American Deaf Culture

Overview

This is a six-week course providing a historical overview of the American Deaf community and its evolving culture. Theoretical frameworks from sociology are explored. Deafness as a culture and not a disability is explained as participants are guided into the world of Deaf culture.

Syllabus

Module 1: Discrimination and Audism

Introduction to course and explanation of Civil Rights struggles for the American Deaf community. Detailed explanation of the term “audism”.

Module 2: What is American Deaf Culture? - An Introduction

Overview of commonly used terminology and jargon related to deafness. Introduction to the existence of Deaf Culture.

Module 3: "My Child is born deaf" - Language acquisition

Summary and analysis of communication options for those that are members of the American Deaf community. Introduction of the impact of American Sign Language and the import of language acquisition for deaf children.