Deaf Studies is an interdisciplinary field that blends several areas of study, including communication disorders, sociology, psychology, anthropology, communication, and education. Housed in the Department of Communication Disorders, our Deaf Studies programs include a 39-credit major (new in fall 2026!) and an 18-credit minor.

The major in Deaf Studies, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, is designed to broaden students' knowledge and understanding of deafness, Deaf culture, and Deaf communities past and present. Students will build competency in American Sign Language, learn to facilitate effective, culturally sensitive communication with people who are Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH), and encourage positive interactions in social and professional settings. They will learn about the discrimination and civil-rights challenges that DHH individuals have faced throughout history and explore ways to foster acceptance, accessibility, and inclusion for the DHH community. A GPA of at least 2.75 and completion of DFS200 Deaf Culture and Heritage with a grade of C- or better are required to declare the Deaf Studies major. (Declaration may precede completion of DFS200 for incoming transfer students with 45 or more credits who satisfy the minimum GPA.) 

The Deaf Studies major complements many other academic programs offered at New Paltz and prepares students to work in a variety of settings in which knowledge of the American Deaf community and skill in American Sign Language are advantages, including social and human services, business, education and government. Employees with fluency in ASL are in demand nationwide, and the Deaf Studies major will develop a skill set geared toward meeting that demand, making New Paltz graduates more employable.

Similarly, the interdisciplinary minor in Deaf Studies builds skill in American Sign Language and knowledge of the American Deaf community, supporting success in a variety of settings. The Deaf Studies minor is open to students majoring in all disciplines and may be especially attractive to students in the liberal arts and sciences, education, business, and theatre. It is designed to develop the use of American Sign Language and prepare students for further education in related fields. ASL is present in every realm of life as Deaf, hard-of-hearing and Deaf-Blind people seek education and equitable employment. The minor will increase students' understanding of hearing loss, deafness, and Deaf culture and their ability to communicate with Deaf persons at a basic level.

While New Paltz offers neither an English/American Sign Language interpreter-education program nor a Deaf Education or ASL Linguistics program, our Deaf Studies major and minor will help students become qualified to enter such programs at the post-baccalaureate or graduate level.

A grade of C- or better is required for credit toward the Deaf Studies major and minor.

For more information about these Deaf Studies programs, visit the Deaf Studies website or contact:

Victoria St. George, M.Ed., Special Education
Department of Communication Disorders, HUM 2
Email: stgeorgv@newpaltz.edu
Phone: 845-257-3466

DFS101. Elementary American Sign Language 1. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to teach American Sign Language communication skills at the basic/introductory level. It includes vocabulary and ASL sentence structure used in ordinary life situations. Students learn both receptive and expressive ASL skills.

Attributes:

  • GE4: Foreign Language 1
  • GE3: FLNG
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE5: World Languages 1

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Comm Disorders Post-BA (089)
May not be repeated for credit

DFS102. Elementary American Sign Language 2. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to teach American Sign Language communication skills at the beginning/intermediate level and Deaf culture.

Attributes:

  • GE4: Foreign Language 2
  • GE3: FLNG
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE5: World Languages 2

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 101 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS101 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS200. Deaf Culture and Heritage. 3 Credits.

Through readings, films, discussions, and assignments, students will gain an appreciation for the nature and evolution of Deaf Culture and the challenges faced by the Deaf in society, both in the past and currently. The course provides background on the history of American Sign Language and on trends in Deaf education in the U.S. Students will explore the intersectionality of Deaf Culture and identity with race, class, and gender and the synergistic interactions between discrimination based on these identities and ableism and audism.

Attributes:

  • GE4: DIVR
  • GE3: DIVR
  • GE5: DEISJ
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Comm Disorders Post-BA (089)
May not be repeated for credit

DFS201. Intermediate American Sign Language 1. 3 Credits.

Intermediate/Advanced instruction in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.

Attributes:

  • GE4: Foreign Language 3
  • GE3: FLNG
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE5: World Languages 3

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate

Prerequisites:

  • American Sign Lang Placement Minimum Score of 2 or CMD 102 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS102 Minimum Grade of C-

DFS202. Intermediate American Sign Language 2. 3 Credits.

Advanced instruction in American Sign Language with a focus on conversation skills.

Attributes:

  • GE4: Foreign Language 3
  • GE3: FLNG
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE5: World Languages 3

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate

Prerequisites:

  • American Sign Lang Placement Minimum Score of 3 or CMD 203 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS201 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS300. Deaf Culture Two: A Global View. 3 Credits.

Deaf culture worldwide, focusing on social and cultural diversity and on historical, political, and social issues in various countries and regions. Explores global experiences, including Deaf identity, languages, writing, art, education, and social activism.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Deaf Studies (DFS)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 202 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS200 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS303. Fingerspelling & Numbers. 3 Credits.

Improve comprehension and production of fingerspelling and numbers in ASL. Students will develop strong receptive and expressive language skills, enhancing conversational abilities and accuracy in numbers and fingerspelling to improve overall ASL communication.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Deaf Studies (589)
    • Deaf Studies (DFS)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 101 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS101 Minimum Grade of C-
  • CMD 102 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS102 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS305. Access & Inclusion for Deaf/HH. 3 Credits.

Explore the principles and legal regulations of creating accessible and inclusive environments for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HH) individuals specifically in schools, the workplace, and public facilities.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Deaf Studies (DFS)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 101 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS101 Minimum Grade of C-
  • CMD 102 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS102 Minimum Grade of C-
  • CMD 202 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS200 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS306. Tech & ASL in the Classroom. 3 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Deaf Studies (589)
    • Deaf Studies (DFS)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 101 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS101 Minimum Grade of C-
  • CMD 102 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS102 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS310. Artistic Expression of the Deaf Community. 3 Credits.

Deaf communities express themselves through art, literature, performance, media, with an emphasis on the impact of history, culture, and oppression. students will engage in critical analysis of the ways Deaf artists communicate their experiences and advocate for Deaf culture.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Deaf Studies (DFS)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 202 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS200 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS315. ASL for the Medical Setting. 3 Credits.

Basic American Sign Language (ASL) focusing on medical and healthcare-related vocabulary and phrases, enabling healthcare professionals to communicate effectively and respectfully with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals before an ASL interpreter arrives.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 101 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS101 Minimum Grade of C-
  • CMD 102 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS102 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS360. Conversational ASL. 3 Credits.

This course develops ASL skills in conversation, storytelling, grammar, and fingerspelling. Students will engage in everyday discussions and explore Deaf culture, values, and the diverse cultural contexts in which ASL is used.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Deaf Studies (589)
    • Deaf Studies (DFS)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 202 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS200 Minimum Grade of C-
  • CMD 205 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS202 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS450. Deaf Awareness Outreach. 3 Credits.

Capstone experience compiling previous knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture to research, plan, and develop a portfolio of outreach workshops focusing on spreading Deaf Awareness.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Deaf Studies (589)

Prerequisites:

  • CMD 205 Minimum Grade of C- or DFS202 Minimum Grade of C-
  • DFS300 Minimum Grade of C-
May not be repeated for credit

DFS494. Deaf Studies Fieldwork. 1-12 Credits.

Fieldwork provides the student an enriching educational experience in the field of Deaf Studies and the opportunity to apply concepts from Deaf Studies coursework. Students independently arrange the fieldwork with a faculty sponsor and a site supervisor. A fieldwork form needs to be submitted and approved before a student can register. Credits are determined by the scope of the fieldwork experience.

May not be repeated for credit

Faculty

See Communication Disorders.