In this course, you will learn both the history and the current critical issues of the Deaf Community.

You will learn by reading lecure notes, reading book and article assignments, participating in online discussions, and going to at least one Deaf Event.

What you learn in this course will benefit you becuase it will give you valuable insights into the Deaf Community.

No Prerequisites

This course will cover the following the following topics:

• The Ear and Hearing Loss
• Perspectives on Deafness
• Language and Communication
• The Culture and Identify of Deaf People
• The Impact of Deafness
• Educational Placements for Deaf Children
• Legislation

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the following:

• Terminology related to deafness, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture
• Causes and types of hearing loss
• Assistive devices for deaf and hard of hearing people
• Modes of communication used with and among deaf people
• Various perspectives that exist for identifying D/deaf people, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture
• The history of the Deaf Community
• Deaf community around the globe
• The impact of deafness on various types of interpersonal relationships
• Educational options for deaf children
• Current legislation affecting the Deaf community

There are 2 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : Paula @ pdebes@nvcc.edu or Kristin @ klizorgranda@nvcc.edu
Telephone : Paula @ (703) 323-3192

You may also call Paula or email Kristin to schedule a meeting in person, online or either at ELI or on the Annandale Campus.

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.