Deaf Studies: American Sign Language
A.A. Degree Deaf Studies · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Students who complete the associate degree have enhanced employability working with the Deaf community in settings such as social work and education. They are well prepared for full-time, permanent positions rather than temporary, on-call positions. The associate degree will provide students with a broad range of knowledge with which to evaluate and appreciate American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and the society in which they live and with the ability to think and communicate clearly and effectively.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Deaf Studies: American Sign Language AA: Complete all of the following | 38 | |
| Required Courses | 31 | |
| DFST 101 | American Sign Language I | 4 |
| DFST 102 | American Sign Language II | 4 |
| DFST 105 | Introduction to American Deaf Culture | 3 |
| DFST 110 | Power, Privilege, and Oppression | 3 |
| DFST 201 | American Sign Language III | 4 |
| DFST 202 | American Sign Language IV | 4 |
| DFST 204 | Structure of American Sign Language | 3 |
| INT 101 | Principles of Sign Language Interpreting | 3 |
| INT 201 | Translation | 3 |
| Program Electives | 7 | |
| DFST 101L | American Sign Language I Skill Building Lab | 1 |
| DFST 102L | American Sign Language II Skill Building Lab | 1 |
| DFST 106 | Introduction to Deaf Education | 3 |
| DFST 108 | Visual, Gestural & Non-Manual Aspects of American Sign Language | 3 |
| DFST 201L | American Sign Language III/IV Skill Building Lab | 1 |
| DFST 205 | Numbers Fingerspelling and Classifiers | 3 |
| DFST 206 | Creative Signing | 2 |
| DFST 199 | Work Experience Education | 8 |
| INT 210 | Ethics, Decision-Making, & Professionalism for Interpreters | 3 |
Recommended Pathway
Deaf Studies: American Sign Language AA
Term 1 (15 units)
- DFST101 - American Sign Language I (4)
- DFST101L - American Sign Language I Skill Building Lab (1)
- DFST110 - Power, Privilege, and Oppression (3)
- ENGLC1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (4)
- MATH110 - Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students (3)
Term 2 (14 units)
- DFST102 - American Sign Language II (4)
- DFST102L - American Sign Language II Skill Building Lab (1)
- DFST105 - Introduction to American Deaf Culture (3)
- Any AVC GE Area 5 (3)
- Any AVC GE Area 6 (3)
Term 3 (15 units)
- DFST201 - American Sign Language III (4)
- INT201 - Translation (3)
- INT101 - Principles of Sign Language Interpreting (3)
- DFST206 - Creative Signing (2)
- COMMC1000 - Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
Term 4 (16 units)
- DFST202 - American Sign Language IV (4)
- DFST204 - Structure of American Sign Language (3)
- INT210 - Ethics, Decision-Making, & Professionalism for Interpreters (3)
- Any AVC GE Area 3 (3)
- Any AVC GE Area 4 (3)