Plan of Study – Deaf Community Studies

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Deaf Comm Studies for Interpr Studies or ASL Ed Major: Minor

Minor Courses (Minimum of 23 semester hours required.)

CF 2160 Child Development Birth Through Eight (3 s.h.)

Growth and development of the young child from birth through age eight, including both typical and atypical characteristics and needs of young children, with a particular focus on theory and current research in the field. Exploration of ways to create learning environments that are healthy, respectful, responsive, supportive, and challenging for young children. Introduction of the Universal Education Vision and Principles.

SLS 2110 Orientation to Deafness (3 s.h.)

A survey of clinical and developmental aspects of hearing and deafness. Includes discussion of basic audiology, deaf education, and communicative implications of hearing loss. Prerequisite: SLS 1000.

SLS 2450 Deafness and Community Resources (3 s.h.)

History and evolution of community resource development as a contributing force behind social change within the Deaf Community. Covers topics such as education, vocational rehabilitation services, community mental health programs for Deaf persons, and community service agencies (national, state, and local). Prerequisite: SLS 1000.

SLS 3470 Deaf People and the Law (2 s.h.)

Presents the history and evolution of civil rights laws affecting individuals in the Deaf Community and the impact on integration into society. Details federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as state special education laws, laws governing interpreters, housing, employment and other related laws and regulations that affect the daily lives of Deaf citizens. Prerequisite: SLS 1000.

SLS 4040/4710 Option (Choose from: SLS 4040 (for Interpreting Studies majors) or SLS 4710 (three different topics required; for ASL Education majors).)

SLS 4040 ASL Literature and Drama (3 s.h.)

The use of American Sign Language as a form of story-telling, poetry, and drama. ASL literature is analyzed and incorporated as part of receptive/expressive language development and advanced skills enhancement. Includes exploration of the canons of Deaf literature and drama. Prerequisite: SLS 3020 or departmental approval.

SLS 4710 Selected Seminar Topics (1 s.h.)

Workshops or seminars include topics related to the Deaf community, Deaf culture, Sign Language, education, and related issues. (May be repeated for credit, as topics vary.)

SLS 4941 Field Placement: Deaf Community Studies (3 s.h.)

Observation and practicum in community-based service organizations and agencies, educational programs, vocational rehabilitation, or related areas. Documentation of placement-related experiences with on-site personnel. Requires guided reflection with instructor on regular basis. Prerequisite: SLS 2450 and SLS 3470, and departmental approval.

SOC 2020 Social Problems (3 s.h.)

Analysis of major social issues/problems in the US and globally from a sociological perspective. Consideration of national and international implications. Focus on issues of stratification (social class, race, gender), deviance, industrial conflict, warfare, environmental pollution, and consumption. Analyses of specific social movements that respond to political and economic contradictions. Focus areas may include: media and public opinion; social inequality and justice; social control and deviance; and belief, religion, and science. May include an academic service learning component.

WRT 3260 Business and Professional Writing (BUS/WRT*) (3 s.h.)

A study of the strategies and stylistic devices which lead to clear, concise, and complete business writing. Various types of business letters, memoranda, proposals, and reports are examined and developed. Prerequisite: WRT 1020.