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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Deaf Culture and ASL Studies

Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies

Overview

Academic coursework based on a Deaf-centered framework that encourages students to embrace an empowered collaboration with Deaf people.

Main core studies: Present Deaf Studies subjects based on Deafhood framework such as American Sign Language, Sign Linguistics, Deaf Education, Literature, Deaf psychology, Mental Health and Wellness, and Interpreting and maintain current trends in Deaf Culture & ASL Studies; expand further much needed subjects and fields in Deaf Studies, such as culture, sociology, anthropology, history, arts, business, politics, and media doing so through a Deaf-centered lens.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A. in Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies
  • A.A. in Language Studies
  • Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies Certificate

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies

This degree provides academic coursework based on a Deaf-centered framework that encourages students to embrace an empowered collaboration with Deaf people. It provides an introductory overview of the Deaf community and American Sign Language in a cultural context, with the psychosocial dynamics of people working in the Deaf community. It also emphasizes the development of skills related to paraprofessional services, in an individual or group setting, in an educational or social services agency which serves Deaf clients.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
DEAF 310 American Sign Language I 4
DEAF 312 American Sign Language II 4
DEAF 314 American Sign Language III 4
DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV 4
DEAF 320 Fingerspelling, Classifiers and Numbers 0.5 -1
DEAF 351 Introduction to American Deaf Culture 3
DEAF 352 Introduction to American Deaf Education 3
DEAF 355 Audism and Inequality of the Deaf 3
DEAF 370 Linguistics of American Sign Language 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
DEAF 318 American Sign Language V (4)
DEAF 380 American Sign Language Literature (3)
Total Units: 31.5 - 32

The Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compare and contrast characteristics that impact a Deaf person’s life in the following areas: the world of work, education, family, language, and social development.
  • demonstrate ability to carry on American Sign Language conversation consistent with the ability of a 4th semester second language learner with a Deaf individual or groups of Deaf people.
  • apply entry-level positions working with the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate characteristics related to personal growth and adjustment in various populations within and outside of the Deaf community.
  • apply skills in working with various Deaf participants within and outside of the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate skills in working with school-age Deaf children in an educational setting.
  • compare and differentiate the Deaf individual to individuals of diverse populations when comparing human development.
  • demonstrate appropriate cultural interaction within the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate ability to communicate respectfully in a Deaf-culture setting.

Career Information

This degree prepares students for entry-level positions such as paraprofessional services in an individual or group setting, in an educational or social services agency which serves Deaf clients.

A.A. in Language Studies

This degree provides an area of emphasis in communication skills in both English and foreign languages. It is intended for students wishing to develop communication skills for the workplace. Students who work closely with their counselors can use this area of emphasis to prepare for majoring at a four-year college in world languages as well as any other majors which require proficiency in one or more world languages.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
COMM 362 Mediated Communication (3)
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (3)
   or ENGL C1000H Academic Reading and Writing - Honors (3)
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
   or ENGL C1001H Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors (3)
ENGL C1003 Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature (4)
ENGL 301 College Composition and Literature (3)
   or ENGL 481 Honors College Composition and Literature (3)
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 12
All 12 units from this list must be completed in a single language.
DEAF 310 American Sign Language I (4)
DEAF 312 American Sign Language II (4)
DEAF 314 American Sign Language III (4)
DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV (4)
DEAF 318 American Sign Language V (4)
GERM 401 Elementary German I (4)
GERM 402 Elementary German II (4)
GERM 411 Intermediate German (4)
GERM 412 Intermediate German (4)
ITAL 401 Elementary Italian (4)
ITAL 402 Elementary Italian (4)
ITAL 411 Intermediate Italian (4)
ITAL 412 Intermediate Italian (4)
RUSS 401 Elementary Russian (4)
RUSS 402 Elementary Russian (4)
RUSS 411 Intermediate Russian (4)
RUSS 412 Intermediate Russian (4)
RUSS 413 Russian for Heritage Speakers I (4)
RUSS 415 Russian for Heritage Speakers II (4)
SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I (4)
SPAN 402 Elementary Spanish II (4)
SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 413 Spanish for Native Speakers I (4)
SPAN 415 Spanish for Native Speakers II (4)
Total Units: 18

The Language Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write expository and argumentative papers.
  • synthesize ideas and develop conclusions.
  • examine the connection between culture and communication.
  • engage in conversation and written correspondence in a language other than English.

Career Information

This degree prepares students for immediate employment in language-focused fields by developing practical communication skills and cultural competence. Career paths include healthcare interpreting, emergency and public services, social services, bilingual education support, government agencies, international business, tourism, translation and interpreting, and other community-based professions. Some positions may require additional training or certification.

Certificate of Achievement

Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies Certificate

This certificate provides academic coursework based on a Deaf-centered framework that encourages students to embrace an empowered collaboration with Deaf people. It provides an introductory overview of the Deaf community and American Sign Language in a cultural context, with the psychosocial dynamics of people working in the Deaf community. It also emphasizes the development of skills related to paraprofessional services, in an individual or group setting, in an educational or social services agency which serves Deaf clients.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
DEAF 310 American Sign Language I 4
DEAF 312 American Sign Language II 4
DEAF 314 American Sign Language III 4
DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV 4
DEAF 320 Fingerspelling, Classifiers and Numbers 0.5 -1
DEAF 351 Introduction to American Deaf Culture 3
DEAF 352 Introduction to American Deaf Education 3
DEAF 355 Audism and Inequality of the Deaf 3
DEAF 370 Linguistics of American Sign Language 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
DEAF 318 American Sign Language V (4)
DEAF 380 American Sign Language Literature (3)
Total Units: 31.5 - 32

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compare and contrast characteristics that impact a Deaf person’s life in the following areas: the world of work, education, family, language, and social development.
  • demonstrate ability to carry on American Sign Language conversation consistent with the ability of a 4th semester second language learner with a Deaf individual or groups of Deaf people.
  • apply to entry-level positions working with the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate characteristics related to personal growth and adjustment in various populations within and outside of the Deaf community.
  • apply skills in working with various Deaf participants within and outside of the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate skills in working with school-age Deaf children in an educational setting.
  • compare and differentiate the Deaf individual to individuals of diverse populations when comparing human development.
  • demonstrate appropriate cultural interaction within the Deaf community.
  • demonstrate ability to communicate respectfully in a Deaf-culture setting.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry-level positions such as paraprofessional services in an individual or group setting, in an educational or social services agency which serves Deaf clients.

Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies (DEAF) Courses

DEAF 310 American Sign Language I

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312; OR ESLW 340.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the first course in a series of five courses in American Sign Language (ASL). The instructional activities are based on an immersion approach, in which the learners develop language competency in source and target language. It focuses is on non-speech communication. Topics include grammatical features such as adjective descriptors, differentiation between cardinal/ordinal numbers, contrastive structure, temporal aspect markers and temporal sequencing, conversational skills, narrative skills, and discussions with peers. This course is formerly known as SILA 305.

DEAF 312 American Sign Language II

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 310 (formerly SILA 305) with a grade of "C" or better or two years of high school ASL.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the second in a series of five courses in American Sign Language (ASL). The emphasis is on further exposure to the Deaf community, cultural behaviors, and nonverbal communication. Topics include developing awareness and cultural sensitivity to Deaf values and norms such as using eye contact, interrupting or getting someone's attention, grammatical features such as adjective descriptors, differentiation between cardinal/ordinal numbers, contrastive structure, temporal aspect markers and temporal sequencing, narrative skills, applying principles of naming that are culturally appropriate, and discussions with peers to apply Deaf culture communication skills in a variety of realistic situations. It also covers the analysis of works of philosophical, historical, literary, and cultural importance. This course is formerly known as SILA 306.

DEAF 314 American Sign Language III

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 312 (formerly SILA 306) with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312; OR ESLW 340.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is the third in a series of five courses in American Sign Language. It emphasizes expressive and receptive nonverbal communication skills between signers who have preliminary American Sign Language syntactical and lexical skills. In addition, it provides an understanding of deaf cultural processes by identifying behaviors and norms through assigned activities. It also includes dialogues that involve asking, empathizing, negotiating and agreeing or disagreeing. It emphasizes non-speech communication. This course is formerly known as SILA 315.

DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 314 (formerly SILA 315) with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312; or ESLW 340.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is the fourth in a series of five courses in American Sign Language (ASL). It emphasizes expressive communication skills that involve locating and signing interesting facts, making major life decisions, discussing health conditions, and using money. It incorporates information and activities previously learned about Deaf culture into these narratives. The course is conducted entirely in non-speech communication. This course is formerly known as SILA 316.

DEAF 318 American Sign Language V

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 316 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312; OR ESLW 340.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the last course in a series of five courses in American Sign Language (ASL). It emphasizes effective communication with Deaf people, including expressive communication skills that include narrating unforgettable moments, telling about accidents, and storytelling. This course incorporates information and activities previously learned about Deaf culture into these narratives. It focuses on non-speech communication. This course is formerly known as SILA 318.

DEAF 320 Fingerspelling, Classifiers and Numbers

  • Units:0.5 - 1
  • Hours:27 - 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 310 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides hands-on experiences with fingerspelling, classifiers, and American Sign Language (ASL) numbers. Topics include expressive and receptive fingerspelling, classifiers, and ASL numbers techniques. This laboratory course enables ASL learners to develop, expand, and reinforce hands-on experiences with fingerspelling, classifiers, and ASL numbers skills while working independently, in small groups, and with media and recorded video clips in ASL that incorporate fingerspelling, classifiers and numbers. Coursework includes study topics integrated with expressive and receptive fingerspelling, classifiers, and ASL numbers techniques.

DEAF 351 Introduction to American Deaf Culture

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of four institutions which have critical impact on the psycho-social development of Deaf people: family, education, work, and society. Topics include awareness of and sensitivity to the unique challenges of deafhood and how they influence personal-social and communication competencies of the Deaf person. This course is formerly known as SILA 330.

DEAF 352 Introduction to American Deaf Education

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 351 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course surveys topics related to educating Deaf children, adults, and individuals with additional disabilities. It also covers teaching methods and philosophies, school placement issues, child development, and methods of addressing developmental and linguistic stages. This course is formerly known as SILA 332.

DEAF 355 Audism and Inequality of the Deaf

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 351 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:SOC 321; AND eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on topics in the field of race and ethnicity in Deaf community. It provides theoretical background and contexts of audism and oppression. It also covers the contribution of minorities including Deaf people to the United States as well as the sociological reasons for the inequality of Deaf people in the United States.

DEAF 370 Linguistics of American Sign Language

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 316 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) linguistics. Topics include theoretical knowledge and practical application of phonology, morphology, syntax, and sociolinguistics aspects of ASL usage. This course is formerly known as SILA 317.

DEAF 380 American Sign Language Literature

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:DEAF 314 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces American Sign Language (ASL) literature genres such as folklore and folktales, storytelling, visual vernacular, personification, classifier story, poetry, ABC and number stories, and non-fiction narrative. Topics include analyzing and applying ASL usage in ASL literature genres.

DEAF 495 Independent Study

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

DEAF 499 Experimental Offering in Deaf Culture & ASL Studies

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog