Communication and Deaf Studies

Requirements for the liberal arts minor in Communication and Deaf Studies

A minor in Communication and Deaf Studies introduces students to the various modes of communication for persons with hearing loss and the deaf, types and degrees of hearing loss, advocacy, and compensatory strategies for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, deaf culture, and the promotion of deaf awareness. The minor complements other courses of study, including sociology, psychology, human resources, linguistics, and education. It prepares students to work in a variety of settings where basic skill in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledge of the American Deaf community are necessary, such as education, business, human services (social work, health care, counseling), and government.

To earn the Communication and Deaf Studies minor, students must complete a minimum of 20 credits in communication, distributed as follows. At least 12 credits of the minor must be taken at Oakland University.

1. Required Core Courses

• course Foundations of Communication Studies (4)

• course Introduction to American Sign Language (4)

• course American Sign Language (4)

• course American Sign Language III (4)

2. Elective Courses (Choose One)

• course American Sign Language IV (4)

• course Communication, Culture, and Belonging (4)

• course Cultural Theory in Communication (4)

• course Disability and Communication in Everyday Life (4)

• course American Sign Language for Healthcare Personnel and First Responders (4)

• course Disability Studies and Literature (4)

Regression Policy

Students will not receive credit for a lower sequence course taken after successful completion of a more advanced level course. For example, students who have successfully completed course (or transfer course equivalent) cannot enroll in and earn credit for course to complete the minor. They must take a different Elective.

Applicable Majors

All Majors can declare this Minor.