The description for each independent study request will be specified in each student proposal.

Note: There are five discipline-specific courses here, designated by section: 01 (English), 02 (Mathematics), 03 (Science), 04 (Social Studies) and 05 (American Sign Language). Students will take only the section focusing on the content area in which they will be certified. Section 01 English. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching English in the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Students investigate and analyze current approaches to curriculum, instruction and materials in the area of English instruction through readings, observations, and seminars. Students design content area projects to demonstrate a variety of methodological philosophies. Section 02 Mathematics. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching mathematics at the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Current instructional methods, curriculum and professional resources in mathematics are studied through seminars, readings, special projects, observations and work with content-area specialists and teachers in secondary-level mathematics courses. Section 03 Science. This course examines issues and methods in teaching secondary-level science to Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students, including the selection, modifications, and use of curriculum materials in science. Discussions will be concerned with instructional strategies, classroom managements, cognitive development, testing and evaluation, lab report writing and theories of science teaching. Students will be required to observe teachers in secondary level science courses. Section 04 Social Studies. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching social studies at the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Through seminars, readings, special projects, and work with content area specialists/teachers, current instructional methods, curriculum and professional resources in social studies are examined. Students will be required to observe teachers of secondary level social studies courses at public schools, residential schools for Deaf students or in mainstream programs. Section 05 American Sign Language. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching American Sign Language at the secondary level. Students investigate and analyze current approaches to ASL curriculum, instruction, and materials through readings, observations, and seminars. Students design content area projects to demonstrate their understanding of teaching theories and methods, curriculum design, and evaluation techniques. To progress to MSSE-760, students must obtain a minimum grade of B in this course.

This course concentrates on the linguistic structures of American Sign Language (ASL) and English. This course introduces students to the structural description of ASL and English languages at various levels (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse/pragmatics). Issues related to language change and variation, language use in contact situations (for example, code-mode switching), and language use in education will be discussed.

This course provides students with basic knowledge about the linguistic structure of American Sign Language (ASL). Through an introduction to language features, students will examine the phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and discourse of ASL. Information regarding historical and cultural aspects of ASL is also introduced and discussed.

This course provides an overview of how second languages have traditionally been taught, what the current methods and theories are, and their applications to the teaching of American Sign Language. Students are provided opportunities to practice basic teaching techniques, selection of appropriate materials, design lesson plans, and use of evaluation techniques, current technology, including how to teach Deaf culture and ASL grammatical features in lessons. Students learn about resources to support their efforts to teach American Sign Language.