Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes and Bilingual Proficiency

The Gallaudet University Undergraduate Curriculum supports students in developing skills in academic discourse in ASL and English that will prepare them for their future careers.

The Gallaudet Undergraduate Curriculum is designed to meet the 5 student learning outcomes:

   1. Language and Communication
   2. Critical Thinking
   3. Identity and Culture
   4. Knowledge and Inquiry
   5. Ethics and Social Responsibility

While all ASL/English bilingualism is inherent in each outcome—it is the principle focus for SLO #1: “Language and Communication”: Students will use American Sign Language (ASL) and written English to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, for a variety of purposes, and in a variety of settings.
 

1.1 Demonstrate competence in academic ASL:
       • Select and use appropriate register for the setting and participants (which includes signing space, articulation of signs, sign choice).
       • Use appropriate syntax, facial grammar, transitions, eye gaze (for engagement and for turn taking), and pace.

1.2. Demonstrate competence in academic writing:
       • Choose appropriate words, phrases, and sentence and paragraph structure for the audience and purpose.
       • Demonstrate adequate command of mechanical conventions, including English grammar.

1.3. Demonstrate competence in receptive communication, comprehending written and signed material.

1.4. Present content coherently, which involves clarifying points, bringing together information in a well-organized way, and drawing logical connections among ideas.
 

1.5. Express ideas and information effectively in a variety of formats, including one-on-one, group settings, and through appropriate use of media.

The Gallaudet University Undergraduate Curriculum supports students in developing skills in academic discourse in ASL and English that will prepare them for future careers.

Students who enter Gallaudet University for the first time will be assessed for their ASL and English skills and then be placed in the appropriate course. The majority of incoming students are placed in the General Studies Curriculum courses, which are GSR 102 Critical Reading and Writing and GSR 103 ASL and Deaf Studies. Together, these courses focus primarily on the development of academic discourse in ASL and English that will be used and improved throughout students’ academic careers. Students with emerging skills in either ASL or English will be placed in the appropriate classes.  Once these students pass the developmental courses, they will be eligible to enroll in the General Studies Curriculum.