Module:

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Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: SI102)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

In this module, students will be introduced to the history of Deaf communities and their culture. Looking at both the national and international literature, this module traces the development of the Deaf Community from the 1700s to the present day. It will introduce students to significant events in Deaf history, aspects of Deaf culture, leadership in the Deaf Community, and controversies and challenges facing the Deaf Community. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own understandings of Deafness and how these might shape and influence their understandings of Deaf history, Deaf Communities and Deaf culture.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the development of Deaf Communities both nationally and internationally.
2. Understand and appreciate the role and significance of the education system (in particular residential schools) as a means of developing Deaf Communities through the transmission of Deaf histories and cultural knowledge.
3. Reflect on their growing understanding of Deaf Culture by identifying and reflecting on similarities and differences between Deaf and hearing cultures.
4. Identify and explain key events in Deaf history and key features of Deaf Culture.
5. Develop a critically informed response to Deaf historical events.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Group work	10	No Description
Independent Study	80	No Description
Total Workload: 126

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group project	Group Project to prepare an exhibition piece on a facet of Deaf history or Deaf culture.	50%	n/a
Reflective journal	Three reflective pieces (from an array provided) to be completed on facets of Deaf history, Deaf culture and Deaf Communities.	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

History of the Deaf Community
a. Early experiences of Deaf people (pre-1760) b. Rise of residential schooling and clubs for Deaf people c. Key events in Deaf history (Milan 1880, World War 2, DPN, DPN2, CDS, ISL recognition campaign) d. Leadership in the Deaf Community

Deaf Culture (development, challenges facing, future of)
a. What is Culture? b. Aspects of Deaf Culture c. Deaf Cultural Resistance

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Harvard University Press.: 1988, Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture.,
Lane, H., Hoffmeister, R. & Bahan, B.: 1996, A Journey into the Deaf-World.,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None