Study programmes

The study programme Deaf Studies is based on a linguistic and cultural approach to deafness and prepares specialists educated in the field of Deaf Studies. This specialization has a philological focus (i.e. stress is placed on the Czech Sign Language and Czech language); graduates are highly trained professionals who approach specific needs pertinent to the sign language and the Deaf community from a broad perspective. The programme puts emphasis on training experts who help to bridge boundaries between the Czech hearing majority and deaf minority; graduates are also equipped to pursue research careers within the domain of Deaf Studies (specifically focusing on the Czech Sign Language and deaf communication). Apart from receiving a broad philological foundation, graduates who major in Deaf studies will also receive knowledge and skills within their specialization module (Sign language linguistics; Deaf education, Interpreting and translation: Czech language – Czech Sign language). The study programme Deaf Studies is designed to correspond with global social needs (also rooted in legislation), i.e. it reflects changes in social attitudes towards the deaf, shifting from their perception as objects of medical and social care, to viewing them as a linguistic and cultural minority.