American Sign Language & Deaf Studies (Minor)

American Sign Language & Deaf Studies (Minor)

minor deafstudies

In the nation’s first accredited interpreting program and one of only 14 accredited programs in the country, you’ll learn American Sign Language and the foundation of ASL/English interpreting from distinguished faculty, all of whom are native ASL signers and/or certified interpreters.

What is American Sign Language and deaf studies?

American Sign Language is a visual language that is predominately used by Deaf and hard of hearing communities in the United States and many parts of Canada. Learning the intricacies of American Sign Language and Deaf culture prepares students to work with the Deaf community.

Why study ASL and deaf studies at UNH Manchester?

UNH Manchester is home to the nation’s first accredited interpreting program and one of only 14 accredited programs in the country. The American Sign Language and Deaf studies minor gives you the foundational knowledge and skills to become more involved with the Deaf community. Guided by distinguished faculty who are native ASL signers and/or certified interpreters, you’ll acquire basic fluency in American Sign Language all while gaining a sociocultural perspective on Deaf culture.

Potential career areas

  • Education
  • Government
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Medicine
  • Performing arts
  • Psychology
  • Social services
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Contact

Laurie Shaffer

Director of ASL/English Interpreting program
Assistant Professor
Phone: (603) 641-4134
Office: ASL, 88 Commercial Street, RM 362, Manchester, NH 03101

Curriculum & Requirements

American Sign Language is a visual language that is predominately used by Deaf and hard of hearing communities in the United States and many parts of Canada. Developing fluency in American Sign Language and expertise in the community and culture provides a foundation for careers that work with the American Deaf community.
 

To earn a minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, students must complete 24 credits, with no individual grade lower than C-.

Required Courses
ASL 435American Sign Language I4
ASL 436American Sign Language II4
INTR 438A Socio-cultural Perspective on the Deaf Community4
Electives
Select three courses from the following:12
ASL 531
American Sign Language III
ASL 532
American Sign Language IV
ASL 621
Advanced American Sign Language Discourse I
ASL 622
Advanced American Sign Language Discourse II
INTR 539
Comparative Linguistic Analysis for Interpreters
Total Credits24

For more information, contact Laurie Shaffer, minor supervisor.

Explore Program Details

An important part of learning any language is moving beyond the classroom lessons to become more comfortable in real-life situations.

The ASL lab helps you advance your skills, giving you valuable practice in grammar and vocabulary through communication exercises with Deaf lab facilitators and members of the Deaf community.

ASL is a visual language, so the lab includes a video room to record your progress, which allowing you to receive valuable feedback from your professors and peers.