Program Overview

Deaf Cultural Studies-American Sign Language Certificate

Overview

The Deaf cultural studies-American Sign Language certificate offers deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students the opportunity to understand the deaf community as an entity unto itself and within the context of society as a whole.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities learned through this program of study include:

• Understanding the structure of ASL and the application of linguistic principles to other languages (specifically English)
• Enhancement of bilingual skills to improve communication
• Increased knowledge of Deaf culture and Deaf history
• A heightened sense of self-concept, self-esteem, and self-confidence
• Improved presentation skills
• Enhanced literacy and critical thinking skills

The certificate in Deaf cultural studies/ASL is offered to students enrolled in degree programs at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and the other RIT colleges as an enhancement to their portfolio of general academic, career, and technical skills. It is not a stand-alone certification.

The certificate offers students an opportunity to learn about historical, anthropological, linguistic, literary, artistic, and multicultural aspects of deaf people's lives. Courses expose students to a breadth and depth of topics in Deaf cultural studies and ASL, and address NTID General Education goals for critical thinking, writing, and public presentations.

The overall program goals of the Deaf cultural studies/ASL certificate are to:

• Study the Deaf experience from the perspective of a disenfranchised minority group
• Understand and appreciate Deaf culture
• Promote the development of English and ASL literacy
• Promote the development of critical thinking skills
• Promote the development of communication skills

Curriculum

Deaf Cultural Studies - American Sign Language, Certificate, Typical Course Sequence

• Choose three of the following courses:
  • NASL-275: Structure of American Sign Language
  • NHSS-159: Deaf Community in the Modern World
  • NHSS-251: Deaf Culture and Contemporary Civilization
  • NHSS-260: Deaf People and Civil Rights
  • NHSS-270: Multiculturalism in the Deaf Community
  • NHSS-275: Visual Expressions of Deaf Culture
  • NHSS-279: Seminar in Deaf Cultural Studies

Admissions and Financial Aid

Applicants for the Deaf cultural studies-American Sign Language certificate must be students in good standing in an undergraduate program at RIT, or hold an undergraduate degree from RIT.

Candidates must complete or have already completed an undergraduate degree program from RIT to receive this certificate.

Faculty

• Royce Best: Lecturer
• Pamela Conley: Associate Professor
• Dara Doane: Lecturer

Contact

Program Contact:

• Leisa Boling: Assistant Professor
• Department of ASL and Interpreting Education
• National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Offered within the Department of Liberal Studies.