M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies

The Concentration in Cultural Studies is designed for students to gain a critical understanding of the position of the Deaf World within the context of human diversity by using a variety of theoretical approaches to the concepts of identity, ideology, resistance, and culture. Students will work a full academic year toward the completion of their Cultural Studies Research project which may take the form of a thesis or a creative, media related project. Research projects will be conducted under the guidance of faculty who instruct Cultural Studies Research Projects I and II. Graduates of the Cultural Studies concentration will be prepared to teach Deaf Studies at the post-secondary level, enter fields of advocacy, and pursue further research and education in anthropology, cultural studies, disability studies, and critical theory.

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 in the Graduate Catalog.

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 3.0 or above.
• GPA 3.0 or above.

Recommended Prior Coursework:

• Introduction to Deaf Culture
• Introduction to ASL Structure

Program of Study

Core Curriculum

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

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

DST 701 Proseminar II (1)
DST 710 Literary Traditions in the Deaf Community (3)
DST 712 Enforcing Normalcy: Deaf and Disability Studies (3)
DST 714 Critical Pedagogy (3)
HIS 731 History of the American Deaf Community (3)

Cultural Studies Concentration

DST 733 Theory and Identity in Deaf Studies (3)
DST 737 Public Policy, Advocacy and the Deaf Community (3)
DST 780 Deaf Studies Master's Project I (3)

DST 735 Visual Studies (3)
DST 790 Deaf Studies Internship (3)
DST 781 Deaf Studies Master's Project II (3)