ASL 102
Reading Assignment
"Deaf Again"

1. To continue exploring Deaf culture and the Deaf community.
2. To examine one’s own perspectives of deafness and deaf people and to compare them with the views of the author and with your classmates.

Preface: Deaf Again is an interesting book to read partly because the author describes one perspective of Deaf people (a pathological view) and comes to realize a different perspective (a cultural view) as he becomes older.  As you answer each of the questions, it is expected that you will take the time to honestly consider if and how your own perspectives and opinions about deafness have shifted.

Assignment: Some of the questions below ask for factual information provided in the book. Other questions ask you to provide your own opinions or perspectives about the content or episodes in the book.  Please provide succinct and concise responses to all your questions (in other words don’t ramble, consider your words carefully and get to your point).

Type your responses: You all have access to computers and please type your responses. You can turn in your responses by e-mail or printed hard copy.

In-class discussion: During class we will discuss the book, your responses, and any questions you might have. Your participation in the discussion is considered to be part of the assignment. 

Cultural reading homework points: The assignments will account for 60 points. For each section you will earn 30 points, 25 points for the typed responses and 5 points for participating in the class discussion.

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Deaf Again, Part One questions (Introduction - Chapter 5, pp. iii - 57)

1.  In the very first paragraph of the Introduction chapter (not the E.E Cummings quotation),   the author makes a very powerful statement.  Explain several reasons why.  How is the book "Deaf Again" unique?

2. In pages 1 - 3, the author describes his negative encounters with hearing customers at his workplace with reactions/comments varying from "the word 'deaf' seemed to freak people  out" to "I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were death".  Based on your own life experiences and the knowledge and exposure you have accumulated in ASL 101, describe some probable explanations for these situations.

3. In Chapter 1, the author described his mother's  hospital experiences while in labor.
 
a) How is this situation similar or dissimilar to Leah Hager Cohen's depiction of her grandfather's plight in the hospital?

b)  If you were the hospital, doctor or medical personnel  with a Deaf patient facing a similar predicament in Deaf Again or Train Go Sorry, what steps would you have taken to ensure that fair and accessible care was provided? What should YOU as the medical care facility be held accountable for?

4. Chapter 2 mentions the "Diagnostic Crisis" of deafness - describe the ramifications for a hearing family having a deaf child.  What were the messages and/or psychological implications that the author received? What empowerment issues did Mark's parents faced at that time?

5. Chapter 3:
a) "All in all, deaf children of deaf parents are considered lucky because......." - list several reasons why.   Briefly explain the irony of Mark's family situation?.
   
 b) "Deaf Chat Syndrome" - how did this significant Deaf Cultural behavior come about?

6. Chapter 4: 
a) Mark relates his past audiological testing experiences as "terrifying".  Elaborate why.  What important message does he have for today's generation of audiologists?

b) Although Mark relates Plymouth Meeting Friends Schools as being positive, what are your thoughts about the author's conclusion regarding speech therapy?

7. Chapter 5:
a) What was the major frustration that the author faced with his hearing, Jewish relatives? (pp. 31-33)

b) What valuable lesson did Mark learn from Sekou's family?  How was Mark's deafness a blessing in disguise?