The Disability Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program, to explore the social, cultural, historical, and political/legal circumstances that shape the experience of disability both in the U.S. and globally. The field of Disability Studies (DS) understands disability as a normal part of the human experience and a natural part of our biological and neurological diversity; thus, it challenges the assumption of disability as “less than” or inherently problematic – and in need of fixing or individual health solutions – and instead, understands disability on par with other social constructions, demographic categories, and notions of identity and pride, such as gender or race. Students will learn about disability culture, the history of the disability rights movement in western societies and comparative global perspectives on disability, and critical theories in the field of Disability Studies. This perspective on disability is unique across the curriculum, as it understands the problem of disability as located in society and the discriminatory policies and attitudes that separate disabled people from non-disabled people and/or treat them as different or ‘other.’ The need for new content knowledge about disability, from a “social model” or critical disability perspective, is a benefit to all students. Because the vast majority of disabled people in the U.S. are integrated into society and living in the community, students will encounter people with varying abilities and bodies, whatever their career choice. This program will also connect students with options for work with outside agencies and community-based organizations.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| ANTH 105 | Introduction to Disability Studies, Rights, and Culture | 3 |
| ANTH 205 | Disability in US Popular Culture | 3 |
| CGST 250 Campus Collaborative | 3 | |
| Electives | ||
| Complete 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Beginning American Sign Language I | ||
| Beginning American Sign Language II | ||
| Special Topics in Art and Design | ||
| Introduction to Child Advocacy and Policy | ||
| Problems of Childhood: Advocacy and Intervention | ||
| Young Adult Literature | ||
| Disability in Media | ||
| Introduction to Music Therapy | ||
| Audiovisual Translation | ||
| Audio Description | ||
| Introduction to Neurodiversity and Neuroinclusive Practice | ||
| Neuroinclusive Workplaces and Professional Practice | ||
| Neuroinclusive Leadership Development | ||
| Special Topics in Health and Visual Studies | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Recommended Roadmap to Minor Completion
This recommended roadmap is provided as an outline for students to follow in order to complete their minor requirements within one to two years. This plan is a recommendation only and students are encouraged to consult with their advisor.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ANTH 105 | 3 | ANTH 205 | 3 |
| Minor Elective | 3 | CGST 250 | 3 |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Minor Elective | 3 | Minor Elective | 3 |
| 3 | 3 | ||
| Total Credits 18 | |||