What is the American Sign Language minor?
A minor in American Sign Language (ASL) at Indiana University consists of a 15-credit hour program that is devoted to intensive acquisition of the language. An in-depth understanding of Deaf culture also reinforces an appreciation of the Deaf experience through social, historical, and cultural lenses. Skills developed by the minor include continued advancement of linguistic and cultural competence, the ability to communicate in a variety of situations with Deaf individuals who use ASL, and introspective unpacking regarding oppressive beliefs and behaviors.
Why add the American Sign Language Minor?
An ASL minor offers opportunities to communicate conversationally in ASL directly with patients, clients, colleagues, and acquaintances who are Deaf. You will acquire an interdisciplinary understanding of the language and its culture, and learn how innovative solutions for the issues that perpetuate the marginalization of Deaf people can be created for the betterment of society. The ability to communicate in ASL with Deaf people and other ASL users is an invaluable asset, especially in assistive professions such as hearing and speech pathology, nursing, social work, criminal justice, advocacy, and more. Additionally, a combination of ASL competency and cultural knowledge are strengths that create strong candidates for higher-level academic pursuits and future employment opportunities.
Note: This minor does not lead to a certification or an endorsement for teaching ASL, nor does it provide qualifications in ASL interpreting, Deaf education, or any other related professional field.