Comm Sciences & Disorders: Culture of Disability

Examines the social and cultural experience of disability in different times and cultures. As an introduction to Disability Studies, topics covered will include foundational concepts/vocabulary, the influence of cultural beliefs, personal narratives, education, healthcare, social services, self-advocacy and the disability rights movement. Credit not awarded for both CSD 3200 and CSD 5740. Pre/Co-requisites: EDSP 1050, ASL 1990; or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: EDSP 3250.

Online synchronous; Juniors and seniors only; Cross listed with EDSP 3250 OL1; Total combined enrollment: 30; Open to Degree and PACE students

Course Description Students enrolled in this course will examine the social and cultural experience of disability in different times and cultures. As an introduction to Disability Studies, we will examine several topics through lectures, group activities, and independent study. Topics covered will include: •Foundational concepts from the field of Disability Studies •The influence of cultural beliefs relating to disability on individuals, families, disability law, and social policy in the United States and other countries; •Responses to disability reflected in first person narratives, media, academic and professional discourse and practice, film, art and literature; •Disability across the lifespan, and the implications for education, health care and social services; •Many of the philosophical, ethical, historical, and legal foundations of Special Education; •Family systems and approaches to individual and family support in education and community services; •The role of different self-help and social change movements in the broader disability rights movement; and •The historical and cultural foundations of disability-related policies and practices in education, health care, and community development.

Course Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: •Conduct an exploratory analysis of the social, cultural, and legal history of the disability experience in the United States. •Identify many of the cultural influences on how disability has been portrayed in literature, film, art and public media. •Identify some of the connections, overlaps, and dissonance between Disability Studies and Special Education •Critique many of the cultural and social perceptions of disability (including ableism, stigma, and discrimination) and their impact on people with disabilities/ disabled people. •Assess the different cultural models of, and responses to disability and the impact of these beliefs or constructs on education, medicine and the community-at-large. •Summarize and explain the historical significance of Disability Studies and self-help and social change movements.

Student learning will be assessed through the following: •Attendance—10% •YellowDig Discussion Forum—10% •Comprehension Logs—30% •Disability Narrative Project—25% •Final Project—25%