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Home Academics Programs and Majors Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies

Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.A. in Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies

This degree provides academic coursework based on a Deaf-centered framework that encourages students to embrace an empowered collaboration with Deaf people. It provides an introductory overview of the Deaf community and American Sign Language in a cultural context, with the psychosocial dynamics of people working in the Deaf community. It also emphasizes the development of skills related to paraprofessional services, in an individual or group setting, in an educational or social services agency which serves Deaf clients.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DEAF 310 American Sign Language I 4
DEAF 312 American Sign Language II 4
DEAF 314 American Sign Language III 4
DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV 4
DEAF 320 Fingerspelling, Classifiers and Numbers 0.5 -1
DEAF 351 Introduction to American Deaf Culture 3
DEAF 352 Introduction to American Deaf Education 3
DEAF 355 Audism and Inequality of the Deaf 3
DEAF 370 Linguistics of American Sign Language 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
DEAF 318 American Sign Language V (4)
DEAF 380 American Sign Language Literature (3)
Total Units: 31.5 - 32

The Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compare and contrast characteristics that impact a Deaf person’s life in the following areas: the world of work, education, family, language, and social development.
  • demonstrate ability to carry on American Sign Language conversation consistent with the ability of a 4th semester second language learner with a Deaf individual or groups of Deaf people.
  • apply entry-level positions working with the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate characteristics related to personal growth and adjustment in various populations within and outside of the Deaf community.
  • apply skills in working with various Deaf participants within and outside of the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate skills in working with school-age Deaf children in an educational setting.
  • compare and differentiate the Deaf individual to individuals of diverse populations when comparing human development.
  • demonstrate appropriate cultural interaction within the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate ability to communicate respectfully in a Deaf-culture setting.

Career Information

This degree prepares students for entry-level positions such as paraprofessional services in an individual or group setting, in an educational or social services agency which serves Deaf clients.

Certificate of Achievement

Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies Certificate

This certificate provides academic coursework based on a Deaf-centered framework that encourages students to embrace an empowered collaboration with Deaf people. It provides an introductory overview of the Deaf community and American Sign Language in a cultural context, with the psychosocial dynamics of people working in the Deaf community. It also emphasizes the development of skills related to paraprofessional services, in an individual or group setting, in an educational or social services agency which serves Deaf clients.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DEAF 310 American Sign Language I 4
DEAF 312 American Sign Language II 4
DEAF 314 American Sign Language III 4
DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV 4
DEAF 320 Fingerspelling, Classifiers and Numbers 0.5 -1
DEAF 351 Introduction to American Deaf Culture 3
DEAF 352 Introduction to American Deaf Education 3
DEAF 355 Audism and Inequality of the Deaf 3
DEAF 370 Linguistics of American Sign Language 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
DEAF 318 American Sign Language V (4)
DEAF 380 American Sign Language Literature (3)
Total Units: 31.5 - 32

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compare and contrast characteristics that impact a Deaf person’s life in the following areas: the world of work, education, family, language, and social development.
  • demonstrate ability to carry on American Sign Language conversation consistent with the ability of a 4th semester second language learner with a Deaf individual or groups of Deaf people.
  • apply to entry-level positions working with the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate characteristics related to personal growth and adjustment in various populations within and outside of the Deaf community.
  • apply skills in working with various Deaf participants within and outside of the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate skills in working with school-age Deaf children in an educational setting.
  • compare and differentiate the Deaf individual to individuals of diverse populations when comparing human development.
  • demonstrate appropriate cultural interaction within the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate ability to communicate respectfully in a Deaf-culture setting.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry-level positions such as paraprofessional services in an individual or group setting, in an educational or social services agency which serves Deaf clients.