M.A. in Deaf Studies

Language and Human Rights Concentration

The Concentration in Language and Human Rights is designed to give a globally-based student population an understanding of the development of international human rights instruments, institutions, and discourses, with a focus on languages and linguistic minorities. This focus will give students a solid background in academic research and international policymaking 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. Students will work a full academic year toward the completion of their Language and Human Rights research project which may take the form of a thesis or an applied project. This Concentration includes a study-abroad program in the fourth semester.

 

 

 

 

Program of Study

Core Curriculum

All students admitted to the program must complete the following core courses with grades of B or higher.

Semester I (Fall)

GPS 700 Culture and Language Seminar (1)
DST 700 Proseminar I (1)
DST 703 Deaf Cultural Studies (3)
EDF 770 Introduction to International Development (3)
DST 705 Sign and the Philosophy of Language (3)
ASL 709 ASL Media Production (3)

Semester II (Spring)

DST 702 Proseminar II (1)
DST 712 Enforcing Normalcy (3)
ASL 770 Sign Language Planning and Advocacy (3)
EDF 772 International Development with People with Disabilities in Developing Countries (3)

Concentration in Language and Human Rights

Semester III (Fall)

DST 780 Deaf Studies Master's Thesis Project I (3)
EDF 834 Program Development and Evaluation in Special Education and Human Services (3)
DST 733 Theory and Identity in Deaf Studies (3)

Semester IV (Spring)

DST 781 Deaf Studies Master's Project II (3)
DST 740 Studies in the Human Rights of Deaf People (3)
DST 741 Development of the Transnational Deaf Public Sphere (3)