American Sign Language and Special Populations Minor

The American Sign Language and Special Populations Minor is designed to help prepare students to work in an entry-level position with children and families that use American Sign Language as a means of communication. The minor provides the student with background in child development, language acquisition, American Sign Language, life and culture of the deaf and hard of hearing communities, and experiences of families with children with special needs.

Contact Information

Advisor: Kishan Lara-Cooper, Ph.D.

Department of Child Development
Harry Griffith Hall 229
707-826-3471

Requirements for the Minor (19 Units)

Complete one course from the following:

CD 209 - Middle Childhood Development Units: 3
CD 253 - Prenatal and Infant Development Units: 3
CD 255 - Early Childhood Development Units: 3
CD 350 - Perspectives: Life-Span Development Units: 3

American Sign Language

Students with extensive prior experience using ASL may take the challenge exam to complete CD 109Y. See Challenge Process below.

CD 109Y - American Sign Language: Level I Units: 3
and
CD 109Z - American Sign Language: Level II Units: 3

Language Acquisition

CD 355 - Language Development Units: 3

Special Needs Populations

CD 366 - Exceptional Children and Their Families Units: 3
COMM 222 - Intercultural Communication Units: 4
or
COMM 324 - Nonverbal Communication Units: 4

Challenge Process

The challenge process requires students to inform instructor of desire to challenge and take exam within the first two weeks of the semester. Students should not enroll in the course they wish to challenge. The student must earn a 70 percent or greater on the challenge exam to earn a credit in CD 109Y and before proceeding to CD 109Z .