M.A. in Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights
The Concentration in Language and Human Rights is designed to give a globally based student population an understanding of the development of the U.S. and international human rights instruments, institutions, and discourses, with a focus on languages and linguistic minorities. Students will work a full academic year toward the completion of their research project which may take the form of a thesis or an applied project. This focus will give students a solid background in academic research and international policy-making which can be used to work in the field of linguistic human rights, with special attention to the unique situation of peoples who use sign language. Courses in this concentration are offered via both onsite and online instruction.
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?
- On your application (on page A1), please ensure that you note which concentration you are considering: Cultural Studies or Language and Human Rights.
- 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 740 | Studies in the Human Rights of Deaf People | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Semester II (Spring)
| DST 701 | Deaf Studies Research Methods II | 3 |
| DST 712 | Enforcing Normalcy:Deaf and Disability Studies | 3 |
| DST 733 | Theorizing the Contemporary | 3 |
| DST 742 | Linguistic Human Rights and Deaf Communities | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Semester III (Fall)
| 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 |
| | Elective | 1-3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10-12 |
Semester IV (Spring)
| DST 744 | International Connections and International Sign Among Deaf People | 3 |
| DST 750 | Seminar in Deaf Cultural Studies [Topics to be specified] | 3 |
| DST 781 | Deaf Studies Master's Project II | 1-3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 7-9 |
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.