| AM 146 | American Sign Language II | 3.00 |
| AM 147 | American Sign Language III | 3.00 |
| AM 148 | American Sign Language IV | 3.00 |
| AM 149 | American Sign Language V | 3.00 |
| AM 160 | Fingerspelling, Numbers, and Glossing | 2.00 |
Note: AM 140 may be used to satisfy AM 145 and AM 146.
AM 141 may be used to satisfy AM 147 and AM 148.
Deaf Culture (12 Credits)
| AM 253 | Deaf Culture | 3.00 |
| AM 254 | Deaf History | 3.00 |
| AM 400 | Topics in Deaf Studies | 3.00 |
| AM 410 | ASL Storytelling, Literature, and Folklore | 3.00 |
ASL Interpreting (10 Credits)
| AM 205 | Introduction to Interpreting | 4.00 |
| AM 305 | Intermediate Interpreting | 3.00 |
| AM 320 | Professional Issues in Interpreting | 3.00 |
Advanced ASL (9 Credits)
| AM 300 | Advanced ASL Conversation | 3.00 |
| AM 390 | ASL Structure | 3.00 |
| AM 490 | Advanced Topics in ASL | 3.00 |
Cultural Context (3 Credits)
Please select one course from the following:
| AM 411 | Inequality, Deafness, and the Law | 3.00 |
| COM 412 | Intercultural Communication | 3.00 |
| PSY 468 | Psychology of Inequality | 3.00 |
| SOC 441 | Social Inequality | 3.00 |
General Electives
General elective courses are taken to complete the 120 credits needed for graduation.
Upper-Division Electives (18 Credits)
Complete 18 credits in any 300+ level course not already required in the degree.