Course Details

This course gives an in-depth understanding of the Irish Deaf community and of the experience of Deaf people internationally, historically and in contemporary society. Core courses detailing the history, education, literature and language wof the Deaf will be taught by both Deaf and hearing staff.

ISL is studied across the programme. In years two and three, themes such as Deaf education, Deaf people in the media, the legal and political standing of signed languages and access to critical public health services are explored, along with understanding of the structure of ISL, the sociolinguistic context and the path to acquisition of a signed language for deaf children. For ISL/English interpreting students, translation theory and the practical skills of interpreting, guided by ethical practice, are emphasized in years three and four.

For students taking the ISL teaching route, aspects of the psychology of education are introduced, along with guidance on planning and implementing a curriculum and assessing student performance. Students in the third and fourth year complete an independent research project.