CULTURE AND DEAFNESS

The course provides an introduction to the main themes and contemporary perspectives of Deaf Studies, using the concept of visual culture as its central thread.
The course approaches visuality not only as a perceptual mode, but as a cultural dimension through which experience, communication, relationships, knowledge production, culture, and social spaces are organized.
Drawing on Visual Culture Studies, the course progressively explores Deaf Visuality, sign languages, embodiment, space, knowledge production, Deaf art and culture, representation, self-representation, design, education, institutions, and activism.
The course adopts an interdisciplinary perspective that brings together contributions from visual, cultural, linguistic, anthropological, artistic, educational, and social studies.
Particular attention is given to the shift from a perspective that primarily considers deafness as an object of observation to one that recognizes Deaf culture as an active subject in the production of knowledge, culture, and social transformation.
The course develops an interdisciplinary pathway connecting visual culture, Deaf experience, language, the body, space, knowledge, cultural production, representation, design, and social participation.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
understand the main concepts of Visual Culture and Deaf Studies;
understand Deaf Visuality and the relationship between visuality, language, the body, and space;
become familiar with concepts such as Deaf Space, Deaf Epistemology, Deaf Art, Deaf Gaze, self-representation, agency, Deafhood, and Deaf Gain;
critically analyse images, videos, LIS productions, and representations of deafness;
identify stereotypes, power relations, and different perspectives in representations of deafness;
reflect on the relationship between knowledge, experience, community, and positionality;
apply the concepts acquired to educational, cultural, and social contexts;
reflect on accessibility, design, participation, and social transformation;
use key terminology from Deaf Studies and Visual Culture Studies;
develop skills in critical analysis, connecting different perspectives, and independently exploring issues related to Deaf culture.

A knowledge of Italian Sign Language (LIS) corresponding at least to the level of proficiency acquired during the third year of a university-level LIS programme is required.
Proficiency in LIS is an essential prerequisite, as the course will be delivered in LIS and will involve the analysis of signed productions and their linguistic, visual, spatial, and cultural dimensions.

The course is structured into eight thematic modules.
Module 1 — Learning to See
Visual culture, visuality, perception, interpretation, representation, gaze, and the relationship between images, culture, and power. Introduction to Deaf Visuality and Deaf Studies.
Module 2 — Experiencing Visuality
Sign languages, LIS, gaze, the body, space, movement, the role of the body in experience, and the relationship between Deaf experience and the environment.
Module 3 — Knowing and Producing Knowledge
Deaf Epistemology, situated knowledge, lived experience, memory, positionality, research, power, participatory research, and community-based knowledge production.
Module 4 — Creating and Storytelling
Deaf Art, De'VIA, and Deaf Aesthetics, poetry, storytelling, theatre, performance, and cultural production in sign languages.
Module 5 — Being Represented
Cinema, photography, media, and the representation of deafness. Stereotypes, narratives of deafness, gaze, power, and Deaf Gaze.
Module 6 — Representing Ourselves
Self-representation, agency, identity, digital communities, social media, Deaf creators, and contemporary forms of self-representation and participation.
Module 7 — Designing and Participating
Visual culture and design, accessibility, Universal Design, Deaf Space, education, institutions, linguistic rights, community, and activism.
Module 8 — Transforming
Deafhood, Deaf Gain, and Deaf culture as a critical perspective and a resource for rethinking society, education, institutions, culture, spaces, and social participation.

The proposed bibliography includes books and other contributions useful for understanding and further exploring the main topics addressed in the course, with particular reference to Visual Culture Studies, Deaf Studies, Deaf Culture, Deaf Visuality, Deaf Epistemology, Deaf Space, Deaf Art, Deaf Gaze, self-representation, Deafhood, and Deaf Gain.
The texts listed below are recommended resources for study and further exploration and do not necessarily constitute compulsory examination readings.
Key references include:
Bauman, H.-Dirksen (ed.), Open Your Eyes: Deaf Studies Talking;
Bauman, H.-Dirksen, Murray, Deaf Gain: Raising the Stakes for Human Diversity;
Ladd, Paddy, Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood;
Padden, Carol A. and Humphries, Tom L., Inside Deaf Culture;
Kusters, Annelies, De Meulder, Maartje and O’Brien, Daena (eds.), Innovations in Deaf Studies;
Rose, Gillian, Visual Methodologies;
Mirzoeff, Nicholas, An Introduction to Visual Culture;
Hall, Stuart, selected contributions on representation, culture, and identity.
During the course, additional academic articles, audiovisual materials, artistic productions, and LIS productions may be introduced in relation to the different thematic areas.
Bibliographic references and relevant teaching materials will be made available through the course's online learning platform.

The assessment is designed to evaluate both students’ knowledge of the course content and their ability to apply the concepts addressed during the course to develop a critical understanding of Deaf culture.
The examination will be conducted orally and in Italian Sign Language (LIS).
The examination may include questions on the main topics covered during the course, as well as the analysis of images, audiovisual materials, or LIS productions.
Particular attention will be given to:
knowledge and understanding of the main concepts;
ability to connect the different topics addressed during the course;
ability to critically analyse images, cultural productions, and concrete situations;
appropriate use of disciplinary terminology;
independent judgement and ability to develop coherent arguments;
ability to relate theory, experience, and social and cultural contexts.

oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The assessment is graded on a 30-point scale.
18–21: basic knowledge of the course content and understanding of the fundamental concepts.
22–24: adequate knowledge of the content and ability to apply the main concepts.
25–27: good knowledge of the subject and good ability to make connections and develop critical analysis.
28–29: in-depth knowledge, independent judgement, and ability to develop well-structured and articulated analyses.
30: excellent knowledge, full command of the course content and terminology, and strong critical thinking skills.
30 cum laude: outstanding level of achievement, demonstrating a high degree of independence, in-depth understanding, and advanced critical thinking.

The course combines:
lectures and interactive teaching;
presentations supported by visual materials;
analysis of images and audiovisual materials;
analysis of LIS productions;
discussion of texts and case studies;
analysis of Deaf artistic and cultural works;
individual and group activities;
critical analysis exercises.
Particular attention will be paid to the visual, spatial, and participatory dimensions of teaching and learning.
The course will be taught in Italian Sign Language (LIS).

The course adopts a cultural, linguistic, and interdisciplinary perspective on deafness and is not intended as a clinical or rehabilitative course.
Particular attention will be paid to the distinction between deafness as a medical and clinical category and Deafness as a linguistic, cultural, and community-based experience, addressing this distinction critically and within its broader context.
LIS is a central component of the course, both as the language of instruction and as a fundamental element for understanding the visual, embodied, spatial, and cultural dimensions of Deaf experience.
Teaching materials and bibliographic resources will be made available through the course’s online learning platform.
Note
This syllabus provides the general framework for the course. Minor updates may be made to the bibliography, teaching materials, and activities during the course, particularly as the course has recently been taken over by a new instructor. Any changes will be communicated to students sufficiently in advance.