Rationale:

Many persons assume that the social norms of the Deaf are the same as those of the hearing. As this is not so, students need to be aware of and be able to appreciate the cultural differences that exist. This course explores the cultural experiences and perspectives among persons who are Deaf. In addition, the course provides an overview of issues related to members of the Deaf community.

At the end of this course, students should be able to: -

• describe and assess services available to the Deaf
• critically analyse Deaf perspectives on cultural identity, core values, group norms, communication and language
• discuss laws, rights and benefits relevant to the Deaf and the implications of these for daily life among Deaf persons

• Relationship between language and community
  o Sociolinguistic theories on language and speech communities
  o Spoken English and the Deaf
  o Signed English and the Deaf
  o Spoken Caribbean Creoles and the Deaf
  o Sign Language and the Deaf
• Audiological and Cultural Deafness
• History of the Caribbean Deaf Community
• History of Caribbean Sign Languages
• Education of the Caribbean Deaf
  o Residential Schools
  o Day Schools
  o Mainstreamed Classes
  o Higher Education
• Organisations for the Deaf
• Legislation
• Technological Advancements in Communication Systems and their impact on the Deaf community
• Cultural Values and Norms of the Deaf Community.
  

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Group discussions
• Discovery learning
  
  

• 40% - Project Report, word limit – 3 000 – 4 000
• 60% - Final Examination, 2 hours