American Deaf Culture

University of Houston via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/deaf-culture

Introduction

### Course Review: American Deaf Culture on Coursera #### Introduction In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding diverse cultures has never been more crucial. The "American Deaf Culture" course on Coursera offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical and sociocultural landscape of the American Deaf community. Over six weeks, this well-structured course not only highlights the unique aspects of Deaf culture but also challenges the prevailing perception of Deafness as merely a disability. The course’s rich content sets it apart as an essential resource for anyone interested in advocacy, social justice, or cultural studies. #### Course Overview The "American Deaf Culture" course provides an in-depth examination of Deaf culture through theoretical frameworks rooted in sociology. It skillfully contextualizes Deafness as a cultural identity rather than a sensory impairment. This perspective is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding within a broader societal framework. #### Detailed Syllabus Analysis **Module 1: Discrimination and Audism** The first module serves as an insightful introduction to the civil rights struggles faced by the American Deaf community. It meticulously delves into the concept of "audism," defining it as a form of discrimination that prioritizes hearing ability over Deaf culture. This foundation sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of Deaf identity. **Module 2: What is American Deaf Culture? - An Introduction** In this module, participants are introduced to key terminologies and jargon used within the Deaf community. This segment is particularly enlightening as it challenges misconceptions and lays groundwork for understanding how Deaf culture exists distinctively. **Module 3: "My Child is Born Deaf" - Language Acquisition** Module 3 shifts focus to communication modalities available for Deaf individuals and emphasizes the significance of American Sign Language (ASL) in a child’s development. The discussions here not only touch upon language acquisition but also the emotional and social implications of these choices, making it an essential read for parents and educators alike. **Module 4: What is American Deaf Culture? - An Overview** This module deepens the exploration of Deaf culture by outlining core values that define the community. The contrast established between the medical perspective and the cultural viewpoint is particularly striking, encouraging participants to rethink traditional narratives surrounding Deafness. **Module 5: Education and the Law as it Affects the American Deaf Community** Module 5 tackles important legal frameworks and educational options that affect the Deaf community in the U.S. Engaging with this content provides a deeper understanding of how policies impact the daily lives of Deaf individuals, equipping participants with knowledge that can inform advocacy efforts. **Module 6: History of the American Deaf Community** The final module synthesizes the course material while providing a historical overview of the Deaf community in America. The culmination of knowledge shared throughout the course leads to a comprehensive understanding of the American Deaf culture, preparing students for the final exam. #### Recommendation The "American Deaf Culture" course is highly recommended for anyone seeking an inclusive view of Deaf identity. Whether you are an educator, parent, student, or simply someone curious about cultural diversity, this course offers valuable insights that can greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Deaf community. #### Conclusion In conclusion, Coursera’s "American Deaf Culture" is more than just an academic course; it is a transformative experience that encourages self-reflection and cultural empathy. Its engaging modules and in-depth content make it an invaluable resource for anyone committed to fostering a more inclusive society. Sign up today and embark on a journey to better understand the richness of Deaf culture!

Syllabus

Module 1: Discrimination and Audism

Introduction to course and explanation of Civil Rights struggles for the American Deaf community. Detailed explanation of the term “audism”.

Module 2: What is American Deaf Culture? - An Introduction

Overview of commonly used terminology and jargon related to deafness. Introduction to the existence of Deaf Culture.

Module 3: "My Child is born deaf" - Language acquisition

Summary and analysis of communication options for those that are members of the American Deaf community. Introduction of the impact of American Sign Language and the import of language acquisition for deaf children.

Module 4: What is American Deaf Culture? - an Overview

Overview of the Core Values of the American Deaf culture. Explanation of the medical vs. cultural view of the American Deaf community.

Module 5: Education and the Law as it affects the American Deaf community

: Discussion of U.S. Laws enacted that affect the American Deaf community and educational options.

Module 6: History of American Deaf community

Summary of course objectives and final exam.

Overview

This is a six-week course providing a historical overview of the American Deaf community and its evolving culture. Theoretical frameworks from sociology are explored. Deafness as a culture and not a disability is explained as participants are guided into the world of Deaf culture.

Skills

Reviews

Loved learning more about (American) Deaf Culture, especially from someone who is informed and experienced. Thank you, professor, for the tips and knowledge!

very informative. I enjoyed watching ASL with Dr Terrell and learned so much about the culture of American Deaf.

Amazing course on the American Deaf Culture and a lot of information to discover that I did not already know.

I LOVED this course! I enjoyed all the extra readings & videos. I learned a lot. It was hard to stop watching your videos. Bravo & well done.

I thoroughly enjoyed this class, and the information presented. I loved the instructor's personal anecdotes. I finished all six weeks in just two weeks!