This course provides opportunities for students to build on their understanding of what it means to be culturally Deaf. Students explore the complexities of Deafhood, considering what people who identify as Deaf have in common but also how they differ. Key themes are intersectionality, diverse life journeys, and Deafhood as a global concept. Students examine how these themes inform the work of interpreters. The language of instruction in this course is ASL.
Prerequisites
Missing prerequisites?
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
What you will learn
- Deafhood around the globe
Variations in societal acceptance, access to education and employment
Variations in recognition of signed languages
Variations in the provision of sign language interpreting - Deafhood and diversity
Life stories from diverse Deaf guest speakers
Shared and individual pathways/struggles to Deafhood
Potentially lifelong impact of early language deprivation
Intersectionality in the Deaf community (race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.) - Deafhood and social justice
Systemic inequities (poverty, racism, gender-based discrimination, etc.)
De/colonization and experiences of Indigenous Deaf people
Experiences of Deaf immigrants and refugees to Canada - Impact of 21st century technology on Deafhood
Internet, digital information, social media
Universal design, smart phones, video-based technology
Video relay interpreting and video remote interpreting - Advocacy and advancements
Activities of the World Federation of the Deaf and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
United Nations Conventions and activities
Persistence of audism and medicalized view
How to register
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42461 |
January 5, 2026 to April 23, 2026 |
Lecture | VCC Broadway Building A | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
Contact us
If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.