Minor in Disability Studies

Program Overview

The Minor in Disabilities Studies at San Francisco State University provides a comprehensive understanding of disability studies, empowering students to identify and resist ableism in society and advocate for inclusivity and social justice. The program offers a customizable curriculum with a blend of lower- and upper-division courses that explore historical, contemporary, and theoretical aspects of disability studies, preparing students for leadership roles in promoting accessibility and equity for all individuals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Minor in Disabilities Studies at San Francisco State University equips students with a comprehensive understanding of disability studies, critical theories, historical and contemporary events, and accessible principles. This program aims to foster students' knowledge and skills in identifying and resisting ableism within societal structures and interpersonal interactions. The minor fosters mindful learners capable of promoting accessibility and social justice for all individuals, disabled or not. It empowers students to challenge the ideologies and institutions that disempower disabled individuals while celebrating disabled joy and community.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Utilize critical theories from the history of disabilities and the field of Disabilities Studies to identify and resist ableism.
• Acquire principles of accessibility and develop leadership, advocacy, and social engagement skills to create a more just and inclusive society.
• Analyze how systems hinder and support full participation by individuals with disabilities.
• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to promote change within individuals, communities, and organizations.

Outline:

The Disability Studies minor requires a total of 12 units, with a minimum of 6 upper-division units.

All coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Lower-Division Courses (6 units):

Select two from the following:

• ENG 256: Disability and Literature (3 units)
• RRS 220: Race and Dis/Ability (3 units)
• WGS 220: Introduction to Feminist Disability Studies (3 units)

Upper-Division Courses (6 units):

Select two from the following:

• CMX 504: From Superman to the Supercrip: Comics and Disability (3 units)
• HIST 484: Disability and Culture in the U.S. (3 units)
• KIN 537: Movement for Individuals with Severe Disabilities (3 units)
• PHIL 383: Ethics in Medicine (3 units)
• RPT 410: Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation (3 units)
• SPED 630: Inclusive Education: Empowerment and Equity in Diverse Schools (3 units)
• SPED 662: Education of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children (3 units)
• SPED 675: Working with Families of Young Children with Disabilities (3 units)
• WGS 563: Gender, Sexuality, and the Politics of Disability (3 units)

Additional Opportunities for Applied Studies:

With the approval of a Disability Studies Minor advisor, students may request to substitute an internship course or another course with a substantial Disability Studies-related project for one of the courses listed above. Potential substitution courses include:

• ANTH/LABR 525: Diversity in the Workplace (3 units)
• BUS 440: Ethics at Work: Business Impacts (3 units)
• DES 256: Design and Society: Contemporary Design Issues and Applications (3 units)
• ENG 490: Grant Writing (3 units)
• IR 259: Children and Youth in International Relations (4 units)