Minor in Deaf Studies

College of Arts and Humanities

Students must complete a minimum of six credits of advanced standing coursework in their minor.*

The Minor in Deaf Studies is designed to enable students to understand and have greater awareness of, understanding of, and expertise in the Deaf community, their culture and language. Practical application of language use, cultural appreciation and understanding of deafness from a diversity viewpoint are stressed through three unique minor focus areas, each related to an integral aspect of the Deaf community. The minor prepares students from various majors to more greatly understand the population in which they provide services (Diversity focus area), the culture in which the Deaf individual is a member (Culture focus area), and develop proficiency in the cultural language of American Sign Language (Language focus area).  The Deaf Studies Minor is open to any WCU student with an interest in the area. 

Core Requirements
ASL 101/CSD 110Elementary American Sign Language I3
ASL 102/CSD 111Elementary American Sign Language II3
Choose one of the following focus areas:12
Culture Focus Area
Intermediate American Sign Language I
Intermediate American Sign Language II
Introduction to Deaf Studies
Deaf Culture Perspectives
Language Focus Area
Intermediate American Sign Language I
Intermediate American Sign Language II
Advanced American Sign Language I
Advanced American Sign Language II
Diversity Focus Area
Introduction to Deaf Studies
Deaf History
Select two of the following:
Deaf Culture Perspectives
American Sign Language Literature
Intermediate American Sign Language I
Intermediate American Sign Language II
Speech and Hearing Science
Speech and Language Development
Total Minimum Credits Required18

*Advanced standing coursework is defined as any 300-level course or above and specific 200-level courses identified by the department.