In this course, students explore the Deaf World through hands-on service and real-world connections, with a central focus on citizenship, diversity, and justice. Students partner with agencies, schools, or organizations serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, practicing ASL and engaging directly with fluent users to understand how equitable access and inclusion shape community life. Through these experiences, students deepen their language skills, culturalunderstanding, and awareness of social and systemic issues, while reflecting on their role as responsible, informed citizens. The course concludes with a reflective project where students showcase their growth in ASL, cultural fluency, and civic engagement, demonstrating how they, as citizens, can contribute to fair, diversity-inclusive, and justcommunities.

*Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities includes, but not limited to: DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and signers.

Yes. Successful completion (grade of C- or better) of ASL 1103 or equivalent credit or departmental permission.

4 semester credit hours. All students are required to have a current, completed FBI/BCI background check by the start of the semester. Contact OSU Human Resources by email at hr-backgroundchecks@osu.edu. More details will be explained by email to students upon registering the course.

Yes, this course has been approved for the GE Theme: Citizens for a Just and Diverse World.

The “S” indicates the course has been approved by the university to have a service-learning designation.

Service-Learning, Civic Identity Development and Participation, Civic Responsibility, Critical Reflection, Cultural Competence, Taking Action for Justice, and Community Accountability while engaged within the deaf communities.

Students will be placed in different agencies/organizations serving the deaf communities within central Ohio, no more 30 miles within the range from OSU. The type of community partners agencies/organizations may be a social service agency, a group home, nursing and/or rehabilitation facility, independent living housing, school/educational programs for deaf and hard of hearing students, and/or advocacy agency specializing in anti-violence. On-site service includes hands-on tasks involving communicating with those who use ASL whether it be providing direct service to the consumers who are deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, hard of hearing or late-deafened or support to professionals who may be deaf or hearing serving these deaf communities.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to the off-campus community partner. A few of the community partner sites are on the COTA bus line. Most sites are in Franklin County; one site is located in Delaware County. Students without their own car may also try to arrange a carpool with other students placed at the same community partner. Students should figure travel time into their schedule of availability for service.

Students will engage in 45 to 50 hours of service and service-related activities during the semester. Transportation time to and from the community partner site is not counted toward service hours.

Students will be assigned a service-learning site that best fits with their academic schedule and the community partners’ needs. The dates and times of service will be arranged between the student and the Site Supervisor. However, students need to understand flexibility depends on schedule availability and/or scheduled hours may change at the last minute due to demand for client intervention, medical/court appointments, or meetings outside of the community site requiring additional time for travel. Constant communication with community partner is crucial to adjusting schedules and completing the 45-hour minimum of service.

Yes. These assignments require submission to Carmen, participation in class discussions, keeping track of community service hours, reflecting on service experiences, presenting at a community event, and attendance to class according to the syllabus, including during final exam week.

• Positive attitude.
• Respect for diversity.
• Willingness to make mistakes.
• Willingness to ask for clarification.
• Ability to accept criticism and feedback.
• Flexibility with time, schedule, and situations.
• Self-advocacy/willingness to request guidance or help.

Questions should be directed to the course instructor, Marla Berkowitz berkowitz.44@osu.edu or the ASL Director of Undergraduate Studies, Kristin Wickham-Saxon wickham-saxon.1@osu.edu.

• “I absolutely loved the experience of using ASL outside of a classroom setting and would encourage others to apply to take this unforgettable course!!”
• “I would definitely recommend it, and I would do it 100x over. I felt needed at (my community partner site), and I feel way more confident in myself and in my people skills. I will continue to help out at (my community partner site) this summer. Also, our classes held on campus were my favorite out of all 4 of my years at OSU.  I love learning through activities.”
• “Gosh, it's hard to name the most valuable thing I learned. You will learn a lot in this class. Most generally, I learned so much more about Deaf culture and I learned how to interact with both Deaf and disabled individuals comfortably and appropriately. I learned about many different social issues facing Deaf and disabled people and how I can use my privilege for good.”
• “Signing now just feels more natural. I would encourage people to break out of their comfort zones. When I first started at (my community partner) on day one I tried speaking with a deaf-blind woman, and although I was nervous it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Actually, (she) now knows it is me when I talk to her because we have interacted so much.”
• “Everyone has a different story, it is important to put yourself in situations where you don't feel comfortable, and the Deaf community is extremely helpful and patient with people with intermediate signing skills!”