Program Overview

Introduction to the Deaf Studies Program

The Deaf Studies program at Boston University offers students the opportunity to develop insights into, and genuine appreciation for, the culture, contributions, and contemporary issues related to Deaf people in the United States.

Learning Outcomes

The program aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate proficiency in ASL as evidenced by:
  • Achieving a rating of intermediate or better on all parameters of the SLPI Interview Scale.
  • Effectively engaging in social and academic conversations in American Sign Language, both expressively and receptively, in a variety of settings (field placement, classroom/professional presentations).
  • Using and comprehending ASL texts in a variety of topics and settings (recorded (video) and face-to-face contexts).
  • Describing the nature and structure of language through comparisons of ASL and English.
• Demonstrate knowledge about significant matters related to history, culture, literature, language, education, and politics of the Deaf World by:
  • Articulating cultural and linguistic parallels of the Deaf World in the wider context of multiculturalism and reframing orientations from a pathological standpoint to a rich sociocultural and linguistic minority.
  • Identifying salient issues regarding oppression, power arrangements, privilege, minority status, and psychosocial implications for Deaf people in past and present contexts.
  • Articulating bilingual education and bilingualism issues related to (ASL/English) for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and their historical significance.
  • Describing how knowledge of the Deaf World (visual learning, visual language, and Deaf art forms) can contribute to a better understanding of the human condition, science, and technology.
• Demonstrate the ability to partner with and advocate for the Deaf World as evidenced by establishing competence in:
  • Planning and implementing a series of successful in-class or community/stakeholder presentations.
  • Engaging in social and academic conversations in Deaf-related agencies/institutions during term-long field placement.
  • Planning and implementing at least three Deaf Studies events per academic year.

Requirements

The program requires:

• Completion of the BU Hub, the University’s general education program.
• Core courses detailing the history, education, literature, and language of the Deaf, taught by both Deaf and hearing faculty and conducted in American Sign Language.
• Competence in American Sign Language, demonstrated through an ASL proficiency exit test before graduation.
• Participation in field experiences, enabling students to put into practice knowledge gained through academic courses.
• A minimum of 15 hours of community service per year, totaling 60 hours.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

• Introduction to Language and Linguistics (4 units)
• Introduction to the Deaf World (4 units)
• Deaf History and Culture (4 units)
• Deaf Literature and Visual Arts (4 units)
• Capstone—Deaf Studies (4 units)
• Social Psychology and the Deaf World (4 units)
• American Sign Language I-IV (4 units each)
• Academic ASL (2 units)
• Applied ASL (2 units)
• Sign Language Structure (4 units)
• Language Acquisition (4 units)
• Issues in Bilingual Education or Disability, Education & Public Policy (4 units)
• Field Experience: Deaf Studies (4 units)
• Project Citizen: Promoting Civic Engagement (2 units)
• Social Context of Education (2 units)
• Civic Context of Education (2 units)

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).