General Education

VEE101 is part of a two-semester seminar (VEE101 and VEE102).

VEE101, the Examine seminar, is designed to welcome students into Gallaudet's unique educational environment with deep dives into Deafhood, our bilingual identities as ASL and English users, and multi-cultural and multi-identity exploration, all grounded in personal wellness and self-discovery.

VEE 102, the Explore seminar, is designed to support students' exploration of the academic possibilities Gallaudet has to offer, open up thinking about myriad career opportunities beyond, and foster their potential to boldly blaze new career trails while opening doors for others to follow.

In both seminars, students will have ample opportunity to meet deaf people from diverse backgrounds through workshops, discussions, and small group activities in collaboration with Gallaudet's faculty and staff, Student Success and Career Success programs, and Student Affairs.

VEE102 is part of a two-semester seminar (VEE101 and VEE102). 

VEE101, the Examine seminar, is designed to welcome students into Gallaudet's unique educational environment with deep dives into Deafhood, our bilingual identities as ASL and English users, and multi-cultural and multi-identity exploration, all grounded in personal wellness and self-discovery. 

VEE 102, the Explore seminar, is designed to support students' exploration of the academic possibilities Gallaudet has to offer, open up thinking about myriad career opportunities beyond, and foster their potential to boldly blaze new career trails while opening doors for others to follow. 

In both seminars, students will have ample opportunity to meet deaf people from diverse backgrounds through workshops, discussions, and small group activities in collaboration with Gallaudet's faculty and staff, Student Success and Career Success programs, and Student Affairs.

This course introduces students to different types of specialized, academic discourses in American Sign Language. Students will be given opportunities to analyze and evaluate academic and creative works and to compose logical arguments infused with critical thinking skills and perspectives through synthesizing information from sources.

This course is offered as part of a Learning Cluster which integrates VEE 101-102 (First Year Seminar I and II), ENG 102 (Critical Reading and Writing), and ASL 125 ASL Composition. This course will focus on specific critical reading and writing skills that students need to succeed in their future coursework. Reading and writing activities and assignments will parallel First Year Seminar learning experiences.

This course is designed to achieve mathematical literacy among liberal arts students. It includes the mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to make informed judgments in the contexts of science, technology, and society. Topics include number sense, use of percentages, algebra, linear modeling, descriptive statistics, graphing, data analysis, and finance. This is not a traditional abstract math class; rather it focuses on using mathematics and quantitative reasoning as valuable tools for comprehending the world in which we live.

VEE150 is centered around explicitly exploring our ASL and written English bilingual identities and skills, with the goal of maximizing impact in both languages and multiple modalities when disseminating research findings. 

Through the semester, students will conduct a research project pertaining to the specific topic of the course, as chosen by the instructor. The class will discuss and learn together ways of conducting research and their ethical implications, how to determine the appropriateness of various sources, and implications of options for sharing research findings with broader audiences. 

Woven within this experience, the class will also explicitly discuss how English and ASL have been, are, and can be used within academic contexts and when sharing research findings. These discussions will include consideration of Deaf communities and their experiences with academia, researchers, and information sharing, as well as a focus on ways to be creative with information and tailor presentation style, format, and language aspects to multiple intended audiences. 

An introduction to how we see and what we see including visual communication, perception, and literacy. While reviewing theories of visual communication, this course develops a first approach to the production of visual media. Examples will be drawn from graphics, photography, television, film, and multimedia.

In this hands-on course students will learn the fundamentals of photography, including how to use 35 mm manual and SLR cameras, and how ISO, shutter speed, film, light, and composition affect the outcome of an image. Students will also learn a range of photographic processing techniques, Photoshop, and printing processes in the development of a print portfolio.

This course introduces the elements and principles of digital media in a variety of forms. Basic knowledge and skills using video camera equipment, digital editing applications such as Final Cut Pro and After Effects, script-writing and storyboarding are discussed within a framework of examples from the past and the present.

This course introduces students to the Macintosh computer system, digital camera basics, and Adobe software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Digital imaging, illustration, layout, and other digital art techniques will be introduced. This course is intended to prepare students for intermediate classes in graphic design, web design, photography, and digital art.

This course will emphasize the fundamentals of photojournalism. Students will act as reporters with a camera, learning how to use images to tell a story while developing a personal vision. Students will gain experience thinking fast in order to quickly capture and record decisive moments. Students will also analyze the role of photography in mass communication with an emphasis on the photographic essay. The legal aspects of news photography along with the ethics of the profession are important components of this course.

This course covers areas of vocabulary, semantics, grammar and organization of ASL and English. Students look at the linguistic aspects of both languages and compare the two. The class also covers word classes and sentence structure of both languages. To assist students in understanding the structure of both languages, discussion of how languages work is included.

Visual media has changed the way we work with American Sign Language. With the advent of new tools and platforms, possibilities of publishing have proliferated, allowing a wider discourse of ideas to be shared with a vast audience of people who work with ASL and ASL learners. This course explores these opportunities through a hands-on approach and introduces students to the tools and skills necessary to produce digital video, websites, interactive presentations and social media and integrate those with the field of ASL.

This course covers the basic principles of management in esports. Investigate and discuss history, identify best practices in esports, operations, management of events, competitions, teams, leagues and esports players. Explore and identify concerns, legal and ethical, and areas of business activities and conclude with potential solutions. A foundation in esports management builds a vast of capabilities: events management, game design, marketing, social media, teamwork, regulation, journalism, startup opportunities, and competitions. Gain and design real world knowledge for academic specializations and career opportunities due to this rapidly growing industry.

This course is a non-traditional hands-on introduction to the world of entrepreneurial thinking that aligns with students' personal interests and aspirations. In this highly interactive and dynamic course, students are exposed to the various activities necessary to launch a successful business or organization. Students will work in small teams to consult for local and regional businesses. Business challenges will be presented to the students in the beginning of the semester and students will learn and utilize the Business Model Canvas to brainstorm ideas and engage in the customer discovery process. Additional field trips, seminars, and other out of class opportunities will be offered throughout the semester.

The course emphasizes the principles involved in the selection and organization of ideas and their effective presentation to a group.

Study of important and representative works of popular culture, genres, and literary forms. When offered for 4 credits, this course will be cross-listed with GSR 210, 220, or 240 and will address the Student Learning Outcomes of these courses. The course can be repeated if topic changes.

Study of important and representative works of literature by women. The unifying theme of this course is the creative expression by women, in all genres and including journals, of their personal and cultural experiences. An introduction to feminist critical theory will be offered to provide a context for the works. When offered for 4 credits, this course will be dual listed with GSR 210, 220, 230, or 240 and will address the Student Learning Outcomes of these courses.

Study of media literacy, including techniques and strategies used to analyze the use of diverse media to inform, entertain, and sell. Examines diverse media messages in advertisements, television, film, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet.

This course will employ critical literacy and graphic novels’ academic disciplines and encourage students to apply various popular graphic novels’ knowledge, modes of inquiry, and technological competence.  In addition, students will learn and discuss how graphic novels can be used as resources for critical literacy and deliver messages about the current social issues. The reading assignments will provide a variety of situations and characters to develop moral reasoning skills to address the positions and challenges provided in the readings regarding the -isms and the balance of privilege/power.

Introduction to the study and intensive practice of creative writing. The course will touch on fiction, drama, poetry, and other creative forms. Analysis and critique of students' writings in group and individual conferences. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours if topics differ.

This is an Integrated Learning Course which emphasizes the fourth Undergraduate Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Inquiry. Thus, this course focuses enabling students to apply knowledge, modes of inquiry, and technological competence from a variety of disciplines in order to understand human experience and the natural world. This course will be taught by one or more faculty and will focus on a central topic that draws on content from more than one discipline; topics will vary from section to section and semester to semester. Students will engage in experiential learning activities, which may include service learning opportunities, to reinforce and enhance the academic content of the course.

Introductory study of the principal areas and problems of philosophy, including the nature and methods of philosophical analysis, mind and matter, meaning and knowledge, appearance and reality, the existence of God, and moral responsibility.

Science fiction provides great opportunities to consider the nature of reality and our knowledge of it. This course will use sci-fi stories and philosophical readings to address questions such as: Could the world be a computer simulation? What transformations can one undergo, yet still be the same person? Is it possible for machines to think for themselves? Would time-travel endanger history and human freedom?

A study of the religious elements of various kinds of contemporary literature, including drama, poetry, essays, inspirational writing, and the novel. Students will be expected both to analyze the literature they read and to think about it from their own point of view.

A study of gestures as a form of communication and as a basis for visual language. Concentration on the ability to think in pictures and to develop expressive and receptive communication skills in gestures. This course develops artistic sign language translation skills and leads to better understanding of the basic structures of American Sign Language.

The popularity of film, memes and viral videos, and streaming shows in this day and age overshadow the fact that theatre was among the earliest forms of popular entertainment and social media. As an enduring art rich in varying social contexts, theatre has always sought to engage, represent, and spotlight intersectional spectrums of communities and identities, and this course introduces students to the practice and power of theatre from page to stage.  All areas of theatre and production will be explored, complemented by 1) a set of required lab hours outside class and 2) viewings of live performances and past performances via archival video links.  Successful completion of this course is a requirement for declaring one's major/minor in Theatre Arts.  

This course provides students an opportunity to earn academic credit by performing as an actor in a faculty-directed theatre production, including attendance and participation in rehearsals, which are required.

Only those students who are cast in faculty-directed productions should register for the Performance Practicum. Students cast in non-faculty directed productions may receive credit pending faculty approval.

May be taken as an elective by Theatre Arts majors and minors who have fulfilled the minimum 6-credit Practicum requirement. May be taken as a free elective by students who are not Theatre majors or minors. May be repeated without limit.

This class is designed to help the students break down and analyze theatrical scripts through readings, reinforced by watching live performances in person and/or filmed productions online as well as the exploration of varying approaches, narrative frames, and techniques designed to maximize the clarity and power of theatrical storytelling and production. Open to non-majors.

This course is an exploration of scenic design as an artistic process, in which students learn how a designer creates a stage world synthesizing narrative and visual ideas stemming from one’s interpretation of the relationship between text, space, and performers within a play production: techniques in support of this process include visual research, collage, sketching, model-making, painting, and the application of architectural scale. Open to non-majors.

This course examines the core fundamentals overview of the hospitality, tourism, and travel industry. Students will examine the background, history, its growth and development, industry segments, characteristics, current & future issues, and trends of hospitality. This course will cover lodging, beverages, restaurants, and managed services; tourism, recreation, attractions, clubs, and gaming; events, attractions, and leadership. Students will learn about potential career opportunities and the individual and employment skills needed to succeed in the specific hospitality fields. Students will learn about the development and management of tourist locations, event planning, marketing, and environmental issues related to leisure and travel.

This is an introductory survey to the field of Deaf Studies that highlights cutting edge concepts and theories at use in this field. The course will show how deaf people and sign languages are integral aspects of human diversity and how societies have responded to this diversity across different social, temporal, and cultural moments and movements.

Study of important and representative works of literature and literary forms that make up the African American literary tradition. When offered for 4 credits, this course will be dual listed with GSR 210, 220, 230, or 240 and will address the Student Learning Outcomes of these courses.

Introduction to quality adolescent literature and examination of issues relevant to the reading and teaching of the genre. The history and characteristics of adolescent literature will be explored, along with theoretical approaches to reading and interpretation, issues of multiculturalism and diversity, and the relationships between adolescent literature and 'classic' adult literature.

Study of important and representative works of literature written by D/deaf authors. When offered for 4 credits, this course will be dual listed with GSR 210, 220, 230, or 240 and will address the Student Learning Outcomes of these courses.

Memoir is one of the hot genres right now. Real stories affect us in ways that fictional stories don’t. There is power in knowing that the stories we are reading really happened to the person who wrote it--or at least they claim the stories happened! People aren’t always truthful, and memories are not always reliable; we will talk about this too as we read, discuss, and analyze memoirs by deaf and hard of hearing writers from a variety of backgrounds. We will read memoirs from members of the Deaf community, and from those outside of it--and of many different intersectional identities. 

Study of important and representative works of LGBTQ+ cultures and literary forms.

Since ancient times, ghost stories have played an important role in storytelling and in folklore from cultures around the world.  As we read and analyze ghosts in literature, folklore, and pop culture, we will assess how these stories create voice and identity, and how ghosts are used as metaphors. Readings will include the nineteenth-century rise of Spiritualism, a religion essentially devoted to ghosts; the Indian bhuta; the Hungry Ghost Festival in China; and the role of ghosts in Mexico. The course readings also will help us unpack American history that is on the fringes as we grapple with the ways that individual identities are constructed within historical memory.

This course is the first part of a two-semester course sequence. This course combines an intensive study of the principles of grammar and usage of the language with exposure to various aspects of Francophone [French-speaking] culture(s), including the cultures of Deaf communities abroad. The course focuses on basic vocabulary building, reading, translation, and composition. A contrastive grammar approach will be incorporated, drawing upon elements of English and ASL, and French signs (LSF), as appropriate. When offered face to face, the course has four hours of classroom instruction plus an additional, required weekly hour in the department's Learning Laboratory. When offered on-line or as hybrid, the lab hour is part of the on-line component.

This is the second part of a two-semester course sequence. This course builds on the basic communicative skills developed in French 111. It combines an intensive study of the principles of grammar and usage of the language, vocabulary building, reading, composition, and translation at the novice-mid/novice-high level. A contrastive grammar approach will be incorporated, drawing upon elements of English and ASL and LSF, as appropriate. Students will also be exposed to aspects of the target culture(s), including information on Deaf communities abroad. When offered face to face, the course has four hours of classroom instruction plus an additional, required weekly hour in the department's Learning Laboratory. When offered on-line or as hybrid, the lab hour is part of the on-line component.

This course will explore the diverse political systems of the non-western world. Study will include established democracies such as India and Japan, political systems in transition to democracy such as Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, and more authoritarian systems such as China. Students will be introduced to both theory and practice in these areas.

An introduction to the major features of languages and to the structure, use, and variation in the sign languages and sign systems commonly used in the United States. The course will cover four major topics: (1) Language: The nature and definition of languages, the uniqueness of language, and contrasts between language and other forms of communication; (2) Language and Culture: The role of language in human society, with special focus on language acquisition, language identity, and bilingualism; (3) American Sign Language Structure: A survey of the major features of the linguistic structure of ASL. Topics are: Phonology: the structure of the physical signals; Morphology: the basic structure and composition of meaningful units of ASL; Syntax: word order and nonmanual syntactic signals in ASL sentences; (4) Language Variation: Language variation and language contact in the deaf community, including discussions of contact varieties of signing and systems for representing English.

A course designed to introduce the students to the principles of health and to provide a comprehensive look at a wide range of health-related subjects. The areas to be covered are: mental and emotional health; stress and sleep management; addictions, drug use and abuse; social relationships and communication; sexuality and reproductive choices; protecting against infectious diseases; reducing risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes; physical fitness, nutrition, and weight control; consumer health; personal safety and injury protection; and, aging well.

The purpose of this course is to expose students to multiple elements of diversity, examine personal beliefs and biases, and address institutional responses to differences by: 1) Exploring issues and elements of diversity in regards to sports, recreation, and other professions, 2) Examining the social-psychological effects of differences regarding human experience, 3) Exploring how social institutions (school, recreation, work, etc.) create differences and impinge on the quality of life, 4) Identifying barriers to quality of life, based on differences, and how to overcome those barriers within sports and recreation arenas, 5) Demonstrating increased empathy and appreciation for those who are members of diverse groups.

The course will consider the psychological development and psychosocial issues of Deaf people. Topics covered will include cognitive, linguistic, and personality development, mental health, and interpersonal behavior.

A survey of major religious and spiritual practices that influence global cross-cultural interactions. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Orisha Religions, and American Indian Spirituality are examined through historical and sociocultural lenses. This course will increase student understanding and appreciation of the contributions and complications of religion in human experience through the consideration of ethical case studies in world religions.

This 3 credit course will provide an introduction into Sexuality and Gender Studies. This course will use texts, articles, speakers, literature, and film to bring students to a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ cultures and communities. This course will educate students on the central concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity within historical, political, and societal frameworks. Throughout this course, students will work towards an understanding of the intersectional dynamics of privilege and oppression as they relate to LGBTQ+ individuals and culture by exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and their partners/families. Special attention will be given to each Unit on LGBTQ+ issues within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities.

This course provides students an opportunity for examination of personal attitudes, stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions that affect ethnic-competent professional practice. Attention is given to increasing students' knowledge, understanding, appreciation, and sensitivity to diversity, oppression, and racism, and the implications of each for social work and other human services. While the course addresses the cognitive and conceptual aspects of learning, primary emphasis is on the affective process. In addition to learning about racism, discrimination, power/powerlessness, and ethnocentrism, students participate in experiential groups and role play. These exercises provide opportunities to explore new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding to people who experience discrimination or oppression because of their race, ethnic background, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation, or because they are deaf or hard of hearing.

This is the first part of a two-semester course sequence. This course combines an intensive study of the principles of grammar and usage of the language with basic vocabulary building, reading, composition, and translation of elementary texts. A contrastive grammar approach will be incorporated, drawing upon elements of English and ASL. Students will also be exposed to aspects of the target culture(s), including information on Deaf communities abroad. When offered face to face, the course has four hours of classroom instruction plus an additional, required weekly hour in the department's Learning Laboratory. When offered on-line or as hybrid, the lab hour is part of the on-line component.

This is the second part of a two-semester course sequence. This course builds on the basic communicative skills developed in Spanish 111. It combines an intensive study of the principles of grammar and usage of the language, vocabulary building, reading, composition, and translation at the novice-mid/novice-high level. A contrastive grammar approach will be incorporated, drawing upon elements of English and ASL. Students will also be exposed to aspects of the target culture(s), including information on Deaf communities abroad. When offered face to face, the course has four hours of classroom instruction plus an additional, required weekly hour in the department's Learning Laboratory. When offered on-line or as hybrid, the lab hour is part of the online component.

This course is an introduction to the profession of social work. It is the required first course for social work majors and is also open to students exploring the field of social work as a possible career. The course traces the historical development of the social work profession within the context of the social welfare system, introduces the generalist model of social work practice, surveys the major field of practice and populations served by social workers, and addresses the role of evaluation and research in the profession. Guest speakers from the community and field trips to community agencies provide exposure to programs and services and the roles of social workers.

Students will be introduced to the creative processes and tools of acting through the continuous application of rehearsal strategies incorporating exercises designed to strengthen basic skillsets in observation, sense and emotion memory, concentration, improvisation, and scene study, with individual and group work involving monologues and scenes.  This course will culminate in a student performance showcase at the end of the semester.

Comparative study of three of the largest Latino communities in the United States: Chicanos, Cuban-Americans, and Puerto Ricans. Topics will include an exploration of the cultural identities of each of these communities, focusing notions of ethnicity, race, religion, as well as economic and social class distinctions. Taught in English.

This course is an introduction to the writings of U.S. Latino authors writing in English and/or in Spanglish. Through a close analysis of various genres (poetry, fiction, comic strips, interviews, art exhibits, and films), students will explore the contemporary experiences of U.S. Latinos of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban descent, and how they are represented in American literature. Topics to be discussed include the construction of identities in terms of race, gender, class and sexuality, bilingualism and code-switching, the experiences of migration and exile, and the longing for a place to call home. As part of their learning experience, students will work in teams to develop a lesson plan to educate the community about U.S. Latino author.

The course provides a foundation to understand the various issues that affect a business when expanding to the global marketplace. These include geographical, historical, cultural, political/legal, economic, and transnational environments of business, as well as an introduction to foreign exchange rates and economic integration. This course is intentionally structured to promote multi-cultural understanding and personal transformation. Teaching methods will include instructor-led dialogue, group discussions, role plays, and peer feedback on your work, which have been demonstrated to encourage greater multicultural understanding, respect and appreciation.

This course examines various forms of oppression by looking across different cultures and communities, then examines possible parallels occurring within the deaf community.

An overview and study of contemporary trends, problems, and issues in general education in terms of educational philosophies, types of educational programs, the relation of education to the individual and society, and curriculum and instruction. Some consideration of the relevance of regular education to special education and education of deaf and hard of hearing students. Discussion of organizations and agencies related to education.

The genre of travel literature encompasses outdoor literature, guidebooks, nature writing, and travel memoirs. This course will focus on a specified topic that includes a selection of fictional and non-fictional texts all included under the broad category of 'travel literature'. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours if topics differ.

This course will deal with these features: news, feature, and editorial writing; copy editing and fact checking; headline writing; and page layout, both in print and online. This course touches on the growing possibilities and ethical considerations for journalism in the digital age.

This course introduces students to the study of state and local government and politics. This course provides students with insight into the political processes that most affect Americans' lives: state and local politics. Many of the policy innovations made on the state and local levels affect policy of other states as well as the federal government. Students will be introduced to the structures and theories of governance at the state and local levels.

This course is an in-depth examination of the powers of government under the Constitution. Primary focus is upon Articles I through VII and topics such as judicial, legislative and executive powers; federalism; regulation of commerce and property rights; war powers.

This course is a basic introduction to international law and organization. Students will learn how international law is different from municipal law, how international law is made, the role of international law in domestic legal systems, specific rules of international law regarding sovereignty, recognition, nationality, human rights, war, and the law of the sea. The role of international organizations relating to the making of international law, the uniqueness of the European Union as a law-making body, and a brief introduction to the role of the UN, generally in the international system, will be discussed.

This is an Integrated Learning Course which emphasizes the fifth Undergraduate Learning Outcome: Ethics and Social Responsibility. Thus, this course focuses enabling students to make well-reasoned ethical judgments and to apply those judgments to promote social justice. This course will be taught by one or more faculty and will focus on a central topic which draws on content from more than one discipline; topics will vary from section to section and semester to semester. Students will engage in experiential learning activities, which may include service learning opportunities, to reinforce and enhance the academic content of the course.

This general survey of American history examines the colonial period through the end of the Civil War. Issues covered include: slavery, Native American experiences, women's history, and westward expansion. Students will examine America's change from a colony into an independent nation and the factors leading to America's Civil War.

This is a general survey of American history since the Civil War. Topics in this course include; Reconstruction, foreign policy, political reforms, women's history, technological and economic growth, immigration, civil rights, and America's complex identity in the 20th century.

Do we have responsibilities toward animals to protect them, or to avoid harming them? What should we do when human interests and animals needs conflict? In this course, we will apply ethical reasoning to issues such as raising animals for food, pet rescue policies, using animals in research, and wildlife preservation. We will also analyze the rhetoric employed by animal rights activists and their opponents, and consider whether one can go too far in defending animals.

Students will become adept at ethical reasoning methods by analyzing works of popular culture, such as movies, books, TV series, graphic novels, and video games. Individual sections may focus on particular popular culture works or genres, or on questions that arise in multiple works. Emphasis will be on identifying relevant ethical issues, using the resources within the targeted media to address these issues, and applying and evaluating moral theories.

Study of questions relating to value judgments, such as 'What makes actions right or wrong?' and 'What are the components of a good life?' This course covers the principles and methods of moral reasoning. Students will compare and evaluate various ethical theories, and use them to examine and debate classic problems and current controversies.

This course is an introduction to the field of medical ethics and the kinds of decisions individuals and families make about health care and treatment options. Students will look at current issues such as kinds of treatment and their effects, allocation of health care resources, ethical issues of health care professionals, managed care decisions, and end of life decisions. Students will apply philosophical theories of ethics to these issues and develop perspectives on health care decision making.

This course examines the influence of groups on the behavior of the individual both within US culture and across other world cultures. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are presented. Topics include altruism, aggression, health, attitudes, personal space, jury behavior, prejudice, conformity, and environmental issues.

Exploration of issues of religion that are unique to the American experience, including: historical and contemporary religious pluralism; uniquely American sects such as the Shaker, Amish, and Mormon traditions; and the rise of secular humanism, atheism, and ''spiritual but not religious'' in American society. This course will also give attention to the ethical evaluation of the contributions and complications of religious and spiritual groups.

Religious, spiritual, and non-religious diversity is a fact, but cooperation between people of different orientations to the idea of religion requires work to achieve. This class challenges you to develop better intersectional awareness of interfaith understanding in relation to other social justice issues in our world. This is achieved through reading, discussions, and interaction with resources in the DC community, as well as reflective and analytical writing and ASL expression. You will also learn the leading theories of how to build understanding and cooperation and become a change maker in your community.

This course starts with a broad overview of ways to manage risk, and the approach taken by insurance companies to contain these risks. The nature of the insurance contract, the various types of insurance, and their routine components are examined. The use of insurance as a solution for business problems is also explored. Because most employee group benefits are insurance related, those components of a benefit plan are a focal point of the course. Topics such as insurer solvency and profitability, insurance regulation, insurance contracts, and loss exposures mainly in the area of property and liability insurance will be covered.

This course examines how society treats young people who break the law, the social causes of juvenile delinquency, and rates of juvenile delinquency.

This course provides students with a general overview of the business and administrative functions of non-profit and profit theatrical and performing arts organizations as well as an introductory look at the processes and responsibilities of production management, with specific consideration given to applications relevant to Deaf theatre practices. Open to non-majors.

This course provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the plethora of challenges Africa presently faces as a result of its colonial legacy, its economic under-development, its tribalism, and the devastation triggered by wars, AIDS, other diseases, and natural or man-made disasters. The focus of this course is to look for possible answers to the question, ¿Why does Africa struggle?¿ Students will apply knowledge, modes of inquiry, and technological competence from the fields of History, Government, Cultural Studies, and Literature to understand the complexity of the issues that shape the lives of people in Africa. Particular attention will be given to the issues that affect deaf Africans. Students will optionally participate in a service learning project in conjunction with and on behalf of Deaf people in an African country of their choice.

This course addresses human biology through the lens of evaluating scientific claims. Students will learn about select organ systems (reproductive, skeletal and muscular, immune and nervous systems) and about human genetics in a way that helps them make decisions relevant to their daily lives. The course focuses on developing skills that scientists use: basic experimental design, research methods, and scientific writing. It also teaches the language of biology and especially how to critique arguments related to human biology that we encounter in the media. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.

This course covers the fundamentals of biomolecules, cell physiology, respiration and photosynthesis, and genetics.  This is one of two courses of introductory biology for science majors. BIO107 (Lecture) & BIO 109L (Lab) and BIO108 (Lecture) & BIO 110L (Lab) can be taken in either order. BIO 107/109 and BIO 108/110 are designed for students who want to major in biology or another science, or who plan to attend dental, veterinary, or medical school after graduation.  NOTE: Students taking the course to meet general education explore requirements may take MAT 102 while students majoring in biology or another science should take MAT 130.

This course covers the fundamentals of evolution, comparative biodiversity, human and animal anatomy and physiology, and ecology and environmental science. This is one of two courses of introductory biology for science majors. BIO107 (Lecture) &  BIO 109L (Lab) and BIO108 (Lecture) and BIO 110L (Lab) can be taken in either order. BIO 107/109L and BIO 108/110L are designed for students who want to major in biology or another science, or who plan to attend dental, veterinary, or medical school after graduation.

Note: Students taking the course to meet general education explore requirements may take MAT 102 while students majoring in biology or another science should take MAT 130.

We will study nutrition science, focusing on issues that currently affect Americans today including: the current obesity epidemic, fad diets, popular supplements, energy drinks, and fast food and their effects on our nutritional health. Our objective is to teach students the following lifelong skills: how to analyze popular diets and supplements, how to perform a nutrition self-analysis and analyze BMI and body fat percentage, how to lose weight effectively and safely, and how to develop a healthy, nutritious meal plan for yourself and your family.

This course and lab equip students to function in the information society. It introduces students to the current Windows environment and Microsoft Office Suites as they are ubiquitous in today's workplace and personal computing environment. Through hands-on training, students will learn basic skills in Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheet), Access (database), and PowerPoint (presentation). In addition, file management, Browser, and E-mail basic skills will be practiced.

This course is designed to introduce students to personal finance, which allows them to make informed financial decisions. Students will gain an understanding after learning topics such as strategies for budget and money management, savings and investments, credit and debt management, financial planning, vehicle purchases, understanding different types of insurances, different types of loans, purchasing and owning a home, tax management, and retirement planning.

A course that examines the principles of financial investing and provides opportunities to develop basic quantitative, research, presentation, and critical analytical skills that are useful to an investor. Topics include analysis of the investment environment, tools and mechanics of investing (debt instruments, government and municipal securities, common stock, real estate), portfolio construction and management, dealing with securities markets, tax issues in investing, research strategies, financial statement analysis, and risk/return trade-off analysis. This course incorporates student management of an actual investment fund that is a component of Gallaudet University's endowment.

Designed for science majors, this is the first of a two-semester sequence and is designed to help students become familiar with the properties and reactions of matter. This course will also address modern applications of these concepts. Specific topics for this course include: observation of properties and changes, scientific method, unit conversions and measurements, chemical formulas, balancing equations, predicting products and yields, reactions and reaction types, the Ideal Gas Law, thermodynamics, molecular and atomic structure of matter, and orbital hybridization.

This course reviews how beer evolved from its first brew thousands years ago to beer as we know it today. Different types and styles of beer will be reviewed and how they are made differently, giving each type its distinct flavor and appearance. The science and technique of basic home brewing using extract kits will be taught. Terminology such as international bittering units (IBU), specific gravity, alcohol by volume (ABV), and the isomerization of humulone will be explained. Owning home brewing equipment is a plus for the course as the students can make their beer, but is not required.

This course introduces students to the use of computer software and computer programming for data exploration, modeling of natural systems (from biology, chemistry, or physics), information visualization, and instrument/robot control. This is done through independent research where students work in groups to design and pursue computational projects and then critically analyze, interpret and present their findings.

This course investigates the chemical aspects and applications of forensics studies. The lecture and the laboratory provide a means to develop skills in the following areas: soil analysis and organic analysis, fingerprint analysis and foot print analysis, hair analysis, fiber analysis, physical evidence evaluation, document examination, forensic anthropology, forensic toxicology and drug analysis.

This course is an introductory class that aims to show the students the main problems and methods of data science with a minimal mathematical background. The course covers basic data science concepts and algorithms with an emphasis in real-life applications and gaining a broad understanding of the area.

This is an Integrated Learning Course which emphasizes the fourth Undergraduate Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Inquiry, in particular scientific and quantitative approaches to understanding human experience and the natural world. This course will be taught by one or more faculty and will focus on a central topic which draws on content from more than one discipline; topics will vary from section to section and semester to semester. Students will engage in experiential learning activities, which may include service learning opportunities, to reinforce and enhance the academic content of the course.

This course and lab equip student to function in the information society. It introduces students to the current Windows environment and Microsoft Office Suites as they are ubiquitous to today's workplace and personal computing environment. Through hands-on training, students will learn basic skills in Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheet), Access (database), and PowerPoint (presentation). In addition, file management, Browser, and E-mail basic skills will be taught.

This is the first IT course for students who plan to major or minor in IT. The course and the lab provide the conceptual foundations in understanding technologies. Topics include: computer platforms of hardware and software; the Internet and the web, networking, enterprise computing, e-commerce, database management, information systems development, security, and computer industry and careers. It emphasizes uses and applications as well as emerging trends and ethical issues in the information technology field.

An introduction to the linguistic study of English, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse structure. The course emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach in which students are guided to discover patterns on their own; theoretical concepts will be introduced after the practical foundation has been laid.

This course provides an introductory overview of the major linguistic structures of American Sign Language. Major topics are: phonology, morphology, syntax, language use, and linguistic applications. Some comparisons with English and other spoken and signed languages will be examined.

This course provides an overview of the goals, functions, and methods of public health. After an introduction to the core concepts and tools used in public health research and practice, applications of these methodologies are considered in the context of five current controversies/problems in public health. Students work together to develop strategies for prevention and control that take into consideration different points of view, outside research, and impacts on individuals and communities.

This course is intended to serve as an introduction to the major issues of environmental health science with a focus on the United States, although global health issues are considered as well. We will examine what those issues are, what determines them, and how they can be altered. As a survey of the many facets of environmental health, the course provides a broad overview for students wishing introduction to the field, as well as good grounding for students who wish to pursue additional coursework in environmental health.

Global health encompasses research and practice with a focus on improving health and attaining quality and equitable health for all people. This course provides an overview of health-related challenges facing individuals in today's connected and globalized world. Health issues will be approached from both individual and community perspectives with a focus on concepts of wellness and prevention. Emphasis will be placed on individual decision-making and understanding of biological, social, environmental, and other factors affecting health and wellness. We will also study the role of health behaviors and how they contribute to healthier lives. This course will have some purposeful overlap with PHS 203: Community Health but will look at health through a global lens.

An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior, providing an overview of the major issues, methods, and contributions of psychology. Content areas include development, language, learning, cognition, physiological psychology intelligence, and abnormal and social psychology.

This course is an introduction to the skills needed to realize and utilize lighting, electricity, and other relevant technology needs for the stage. 

Light is an art form, while light itself is both a study of chemistry and physics. Through scientific exploration of light, students will understand the principles with aspects such as the speed of light and its perception. The control and manipulation of light with electricity will also be studied through electrical theory. In controlling light, it can translate to artistry and storytelling. Telling stories with light can be found in all art forms, and students will explore and identify the possibilities. 

Further emphasis will be placed on learning basic vocabulary and equipment used all areas of technology, including lights, sound, and projections, in mounting a staged production. 

This course provides an introduction to the diversity of human language and the role of language in society. Students will apply basic lexicostatistic methodology to learn about the origins, the interrelationships, and the characteristics of some of the world's languages.

VEE300 caps off each student's Core experience with deep self-reflection on how they have grown and will continue to develop as Gallaudet scholars: wellness-grounded, proudly bilingual, career-ready critical thinkers, who are digitally aware, ethical, scientifically literate global citizens. Students will complete an online portfolio of reflections in both ASL and English connecting the learning from their CORE: EXPLORE elective courses and their CORE: ENGAGE experiences to their academic major and their future career plans.