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HSDS 307 Blind, Deaf Blind, and Deaf Culture, History and Resources

This course examines the historical perspectives, social policies, resources, and culture of persons belonging to the Blind, DeafBlind, or Deaf Culture. It is recognized that persons who are Blind, DeafBlind, or Deaf each have a unique history and culture. The course materials include major writings in comprehensive modules. These materials provide perspectives on the significant culture, civil rights movements, and empowerment of persons who are Blind, DeafBlind, and of the Deaf-World.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 26, 2006 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Analyze the need for policy changes and legislation necessary to eliminate barriers and challenges in society.
  • Examine Deaf-Blind resources, services and issues.
  • Explore Deaf Culture.
  • Learn the history of the Deaf empowerment movement.
  • Recognize how societal attitudes and beliefs contribute to barriers and challenges in employment, economic functioning, and disenfranchisement relating to persons who are Blind, DeafBlind and Deaf.
  • Respect differences in philosophies embraced by persons who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, and Deaf.
  • Review legislation and policies including Social security programs, the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • Study the history of the Blind movement leading to the development of the National Federation for the Blind.
  • Understand the definitions of blindness and the difference between low vision and blindness.
  • Value the unique culture and history of the Blind, DeafBlind and Deaf-World.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 7: Human Diversity

  • Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States' history and culture.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
  • Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
  • Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.
  • Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.