Deaf Studies

• SED DE 500: Introduction to the Deaf-World
  The purpose of this course is to provide a general introduction to the lives, history, and culture of American Deaf people who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their vernacular language. The role of schools in the formation of the community and maintenance of ASL will be examined.4 cr, 1st sem.
• SED DE 551: Deaf Literature and ASL Folklore
  Representative fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama depicted in readings and videotapes related to everyday lives of Deaf people. Develops insight and appreciation of Deaf literature and ASL folklore and their implications for education. (Offered alternate years.) 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED DE 552: Seminar: Selected Topics in Deaf Studies
  Topics pertinent to current cultural and educational issues concerning Deaf adults and children. Children's literature, development of services for and by the Deaf (locally, nationally, internationally); the professions: law, medicine, and education, and their effects on society's view of the Deaf; aging and the Deaf. In-depth discussion and contact with professionals in these areas. (Offered alternate years.) 4cr, 1st sem.
• SED DE 554: Field Experience: Deaf Studies
  Students work in an agency providing services to Deaf people for a minimum of one day per week. Supervision maintained in cooperation with the staff of the Deaf Studies Program and agency personnel. Specific placement depends on students' interests in particular setting or area. Variable cr, either sem.
• SED DE 555: Literacy skills in Deaf children
  Current instructional approaches and strategies for developing literacy skills in Deaf children will be examined. Expanded definitions of literacy will be explored and relevant research will be examined. Finally, a comprehensive discussion of designing instruction that aligns with the MA Curriculum Frameworks will be included. 4cr, 1st sem.
• SED DE 570: American Sign Language I
  Introductory course that provides non-native signers an opportunity to study American Sign Language as a foreign/second language. Emphasizes developing receptive skills. An introduction to the Deaf culture is presented through instruction and activities. 4cr, either sem, Summer I.
• SED DE 571: American Sign Language II
  Continuation of SED DE 570. Extensive information on Deaf culture is presented through conversation. 4cr, either sem, Summer II.
• SED DE 572: Psychology and the Deaf
  Surveys historical, current philosophical, and future directions in educating Deaf children. Includes the study of concepts and research specifically related to the psychological functioning of Deaf children and adults. 4cr, 1st, sem.
• SED DE 573: Expressive and Receptive Vocal Processes
  Study of the vocal processes necessary for the production and reception of speech. Students gain foundational knowledge and practical methodology in teaching speech to Deaf children. Review of medical, speech, and hearing research related to Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Covers interpreting audiograms and the function and maintenance of hearing aids. 2cr, 1st sem.
• SED DE 574: Prepracticum: Initial Strategies
  Field-based course emphasizing a one-to-one or tutorial approach (therapeutic) to implement strategies for enhancing the expressive/receptive communication skills of Deaf children. Allows implementation of coursework experiences. Includes 75 hours of field experience. Variable cr, either sem.
• SED DE 575: Language and the Deaf Child
  First part of a two-semester sequence applying current linguistic principles to classroom instruction and language assessment for Deaf children. Provides exposure to current language assessment instruments and bilingual approaches to educating Deaf children in the classroom. (ASL/English). 4cr, 1st sem.
• SED DE 576: Advanced Language and the Deaf Child
  Emphasis on the application of practical methodology based on current theoretical models developed first semester. Focuses on language assessment and suggested strategies for instructing Deaf children. (ASL/English). 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED DE 577: Instructional Strategies and the Deaf Child
  Advanced course designed to provide students with strategies for adapting previously studied curriculum design, innovation, construction, and evaluation procedures. Students adapt and develop materials for teaching reading, mathematics, and other content areas for preschool and elementary-age Deaf children with respect to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED DE 590: American Sign Language III
  Intermediate course designed for students who have completed a minimum of ASL I and ASL II. Offers a more in-depth discussion of the principles of American Sign Language. Emphasizes receptive and expressive skills. Presents further exposure to more sophisticated dialogue. 4cr, 1st sem.
• SED DE 591: American Sign Language IV
  In-depth discussion of principles of American Sign Language (ASL). Emphasizes expressive skills. Provides exposure to discourse processes in ASL. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED DE 592: American Sign Language V: Academic Language
  Open to teachers and others who have completed two years of ASL or are considered advanced in ASL. Focus is on learning how to translate educational concepts commonly found in content classes such as history, the sciences, mathematics, and literature. How to find common signs for historical figures, creating signs for concepts according to ASL principles, etc. 2cr, 2nd sem.
• SED DE 672: American Sign Language Structure
  Structural linguistic study of specific aspects of phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicology in ASL. Concepts of language variation, dialect, creolization, and bilingualism. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED DE 678: Practicum/Practicum Equivalent: Student-Teaching
  Open only to matriculated graduate students who have completed prerequisites. Full-time 16-week component. Students participate in classroom instruction in either a residential or a day school/day class program (totaling 300 hours). Students are placed with master teachers in a self-contained, resource room, and/or itinerant settings. Variable cr, either sem.
• SED DE 690: Seminar: Practicum
  This seminar is designed to provide opportunities to discuss topics relevant to student teaching with Deaf Children. Although we will address a number of areas our primary focus will be on (1) the role of ASL in content areas in addition to (2) the use of effective teaching strategies. (must be enrolled in DE 678). Variable cr, either sem.
• SED DE 691: Advanced Seminar: Learning and the Deaf
  The major aim of the seminar is to examine the current research on a topic pertinent to learning in Deaf children. The goal is to develop a more in depth understanding of research in learning and the Deaf. Research articles will be reviewed and topics will be selected for discussion. 2cr, either sem.

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