Programs

Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies

A Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies is a four-year liberal arts degree that provides in-depth study into all facets of the Deaf-World. There is no special application process, but students should contact the academic advisor for the Languages Department in order to declare their major. Students may choose to emphasize in either 1) general Deaf Studies or 2) Interpreting.

 

Deaf Studies - General Emphasis

This general Deaf Studies emphasis provides an opportunity for students to gain advanced ASL skills and thorough knowledge of the Deaf-World. Graduates with this emphasis will be prepared to work in various fields related to deafness and acquire the skills and knowledge cultivated through the acquisition of any liberal arts degree. This emphasis is also terrific preparation for graduate school in any number of disciplines.

Deaf Studies - Interpreting Emphasis

This interpreting emphasis focuses on providing opportunities for students to gain interpreting skills and pass certification exams. There is currently an intense shortage of interpreters for the Deaf across the United States. The Interpreter Training Program at UVU prepares students to enter the interpreting profession. The program can accommodate students of any skill level and the courses fit right into the Deaf Studies degree requirements.

Bachelor of Arts in ASL and Deaf Studies Education

This four-year degree prepares students to teach ASL & Deaf Studies in secondary education (grades 7-12) settings. Students take major courses from the Languages department and licensure courses through the School of Education. This degree requires a separate application to the School of Education.

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Minor in Deaf Studies

In the Deaf Studies minor, students will examine elements of the Deaf-World. There is special attention to the framework of meaning from within which culturally-Deaf people interpret what it means to be deaf. This minor challenges students to approach cultural descriptions critically, and provides a historical, cultural, and linguistic foundation.

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Program Learning Outcomes

 

Deaf Studies General Emphasis

Deaf Studies General Emphasis – PLOs

  • Students will be able to identify the major features of and issues in Deaf communities and Deaf cultures at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to use digital media technologies to produce language and messages in video format that can be understood by members and users of the target language.
  • Students will be able to analyze critically ways sociocultural history influences a Deaf individual's sense of self and relationship with others.
  • Students will be able to describe communication between hearing people and Deaf people that is vital to society.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate an appreciation of deaf and hard of hearing people's contributions to the visual arts and humanities.
  • Students will be able to negotiate meaning with individuals via speaking, writing, or reading at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to comprehend members of the target language and produce messages that can be interpreted and understood by said members at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to use linguistic and cultural knowledge to encourage and influence advocacy strategies to foster deaf and hearing relations in their communities.
  • Students will be able to use cultural knowledge to conform linguistically and behaviorally in many social and work-related interactions at the Advanced Level of the ACTFL proficiency levels.

Deaf Studies Interpreting Emphasis

Deaf Studies Interpreting Emphasis – PLOs

  • Students will be able to produce, negotiate, and interpret meaning linguistically (original or abstract) with members of the target language via signing, speaking, writing, or reading at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate linguistic and professional usage of the interpreting process in a culturally appropriate manner.
  • Students will be able to pragmatically apply interpreting theories, knowledge and skills In decision-making tasks.
  • Students will be able to negotiate meaning with individuals via speaking, writing, or reading at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to comprehend members of the target language and produce messages that can be interpreted and understood by said members at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to use linguistic and cultural knowledge to encourage and influence advocacy strategies to foster deaf and hearing relations in their communities.
  • Students will be able to use cultural knowledge to conform linguistically and behaviorally in many social and work-related interactions at the Advanced Level of the ACTFL proficiency levels.

ASL & Deaf Education

ASL & Deaf Education – PLOs

  • Students will be able to negotiate meaning with individuals via speaking, writing, or reading at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to interpret meaning in either oral or written forms with no recourse to active negotiation of meaning with the writer, speaker, or producer at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to create messages that can be interpreted by members of the target language with no recourse to active negotiation of meaning with the writer, speaker, or producer at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to use cultural knowledge to conform linguistically and behaviorally in many social and work-related interactions at the Advanced Level of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to apply pedagogical/interpreting theories, knowledge & skills. 

Deaf Studies Minor

Deaf Studies Minor – PLOs

  • Students will be able to negotiate meaning with individuals via signing and reading at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to comprehend members of the target language and produce messages that can be interpreted and understood by said members at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
  • Students will be able to use linguistic and cultural knowledge to encourage and influence advocacy strategies to foster deaf and hearing relations in their communities.