The interdisciplinary minor in Deaf Studies offers students an opportunity to blend courses from several fields of study, including communication disorders, sociology, psychology, anthropology, communication, and education, as well as to pursue a study-abroad experience. The minor complements many academic majors and prepares students to work in a variety of settings where skill in American Sign Language and knowledge of the American Deaf community are necessary: education, business, human services (social work, health care, counseling, and others), and government, to name a few. Employees with fluency in ASL are in demand nationwide, and the Deaf Studies minor is designed to make New Paltz graduates more employable by developing a skill set geared toward meeting that demand. Although not an English/American Sign Language Interpreter Education program or a Deaf Education or ASL Linguistics program, the Deaf Studies minor will help students become qualified to enter such programs at the post-baccalaureate or graduate level.
The Deaf Studies minor is open to students majoring in all disciplines and may be especially attractive to students in the liberal arts and sciences, education, business, and theatre. It is designed to develop the use of American Sign Language and prepare students for further education in related fields. ASL is present in every realm of life as Deaf, hard-of-hearing and deaf-blind people seek education and equitable employment. The minor will increase students' understanding of hearing loss, deafness, and Deaf culture and their ability to communicate with Deaf persons at a basic level.
A grade of C- or better is required for credit toward the Deaf Studies minor, and no more than half the credits may be shared with another minor or major.
For more information about the Deaf Studies minor, please contact:
Victoria St. George, M.Ed., Special Education
Department of Communication Disorders, HUM B2B
E-mail: stgeorgv@newpaltz.edu
Phone: 845-257-3466
DFS494. Deaf Studies Fieldwork. 1-12 Credits.
Fieldwork provides the student an enriching educational experience in the field of Deaf Studies and the opportunity to apply concepts from Deaf Studies coursework. Students independently arrange the fieldwork with a faculty sponsor and a site supervisor. A fieldwork form needs to be submitted and approved before a student can register. Credits are determined by the scope of the fieldwork experience.
