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Deaf Studies (Minor)

Explore language, culture and communication in the Deaf community. UofL’s Deaf Studies minor is perfect for students interested in advocacy, education, interpreting or careers connecting people across hearing and Deaf worlds.
Type: Minor
Format: In-Person
Credit Hours: 18

This 18-credit program combines ASL skills, Deaf culture and interpreting foundations. Courses cover ASL literature, classifiers and historical perspectives, with electives in specialized interpreting and linguistic analysis. Students gain practical experience and cultural insight, preparing for careers in education, interpretation, advocacy or media serving the Deaf community.

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2025-Spring 2026 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Minor in Deaf Studies

Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Department: Classical and Modern Languages 
Academic Plan Code(s): DESTMIN

Program Requirements

ASL 301American Sign Language Classifiers3
ASL 302American Sign Language Literature3
ITP 115Introduction to Deaf Culture - P1, SB3
ITP 150Historical Perspectives on the Deaf Community 3
Select two of the following:6
ASL 400
American Sign Language Presentation Techniques
ITP 210
Fingerspelling and Number Systems
ITP 220
Processing Skills for Interpreters
ITP 225
Introduction to Interpreting
ITP 370
Interpreting in Specialized Settings - WR
ITP 390
Linguistics and ASL
Minimum Total Hours18

 At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.