American Sign Language and Deaf Studies

Deaf Studies is the study of humanity...through a visual lens.

The Deaf Studies program cultivates an appreciation for the significance and beauty of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture and leads students to see beyond the notion that deafness is a disability. American Sign Language (ASL) is similar to spoken languages in that it has its own grammar and vocabulary but it is different in that it is a visual language used by the Deaf community in the United States. Students pursing coursework in Deaf Studies have opportunities for involvement in program that provides personal and direct interation with members of the Deaf community using ASL as the primary means of communication. The Deaf Studies program offers numerous co-curricular events including speakers, special events, workshops, and films that complement and extend the language and culture of the Deaf community. Students pursuing ASL and Deaf Studies can apply to study for one or two semesters at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, the world's only deaf university, where they can experience full immersion in ASL and Deaf culture. This option is available through Holy Cross' Study Away Program administered through the Center for interdisciplinary and Special Studies (CISS). Through CISS, students can develop a multidisciplinary major or minor combining Deaf Studies with other disciplines within the College. Multidisciplinary majors and minors incorporating ASL and Deaf Studies curriculum have included thems such as Literacy in Deaf Education, Deaf Studies and the Arts, Social Issues in Deaf Education and Language Acquisition and (Deaf) Culture. Course offering in ASL and Deaf Studies are located in the Modern Languages and Literatures section of the Catalog.

The program is designed to help students explore their identity and relationships with other communities and then, re-assess their beliefs and values.

The courses and opportunities in the Deaf Studies program teach students the basic language of American Sign Language (ASL) and the experiences of deaf people, as well as engage them actively in the Deaf community.  ASL courses are offered under the department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

Students will be actively involved in Community Based Learning (CBL) partnerships with the deaf people in the community.

Students have the option to develop and design a multidisciplinary major or minor which would include Deaf Studies through the College's Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies (CISS).

ASL/Deaf Studies Program
College of the Holy Cross
1 College St., Box 172A
Worcester, MA 01610

For inquiries about Deaf Studies, please contact Professor Richard Matlak, Director, Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Students (rmatlak@holycross.edu)

For inquiries about American Sign Language courses, please conact Professor Claudia Ross, Chair, Modern Language and Literatures (cross@holycross.edu)

Class of 2010 Graduates

Front: Lauren Tatro, Amanda Strickland, Kelly Lyons

Back: Brielle Hart, Tim Harrington, Caitlin Dold, Christy Cushnie, Liz Auger