CULTURE OF DEAF PEOPLE

This course is one of the curriculum of the degree programme in Languages, Cultures and Language Sciences, and aims to provide students with theoretical and critical tools to understand deafness from cultural, communicative, and linguistic perspectives, moving beyond an exclusively medical view.
The course adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating contributions from Deaf Studies, cultural anthropology, sociolinguistics, and studies on accessibility and inclusion (UDL, Design for All). Attention is given to the development of appropriate terminology, to the concepts of "difference", "inclusion", and "Deaf pride", as well as to representations of deafness in didactic and educational contexts.
The objective of the course is to develop an informed understanding of the culture, history, and Italian Deaf community, highlighting the role of visual–gestural communication, literature on deafness, and the role of sign language as a natural, identity-forming, and cultural language.

1. Knowledge and understanding
Understand the fundamental concepts of culture, community, and communication.
Understand the main terminological meanings related to deafness in cultural, linguistic, and social contexts.
Understand the theoretical foundations of Deaf Studies and their contribution to reinterpreting deafness.
Be familiar with the main events that have shaped the history of the Deaf community.
Understand the role of sign language and visual communication in the construction of Deaf identity.
Be familiar with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Design for All as applied to education and communication.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Use the specific terminology related to deafness, Deaf culture, and inclusion.
Apply concepts from Deaf Studies to the analysis of educational, cultural, and communicative contexts.
Relate the principles of UDL and Design for All to the design of accessible communicative contexts.
Apply the historical, educational, and social knowledge acquired to the understanding and interpretation of contemporary debates on the rights of the Deaf community.

3. Making judgments
Distinguish between medicalised approaches and cultural approaches to deafness.
Express one’s views on the cultural and social dimensions of deafness in an accurate and informed manner.
Argue independently on topics such as difference, inclusion, identity, and Deaf pride.

4. Communication skills
Express concepts, arguments, and reflections in written form using appropriate terminology.
Organise clear, coherent, and well-structured responses on historical, cultural, and communicative topics.
Interact with peers respectfully, with awareness of linguistic and cultural differences.

5. Learning skills
Take notes and rework the content covered in class.
Select reliable bibliographic sources and educational resources in the field of Deaf culture.
Develop an independent and critical approach to studying topics that are constantly evolving.

No prerequisites are required.

• Introduction to the concepts of culture, community, and communication
• Theoretical approaches to deafness: medical, social, and cultural models
• Introduction to Deaf Studies
• Terminology and specialised language related to deafness
• History of Deaf people: key events, institutions, education, and associations
• Italian Sign Language (LIS) in its historical and evolutionary development
• UDL and Design for All: principles and applications
• Difference, inclusion, identity, and Deaf pride
• Representations of deafness in educational contexts
• Picture books and children’s literature: analysis of texts that represent deafness

The reference materials and texts may be subject to change.
- Acanfora M., In altre parole. Dizionario minimo di diversità, Roma: Ed, Effequ, 2021 (only few words).
- Matera V., Comunicazione e cultura, Roma: Carocci Editore, 2013, pp. 7-40.
- Mottinelli A., Il mondo dei sordi in 150 domande, Roma, Carocci, 2025.
- Russo Cardona T., Volterra V. (a cura di), Le lingue dei segni. Storia e Semiotica, Roma, Carocci, 2007.
- Sacks O., Vedere voci, Milano: Adelphi, 1990 ed edizioni seguenti. - I e II parte

- Handouts and supplementary materials available online.

The final assessment consists of a written exam aimed at evaluating the understanding of theoretical content, the mastery of specific terminology, and the ability to critically revise the topics covered. The written exam consists of 10 multiple-choice questions and 4 open-ended questions.

written

The final grade will be determined by:
1. Accuracy of the multiple-choice answers (up to 10 points);
2. Accuracy of the open-ended answers, completeness and clarity of the answers, appropriate use of specific terminology, critical reworking skills, and argumentative coherence (up to 20 points).

Lectures and use of audiovisual materials.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development