Deaf Studies (DSC)

This course introduces students to the various aspects of non-verbal communication in human interaction. Students will learn and practice non-verbal communication skills, review research on the functions of non-verbal communication, and examine how different non-verbal cues affect social conversation and interaction. Students will develop skills across a spectrum of non-verbal communication and emphasize the use and understanding of facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and body language. Students will create and perform stories using these elements while developing visual element skills in communicating without words. Classes will include storytelling analysis and guests to demonstrate minimal skills language.

An overview of Deafness that encompasses the nature and experience of Deafness; the education of Deaf children and adults; and the adult Deaf community. An explanation of Deafness from a medical perspective including the anatomy of the ear and the causes and treatments of Deafness. This course includes an overview of the educational, psychological, social, and vocational aspects of individuals who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing. In addition, the potential careers with people who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing are presented and discussed.

This course includes three modules. Module 1 provides an overview of the nature and experience of being Deaf, including both historical/cultural aspect of Deaf people and how it has evolved over the past decade. Module 2 is an analysis of American Sign Language (ASL) poetry and storytelling through the use of standard American folklore and other culturally valued forms of literature; Module 3 is an exploration of the causes of Deafness and the technology used for treatment from the medical perspective, including education of Deaf children, vocational/educational considerations for people who are Deaf and the organizations serving people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Also included are the potential careers working with people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the degree requirements to consider.

Analysis and discussion of the historical and cultural aspect of Deaf people. In the last decade, definitions of attitudes toward Deaf people have changed from a clinical perspective to a cultural perspective that identifies, respects and promotes Deaf Culture. An overview of Deafhood that will include the nature and experience of Deafhood; the education of Deaf children and adults; and the adult Deaf community.

Analysis and discussions of American Sign Language (ASL) poetry and storytelling as part of receptive/expressive language development and advanced skills enhancement. This course also includes storytelling techniques through the use of standard American folklore and other culturally valued forms of literature. Videos of Deaf poets, sign language stories and other esoteric aspects of Deaf culture will be evaluated by the students.

Student work experience of fifty (50) hours in an approved agency or site providing services for Deaf people approved by the instructor. Instructor will distribute information on potential clinical sites. Report to the instructor weekly on Blackboard.