This is an exciting time and we determine what the Deaf studies of the future will be . Much is unknown , but it seems that the goals of Deaf studies should be multifaceted and should include some key elements . First among these should be ( 1 ) the aim of educating people ( not just students ) as to the different worldviews that the existence of deaf , and particularly culturally deaf ( or Deaf ), people makes possible . A clear relationship with society includes its support of ASL and ensuring all deaf people become signers , for example . One very important form of this is to include Deaf studies as part of the curriculum for Deaf and deaf students in K-16 settings . The second objective , which is also a holdover from the first wave , is ( 2 ) that Deaf studies should continue to cultivate allies and the wider society to assist Deaf people in their quest for self-determination , empowerment and social justice . Finally , in what is characteristic of the second wave of Deaf studies , ( 3 ) scholars should pursue new insights into theoretical implications of the Deaf experience , not only for the betterment of Deaf lives but for the betterment of all humans .
As we move into new areas in the future , and as we strive to understand new contexts and subtexts in the discourses around deaf people , we may do well to remember our roots as an interdisciplinary academic field . I am all for the development of new Deaf studies programs , but as we strive to create new programs and new degrees , we should keep in mind the ways that they might change Deaf studies ’ context .
The effects that academic programs can have on fields of study came into focus for me when , a decade or so ago , UVU created a body to promote interdisciplinary studies on campus . Scholars came together to explore ways to cross the traditional academic divisions that result from the departments / schools / colleges administrative structure that are discipline-focused . In an early meeting of this group , an English professor interested in American studies expressed trepidation at forming too many classes in American studies . He argued that American studies ’ value comes from academics from many disciplines examining what it means to be American .
I ’ m sure many of my Deaf studies colleagues have seen the importance of interdisciplinary study all along . That is , scholars apply the theoretical tools of many disciplines to explore matters relative to the Deaf studies field . Doing so brings us a robust view both of the nature of the Deaf experience , with all that entails , and of the contributions that such a view can contribute to our understanding of the broader human experience .
As we promote Deaf studies and work to create academic environments where undergraduates and graduates can pursue the field , we need to be careful not to cross-pollinate too effectively . To be sure , Deaf studies scholars need to present findings to academics outside their disciplines who are also studying Deaf people ; that was the reason we started the Deaf Studies Today !. It is equally important that scholars continue to share their findings with their broader disciplines so that those disciplines see the value of Deaf theory . Similarly , students should be encouraged to study the field through the theories of different disciplines , and they must return to those disciplines the insights of Deaf theory . This broad theoretical footing will prove as important to the futures waves of Deaf studies as it has in the first two .
The Power of ASL 12 Summer 2017 – Issue 6