M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
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.
| DEADLINE |
DATE |
| First Date for Consideration of 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 (suspended for 2021 admissions cycle)
- 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 | Foundations in Deaf Cultural Studies | 3 |
| DST 705 | Language, Culture, and Power | 3 |
| DST 745 | At the Intersections: Deaf Studies, Race, Disability, and Empire | 3 |
Semester II (Spring)
| DST 701 | Deaf Studies Research Methods II | 3 |
| DST 710 | Cultural Practices in the Deaf Community | 3 |
| DST 712 | Enforcing Normalcy:Deaf and Disability Studies | 3 |
| DST 733 | Theorizing the Contemporary | 3 |
Semester III (Fall)
| DST 735 | Sensory Studies | 3 |
| DST 741 | Development of the Transnational Deaf Public Sphere | 3 |
| DST 743 | Community Organizing for Social Change | 3 |
| DST 780 | Deaf Studies Master's Project I | 3 |
Semester IV (Spring)
| DST 750 | Seminar in Deaf Cultural Studies [Topics to be specified] | 3 |
| DST 781 | Deaf Studies Master's Project II | 1-3 |
Electives
Choose one from the following:
| DST 714 | Critical Pedagogy | 3 |
| DST 725 | Literary Practices for Deaf Children | 3 |
| DST 737 | Law and Public Policy: The Deaf Community | 3 |
| DST 740 | Studies in the Human Rights of Deaf People | 3 |
| DST 742 | Linguistic Human Rights and Deaf Communities | 3 |
| DST 790 | Deaf Studies Internship | 3 |
| HIS 731 | History of the American Deaf Community | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 43
Program Outcomes
Will acquire knowledge and develop methods of critique and research relating to the historical, cultural, and linguistic dimensions of Deaf communities.
Graduates from the MA Program in Deaf Studies will produce graduate-level ASL and English texts that demonstrate knowledge of, and critical inquiry into, key concepts of Deaf studies.
Students in concentration studies will work toward individual, institutional and ideological change through leadership, advocacy, and dissemination of new perspectives on Deaf communities and signed languages.
Students in concentration studies will be prepared to undertake further work in research, teaching, or related scholarly and creative activities in higher education.