SPRING 2016

DEAF CULTURE:
DST 204 OL 2
Instructor: Summer Crider Loeffler
Office Hours: email to request for appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a survey of the various areas of study of Deaf Culture in the United States (history, folklore, anthropology,
and sociology). Starting with a macro view at culture as seen through American lens, this course will then move to
a micro cultural view of the Deaf experience. Approaches undertaken will be multi-disciplinary: sociological,
educational, linguistic, and humanistic. An exploration of diversity within the global Deaf community will be
included. Prerequisite: DST 101, GSR 103, or equivalent. Good expressive/receptive signing skills required.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
DEAF CULTURAL IDEOLOGIES
Students will be able to articulate the notion of ideology in general and be able to identify specific
examples of social, cultural and ideological construction of Deaf people and their communities on national
and global scales.
DEAF CULTURAL THEORIES
Students will demonstrate their understanding of Deaf Cultural theories (i.e DeafHood, Deaf-gain, etc.)
APPLICATIONS
Students will conduct inquiry and research into Deaf history, culture, and sign languages via the production
of written/signed research projects.
COURSE UNITS:
This course is made up of 8 units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Deaf Culture and Deaf Ideology
Unit 2: Intersectionality and Master-Narratives
Unit 3: Deaf Communities & Sub-Cultures
Unit 4: DeafHood, Linguistic Imperialism & Colonialism
Unit 5: Deaf Sensory Worlds & Deaf Spaces
Unit 6: #DeafTalent & Politics of Representation
Unit 7: Sign Language Politics: Cultural & Linguistic Appropriation
Unit 8: Deaf-Gain and The Future of Deaf Culture
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Readings and video viewing will be the basis for online discussions and activities. Assignments will be
assigned to be completed online.

Good writing grammar is essential in this course.

Usage of Academic ASL is also essential for any video discussions and submitted videos.
REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR THIS COURSE:
1. Computer with webcam or mobile device that has ability to record video (iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.)
2. Bauman, H-D. (ed.) 2007. Open Your Eyes: Deaf Studies Talking. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota
Press.
3. Articles/videos as posted online.
PARTICIPATION:
This course will entail substantial discussion and activities thus regular online attendance is mandatory.
You are expected to participate in conferences, discussion board, and complete your assignments on a
regular, timely basis.

If you have any problems with any portion of the course (i.e. not understanding assignments or content),
please contact the instructor immediately.

If you are experiencing problems with Blackboard, make a Helpdesk request and CC the email to the
instructor to show evidence of attempt. If you struggle with uploading/formatting or using specific online
tools, you are also expected to contact Helpdesk@gallaudet.edu immediately.

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SPRING 2016

FORMATTING:
VIDEOS:
N Mise en Scene (appropriate background, clothing, lighting)
N Appropriate signing clarity within the frame
N Signing articulation/transition/pacing
N Time Length (3 5 min, or as instructed)
N References in the APA style (titles, citations, and credits)
PAPERS:
! APA Style; Font/size: Times New Roman/12 point
! Double spaced
! Include your name, date, page numbers and title of your paper in the header of each page
! References in the APA style on a separate page
DUE DATES:
Discussion board posts are due by 12:00pm EST on the due date. Late postings will not be graded. Projects and
exams are due by 5:00p.m. EST.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: (240 points)
You will have weekly assignments based on readings and videos that must be posted online in addition to midterm
and course project. Your assignments will consist of answering discussion questions and participating in online
discussion forums.
1) You will need to post your responses to discussion questions. Each quality response (well thought answers
with references to readings) to 8 weekly discussion questions will earn up to 10 points.
2) One self-generated question based on readings or your responses to the discussion questions per week is
worth up to 10 points.
3) You are also expected to comment on two or more classmates questions, which is worth up to 10 points.
MIDTERM: (100 points)
Your midterm exam will consist of answering essay questions (or multiple choice tests) related to your course
readings and discussion. The essay part of your midterm can be either a typed response or a videotext response to
essay questions. Further information will be given at a later date. Your midterm must be submitted on time. Late
midterms will not be accepted. *Midterm exam might be taken via Blackboard and consist of multiple choice
questions and essay questions. Make sure you have adequate online access on the day of the Midterm to make sure
your responses will be submitted and graded.
FINAL PROJECT: (160 points)
Each student will conduct a semester-long project that is sequenced into the following steps:
Step 1: Proposal & References; Due by 5 pm EST on Friday of Week 6
Step 2: Analysis and discussion; Due by 5 pm EST on Friday of Week 7
Step 3: Conclusion and Final Product. Due by 5 pm EST on Friday of Week 8
These steps will assist in developing a high-quality research product.
Final Product: Your final project can be either a 2-to-5 page written paper or a 4-10 minutes video project. This
final product is to include an introduction (generated from the Proposal), the Annotated Bibliography, analysis and
discussion, and difficulties associated with the project. Your completed project must be submitted by 5 pm EST on
Friday of Week 8.
If any component of your project is not submitted by the due date but is submitted within 24 hours after due date,
you will earn up to half of the possible points for that component. If any component of your project is submitted
after 5 pm EST of that due date, you will not get feedback from the instructor. Because every Final Project
component counts towards the overall Final Project grade, it is encouraged that you submit them anyway.

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SPRING 2016

GRADING:

Grading for submissions will be based on Context, Organization and Syntax (and Personal Reaction and
References if applicable):
WARNING: If you miss the deadline, you will lose points as described above and there will be no discussions on
this matter. Allowance may be made in the event of an unforeseen situation. If you can provide a good reason for
late submission, deductions may be waived.
GRADING SYSTEM:
WHAT

PTS

8 Discussion Questions (x10)

80

8 Self-Generated Questions (x10)

80

8 Responses to Classmates Questions (x10)

80

Midterm Exam or Paper

100

Proposal & References

50

Analysis & Discussion

50

Conclusion & Final Product

60

EARNED

TOTAL 500

/500

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY: http://my.gallaudet.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/Public/CUE-AcademicIntegrity08-21-07.doc

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: http://oswd.gallaudet.edu/Student_Affairs/Student_Support_Services/
Office_for_Students_with_Disabilities/General_Information/Academic_Accommodations_Policy.html
GU STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: http://oes.gallaudet.edu/emgs/
Gallaudet_Student_Learning_Outcomes.pdf
DEAF STUDIES STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Demonstrate knowledge and engage of the multiplicity of deaf people's lives within the United States &
internationally
Engage in critical inquiry into changing ideological construction of deaf people, sign language, and normalcy from
cultural, geographical, sociological & human rights perspectives.
Develop research skills to produce and to present effective written & signed research projects using various media in
academic discourse related to the interdisclipinary field of Deaf studies, incorporating principles of academic
integrity.
Course Outcome

DST
Outcomes
1, 3, 6

Students will develop

questions from reading/
viewing
Students will conduct a
1, 2, 3, 6, 7
semester-long research
project
Students will analyze videos 1, 3, 4, 6
Students will present their
semester-long research
project

1, 2, 3, 6. 7

GU
Outcomes
1.2, 1.4, 2.2, 4.2

Assessment for Course

Outcomes
List of questions

Assessment Tools

1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1,

2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.
4.2, 4.3, 4.4 5.2
2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2,
3.4
1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

Proposal & References;

Annotated Bibliography;

Checklist

Data Collection

Checklist

Final Product

Checklist & ASL

Rubrics

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Checklist

SPRING 2016

SCHEDULE OF DUE DATES:

Assignment &
Projects

Becomes Available

Due (all times are EST) More info

8 weekly Discussion
Board posts

Opens on Mondays (you

can start posting)

First post/comments due at Closes at Midnight on

12pm on Wednesdays
Sundays (Grading begins)

1 Midterm

Becomes available on
Monday of Week 5

Due at 5pm on Friday of

Week 5

Will either be exam or

paper

1 Final Project

Becomes available on
Monday of Week 6

3 parts due 5pm on Friday

of Week 6, 7, 8

Final Project due at 5pm

on Friday of Week 8

Course Schedule will be posted on Blackboard.

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