Deaf Studies

AA

Visit the Deaf Studies Website

The Deaf Studies pathway is the only two-year associate of arts (A. A.) degree track in Western Washington offering two full years of intensive study in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.

The pathway includes skills classes, laboratory experience, and lecture/discussion classes. The skill, academic, and discussion classes, combined with outside reading and activities, create an intense and rewarding learning experience.

For information on related programs, see the Interpreter Training Program and Deaf Interpreter Training Certificate Program.

Career Opportunities

The Deaf Studies pathway is designed to prepare students for continued studies or employment in education, human/social services, linguistics, medicine, jurisprudence, religion, anthropology, and sociology. Further, students are given background that helps to prepare them to enter jobs in vocational rehabilitation, early childhood education, and social and mental health agencies working with individuals who are deaf.

Entrance Requirements

Test requirements: COMPASS placement testing. Must be eligible for English 101 and Math 084.

How To Get Started

  • Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College
  • Eligibility Evaluation After completing the above test(s), students must take their test results to the Division Counselor for interpretation and eligibility to enter the program.
  • Attend a program orientation session if possible. This may be waived for out-of-town applicants.

Estimated Training Costs

Curriculum

1'st QuarterCr
A.A. distribution coursework (10 cr.)
ASL& 121 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I 5
(Formerly ASL 101) Intro to American Sign Language (ASL) using conversational methods. Covers vocabulary, grammatical usage, and culturally appropriate behavior regarding Deaf people. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL& 101.
2'nd QuarterCr
A.A. distribution coursework (5 cr.)
ASL& 122 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE II 5
(Formerly ASL 102) Continuation of ASL& 121 to build mastery of ASL grammar skills, increase vocabulary, and gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of Deaf culture.
ENGL&102 COMPOSITION II 5
(Formerly ENG 102) Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays.
3'rd QuarterCr
A.A. distribution coursework (5 cr.)
ASL 120 INTRODUCTION TO DEAF STUDIES 5
Overview of the treatment and psychological aspects of Deafness; history and education of Deaf people; and deaf culture.
ASL& 123 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE III 5
(Formerly ASL 103) Continuation of ASL& 122 with focus on certain grammatical features such as spatialization, directionality, and non-manual components. Intensive work in vocabulary development and continued study of Deaf culture.
HUM 105 INTERCULTURE COMMUNICATION 5
Interdisciplinary focus on the role of languages and culture in effective intercultural communication including values, patterns, history, and attitudes that create and sustain cultures. Emphasis on skills and empathy gained from the study of diverse cultures through literature, theory and guest lecturers.
4'th QuarterCr
A.A. distribution coursework (5 cr.)
ASL& 221 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE IV 5
(Formerly ASL 201) Emphasis on expressive skills development and ASL fluency. Attention to the correct formation of signs, movement, rhythm, phrasing, linking, and clarity, intensive vocabulary building and proficiency in ASL grammar.
LAN 110 COMPARATIVE LINGUISTICS: ASL AND ENGLISH 5
Intro to linguistics as applied to English and American Sign Language. Examination of phonology, morphology, syntax and language use.
5'th QuarterCr
A.A. distribution coursework (5 cr.)
ASL 125 AMERICAN DEAF CULTURE 5
Covers discussion of Deaf people as a culture, a group of people held together by strength of culture rather than disability, Examines deaf minorities and current issues in the field.
ASL& 222 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE V 5
(Formerly ASL 202) Continued development of receptive and expressive skills. Produce/receive narratives at a near-native level and decrease dependency on English syntax structures.
6'th QuarterCr
ASL& 223 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE VI 5
(Formerly ASL 203) Continue vocabulary development and participate in most formal and informal conversations on general topics. At this level signing errors seldom interfere with understanding and rarely disturb native signers.
DRMA 112 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE THEATRE 5
Intro to artistic sign language expression and the principles of stage acting. Focuses on guided developmental processes, improvisation, scene study, technique, and a working knowledge of the character creation for the stage. Covers translating English to ASL.
SPS 201 SURVEY OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT 5
Basic anatomy and physiology of hearing mechanisms. Covers causes and types of treatment for hearing loss, both past and present. Also includes assistive technical devices, an introduction to the measurement of hearing and a survey of the role of genetic hearing loss in regard to deafness. Lab course.

Total Credits = 90

Contact the division counselor for information regarding any changes to the curriculum.

It is suggested that students work closely with the division counselor to plan their A. A. degree distribution coursework to ensure that they meet transfer and A.A. degree requirements.

For Further Information:

Deaf Studies Program
Health and Human Services
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE3210
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 344-4347
TTY: (206) 344-4347
FAX: (206) 587-6337

Program Contact:
Maureen Wood-Mottley mawood@sccd.ctc.edu 206.587.6953