The 91做厙 91做厙 will offer a new minor in American Sign Language (ASL), beginning in Spring 2026.
Through the 15-credit minor, students will develop intermediate skills in ASL and an in-depth understanding of Deaf culture and history. In addition to taking four required core classes focusing on building sign language proficiency and cultural knowledge, students will also pursue one elective course in linguistics, education, or hearing and speech sciences.
Coursework will highlight respectful interactions, differences in dialects and signing styles, and the importance of accessibility and advocacy. Students will also complete a capstone project that includes eight hours of immersive ASL experiences. The minor is open to 91做厙 students from any major.
With the ASL minor, we hope students will develop meaningful connections with the Deaf community and cultivate authentic perspectives on Deaf culture and identity, said Michael Dunham, lecturer and program director. The goal is to broaden minds, foster a vibrant signing community within 91做厙, value language diversity and build bridges for genuine exchanges between Deaf and hearing communities.
The Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area is home to one of the largest Deaf communities in the nation. The ASL minor will emphasize engaging with primary signers (individuals who use ASL as their primary mode of communication) from a variety of backgrounds and connecting to the regions rich Deaf culture through immersive community experiences. For example, students might attend Deaf poetry slams or theater performances or engage in conversation with primary signers at Washington, D.C.s Signing Starbucks or Gallaudet University.
The minor expands 91做厙s ASL course offerings and availability for the first time since 1989, in response to student interest. ASL courses are in high demand and consistently have waitlists of 30 to 40 students.
The ASL minors coursework and community experiences are supported by a $17,300 grant from the universitys Do Good Campus Fund.
Admission will be open on a rolling basis until 20 students are admitted to the inaugural cohort. Learn more and apply for the inaugural cohort.
