American Deaf Culture

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American Deaf Culture

Instructor: Terrell Brittain

17,508 already enrolled

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6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

394 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

5 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

394 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

5 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

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.

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

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 assignment

7 videosTotal 11 minutes

Introduction of the Instructor1 minute
Introduction of the Interpreter (English)1 minute
Introduction of the Interpreter (Sign Language)1 minute
Outline of the Course1 minute
History of Oppression3 minutes
Audism2 minutes
Instructor's Personal Experience3 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Grading Policy10 minutes
Video and Article10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

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

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment

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.

What's included

11 videos1 assignment

11 videosTotal 18 minutes

Communication Options1 minute
Manually Coded English1 minute
Signed English2 minutes
Total Communication1 minute
Oralism2 minutes
Cued Speech1 minute
Home Sign1 minute
Rochester Method1 minute
American Sign Language3 minutes
Language Comparison2 minutes
Instructor's Personal Experience4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

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

What's included

10 videos1 reading1 assignment

10 videosTotal 23 minutes

Language transmits culture1 minute
Cultural vs. Pathological view2 minutes
Language/communication2 minutes
Identity1 minute
Core values2 minutes
Rules of Social Interaction5 minutes
Tradition2 minutes
Assistive Technology3 minutes
Shared experiences3 minutes
Instructor's personal experience3 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Video and articles10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 4 Quiz30 minutes

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

What's included

11 videos1 reading1 assignment

11 videosTotal 20 minutes

Deaf culture1 minute
U.S. Laws & how they impact the Deaf community1 minute
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973-Section 5041 minute
PL 94-142 in 1975: Educationa for All Handicapped Children Act1 minute
Mainstreaming environments2 minutes
Residential Schools for the Deaf2 minutes
Day School programs-sample map2 minutes
Oral schools for the Deaf: "listen, learn and talk" approach1 minute
Post-secondary education2 minutes
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)2 minutes
Instructor's personal experience5 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Video and Articles10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 5 Quiz30 minutes

Summary of course objectives and final exam.

What's included

1 assignment

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(146 ratings)

Terrell Brittain

University of Houston

1 Course17,508 learners

Offered by

University of Houston

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Showing 3 of 394

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2025

Amazing instruction and materials. Authentic conversation and enduring understandings about ASL-Deaf commmunity and history.

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2020

This was a fun and interesting class. It's very informative for those interested in learning more about the Deaf Community.

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2018

I am hearing and have just started a new job in a deaf related structure and I feel this course has been an awesome entry point in understanding the deaf culture.

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