ASL3050: See the World through My Deaf Eyes

This course is an exploration of the Deaf lived experience as an ethnic and linguistic minority. Students will develop an understanding of current systemic and social challenges that impact the lives of Deaf people evoked through readings, watching films, and conversations with Deaf people. They will gain knowledge about systems and structures created by a hearing-centric society that sustain inequity for Deaf people in the United States–and around the world. Students will meet with Deaf leaders, policy makers, researchers, and community members to discuss how individual actions can translate to more equitable futures for all. The course is centered on dialogue and critical reflection of their own privileges and results in their commitment to an action plan as it applies to their individualized fields of study. The course moves students from theoretical exploration to practical application through a “study abroad” component. Students will immerse themselves in a Deaf utopian world created by the expressed autonomy of Deaf people.

Definition of Deaf: The American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Program recognizes that while there are common themes in Deaf* people’s journeys, there is no singular “Deaf experience.” To be Deaf* is to be part of a wide and diverse community, which we want to acknowledge and respect. We use “Deaf*” to denote that while this course does have a focus, it is not the only experience of deafness. Throughout this proposal, I use the word, “Deaf” without the asterisk, but with the same intention.

Social change is only possible through dialogue–particularly, conversations with individuals who are most impacted by the world’s most complex problems. This course puts UC’s UHP students in conversation with Deaf people. I believe that a deep exploration of the Deaf experience, as an ethnic and linguistic minority, will develop students' sense that being a global citizen can start right here at home. The Deaf lens and unpacking the privileges hearing people carry is the first step to imagine a better future together. UC’s UHP students will be future leaders and decision-makers who, equipped with this perspective, will have the insight and strategies for tackling complex issues in their chosen fields of study.