Courses and Requirements
The certificate in Deaf Studies is available to students already holding an associate degree or higher, which must include English Composition I or College Writing I. The certificate is designed to provide students with a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture and an opportunity to explore careers in the Deaf/hard of Hearing community. Students wishing to pursue a career in ASL/English interpreting are exposed to the requirements of the profession as a precursor to transferring to a certificate or bachelor degree program in interpreting.
Students must earn a minimum grade of B in all ASL courses and a minimum grade of C in DST courses and ASL203 and ASL205. A minimum of 39 credit hours are required for students intending to continue their studies in interpreting.
Program Prerequisites
ASL101 Elementary ASL I and ASL102 Elementary ASL II with a B or better or demonstrate comparable skills/knowledge. See a representative in Enrollment Services for additional admissions criteria for this program.
Additional Admissions Criteria
Enrollment Services will provide additional admissions criteria for this program. All admission criteria is available in the Deaf Studies Criteria Packet which can be found on the Required Forms page.
CORI/CHRI/SORI
Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
Requirements
| ANT101 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ASL111 | Intermediate ASL I | 5 |
| ASL112 | Intermediate ASL II | 5 |
| ASL201 | Advanced American Sign Language I | 4 |
| ASL202 | Advanced American Sign Language II | 4 |
| ASL203 | American Sign Language Linguistics | 3 |
| ASL205 | Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore | 3 |
| DST101 | Introduction to Deaf Studies | 3 |
| DST191 | Deaf Community Practicum | 2 |
| DST205 | Deaf Culture | 3 |
| PHI110 | Ethics | 3 |
Select ONE of the following courses (3-4 credit hours)
| DST102 | Introduction to the Interpreting Field | 4 |
| EDU101 | Introduction to Teaching | 3 |
| HUS101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
Courses with Prerequisites: ANT101, ASL111, ASL112, ASL201, ASL202, ASL203, ASL205, DST102, DST191, DST205
Course with Co-requisite: DST101
Courses required of students intending to pursue interpreting studies: DST102, PHI110
Program Notes
Courses are offered during daytime hours only, two days per week. In the first semester, students must be available one additional day to complete their first-semester practicum requirements. Students must have a reliable means of transportation to and from their practicum sites. Students in this option who plan on continuing to a certificate or degree in ASL/English interpreting must maintain a grade of B or better in all ASL language classes.
Recommended Course Sequence Deaf Studies Certificate
Year 1
Fall
| ASL111 | Intermediate ASL I | 5 |
| DST101 | Introduction to Deaf Studies | 3 |
| DST191 | Deaf Community Practicum | 2 |
Spring
| ANT101 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ASL112 | Intermediate ASL II | 5 |
| ASL203 | American Sign Language Linguistics | 3 |
| | |
| DST102 | Introduction to the Interpreting Field | 4 |
| OR | |
| EDU101 | Introduction to Teaching | 3 |
| OR | |
| HUS101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
Year 2
Fall
Spring
| ASL202 | Advanced American Sign Language II | 4 |
| ASL205 | Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore | 3 |