This course will study the contradictory and telling ways that deaf people have been depicted over the last three centuries in addressing the question: What does deafness signify, especially in a western society that is centered upon speech? Our approach will be contrapuntal, juxtaposing canonical texts and mainstream films with relatively unknown works by deaf artists.

This seminar offers an interdisciplinary approach to disability in the social, cultural, political, artistic, ethical, and medical spheres and their intersections. It also introduces students to critical theory concerned with the rights of the disabled.

Describes spoken English and ASL (American Sign Language) on five levels: phonological, morphological, lexical, syntactic, and discourse and compares/contrasts them using real-world examples. Describes major linguistic components and processes of English and ASL. Introduces basic theories regarding ASL structure. Emphasizes ASL's status as a natural language by comparing/contrasting similarities and unique differences between the two languages.

The majority of deaf people live in the so-called "Global South"; regions like South America, Asia, Africa and India, which have experienced colonialism or and/or have limited access to resources and power. However, historically deaf studies focused on the experiences of deaf people in the "Global North." The course will consider how deaf people's experiences in the Global South have been shaped by local and international contexts, and re-imagine deaf studies from these perspectives.

Students will collaborate fully in American Sign Language to develop a class project based upon that of students in course offerings from previous semesters. Students will follow the Scientific Method and negotiate all aspects of the project. Students will naturally develop ASL presentation skills, increase range of sign vocabulary, and increase understanding and fluency in ASL and Deaf culture. This course is an elective for the Minor in ASL and Deaf Culture.

Independent Study in American Sign Language. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission