Deaf Studies

The Department of Cultural and Creative Studies at RIT/NTID offers a range of Deaf studies and American Sign Language (ASL) courses. These courses will satisfy AOS humanities, social sciences, and/or Deaf Studies/ASL graduation requirements.

Students also may pursue a certificate in Deaf Studies/ASL in either of two areas:

• Advocacy and Community
• American Sign Language Studies

Students must be enrolled in a degree program in order to be eligible for the certificate.

To obtain the Advocacy and Community or American Sign Language Studies certificate, students must complete 15 credit hours, including the Introduction to Deaf Studies course.

NTID Deaf Studies / ASL Certificate Tracks

Advocacy and Community Certificate
(3 credit hours each)
0880-190 Introduction to Deaf Studies
0882-222 Deaf Culture and Community
0882-285 Civil Rights and Deaf People
0886-249 Structure of ASL
0880-207 Organizational Communication and the Deaf Employee

American Sign Language Studies Certificate
(3 credit hours each)
0880-190 Introduction to Deaf Studies
0882-222 Deaf Culture and Community
0886-249 Structure of ASL
0886-250 Introduction to ASL Teaching

And One of the Following Electives:
0880-207 Organizational Communication and the Deaf Employee
0882-221 Deaf Heritage
0882-223 Deaf Women’s Studies
0882-285 Civil Rights and Deaf People

Top 10 Reasons for studying Deaf Studies/ASL

1. Gives students a sense of pride in themselves and those who paved the way for them
2. Enhances understanding of how ASL works
3. Enhances understanding of how other languages work (including English)
4. Increases bilingual skills which makes students more effective communicators
5. Increases knowledge of Deaf culture and Deaf history
6. Improves public presentation and expressive skills
7. Heightens literacy and critical thinking skills
8. Increases self-esteem, self-confidence and self-awareness
9. Increases students’ ability to advocate for their rights (i.e., ADA, interpreters, etc.)
10. Promotes increased knowledge and research into the field of Deaf Studies/ ASL