Why study American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at MC?

Maryville College has a rich history of teaching American Sign Language (ASL) and partnering with the local Deaf Community. Language and community bind Deaf culture, and the major in ASL & Deaf Studies provides the knowledge and experiences to explore that connection. Our program allows students to explore ASL, Deaf Studies, and Psychology research and language advocacy for D/deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities. Students will build a foundation in the historical, sociological, and multicultural aspects of D/deaf and deafblind communities to prepare for careers in deaf education or applied contexts such as art history, linguistics, STEM, psychology, business, law, interpreting, or social work. Students will be prepared to pursue graduate-level study and jobs that serve and support D/deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities. If you are interested primarily in being an interpreter for the Deaf, Maryville College also has a major in ASL—English Interpreting.

Success in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies require being able to perceive signers’ faces, hand movements and body movements and being able to convey and receive ASL through these channels quickly at the natural pace of language. Also essential is the ability to perceive and process visual information and eye-hand coordination that allow effective communication. A good foundation in basic ASL is critical to advancing successfully in the Major in ASL and Deaf Studies.

The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is intended for those desiring to pursue studies in the areas of linguistics or anthropology at the graduate level or communication skills/cultural knowledge for use in counseling, social work, teaching, working in schools for the Deaf, or other service fields. Audio-visual materials are accessible for individual study of a broad cross-section of communication methods. Interactions with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and regular practice using videotaping equipment are principal means for the development of skills. Successful graduates of the ASL studies major will be able to comfortably communicate in ASL receptively and expressively and to interact comfortably and appropriately in the Deaf community at entry level. The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies requires 46 hours. A double major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies and American Sign Language-English Interpreting is not permitted.

Photo of Emmett Roden

Emmett Roden

Hometown: Church Hill, Tennessee

Emmett came to Maryville College to complete his bachelor’s degree in ASL/Deaf Studies. As a Deaf student, he received assistance from the College’s Disability Resources office, which secured interpreters for his classes and provided him with a foundation to find a sense of community on campus. He has been involved with the College’s Sign Language and Pride clubs, as well as Safe Space.

“My major allows me to spend most of my time with the Deaf community, as well as allowing me many opportunities to serve my community and become a valuable asset,” he said. Emmet’s goals are to pursue a teaching license and graduate school, as well as achieve membership in the American Sign Language Teachers Association.

 

Photo of Gabriella Lupi

Gabriella Lupi ’19

Currently: Executive Assistant to the CEO, Mill Neck Family of Organizations, New York

After graduating from MC, Gabriela went on to earn her master’s degree in special education, K-12. She currently works for the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, a non-profit dedicated to empowering people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing by providing resources, advocacy, education, technology and other support services. At Mill Neck, Gabriela has initiated an ASL immersion program for current and new staff to learn and develop their ASL skills.

“I have always had a passion for American Sign Language,” she said. “MC has encouraged me to use my skills to make a positive impact on lives and has taught me the invaluable skills in educating, advocating, and serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and disabled communities.”

 

Stephanie Proctor
Stephanie Proctor
Assistant Professor of American Sign Language
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William White
William White
Assistant Professor of American Sign Language - English Interpreting
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Helen Dickey
Helen Dickey
Adjunct Instructor in American Sign Language
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A major in ASL & Deaf Studies can lead to careers that involve working with the Deaf Community, whether in education, social services, speech pathology, ministry, public administration, advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, or other community agencies and non-profit organizations. Some vocational areas may require advanced degrees. Examples of entry-level jobs include case manager, educational assistant, customer service, grant writer, fundraiser, or office manager.

Knoxville Center of the Deaf

Knoxville Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Tennessee Association of the Deaf (Knoxville)

Tennessee School for the Deaf

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following:

  • Develop a language foundation that promotes growth and flexibility through courses taught by Deaf, native ASL users
  • Incorporate facial signals to convey grammatical information while signing
  • Demonstrate conversational skills, such as turn taking, discussion of culturally-appropriate topics, and leave taking, while relating simple experiences and events
  • Communicate well enough to establish and maintain social relationships with d/Deaf persons
  • Function comfortably in a wide variety of situations in the Deaf Community
  • Show awareness of and respect for Deaf culture
  • Demonstrate cross-cultural adjustment skills
  • Translate from English to proper ASL syntax

The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is intended for those desiring to pursue studies in the areas of linguistics or anthropology at the graduate level or communication skills/cultural knowledge for use in counseling, social work, teaching, working in schools for the Deaf, or other service fields. Audio-visual materials are accessible for individual study of a broad cross-section of communication methods. Interactions with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and regular practice using video equipment are principal means for the development of skills.

Successful graduates of the ASL studies major will be able to comfortably communicate in ASL receptively and expressively and to interact comfortably and appropriately in the Deaf community at entry level. The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies requires 42 hours. A double major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies and American Sign Language-English Interpreting is not permitted.

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

  1. Develop a language foundation that promotes the ability to effectively communicate in American Sign Language.
  2. Demonstrate appropriate American Sign Language vocabulary production.
  3. Demonstrate appropriate American Sign Language grammatical structure.
  4. Demonstrate culturally appropriate conversational skills in diverse social settings.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to establish/maintain social relationships with members of the Deaf community in general.
  6. Show awareness of and respect for Deaf culture.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

ASL 107: History and Culture of the American Deaf Community(3 hrs)
ASL 203: American Sign Language III(4 hrs)
ASL 204: American Sign Language IV(4 hrs)
ASL 299: Issues in Professional Development(1 hrs)
ASL 305: American Sign Language V(3 hrs)
ASL 331: Introduction to Linguistics of ASL(3 hrs)
ASL 337: Internship(0-15 hrs)
ASL 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
ASL 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
ASL 401: Seminar on American Sign Language(3 hrs)
PSY 101: Introductory Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 211: Child Development(3 hrs)

One of the following courses:

PSY 224: Cross-Cultural Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 324: Child Poverty and Inequality(3 hrs)

One of the following courses:

SOC 211: Cultural Anthropology(3 hrs)
PSY 221: Social Psychology(3 hrs)

The Minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies requires the following courses:

Requirements

Minor Courses

ASL 107: History and Culture of the American Deaf Community(3 hrs)
ASL 203: American Sign Language III(4 hrs)
Nine additional hours above the 100-level

The Minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is not open to American Sign Language-English Interpreting majors.

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

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