M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
Overview
Dr. Erin Moriarty Harrelson, Program Coordinator
The Cultural Studies Concentration challenges students to develop methods of inquiry, research, and critique that explore historically-created social institutions and cultural processes which shape the world and deaf ways-of-being. Students will gain a breadth of knowledge through multi-disciplinary perspectives while also gaining a depth of inquiry through an extended project in which they will pursue an area of interest through an academic thesis, a creative project, or applied advocacy project. This concentration prepares students for advanced studies towards a doctoral or another terminal degree. Students in this Concentration are required to be on campus.
Admissions Procedures and Requirements
Applicants for the M.A. in Deaf Studies must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions web site for more information and a checklist of application requirements. Detailed program information and course descriptions are also available under the 'Overview' and 'Courses' tabs.
| DEADLINE |
DATE |
| First Date for Consideration of Application: |
November 15 |
| Due Date for Completed Application: |
February 15 |
Program Specific Requirements:
- Three letters of reference
- ASL Essay: Personal Statement. In video format, submit a personal statement of interest in the program. This essay will be used for 2 purposes. It will give help us understand your personal interest in our program and will also be used to determine your proficiency in ASL. Why are you applying for this degree? What do you hope to gain from the degree? What are your professional interests after you graduate?
- Transcripts
- ASLPI 3 or above.
- GPA 3.0 or above.
Recommended Prior Coursework:
- Introduction to Deaf Culture
- Introduction to ASL Structure
Plan of Study
All students admitted to the program must complete the following core courses with grades of B or higher.
Semester I (Fall)
| DST 700 | Deaf Studies Research Methods I | 3 |
| DST 703 | Deaf Cultural Studies | 3 |
| DST 705 | Language, Culture, and Power | 3 |
| HIS 731 | History of the American Deaf Community | 3 |
Semester II (Spring)
| DST 701 | Deaf Studies Research Methods II | 1 |
| DST 710 | Cultural Practices in the Deaf Community | 3 |
| DST 712 | Enforcing Normalcy: Deaf and Disability Studies | 3 |
| DST 735 | Sensory Studies | 3 |
Cultural Studies Concentration
Semester III (Fall)
| DST 733 | Theory & Identity in Deaf Studies | 3 |
| DST 743 | Language Advocacy in Deaf Communities | 3 |
| DST 780 | Deaf Studies Master's Project I | 3 |
Semester IV (Spring)
| DST 737 | Law & Public Policy: The Deaf Community | 3 |
| DST 781 | Deaf Studies Master's Project II | 1-3 |
| DST 790 | Deaf Studies Internship | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 38