Deaf Cultural Studies-American Sign Language Certificate

Program overview

The deaf cultural studies/American Sign Language certificate program offers deaf and hard-of-hearing students the opportunity to understand the deaf community as an entity unto itself and within the context of society as a whole. The program consists of two tracks: the advocacy and community track and the American Sign Language studies track.

Both tracks address the historical, anthropological, linguistic, literary, artistic, and multicultural aspects of deaf people’s lives. 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; and enhanced literacy and critical thinking skills.

The advocacy and community track improves students’ ability to advocate for their rights in the workplace and contribute to leadership in the greater community. The ASL studies track enhances students’ marketability as teachers of ASL and deaf culture in the workplace, at schools, or within the greater community.

Candidates are granted the certificate upon successful completion of the course requirements in either of the tracks. Courses are offered as part of the NTID social sciences and humanities curricula. Applicants for the deaf cultural studies/American Sign Language certificate must be either matriculated students in good standing in an undergraduate degree program at RIT/NTID or graduates holding a degree from an RIT/NTID program. Introduction to Deaf Cultural Studies and ASL (0880-190) is a prerequisite for admission to the program.

Curriculum